Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday 22, September, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com www.peoplesdaily-online.com

VOL. 1 NO. 108 SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

. . . putting the people first

ZHUL-QADAH 5 - 6, 1433 AH

N150

Oil marketers now paid N78.8bn — FG As fuel scarcity bites harder

>>Page 5

INTERVIEW

How we smashed intra border syndicate - Former CP. Amusa Bello >>Page 14

SPECIAL REPORT

MTN ‘utimate wonder promo’.

How real?

>>Pages 2 & 3

FOCUS Doctors perform world’s first uterus transplant between mother and daughter >>Page 39

Dishonoured Honours? >>Pages 9, 10 & 11

Going back to tradition: The way we eat

>>Page 8 WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Special Report

MTN 'Ultimate Wonder Promo’ how real?

The coming of GSM in Nigeria has helped close the communication gap between the rich and the poor. However, Chris Alu reports that the same device has turned out to be exploitative as some operators use the medium to cheat and waste subscribers' monies through doubtful promo's prompting many to have a rethink.

P

r o m o s are not new as telecom operators in Nigeria try to dangle one 'exciting' offer or the other before subscribers in their bid to lure more customers to their network.

In the records of promo in the Nigerian telecoms industry, it is common to hear operators promising gifts of cars, billions of Naira among others.

However, the latest promo and the biggest ever coming from the leading operator, MTN Nigeria, is what many could not just stop pondering over. It is the promo in which customers are expected to win weekly cash prizes while the ultimate winner would go home with a 'Cessna 182T' Aeroplane in a grand prize presentation next month.

Not a few Nigerians are wondering if the operator could actually afford to give an airplane to an individual just in the name of promo, even when virtually all the telecom operators are complaining bitterly about

several operating challenges biting hard on their profit in the country.

One of MTN's staff in Abuja, Sailas Okeke, who spoke to Peoples Daily Weekend confirmed that it is true and that the Aeroplane cost N72 million. This according to him is not more than what the operator can give to a subscriber as reward for.

However, while some subscribers are still in doubt over the promo, some are excited and anticipating winning, this has resulted in making MTN to make up to 1.3 billion naira since the promo started while quality of service continues to drop with unauthorized deductions, charges on undelivered messages, unsolicited SMS's and constant bombardment with deceptive promotional messages are some of the ways subscribers are being ripped off by the company.

And the sector regulator, Nigerian Regulatory

Commission (NRC) and NCC continued to issue warnings without taking any tough action even as customers get poor quality services.

Besides MTN charges customers for calling its customer care lines; yet these are supposed to be toll free lines. MTN has also often been faulted for charging customers when SMS messages are not delivered.

As the largest telecom company MTN also makes unsolicited calls using the number 33114 for customers to subscribe to voice chat and each attracts 100 naira deduction done immediately you load one unit of card.

One of the subscribers, Tunde Adewale in Abuja, told Peoples Daily Weekendthat since the beginning of this year he has received more than 300 text massages from MTN enticing him to play one game or the other; He said one of such is download ring tones or quiz, telling you to send a text to a given number instantly and you will be

qualified to win a prize. He said each time he received such text he deleted them immediately.

James Akubo, also a subscriber, said that the 'Ultimate Wonder'promo is fake; He wondered what would be their gain , since they cannot even improve on their quality of service.

Also, a recharge card vendor, Shehu Musa said they are not real because he has tried many times spent up to 20,000 naira without

wining.

Asked if he was aware of the latest MTN promo, he retorted: "Yes, I am aware; Is it not the one that said you c ould win an Aeroplane, N2million or whatever?"

Narrating his experience, he said, "Well, I think the promo is for people that are not knowledgeable, because I have tried so many of them, and I have come to realize that they are just fake.

"For instance, there was a time I bought a roll of MTN

“

As the largest telecom company MTN also makes unsolicited calls using the number 33114 for customers to subscribe to voice chat and each attracts 100 naira deduction done immediately you load one unit of card.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 3

Special Report 'Ultimate Wonder Promo’ how real? card of 1,500 denomination, I bought about three rolls costing almost 65,000 just because I wanted to be a million aire. Then I had a problem and I thought it would help me solve it.

"I kept receiving: 'keep trying', 'keep trying' and I kept trying until I came to my senses. So, for someone to say me am going to win an aeroplane?

When am not able to win N1, 000 or a recharge card of N100?

My dear it is just a figment of their imagination. It is not real; I have never seen anybody that has told me he won something from MTN", he lamented.

The Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer MTN Nigeria, Mr. Larry Annetts, while speaking during the launch of the ultimate wonder promo , said that MTN, as a market leader, continually seek avenues not only to enrich its customers, but also to appreciate and reward loyal subscribers for keeping faith with the brand over a long period of time.

Annetts said, "MTN is keen to transform the lives of many Nigerians; we recognise reward schemes as one of the best ways to touch and enrich the lives of our subscribers and so we are connecting Nigerians to lifechanging initiatives that are not easily replicated by any brand in Africa.

Giving a breakdown of the company's recent reward programmes, he said, "Last year, in commemoration of our 10th anniversary in Nigeria, we excited and

NCC boss, Dr. Eugene Juwah

enriched many Nigerians with the much talked about 1 billion Naira reward; where 90 lucky winners went home with cash prices of N10million each among other mouth watering prices.

"This year again, through the MTN Automania game, a subscription-based initiative; the company is giving out

100 xi35 SUVs in a 100-day nationwide promo. But with the inauguration of the MTN Ultimate Wonder Promo, you will agree with me that MTN has taken the customer reward concept to an unprecedented level where no brand has attempted in Africa", he further stated.

Meanwhile, amid

Our reporter, Muhammad Sada went to town and sampled public opinion on the MTN promo. Excerpts:

addition will help the company to discharge some of its duties faster and more efficiently, as of now, it is the best idea for them but not buying a plane to give out to someone in a promo, no! consolidate your services first before gifts and I believe upgrading of your services will be a better promo for your customers.

Francis, security man: I have been using MTN for many years but havenever won any promo and nobody close to me has, either, but I believe it is a very good development considering how bad the level of our technology is and as for the service of MTN, it is quite okay as I am able to make calls, send text messages, browse and do a lot of other things. For the plane of the promo, I believe they can do it, but if I am lucky to be the winner of the plane, I will just sell it and do business with the money, “bros, we tin I go carry plane do?.

Mary, sales girl: It is a good idea and a very good encouragement to customers and I wish they will continue with this kind of promo every

Vox Pop

time, it is a good reciprocation to customers and will play a good role towards attracting more, I am one and I have never had cause to complain about MTN, it is only the usual complains by every other subscriber of any other network, I wish them long life and prosperity, I wish to be the owner of the plane, I don’t know what I might do.

Yahaya, Driver: I do not believe in anything like this at all, who is going to be deceived? I doubt very much if they can give out a plane or the amount of money mentioned, it might be a plot to chop people’s money, he said but added that if it is realistic, then it will be better for the company to buy the plane for itself even if it has another one because the

Blessing, banker: It is a blessing that we have come to the times when such great events and activities can happen in this country, and a very good development to the telecommunication industry as well as the economy of the nation, MTN has and is trying, they are really getting more customers as far as I can see, I use MTN and I get all the services from a mobile service provider from them without any hitch or discomfort, I wish MTN the very best and I pray to be among the lucky winners, wow it would be

subscribers concerns about the reality of the promo, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), had said it would seek audience with MTN over the promo. The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the CPC, Mr. Abiodun Obimuyiwa, had disclosed that the Council had sent a letter summoning MTN officials for a meeting over the promo. MTN has over the years had a long battle with Consumer Protection Council (CPC) when they shut down the Abuja regional headquarters of MTN Nigeria, and threatened to press for the

great fun to own a plane all to yourself, it is not easy.

Raymond, student: Well, it is okay, but it would have been better if they had concentrated on more important things or projects which can positively impact on the society and not just a group of persons, I believe it would have been better.

Madam Jennifer, food seller: MTN is good and I am very sure the winner will get the plane, they have no cause to lie, I wish I will win the plane, I have been recharging more than before and I have seen many people whom are doing the same, including my husband and four children and also a lot of my customers here, we all use MTN and we hope the winner will be amongst us, as for service, there is no network comparable to MTN in Nigeria, everybody knows it, it is simply indisputable, I salute MTN.

withdrawal of its operating licence if the company continue d to flout the operational guidelines in its dealings with Nigerian subscribers to its network.

The CPC had twice shut down the office, over MTN's Y'ello Times promotions which the agency said was unlawful and in contravention of rules and regulations, having not being duly registered and subjected to the scrutiny of the consumer rights agency.

MTN's employees and customers were taken unawares as the regional Office, Abuja, was put under lock and key because of unnecessary promos.

CPC Acting Director, Enforcement and Legal Matters, Mr Emmanuel Ataguba said the action had become necessary because all its entreaties to make MTN comply with the rules like other telecommunication companies in the country had failed, the matter ended up in court where the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted the prayers of the telecommunication company that the council vacate its sealed premises.

Be that as it may, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), the body charged with granting lottery permission in the country has confirmed the approval of the promo, saying it is being regulated. An official of the Commission who gave this confirmation said the telecom operator had sought approval before commencement and had been granted, adding that the promo is being closely monitored by the regulatory body.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

News

IGP orders CPs to arrest illegal siren users

By Lambert Tyem

T

h e Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has directed commissioners of police across the country to embark on mass arrest of persons and motorists using sirens indiscriminately, because of serious abuse of siren by unauthorised persons.

Speaking during the official commissioning of 40 border and 10 highway patrol vehicles yesterday in Abuja, the IG said banks and other companies were not part of those authorised to use sirens and would henceforth be stopped.

“Let me use this opportunity to warn that we have noticed a serious abuse of the use of sirens in the country. When you come to Abuja,there are certain numbers of people who are allowed use sirens.

Therefore all commissioners of police are hereby directed to check the abuse of sirens on our highways and state roads so that we can be able to control it and obey the law on the use of sirens.

“There are certain categories of people who are supposed to use sirens- Mr. President the vice president, senate president, speaker, their deputies, the state governors and the service chiefs,

the Inspector-General of police, GOCs, DIGs, AIGs, commissioners of police. Even where the police use siren, it is primarily when they are going for operation. You cannot just start using siren like that.

Therefore enforcement is going to take place,” the IGP stated.

Abubakar who warned officers attached to the patrol vehicles not to use them for any other purpose, stated that the newly commissioned patrol vehicles would check the influx of arms and ammunitions from various borders and assist road users who find themselves in difficulty on the highway.

By Muhammad Nasir

T IGP Mohammed Abubakar

Ehindero’s trial begins over N558m police money

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Gabriel Ehindero and a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget at the force Headquarters, Mr. John Obaniyi were yesterday docked before an Abuja High Court for allegedly misappropriating about N558

Mr. Sunday Gabriel Ehindero

million belonging to the Police force while at the helm of affairs at the Force Headquarters.

The arraignment of the two accused persons followed the dismissal of their application asking the court to strike out the amended 6-count charge preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for want of jurisdiction.

Ehindero and his co-accused told the court that the amended charges against them constitute an abuse of court process and that the proof of evidence does not link them to the offences allegedly committed.

They both asked the court to also set aside the leave granted the prosecution to file the amended charges for lack of competence.

The court, in its ruling held that there was sufficient evidence and prima facie to warrant the prosecution of the former Police boss and his co-accused person, adding that the court has the

jurisdiction to exercise the discretion.

The court sitting before Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi consequently dismissed the application, after which they were arraigned.

However, Ehindero and Obaniyi pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge slammed against them by the anti-graft agency.

Both were alleged to have conspired with one another between the months of May and November, 2006 to have used their position to confer corrupt advantages upon themselves by placing the sum of N300 million out of the N558 million donated to the Nigeria Police Force by the Bayelsa state Government for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment, in a fixed deposit account at Wema Bank Plc where it yielded an interest of N9.8 million for them.

Ehindero and Obaniyi were also alleged to have placed another N200 million out of the Bayelsa

state Government donation, in a fixed deposit account at Intercontinental Bank Plc where an interest of N6.5 million accrued to them. They allegedly converted all the interests to their personal use.

The duo are also accused of making false statement to ICPC that the sum of N16.412 million was expended on operational duties of the officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Counsel to Ehindero, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) urged the court to grant the former IG bail on self recognition. Obaniyi also asked the court to admit him to bail on self recognition.

Justice Oniyangi admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N10 million each and a surety who must swear to an affidavit of means.

He further ordered that the accused persons be remanded at the Kuje Prison until the next adjourned date of November 12, 2012 if they failed to meet up the bail condition.

Southwest in danger, Teslim Folarin cries out From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

F

o r m e r Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin yesterday sent a 'Save the SouthWest Soul' message to the Federal Government, saying the zone is in a danger undery the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Senator Folarin said the message became imperative as the ACN governors show no respect for Nigeria’s constitution and govern the zone as family businesses.

Speaking at a media chat in

Ibadan, the two term lawmaker alleged massive corruption among the ruling governors in the region.

According to him, the level of corruption with proofs in the zone, was alarming adding that none of the ruling governors execute direct impact project on the masses.

He said that most of the states were no longer viable as they swim in perpetual debt.

"If the Federal Government continues to look at the ACN and its godfather to ruin the lives of the people, people of the

Sen. Teslim Folarin

Fuel scarcity persists in Abuja

zone might revolt, the region is stagnant when compared with other states in the country, Federal Government need to take pro-active measure to salvage the situation."

Senator Folarin specifically condemned illegal demolition of shops and commercial structures that serve as means livelihood in Oyo state without adequate provision for survival of owners.

He explained that such policy could worsen unemployment and lead to increased crimes.

h e r e seems to be no hope to the end of fuel scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos and in other part of the country.

Peoples Daily Weekend investigation reveal that most of the filling stations in the city of Abuja and the satellite areas, had long queues of vehicles waiting overnight for fuel not readily available while the few stations which sell collect bribes from motorists before selling the products.

This started in the last three weeks in Abuja before it spread to other parts of the country, particularly in Lagos and Ibadan and is telling hard on the citizenry. The consequence has been the increase in transport fares as well as foodstuff.

When our reporter visited Oando filling Station in Wuse, a taxi driver, Seyi lamented that motorists especially commercial drivers, find it difficult to buy fuel and has caused many of them to stay back home.

However, he said, others buy from the blackmarketers at exorbitant prices. adding that he bought 10 litres of petrol at N250 each a few days ago.

A statement issued recently by the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Fidel Pepple said the fuel shortage was due to the shutdown of system 2b, a major pipeline that evacuates between nine to eleven million litres of fuel from Lagos to Ibadan, Ilorin and the north owing to vandalism by oil thieves.

Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 5

News

Oil marketers so far paid N78.8 bn —FG

By Abdulwahab Isa & Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

T

h e Federal Government said it has paid additional N56.7 billion

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

to 14 oil marketers, bringing the total payments on fuel subsidies to N78.8 billion.

This is coming as fuel scarcity persists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala disclosed this while briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja.

She was giving update on subsidy funds paid to oil marketers, saying an additional N56.7 billion was paid again to 14 oil marketers.

Two previous payments had been made bringing the total payments to N 78.8 billion. The Minister said the Presidential Committee would continue to respond to oil marketers whose payment claims have been verify and certified.

Among firms listed as beneficiaries of the latest trance of payment paid few days ago include MRS oil plc, NIPCO, Total oil, Oando and Swift oil and 11 others.

Meanwhile, a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, was yesterday, told by two oil marketers, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, that their company, Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, was not paid N976.6 million subsidy payment by the Federal Government as being claimed.

Their lawyer, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN) made this known at the commencement of their trial before the court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

The defendants and their company are among the 17 oil marketers and seven companies being prosecuted by

Controversy as Kaduna govt demolishes FG property

O

f f i c i a l s from the Kaduna state Urban Planning and Development Authority (KSUDA) yesterday effected an order from the government to demolish property belonging to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), managed by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The property are shops located around the stadium said to be valued at about N15 million, which KASUPDA described as illegal structures.

But sources hinted that the exercise may not be unconnected with government’s efforts to check the effects of flood as the ABS shares boundaries with a portion of the Kaduna River which overflowed its banks recently and submerged some residential buildings in the area.

Bulldozers demolished the shops, some of them still under construction, as armed soldiers and mobile policemen kept watch to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

An embattled NSC zonal Coordinator for north-west, Dr. Ademola Are, described the demolition exercise as unfair as, according to him, the commission had obtained the necessary approvals before embarking on the construction of the shops.

According to him, “the iron rods that have been destroyed

alone are worth over N8 million, besides the sand, cement and hippings.

“For now, the damage is unquantifiable because we are not even costing the labour and other sundry expenses.”

He said that he was shocked because it is a Federal Government project and that similar structures are in place in other stadia managed by the NSC in other parts of the country.

“I visited KASUPDA with some staff, paid and processed documents but to my surprise, KASUPDA served a letter to the zonal office on September 18 and three days later, they embarked on the demolition exercise.

“An application was sent to

Kaduna state Gov. Mr. Patrick Yakowa

KASUPDA in June only for them to invade the privacy of a Federal Government owned stadium to demolish the property.

“It is bad for things like this to happen. Instead of Nuhu Bello to give reasons for this action, he is bringing in sentiments, saying why did I not go back to Lagos to build shops at the National Stadium.

“This place is in the north and was constructed by the Premier himself, Sir Ahmadu Bello. Those building shops here are also from the community. Those doing this are not harming Are, but the economy of Kaduna state, because when I am leaving here, I will not be moving the structures.

“We are doing this to help develop the state, boost its revenue generation and help the government create jobs.”

Reacting to the development, the KSAUPDA acting General Manager, Mrs. Saratu M. Haruna, justified the action as she described the structures as illegal, arguing further that her organization could not have approved the erection of structures near the ABS. Speaking further, the KASUPDA boss argued that the fault of demolition is on the stadium management, stressing that KASUPDA will never approve the building of shops within the stadium premises.

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fuel subsidy theft.

Adenipekun who was crossexamining Mr. Wale Adamolekun, the General Manager, Operations of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), said there was nothing to show that his clients had received the money.

He said the defendants had to submit about 45 documents to the PPPRA for verification before they would be able to access the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF), adding that the Shore Tank Certificate would have been verified by at least six agencies before it gets to the PPPRA. According to him without the Sovereign Debt Statement (SDS) issued by the PPPRA, the Ministry of Finance will not authorise the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) to effect the payment to an oil marketer.

Testifying earlier before the court, Adamolekun who was led

by EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs said the PSF was set up by the Federal Government to ensure that the nation could have stable price regime for petroleum products.

He said all claims tendered by oil marketers were subjected to thorough verification processes by the PPPRA and other agencies before any payment was made by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said Fargo was one of the companies given permission to participate in the scheme but said he was not aware if the company had received the N976.7 million subsidy payment.

2013 budget draft to be presented October 4th

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

h e Federal Government has completed the processes for the 2013 budget on record time and a draft copy is now ready for presentation.

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, presented the draft to the media yesterday in Abuja.

She said President Goodluck Jonathan would make a formal presentation of the budget on 4th October. She however refused to disclose details of the budget and asked reporters to wait till October, when President Goodluck Jonathan would make a public presentation.

She said the executive arm has engaged members of the National Assembly in fruitful discussions on the issue relating to efficient and timely budget presentation and promised that 2013 will be a better year.

“We must start the budget on time which was why the President said we must deliver the budget by September. He is committed to reversing the trend and gives the National Assembly adequate time to be able to work on the budget. He has tasked us to give him this draft on record time,” the minister said.

For the 2012 budget, the Minister said the third quarter released, effected recently

brought total releases so far to a cumulative N710.4 billion and a sum cash backed of N553.2 billion while sum utilized stood at N320.9 billion.

Meanwhile, the Minister feigned ignorance about governors’ plans to head to court over $8 billion accruals to Excess Crude Accounts (ECA).

She said the governors only expressed their displeasure over deductions made on ECA and that they were not heading to court on constitutionality of the account. She also clarified that the status of Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) was never in contention, as accordingly all stakeholders including the states endorsed it.

President Goodluck Jonathan

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

News

Panel rates Abuja varsity low T

h e special visitation panel set up by the Fed eral Government in July to investigate the activities of University of Abuja since its establishment has described the institution as a mockery of the university system.

Presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa'i yesterday in Abuja, the chairman of the panel, Dr. Theo Osanakpo, blamed the under development of the university on poor governance system and financial impropriety.

Osanakpo said the report in-

…‘she’s a mockery of university system’ dicated that the 2025 target set for the completion of the full master plan of the university might not be realised as only six per cent of the plan had been achieved after 24 years.

He identified ranking of unapproved programmes, admission irregularities, lack of a governance system and lack of a proper accounting procedures as major challenges facing the institution. ``Looking at all these irregu-

larities going on in the institution, I would say that UniAbuja is a mockery of the university system; the facilities at the mini campus do not reflect the funds that the Federal Government give. ``There are no sporting facilities for students, no good lecture halls and the facility is way below the needs of the more than 70,000 students of the institution running the undergraduate, post graduate, sandwich, part-

Passengers storm Arik Air for refunds Abubakar Ibrahim with Agency Report

S

o m e passengers of Arik Air yesterday stormed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja desk of Arik Air for refund of their unused tickets.

Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Odua

Some of the aggrieved passengers were asking for refunds because the airline was grounded on Thursday following suspension of flights by the firm.

Earlier, the Assistance Director, Media Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) , Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu said that the airline was shut down on Thursday due to the debt it owed the aviation authorities including FAAN. “The FAAN union blocked the airline from flying on Thursday because they are owing FAAN and other aviation agencies,’’ she said.

“I was to follow the Arik to Lagos yesterday (Thursday) but now, I will have to go back to Kano, and it is unfortunate because I don’t know which of the airline will be having problems in the next moment. ``I bought ticket for myself and my family but now I have

to collect my money so that I can buy another ticket to take us back to Kano,’’ Alhaji Dogo Mahammud said.

Miss Ngozi Alozie told NAN that immediately she presented her ticket, the desk officer attended to her and refunded her N24,900.

Another passenger Emma Bassey said that he was not aware that the airline was grounded, ``I came to board the aircraft this morning when I was told that they are not working.''

The airline Station Manager, Mr Muhammed Abani, said the airline was refunding the ticket money to its customers who booked at the counter with evidence.

He added that those who made their booking online would have to contact the head office in Lagos through a mail and assured them that they would definitely get their money back.

(NAN)

Rubochi community drums support for aspirant

By Augustine Aminu

A

head of the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the area council chairmanship in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, residence of Rubochi in Kuje area council have insisted on a credible candidate to represent them for delivery of democracy dividends.

In a well attended declaration of the aspirant in Rubochi under Kuje area council yesterday, chairman of the occasion Dr. Abokin Zhawa said the candidacy of Hon. Julius Gado Bezhe was a credible one symbolising the Nigerian electorate’s consciousness for good leadership.

Zhawa said “Hon. Julius was my student way back in the 70s and I have known him to be a man of trust and he is hard working. He has demonstrated his worth over

the years. His candidacy will bring change to his people and also consolidate on the current achievements of the current chairman of the area council” Musa Alhaji Isyaka who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Peoples Group from the Rubochi development Area, Kuje, said that Bezhe stands out as the most capable to improve on the foundation already laid by several administrations and take Kuje Area Council to the next level.

“We would like to reiterate that Julius Gado Bezhe is a gentleman, an accomplished politician who is richly endowed by Almighty God with sharp analytical mind and enormous capacity for independent search. This quality has come to bear on his numerous dealings with people at all levels”. Isyaka said.

The women leader of Rubochi PDP and former vice chairman of

Kuje area council, Lami B. Kure said “We are gathered here today because we are happy over the selection of Julius Gado Bezhe because he is a humble personality and a person with a vision. We believe he will deliver”.

time and distance learning programmes,’’ he said.

Osanakpo said that the staffing of the institution and the environment were very deplorable and the government needed not just to give funds but to monitor the administration of the funds for effective usage.

He also recommended that the Vice Chancellor be ``bench marked'' periodically by the governing council to guarantee standard.

The panel also recommended that prospective students of the institution must have the JAMB requirement and write the postUTME examination to curb the excesses of admission.

It also recommended that the Students Union Government (SUG) should be reinstated in the institution to allow for peer interaction which also enhances their productivity level and help to bridge the gap between students and the school management.

Responding, the minister thanked the panel for the report, saying that ``UniAbuja in spite of its proximity to the education headquarters and the regulating body, NUC, has been a challenge.’’

Minister of Eduation, Prof.

Rukayyatu Ahmed

Prison controller loses father

World Peace Day: Minister advocates dialogue

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

By Miriam Humbe

h e Assistant ControllerGeneral of Prisons in charge of Works and Logistic, Headquarters ,Abuja, Ahaji Umar Saraki Birinin Kebbi has lost his father Alhaji Saraki Birnin Kebbi.

A press statement signed by the chief press secretary, Kebbi state government, Alhaji Abubakar Mu’azu Dakingari stated that the late Saraki died at the age of 85 leaving behind a wife and many children and grandchildren.

Governor Dakingari who condoled the family yesterday, described him as an honest and transparent man who left a good legacy.

He prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and reward him Alijanna Fiddausi.

h e Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Ori entation, Chief Edem Duke has called on those disenchanted with the state of things by destroying lives and property to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue in the interest of the present and future generations.

The minister who was represented at a press conference organised by the ministry in Abuja to mark the World Peace Day by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote said with the threat to world peace occasioned by wars and rumours of wars, it had become imperative for all to embrace peace through which meaningful development can take place.

T

Rufa’i assured the panel that the report would be implemented and that within two weeks, the ministry would produce a white paper that would be presented to the president.

The Federal Government on July 25 inaugurated the panel to investigate the financial and governance system of the university since 1988 when it was established after the suspension of medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture and engineering courses due to irregularities.

(NAN)

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Dakingari asks pilgrims to pray for Nigeria From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

G

Hon. Julius Gado Bezhe

o v e r n o r Usman Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State has admonished the pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, to pray for peace and harmony in Nigeria.

Addressing the first Batch airlifted yesterday at the Hajj camp, Dakingari urged the pilgrims to be good Ambassadors of their county and conduct themselves towards achieving their aims and objectives.

“Your aims of going to Mecca is

to pray to God for all what you are aspiring for and also seek for God’s intervention, you should not go on shopping and spend all your money.

Rather, you should face what took you there’’ he said.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the Board, Alhaji Usman Bello Zuru thanked the state government for its usual support towards achieving the success of the exercise adding that over five thousand visas have been received while assuring the pilgrims of hitch- free exercise most especially on accommodation.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, AUGUST, 2012

Kada News

Kaduna flood: Residents condemn Minister’s helicopter visit Stories by Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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ome residents of Kaduna metropolis have condemned the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafiya, for embarking on an assessment tour of the recent flood that sacked about 178 homes in parts of the town, in a helicopter last Wednesday.

“As far as we are concerned, the Minister did not visit Kaduna

because of the flood,” Chimezie Enyiocha, a resident at Kigo road extension, one of the worst-hit areas, said.

According to him, “she ought to have gone round some of the places, not on helicopter ... How could she have done proper assessment of what happened from the air? Another resident, Cletus Amadi, said that, “it is unbelievable that the Minister came to see the flooded areas on a helicopter. What report can she

possibly give concerning the damage done to our houses and other property?

However, speaking with reporters after the aerial assessment tour, Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa explained that, “the tour was part of the responsibility of the technical committee set up by the Federal Government to assess and determine the extent of damage by flood in certain parts of the country.

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Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafiya

Kaduna LG polls: ACN alleges plot against opposition

T

he Kaduna state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has alleged a plot by the Kaduna state government to cow the opposition to the advantage of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the local government elections in

December. The party in a statement issued by its chairman, Alhaji Auwal Isah Gote, described the fees payable by aspirants to various positions as arbitrary.

According to the statement, “in an attempt to phase out the

opposition political parties in the state, government has tactically resorted to the use of an instrument of destruction, the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM)… to trim the winning chances of all opposition political parties before the election day”.

LG workers give Yakowa 2-week ultimatum over unpaid wages

“This informed the arbitrary and autocratic sale of the KDCF 001 forms for the councillorship and chairmanship candidates to be pegged at N50,000 and N200,000 respectively. This is a decision of a minority against the majority.

he Kaduna state branch of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has given Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa a two-weeks ultimatum within which to pay workers their accumulated salary or they will embark on indefinite strike action.

According to NULGE President, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, “we can no longer fold our hands and see workers wallowing in abject poverty for many months and that is why we have resolved to proceed on strike in the next two weeks.”

Group condemns southern Kaduna MPs

Government must address T unemployment -Philantropist Using his National Peace Initiative as a platform, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Sa’eed, has been in the campaign for peaceful co-existence not only in Kaduna but also in the entire north and Nigeria as a whole. The philanthropist,who is the Sardauna of Samaru, Zaria has often deployed his resources towards bringing succour to the less privileged in society. In this interview with Agaju Madugba, Sa’eed speaks on some of his activities.

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ecently, you organized Muslim and Christian clerics from around the country to deliberate on the need for peaceful co-existence between adherents of both faiths. Did the programme achieve the desired objectives?

It was all about peace building and resolving crisis in our communities. Peace is an important aspect in every religion, for us to progress. All the major religions encourage peace and harmonious coexistence and we thought that now that youths are easily recruited to cause disaffection in the society especially in the north, we reasoned that this is the right time for us to embark on such a venture as things should not be left to the government alone. We also enlighten the youth on the need to love one another irrespective of tribe and religion, and also to be respectful to elders. There is also the issue of unemployment or joblessness which attract some of them to drugs and negative tendencies. We are now teaching them ways to be self-reliant and contribute positively to national development… promote peace and orderliness in all parts of the north and Nigeria in general. The government is overwhelmed and poverty is on the increase. We will continue what we are doing, God willing. If a person is idle is engaged, he may not have time to listen to those who manipulate the youth in order to achieve their selfish aims.

Alhaji Mohammed Bello Sa’eed Even if one has a degree or diploma, he should also learn a trade. For instance, I have a diploma but I’m also a carpenter.

Iam also involved in all sorts of marketing that would enable me take care of myself.

We have established a centre for vocational training mainly for the youth to make them selfreliant. Furthermore, we have started working towards training those with leprosy and child urchins (Almajirai),skills that will make them self-reliant in the future. Whoever would like to assist them can come forward.

How do you intend to spread this noble idea to other parts of the country since peace is not only needed in the north but across the nation?

We are working towards that.

My colleague in this association is from Jos and he had since organized Muslim and Christian clerics from the state so as to find solution to the perennial disturbance. We are deeply worried with the state of affairs in Plateau state but it is pleasing that from information reaching us, calm is gradually returning to the state.

The road to peace is near since all avenues are being explored. We are working hard to see that peace is restored and maintained not only on the plateau but all over the Nigeria. Recently, we organized an event that was the first of its kind with Bishops and Pastors, side by side with Islamic clerics from Niger Delta, Imo and

Oyo states and from all the northern states and we discussed a lot on how to live peacefully in the country, not only in the north.

This is because every part of this country has its own problems and every one will go back to his people and preach the gospel of peace.

Some days ago, we visited places of worship and where necessary, repaired some mosques and gave assistance to others.

We are doing all this to encourage peace and brotherliness because our parents thought us to live peacefully. In Zaria for instance, some people especially those from the south have started selling their houses and relocating to the south. This situation has to be normalized.

Do you think our leaders at various levels including religious leaders are doing enough?

Adherents of every religion listen to their religious leaders and therefore if we continue moving in this manner, we will end this problem and as I said earlier, poverty and idleness lead to some of these problems and that is why the political leadership has to do more to solve the problem. The leaders should also be God-fearing. Life is about being nice and helpful to the needy and handicapped. The crime rate is high and the authorities should ensure that equity and fairness prevail.

We can achieve what other great nations have achieved through healthy collaborative effort between the leaders and the led, to redefine development and progress in the country.

he Gurara Patriot Foundation (TGPF) says representatives of southern Kaduna state at the National Assembly have failed the people who elected them and threatened to begin collecting signatures from their constituencies, for their recall. ”We are already talking to the people at the grassroot that if they do not get those things that are expected from our representatives at the National Assembly, then 2015 election will be tough for the lawmakers to be re-elected, “the group’s President, Vincent Bodam, said at a press conference in Kaduna.

Accompanied by the Secretary, Jerry Adams, and other members of the executive committee, the group said the vote of no confidence became inevitable more so as the legislators refused to give an account of their stewardship so far at the National Assembly.

The representatives from the southern Kaduna zone are, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, Godfrey Ali Gaya, Jaba/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency, Shehu Garba, Jama’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Jagaba Adams Jagaba, Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, Gideon Luca Gwani, Kaura Federal Constituency, Simon Arabo, Kauru Federal Constituency, and YakubuUmaru Barde,Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency. ”It would be recalled that sometime in June 2012, the Gurara Patriots Foundation wrote letters to all the representatives from southern Kadun requesting to know, as representatives of their constituencies, including the distinguished senator, what their activities have been.

“This is September 2012 and only the Senator Nenadi E. Usman deemed it necessary to reply us with a somewhat vague response without answering the questions posed in the letter.

“Their silence is therefore a tacit confirmation of failure or sheer insensitivity to the people that voted them”, Bodam said.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Feature Going back to tradition: The way we eat

By Miriam Humbe

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e f o r e the infiltration of western influences into our cultures, the various tribes and peoples in Nigeria and indeed in Africa had their unique ways of doing things in their various cultures. There was the culture of paying respect by prostrating before elders in the south western part of Nigeria while in the east and northern states, kneeling down to greet is the norm uptil now.

Today, with the advent of satellite television especially in urban centres, so much seems to have changed in the cultures and traditions of our people which also include our eating habits. City dwellers are accustomed to canned, frozen, and pre-packaged snacks [fast foods] found in most Westernstyle supermarkets. Few people take time off their work to grab a healthy meal of say, pounded yam and vegetable soup or gari and draw soup for lunch.

The style of eating these meals is another point worthy of consideration. While those in rural communities tend to stick

more with traditional foods and preparation techniques, urban dwellers appear to be fast losing touch with culture and tradition.

Food in Nigeria is traditionally eaten by hand. However, with the growing influence of western culture overtime, cutleries have become more common, even in remote villages now. People can’t eat without using table spoon.

Whether people eat with their hand or a utensil, it is culturally out of place to eat with the left hand and to speak with loud tones when eating. The posture for eating meals also appears to have taken after the western style where sitting around dining tables and chairs and cutleries such as forks, knives and spoons are used. Only few people however are still in tune with tradition as far as the eating posture is concerned.

While the ingredients in traditional dishes vary from region to region, most Nigerian cuisine tends to be based on a few staple foods accompanied by a stew. In the south, crops such as corn, yams, and sweet potatoes form the base of the diet. These vegetables are often pounded into a thick, sticky dough

or paste. This is often served with a palm oil based stew made with chicken, beef, goat, tomatoes, okra, onions, bitter leaves, or whatever meats and vegetables might be on hand. Fruits such as papaya, pineapples, coconuts, oranges, mangoes, and bananas also are very common in the south.

In the north, grains such as millet, sorghum, and corn are boiled into a porridge-like dish that forms the basis of the diet.

This is served with an oil based soup usually flavoured with onions, okra, and tomatoes with meat, fish or chicken.

Thanks to the Fulani cattle herders, fresh milk and yogurt are common even though there may not be refrigeration.

Western ways of life cannot be completely brushed aside as people interact on a daily basis and with the concept of globalisation.

What is important is that in the bid to catch up with modern trends, people forget not where they are coming from. Our traditions are peculiar to us and ought not to be eroded by western influence.

They must be passed on to future generations.

Traditional posture for eating meals in the north

Some young women eating with their hands while standing

A group of men eating lunch while holding sticks. It is customary for the men in this culture, to eat before the women and children

Dinning with the family in modern society

Calabash bowls were used to serve meals in times past

Pot for cold refreshing water after meals

Clay pots are still used in some homes in the rural areas for cooking and serving meals

A set of calabash bowl

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 9

Cover

National Honours

Dishonoured Honours?

By AbdulrahmanAbdulraheem, Mohammed Kandi, NasiruMuazu Isa, Ahmed Kaigama& Stanley Onyekwere

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h e history of National Honours award in Nigeria dates back to 1964 when Act No 5 came into existence. The aim of the country’s founding fathers was to institute an annual ritual to celebrate the best Nigerians in all areas of human endeavours, who have contributed most significantly and most consistently to national development and who have distinguished themselves in their fields and/or flew the country’s flag high in the international community. The National Honours award is supposedly meant for legends, icons and patriots.

But in the last few years, there seem to have been a deliberate, consistent and conscious attempt by successive governments to debase the awards.

Looking at the list of people that have made the list in the past few years, the whole show looks more like a celebration of people in government, their party members, friends, cronies and others the powers that be deems fit. The people in charge of the awards care little about integrity, impact or significant contribution of awardees to national development. They focus more attention on position, power and influence in the corridors of governance.

Aside this, the modus operandi of the awards is not only suspect but also questionable. It is subjected to the sentiments and opinion of a few members of the award committee bereft of any public input.

To start with, there is absolutely no reason why people should be given national honours simply on the basis of their position in government. It smacks of lack of forethought on the part of the government.

A top position in government should not be an end in itself, it should be a means to

an end.While it is customary for the President, his Deputy, leaders of the National Assembly, top justices of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Federation as well as some ministers and heads of parastatals to get some specified categories of the national honours, the truth is if these categories of officers in the past 20 years or so have done their jobs well enough, the country would have been a better place to live in today.

They should therefore get national honours after leaving office, and that would be on the basis of their performance.

A situation whereby somebody is being called to the podium to receive a national honour just after spending 6 months in office exposes the whole annual ritual to ridicule. What if he gets a national award now and fails to perform his duties creditably well in the long run? There are numerous practical examples of this. It would be recalled that the former Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ringim was so

honoured only to be booted out.

Honouring Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar just few months into his tenure is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse, why the haste to give national honour to serving officials?

If previous governments had made it a duty to honour only those who truly deserve it, President Goodluck Jonathan’s threat to withdraw the honour from some people who have been convicted for one fraudulent practice or the other wouldn’t have been necessary.

For merely being the Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was giving a national honour, he was also a close ally of people in power, the disgraced former MD of Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru was honoured and for being a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George was also honoured in the past.

Notorious fugitive, James Ibori was also

Contd on pages 10&11

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Cover

Dishonoured Honours?

IGP M. D. Abubakar Contd from page 9 honoured without anybody investigating his activities at the Delta state Government House.Without subjecting him to any integrity test, former Intercontinental boss, Erastus Akingbola was also given a national honour in the past. Now, these people by their conviction (with the exception of Akingbola whose case is pending) for one crime or the other, have disgraced not only themselves but also the country. Or the country disgraced itself by giving them national honours that are supposed to be reserved for outstanding citizens and friends of Nigeria.

Observers are of the opinion that as a matter of morality, people should not be honoured when they still have influence within the corridors of power.

True national heroes should be called back from their villages long after they have left office.

As far as they did excellently well in office and the nomination is subjected to some form of public scrutiny, the national honours ceremony will regain its lost credibility.

Another issue is the list is always so long that it makes it difficult to critically look at the people involved individually.

155 Nigerians and only a few can be said to have done half of the worth of receving national honours!

The list contains too many unknown faces -both within and outside the corridors of powerwhose contribution to national development was neither made public nor easy to determine.

Another factor that makes the national awards ceremonies look

Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan less honourable, than it should be is that too many people get the honours more than once. Either for lack of more credible people to call up for the awards or lack of better criteria to use in judging who true national heroes are, the committee recycles people who have been honoured before and give them higher awards even if they have not done anything significant or extraordinary since they got the previous award.

This practice as responsible for the embarrassing mistake of listing former Defence Minister, General Domkat Bali for the award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2011 when he had years before then, gotten the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON). The question is why give people this award twice? Is it a sign of unseriousness on the part of the committee members?

Globacom boss, Chief (Dr) Mike Adenuga (jrn) deserves a national honour for his contribution to the nation’s economy but honouringhim with the second highest honour in the land after he had already gotten the award of Commander of the order of Niger (CON), is sheer flattery.

Gabriel Igbinedion, the father of discredited former Edo state governor, Lucky Igbinedion, already had Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), why give him Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2012? While Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi already had Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) added to his name, why give him Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) again? What has Senator Victor Ndoma Egba done since he

last bagged the award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) to earn the honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) this year? Most of the lawmakers that got the National Honours were actually added to make up the list, not because they have done anything extraordinary in their political career.

Dr Akin Adesina and Senator Bala Mohammed are serving ministers. While the former is yet to complete two years in charge of the ministry of agriculture and rural development, the state of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not just wonderful enough for the latter to be rewarded with a national honour.

One reason that is also denying the national awards ceremony any form of credibility is the fact that some Nigerians have made it a point of duty to always reject the so-called honours and since this practice started, government has done nothing to address the issues raised.Legendary novelist and one of the best brains to ever emerge from Nigeria, Chinua Achebe first rejected the offer from President Olusegun Obasanjo at a time the latter’s political godsons- Chris Uba and co were holding Achebe’s home state to ransom. He rejected the award for this reason and a couple of issues surrounding the general maladministration of the PDP at all levels.

The award reared its ugly head again under President Jonathan and the literary icon also rejected it, citing similar reasons.

In the same vein, late legal icon and human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi also rejected the offer of Officer of the Federal

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed Republic (OFR) in 2008, saying the government of that period was suffering from scarcity of honour and integrity in its ranks and therefore, could not give him what it lacked. If Gani had been alive and if he was offered any national honour again this year, the fiery Lagos lawyer would have also thrown it back to the government because the present day government is yet to consider making the exercise a little credible. Another legal icon, this time, eminent jurist, Justice Kayode Eso was also conspicuously absent at the International Conference Centre, venue of the 2012 award ceremony to accept the award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Justice Eso and his fellow retired Supreme Court Justice, Andrews Yakubu, are yet to release a statement to explain their absence and if they are rejecting the award.

Another interesting fact about the national awards ceremonies in the past few years is that people who, in the eye of majority of Nigerians, truly deserve them , get the smallest honour which is Member of the Order of Niger (MON) while people whose contribution to national development is debatable get the highest categories. The six paralympians that made sure Nigeria’s national anthem was sung at the London Games were only given MON and this has been the practice. Observers believe that sportsmen who excel in their games at global events should be given reasonably high national honour, than the one they are given.

A look at the governors, deputies and even former governors and deputy governors

that were given the awards really make the whole thing ridiculous. It was so bad that the President had to drop the name of Taraba deputy governor, Sani Abubakar Danladi who was reportedly facing impeachment charges. What was his name doing on the list in the first place?

Among the governors that have been said to be best in terms of performance and service delivery- Fashola, Oshiomole, Akpabioetc- none of them was on the list. But the ones who made the list were those ones who cannot be said to have done anything remarkable to justify the votes of their people.

Observers are still wondering what the members of the award committee were thinking about.

The true heroes Apart from the six heroes who also got N5 million each from the Federal Government – Yakubu Adesokan, Ivory Nwokorie, Loveline Obiji, Grace Anozie, Esther Onyema and Joy Onalapo that won gold medals at the just concluded Paralympic Games in London, there were also very few of the awardees who thoroughly deserve their recognition. One of them is MuhammadTahirZakari, a Level 10 officer in the Accountant General of the Federation office, who according to President Goodluck Jonathan showed "remarkable honesty in returning an error payment to him of over N6 million in December 2011. This is a commendable behaviour that should be emulated."

His story Zakari was rewarded for his transparency and honesty with

Contd on page 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

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Cover

Dishonoured Honours?

Contd from page 10

the title of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) for retuning to government coffers a huge sum of N6.2million, which had been paid into his account erroneously, instead of his N62, 000 basic salary. But Zakari had to pay a big prize, losing some close friends who believed he had blown away the only opportunity that would have turned his life around.

In December 2011, the Grade level 10 Information officer II with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received account credit alert on his mobile phone which was expected to alert him on the payment of his November 2011 salary of 62,000. He was however dumbfounded to see as much as N6, 241,469.

“When I received the alert I became blind and thought it was just N6,000, I asked myself what I did wrong that I was being given N6,000, I went to show a friend who told me it was 6million not 6000. I wondered, how could they send 6million into my account?

So I called my boss in the office, who told me they had not sent anything into my account.”

Still confused, Zakari confided in his mother who told him to return the money and said the only thing he should do was to ask them to give him N1million to complete his building project in the village, because he has been building a house for quite some years now, and has not been able to roof it.

On why he decided to return such huge money despite his meager income, he said, “What

motivated me to return the money was my religion, anything that is not yours you don’t take it. That was why when I received the alert, I went to my Islamic scholars, and told them what happened, and they told me to return it, they told me that if I used the money I will not have any blessing from it and will not enjoy it in this life, and if I died, I will still suffer punishment, so I had to return it.”

“That very day I saw the alert and told my wife, she asked how much it was, I said N6million, maybe that is how God wanted to bless me, but she told me God does not bless people like that, if God wants to bless you, he will open a place for you to work so that money can come, money will not just come from heaven to enter into your account. She definitely gave me the guts to return that money,” Zakari explained further.

“So the following office day which was Monday, I went to the bank and made inquiry on my account balance, I saw a balance of 6,241,000, so I just removed 62,000 which was my basic salary."

“After which I went to the Salary Section of the Federal Ministry of Information, and showed the alert to the Assistant Director on Salary who advised me to take it to the Accountant General’s office. I met with the Deputy Director, and showed him the alert; he asked if the said amount was in my account, I said yes."

“So he directed me to go to the department where the money was being posted, so they told me to return the N62,000 that I had

Gov. Gabriel Suswam withdrawn so that they can withdraw the money as it entered into the account and then pay me back my actual salary, I told him I had spent it. So they had to transfer N62, 000 into my account and then withdrew the sum of N6, 241,000 from my account," he stated.

“During that period I had only N400 in my account.”

“Not long after that a friend sent some money into my account, because I was managing a house for him. When I wanted to withdraw the money I saw that the bank had withdrawn bank charges of N32,000 for making a large withdrawal, I told them I never made any withdrawal, I suffered

Gov. Danbaba Suntai so much before the money was refunded, the bank told me the money had already entered into their dividends so they will not pay it back, at the end of the day the Accountant General office paid me the money," he explained.

“My office was aware of all these transactions, so they sent a notification letter to the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Head of Service and the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation,” Zakari said.

"The SGF office later called me to confirm the development, so I was told to submit a citation

about myself, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and two passports to the Director Special Duties SGF office, so two weeks ago, I was called to come and collect a commendation and award letter that Mr. President had agreed to honour me with the title Member of the Federal Republic (MFR)," he said.

Jelani Aliyu Aliyu was born in Kaduna in 1966 to parents who were originally from Sokoto. He attended Capital School, Sokoto for his elementary education between 1971 and 1978. He later went to Federal Government College, Sokoto for his high school education where he earned honours as the best student in Technical Drawing.

Upon completing high school, he enrolled at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to study for a degree in architecture where he dropped out. He then enrolled at the Birnin Kebbi Polytechnic from where he earned a National Diploma in architecture in 1988.

He was the overall best graduating student in the school.

With a scholarship from the Sokoto state government, he proceeded to Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan and enrolled for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Transportation Design at the prestigious College for Creative Studies, one of the world’s 60 best design schools. He graduated in 1994 and got hired by General Motors, the world’s second biggest car manufacturer and America’s biggest. Aliyu also received two awards from Ford Motor Company and Michelin, USA during his studies. He has distinguished himself in the world of automobile design. He is currently Senior Creative Designer and Project Team leader for the design of the Chevrolet Volt.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Issues Late CGP eulogised, death described as brutal From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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h e families and friends of the late Comptroller General of Prisons Alhaji Mohamed Jarma described the killing of honest and truthful former CGF as brutal and depressing.

Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Jarma, 65 years old a former of Comptroller Prisons and Bauchi state gubernatorial candidate under the platform of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 was killed by gunmen on Monday September 7, at about 7: 35 pm when he was coming out from mosque adjacent to his house in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State after Ishai prayer Peoples Daily Weekend gathered that the gunmen shot the former CGP at close range, with bullets ripping on his left shoulder and thigh and immediately disappeared after the shooting; this is a clear indication that he was their target; one of his guards was killed at the spot.

Jarma was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, he was later transferred to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi but efforts to save Jarma’s life failed as he later died the next day, while his funeral rites were being conducted, on Tuesday evening at Azare, his home town some hoodlums set fire to his four bedroom guest house along Jammare road in Azare, Late Jarma’s son, Engineer Ibrahim Jarma wept and was too shock by the death of his father that he could not alter a comment when asked on how he felt.

Yayaya Ibrahim Gamawa the deceased nephews, told our correspondent that, “I received a message that he was unconscious. That he was shot just after the Ishait prayer and I started calling people to confirm the story. I was confused. How can this thing happen to home after ten years in retire. He was not involved in anything.

He even left politics. He said he was no longer interested in politics. So who would come and do such a thing to him? I was really sad and confused. I don’t know when these killings will stop” Gamawa whose mother is the elder sister of the late Jarma said further, “The security situation is terrible. Is bad so the authority has to dare to stand up and do the right thing. What I mean by the

Son of the deceased

Late Alh. Ibrahim Mohammed Jarma right thing is, they have to reorganize the security system. We have to go back to where we collate and disseminate information in terms of information,.

Ewe should not wait until something has happened before until we start investigating, we must nip it in the bud before it occurs. This thing can be avoided if the security apparatus are organized. We are in the computer age.

It is not even bad to asked other countries who are advanced in this situation to come and assist” The late Jarma’s friends, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Alhaji Muhammadu Danmadami who spoke with our correspondents at the deceased’s house in Azare, said, “What is happening is very unfortunate and virtually everybody knows what is happening.

The solution to it in my earnest opinion is for everyone to be honest and to do the right thing at all time and to be truthful and honest with one another.”

He described the death of Jarma as a great loss and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest. Jarma;s childhood friend and former deputy governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Garba Gadi described the death of Jarma as a great loss to him.

Gadi in Azare: “His death is one of my saddest days in my life because I was on

Little son of Jarma

my way from Bauchi to see him when I was told to his death.

Early in the morning I was in touch it he hospital and the doctor handling his case but unfortunately after about t house he gave up. Jarma as my childhood friend and classmates. He was brilliant, honest, highly discipline and hardworking. He was so kind to everybody at the same time he did not take nonsense right from childhood and throughout his career no wonder he reached the peak of his career before he retired”.

Ahmad Musa, the headmaster of the Bello Jiyau Memorial Islamiyya School, Azare, founded by the late former Comptroller General of Prisons, said he left his boss few minutes before the shooting. Ahmad, who could not control emotions as he wept, told our correspondent, that “I just left after the magrib prayer around to 7:00 pm. We prayed together with him. I was on my way home and I had not gone far when I heard gunshots pom, pom, pom like that.

I did not know what was happening. I turned back and went to the house and I saw people running. I asked and they said my boss was been shot. I was panicked. I was confused and I went there. Before I got there the attackers had left. He was on ground where he fell. We brought car and took him to the hospital. Before we got to the FMC the car even broke down and we had to carry him in the hand to

the hospital. He was shot on the shoulder and leg. The shooting was terrible. He did not die immediately” Ahmad described late Jarma as a deeply religious and generous person who loved the poor and also a peaceful man saying, “I really lost somebody and I pray Allah to accept his soul and grant him eternal rest” The former Head of Service of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale said the experience of losing a prominent person as the former Comptroller as painful and biter as it is was a experience from Allah.

Yayale said: “It is destined hat some of us who are surviving before a short time before our death are destined that we should go through this trauma and it has been very pathetic tragic and overwhelming to al of us May his soul rest in peace.

The Bauchi state governor, Malam Isa Yuguda while condoling the family, he described the deceased as a truthful patriot who left a vacuum at a time when his service was needed for the service to humanity. Yuguda assured the people of the State of the determination of his administration to provide adequate to the people andurged the families of the deceased to take heart as what happened was an act of God and prayed to God to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant them eternal life.

Jarma’s mosque where he was killed

Late Jarma’s guest house that was set ablaze

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 13

Feature

Benue submerged by flood From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

M

akurdi and its environs are now sitting on water bomb following flooding which has ravaged several areas and destroyed properties worth billions of naira including farmlands.

Residents now live in fear as the river Benue has continued to overflow its banks and is shattering everything in sight like the Katrina that once hit the United States.

Houses have been submerged and several areas have been rendered completely impassable as a result of the flood even as residents continue to count their losses.

Traces of the flooding which had been foretold were visible early September when some residents around Kucha Uteb settlement in Makurdi woke up to their utmost shock to discover that their area had been completely destroyed. The warning by the State government had indicated that persons whose houses are 5km

from the River Benue would be affected and advised such persons to vacate the area. But this settlement is over 10km away from the bank of the river.

The residents most of who are students lamented the negligence by the Federal and State governments in taking proactive steps in averting the flood, blaming government for being very insensitive to the wellbeing and plight of its citizenry.

"Now we are the ones bearing the brunt of the flood with our families. This is pure negligence on government part. Even now that we are trying to relocate, there is no government official here. They promised to move us to a community school but I can't wait for them", Mr. Romeo Dajoh, a resident of Kucha settlement lamented.

Another resident Mrs. Terver Gbeda bemoaned that she was in a fix as she was completely stranded with her three children as her husband works in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and had no relatives in Makurdi.

"I do not have any relations here. Look at my three children

Residents using canoe to evacuate their properties we do not have anywhere to go. I do not know what to do", she cried out.

The situation was the same at Wadata Rice Mills and new garage areas where one Prince Sule Ubandoma had over 40 houses submerged by the flood while in Agatu local government,

Another flooded area

A resident engaging a canoe man to salvage his belongings

a riverine area, more than 10,000 persons were said to have been displaced by the flood.

"We have lived here for over 60 years and never witnessed anything like this. All our houses and properties of our tenants have been completely destroyed", Prince Ubandoma lamented.

He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by providing relief for the victims.

The state governor, Gabriel Suswam had visited the affected Kucha settlement and promised that the State government would construct drainage in the area.

The government also established temporary camps for the victims at LGEA and NKST primary schools located in Wurukum and Wadata areas of Makurdi.

No sooner had he visited the area than Suswam travelled to Abuja to receive a national honor of Commander of the Order of Niger, CON which was trailed by criticism from Benue people.

Efforts have also been made by the National Emergency, Relief Management Agency, NEMA, to give succor to the thousands of victims hit by the flood.

On Thursday, Senate President David Mark in company of the Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro, the State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Sen. Barnabas Gemade visited the flooded areas.

Sen. Mark, who lamented over the colossal damage caused by the flood, pledged that federal government would assist the state government to ensure proper rehabilitation of the flood victims. He also made a donation of N4 million while Comrade Moro gave N2 million to the flood victims.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. George Akume had also toured the flooded areas during which he charged at the Federal Government for lacking disaster management strategy.

He also frowned at the slow response by NEMA in providing relief materials for the victims.

Sen. Akume promised to raise a motion on the floor of the upper chambers for immediate intervention of the Federal government in alleviating the suffering faced by the victims even as he disclosed plans to attract foreign donor agencies to send aid to the victims.

A flood victim Mrs. Terver Gbeda looking stranded

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Interview

How we smashed intra-border syndicate —Former CP Amusa Bello is a retired policeman with a lot of experience in investigative matters. He led the team that investigated the killers of Dr. Harry Marshal, late Kudirat Abiola, and Vice Admiral Babatunde Elegbede who was killed at Gbagada, Lagos. He also investigated the killers of Bola Ige and the robbery of $1.3 million belonging to Kanuri merchants traveling from Maiduguri in Lagos state in 1994, from where he recovered over 600,000 dollars from the suspects along with 15 buses and a building bought at Umuahia. In this interview with Olanrewaju Lawal, he relieved his experience as cop, saying his most challenging operation was leading the team that brought notorious trans border car snatcher, Ahmed Tijani to Nigeria from Benin Republic.

H

o w did you handle the case of Ahmed Tijani?

That was in 2002 after we arrested Dr Harry Marshal’s killers. You would recall that Dr. Marshal was an ANPP chieftain. That was the case I was doing before one unfortunate incident happened to Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and her friends in Oboguju, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s village in Ota, Ogun state. It happened that Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was travelling along with Dr. Akindeko in a 406 Peugeot and Mercedes X class. While Sen. Iyabo was in her 406 Peugeot, her friend, the medical doctor invited her to come over to her Mercedes X class for a private discussion and she ordered her two children, one was 12 years old and the other 14, to enter the Senator’s car.

They were driving along the village road before these robbers double-crossed them.

A corporal, Yohalla from Mopol Unit Abuja, who was not aware that they were robbers thought they were just ruffians and wanted to overtake them. He shot at the car wheel used to double cross them and before he knew it, all the armed robbers came out with guns and fired at the tinted Peugeot 406 killing the driver, the two children and the Corporal. But because both Senator Iyabo and her friend, including the driver were in the X Class Mercedes Benz, they miraculously survived.

The reason these robbers attacked them was that, then, Peugeot 406 was hot cake in Benin Republic, they were not after X class Mercedes Benz but that tinted Peugeot. The most pathetic aspect of the incident was that those two children were eating rice in the vehicle when the robbers started shooting at the car. So, the robbers were not interested in the Benz but the Peugeot 406.

So, how did you get involved in the case sir?

I was asked by the then IGP, Tafa Balogun to go and investigate the incident. I linked up with the Commissioner of Police in Ogun state then, Israel Ajao, (who later retired as a DIG). I took one Trans border armed robber in custody as a source of my intelligence gathering. The suspect was an indigene of Ogun state. From the information I gathered from him, I was made to realize that the robbers always come from Benin Republic to snatch cars in Nigeria through collaboration with their colleagues in Nigeria. As an investigative officer, I knew that these notorious criminals knew themselves. So we worked along with this suspect and we made headway.

I found out from him that these trans border robbers used to come through Ajilete, a town in Ogun state from Benin Republic to Nigeria. I planned critically, requested for road blocks, additional MOPOL force along with a detective team.

Mind you, the suspect that was assisting

Alhaji Amusa Bello,CEO KWATMA 2 us is still with us in Station Wagon car sitting at the back of the vehicle. He dressed in agbada and black spectacle on his face. I personally supervised this operation. I was there; I was not sitting down in the office like today police officers.

All the travellers from Benin Republic to Nigeria, passing this route were asked to come down, we searched them. Only the drivers of the vehicles were asked to stay in the vehicle and move at our command when it was time to do so. We would ask the suspect who is watching the whole scene from a far distance to identify robbers among the travellers and we made a lot of arrest. There was a day he pointed to two robbers in a bus. Along the line, the two arrested trans border robbers pointed out their third partner in the bus.

It was so interesting and God helped us.

In fact, we started interrogation from the scene and we sent the suspects to Owode Police station for detention.

After we got all the information we gathered from these suspects, I moved to Cotonou, in Benin Republic as an undercover agent. I made surveillance in some towns in the country under cover without letting the authority of the country know anything about it. We identified the hideout of trans border robbers, where they used to keep stolen vehicles from Nigeria and other locations.

Thereafter, I made my presence known to the Gendarmerie, Interpol, and Police International. These are the names of the security agencies in that country.

They are the ones that led us to the villa

of Ahmed Tijani, the notorious trans border robber who usually snatch cars from Nigeria and resell it to other countries in Africa. His house was close to the Atlantic Ocean. He was a big man in Benin Republic because he was very close to the government. He didn’t believe that anybody could arrest him or enter his house The operatives in Benin knew him very well. Therefore, they called him on phone and he ordered that the gate of his villa be opened for us. So all of us including my detective team, Interpol, Gendarmerie and Police international entered his house and he was asked to follow us.

Did you find any stolen item in his house?

Yes of course. We found the stolen Mercedes Benz X500 belonging to Chief Francis Yegbeni, the owner of one big hotel in Ibadan in his house. This car was snatched in Akure from the Chief on his way back to Abuja. There were many parts of the stolen vehicles snatched in Nigeria that were found in a big space in his house. We found plate numbers in his house in fact, they looked like stolen vehicles’ part. They would resell them to other parts of Africa. So, Chief Yegbeni also came to Cotonou to identify his vehicle. We also found the then NLC President’s official vehicle in his house.

That was Adams Oshiomole with plate number NLC No1 the vehicle was snatched from the driver when he was going to buy newspaper.

How did you take him into

custody?

He was allowed to go back home because that was his country. I protested then but their agencies did not care about it. I returned to Nigeria and I submitted my report to IGP Tafa Balogun. My report got to President Olusegun Obasanjo on that same day.

Inside the report, I told them how the Benin operatives did not corporate with us. That led to the closure of the BeninNigeria border. The action of Nigeria Federal Government then collapsed the Benin Republic. Their President, Matteu Kereku was forced to come to meet President Obasanjo and they agreed that there would be a summit.

At the summit, Chief Obasanjo was there, Kereku was there, IGP Tafa Balogun, myself representing Nigerian police, some ministers were there. It was agreed among other issues that Ahmed Tijani should be arrested and brought to Nigeria for prosecution because I was asked to submit my report at the summit which I did personally. In the report, all the names of wanted criminals from Benin Republic were there. So, there was MoU signed by both countries and we embarked on joint patrol after IGP Tafa Balogun had led us to Benin Republic as a follow up to the MoU signed by both countries. In Benin, we recovered so many Nigerian vehicles stolen. That was between years 2002/2003. We recovered two vehicles belonging to members of the Kwara state House of Assembly.

What happened thereafter?

He had fled from Benin but he was arrested in Mali by operatives of Benin Republic and handed over to my team in Benin. So, the Federal Government sent Presidential jet to Benin to pick us up along with the suspect.

Tell us about the interogation.

I started proper interrogation with video recording in Nigeria. He confessed to all the allegations level against him.

All these were on video but I don’t have it anymore. They are with the Nigerian Police, headquarters. We didn’t manhandle him. Over 100 case files on Ahmed Tijani sent to various states where he committed crimes for Attorney General of states, only Ijebu Ode High Court sentenced him to ten year imprisonment he was kept in Kirikiri maximum prison, Lagos state. We also found a vehicle belonging to Kehinde Sofolahan (SAN) in his custody. Some of the stolen vehicles were sold to Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali and other African countries.

I could conclude here that my biggest and most hectic assignment in the Nigeria Police force was the case of Ahmed Tijani. I retired in 2009. I don’t have any regrets for serving my fatherland but many of us, who were patriotic, were not encouraged. We were frustrated from the force.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 15

Man in the news

Mr President, critics and media The journalist should always fight for progress and reform, never tolerate injustice and corruption, always fight demagogues of all parties, never belong to any party, always opposed to privileged class and plunderers, never lacked sympathy with the poor, always devoted to the public welfare, never satisfied with merely printing news, always be dramatically independent, never be afraid to attack wrong whether by predatory plutocracy or predatory poverty - Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911)

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

O

ur politicians make one mistake. When they get to any position of authority, they pick any of their journalist friends who has risen to the level of an editor in any reputable media house and make him or her Chief Press Secretary, Special Adviser or Media depending on the name they choose. By doing this, they believe even if they don’t perform in office, the media will not raise any eyebrow. By making this appointment, they believe even if they display a lot of incompetence and poor grasp of the issues troubling their people, the media will just continue to clap for them.

A senior journalist once wrote in his column a few years ago, that he would never accept the job of a spokesman to any politician. According to him, the enormous pressure the politicians place on their spokesmen is one thing he won’t be able to bear especially when a leader doesn’t perform his basic duties and will want his spokesman to use his media contacts to stop the press from criticizing him.

He gave example of his friend and colleague who was a well respected editor before he accepted to serve a governor as spokesman. According to him, the governor just stood up from his office one day with a copy of a newspaper, dashed to his media aide’s office, embarrassed him and fired him for incompetence.

According to the governor, the fired spokesman could not stop his former employees (that is the former newspaper he worked for) from publishing nasty things about him and so did not deserve his huge pay. The governor did not say if what was written about him was true or if he had been discharging his responsibilities to the people in accordance with his election promises. As far as he was concerned, the spokesman deserved the boot for not making his own newspaper eulogise (instead of criticize) him.

Olusegun Adeniyi also recently shared an experience he had while serving as spokesman to Late President Umaru Yar’adua with readers of his column.

The President was being criticized on the issue of power and his failure to declare a state of emergency on the sector as promised. One of those hawks in

the Presidency met the President and said Adeniyi was not doing enough to protect his image and gave him a proposal to set up an Information Management Team (IMT) that will be peopled by some editors and some so-called experts in image making. To cut the long story short, the project will gulp some millions of dollars on a monthly basis.

According to Adeniyi, the President initially bought the idea but he (Adeniyi) had to put up a lot sound arguments to convince him that those people only want to feed fat on his naivety. Adeniyi had told the President that he should do his best to fix some of those challenges that people were complaining about through the media and leave the image management to him. Adeniyi told the President that the best way to answer critics is to perform. The President agreed with him, reason prevailed and the Judas was fired.

Now let’s discuss our current President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He started with Ima Niboro as his spokesman. After his election last year, he relieved him of his duties and replaced him with a far more recognized media giant in the person of Dr Reuben Abati, a man who still retains the respect of regular readers of his column in The Guardian in those days.

But because the media bashing he and his Dame were receiving from the press never stopped even with Abati, he was prevailed upon to add to the payroll of the Presidency by bringing in another familiar face, Dr Doyin Okupe.

Even with the duo of Okupe and Abati, the President is still dissatisfied with the way he is being portrayed by the media and believes he is being unjustly criticized. These days, he complains a lot about the bashing he gets from critics and the media. The way he complains, he seems to this writer, that President Jonathan wishes he could curtail press freedom or promulgate his own Decree 4.

He may have been misled by his advisers that one of the ways of getting favourable reportage from the Nigerian media is by signing the then contentious Freedom of Information Act into law. This is true to an extent but it is not enough. The Nigerian people are not pleased with this government and they are the ones lamenting, the media is

closer to them than the presidency, that is why it is screaming and shouting out their sentiments.

The President started recently by taking his real and perceived critics to the cleaners, wondering why he gets all the bashing when he didn’t cause all the problems the country is facing.

In what has become one of his helpless lamentations in recent times, the President spoke at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) reportedly: “I think I am the most criticized President in the whole world…..”

He added, “Sometimes, I ask, were there roads in this country and Jonathan brought flood to destroy the roads: “Was there power and Jonathan brought hurricane to wipe it out? If the Boko Haram menace is caused by poverty in the North, were there farms and Jonathan brought tsunami and drought to destroy them?”

He continued a few days later while signing performance contracts with ministers by accusing the media of being too politicised.

“It gives all of us targets and you can assess yourself whether you are really achieving that target, you will not depend on what the newspapers will want to write because the media today is highly politicized.”

Last Tuesday at an event organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the country’s 52nd independence anniversary, the President took the media to the cleaners once again, lambasting it for criticizing his government.

His words: “That is why I talk

“

This absolute lack of information on the part of the President is pitiable. The people that are misinforming our leader should to be tried for treason

President Goodluck Jonathan about the political media.

Because of the interest of 2015, whatever you do is immaterial.

The government must be brought down.”

In another helpless lamentation at the same event, he said: “The way Nigerians challenge and abuse me, yes, the president has enormous power but if you use that enormous power to some extent you will look like a dictator. In a democratic setting, you want to create an environment where people can create their opinion and that is why people are allowed to talk freely and demonstrate. But are we doing so properly?”

He went ahead to say that he didn’t believe the people who occupied the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos when government senselessly jerked up the fuel price from N65 to N141 in January were genuine Nigerians. According to him, they were rented.

This absolute lack of information on the part of the President is pitiable. The people that are misinforming our leader should to be tried for treason.

That is the least this writer can recommend.

Opposition or no opposition, critics or no critics, Nigerians feel the pain of government policies which are not friendly these days.

Opposition will do its own but if people see the essence of governance in their homes and on the streets, they won’t protest. Is it not the irrational policies of government that are making opposition figures look like heroes?

Let us ask, were fuel subsidy removal and 5,000 notes part of the contract Mr President signed with Nigerians while campaigning last year?

Come to think of it. The President won in Lagos last year even though the dominant party

in the state, ACN had its own presidential candidate. That is to show the extent to which Lagosians loved the President. They were obviously moved by his rags-to— riches tale of being shoeless. But the same people who voted for him were hit by a very bad policy at a very bad time and rejected it, and the President is now saying they are not the ordinary people. When they trooped out in millions to queue for long hours in order to thumbprint for him at the polls, why didn’t he say they were not the real people?

On his ceaseless attack on the media, let us remind the President that the Fourth Estate has been around for a very long time in this country and has been in the forefront of many battles in the past. It will outlive the President’s tenure and no matter the level of blackmail, it will not take anything less than performance from any leader.

The President in that particular forum said he won’t be intimidated by anyone but he is now trying to intimidate the media. The media fought against colonialism in this country, battled military rule to a standstill while it contributed significantly to the death of the ignoble third term ambition of a former civilian despot. The likes of Balgulda Kaltho and Dele Giwa are not here to tell the story. But the likes of Kunle Ajibade, Babafemi Ojudu, Bayo Onanuga, Chris Anyanwu and co are still around.

While we do not say the media is peopled by saints but even if a section of it is politicized, is that what any leader should bother about, and verbally attack the entire industry at every forum?

Do ordinary Nigerians on the streets even care about the headlines as much as they bother about their stomach, rent, power, fuel scarcity, roads, healthcare and others?

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Analysis Close-up on senators who bagged National Honours

By Richard Ihediwa

O

n Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan conferred national honours on 155 Nigerians including six of the paralympians who won gold for the country in the just concluded Olympic Games in London.

When the Federal Government published the list of those pencilled down to receive the 2012 National Merit Award, it was greeted by scathing criticisms as many Nigerians argue that some of those who made the list did not merit the honour. Nigerians were quick to point out that the list was replete with politicians and bureaucrats while ordinary hard working and patriotic Nigerians were not remembered.

The argument was that the essence of the award was to reward exceptional acts of patriotism so that it will fire the spirit of patriotism and statesmanship on the populace.

Many think that a handful of those who bagged the award this year did not fit into that.

This has become a subject of debate as some believe that there are people in the list that were eminently qualified for the award. They feel the government wanted a mixed grill of professionals, feat achievers, gallant soldiers, revered traditional rulers and religious leaders, exceptional bureaucrats as well as outstanding politicians including some state governors and some members of the National Assembly.

Among those who received the award include some serving senators, who in the mind of the authorities, qualify. They include Senate Leaders Victor Ndoma- Egba, Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, Senators Ayogu Eze, Zainab Kure, Ahmed Lawan and Emmanuel Bwacha. A look at the profile of the lawmakers shows that they must have been chosen for certain contributions and performance especially as lawmakers as some of them were little known in the national polity until when they foraged into politics.

Their selections may have been largely influenced by their contributions in their respective states and constituencies.

This is

Ndoma-Egba

especially against the backdrop of the fact that their governors have great influence in their emergence as nominees.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma- Egba (CON) Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) representing Cross River Central is one of those whose selection for the award of CON was applauded by interest groups. Ndoma Egba who was holding the award OFR has held many positions especially at the state level where he was a one-time Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

However, many came to know Ndoma-Egba when he appeared in the Senate in 2003. He became very popular when he became the spokesperson of the Senate after being appointed the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity. Ndoma-Egba is well known for his intellectual, pragmatic and realistic argument on the floor of the Senate especially when there are knotty constitutional issues. During his tenure as Senate’s spokesperson, NdomaEgba adopted the system of full disclosure which went a long way to redeem the image of the Senate which was in a very bad shape before he came Ndoma-Egba later became the Deputy Leader of Senate Leader in 2007, a position he used to provide leadership direction to the Senate especially on constitutional issues. He is among the lawmakers that have helped in ensuring the stability of the Senate since 2007. He is said to be among those who fashioned the strategy that led to the successful amendment of the 1999 constitution. He is said to be the brain behind the decision of the Senate to take issues one after the other

beginning with the less contentious instead of carrying all items at the same time.

This paid off and led to the amendments recorded so far on the constitution. Ndoma- Egba is now the Senate Leader and his ability to give direction to the leadership of the Senate is known to be exceptional. He is also reputed to be very generous and philanthropic.

Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi (CON) Deputy Leader Abdul Ningi is another awardee whose selection for the award of CON was applauded.

Ningi representing Bauchi Central was already holding the award of OON. Ningi who came to the Senate in 2011 from the House of Representatives where he excelled as the Leader is known for his fearlessness and stance for justice during debates especially on issues that has direct bearing with the good of the common man. Ningi’s sagacity and brevity have overtime helped the National Assembly adopt stance that was for the general good. He is a team player and a nationalist who always take side with the people on issue to ensure that the common good is achieved irrespective of party affiliations. He is one of those that have since 1999 continue

Abdul Ningi

to ensure that the appropriate conditions were maintained to guarantee the stability of the polity.

Ayogu Eze (CON) The selection of Senator Ayogu Eze representing Enugu North for the award of CON came to no surprise to many especially those who have closely followed his activities in the Senate and in his home Enugu state, since he became a senator in 2007. Ayogu Eze, a journalist came to the national limelight when he emerged the

Senate Spokesperson following his appointment as Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity. Eze’s ability to maintain and enhance the image and credibility of the Senate during his tenure as spokesperson was outstanding and many believed the achievement of the Senate between 2007 to 2011 including the amendments to the Constitution and various mediation roles it played in the polity was based on his ability to showcase the Senate within that period.

Ayogu Eze

Also his stance and fearlessness during debates on matters of public good has also endeared him to many Nigerians.

He played outstanding roles in the amendment of the constitution and is known for having moved many motions that touched on the lives of the common Nigerian. Currently, Eze is the chairman Senate Committee on Works and he has started championing the introduction of road development master plan in the country. In Enugu, Eze is one of those who have continued help in providing political stability needed for massive development which is being witnessed in that state.

Ahmed Lawan (CON) Senator Ahmed Lawan representing Yobe North is another person whose selection for the award of CON. Lawan, an academician, who was in the House of Representatives before he came to the Senate in 2003 is known for his meticulousness and outspokenness in handling national assignments.

Lawan is known to be one of the intellectual engine rooms of the legislature since the return of democracy in 1999.

He became the Chairman Senate Committee on Public Account in 2007, tasking job which he has been handling with distinction resulting in his reappointment to the position in 2011.

As Chairman of the Public Account committee, Lawan’s committee has been providing the much needed checks on the excesses of the executive resulting in the exposure of fraud and entrenchment of best practices in the system.

Lawan is also one of those working on the pillars to ensure the stability of the Senate for greater productivity and good governance for all Nigerians.

ZainabKure (CON) Zainab Kure representing Niger South has also been applauded for the award of CON conferred on her. She is currently the Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport. Though she came to national limelight as First Lady of Niger state when her husband was governor of that state, Zainab Kure has been able to rise above the limitations placed against woman to carve her own political niche in the Nigerian polity.

Against all odds, Zainab Kure recorded landslide electoral victory, in a male dominated struggle, to be in the Senate for the second time.

Zainab Kure is known for her fearlessness and outspokenness on national issues. She has also been providing outstanding leadership role for politicians from the North Central at the federal level even as she is fast becoming a rallying point for political issues in the region. A broadcaster with humble beginning, Zainab Kure has become a leading example that women can actually rise above the ordinary to become a force to reckon with in a male dominated society.

Zainab Kure

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Weekend

PAGE 17

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 18

Relationship If you have any relationship story you want to share with our esteem readers, please send to the above address. Let's share your love story.

Heart Matterz With A'isha Biola Raji

I don't want to have anything to do with him Need Advice! -Tema I again —Linda I

E-mail: rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com Phone: 08082071393

broke up with my boyfriend a couple of months ago and it's still fresh in my memory; we only dated about 5 months and things were going really well.

We were really into each other although he wouldn't want to get physical and honestly I love getting physical. Anyway he was really nice early on but then things changed. He started getting really pissed off if I made plans with my friends and he even banned me from being friends with them. I thought he was just playing around but subsequently my friendship with those people ended.

He was always texting me and didn't like it if I told him "I can't talk/text right now I'm spending time with family". I never thought seriously about any of this until we had a big fight before school and I tried to walk away before I said something I would regret. He

grabbed me hard by the arms and forced me into a corner telling me that I wasn't going to walk away from him. I ended up screaming at him and not talking to him for a few days but the stupid girl that I am, I forgave him.

The final straw was when the pinching, bruising and name calling started "stupid,

weird, whore, etc." I ended up breaking up with him and told him exactly why; I didn't like the abusive behavior. This ended up with 20+ texts and one long message where he cried and told me that I was at fault because I never talked about my feelings. It's been about 3 months and he is still sending text messages and acts like we're still really good friends/dating. He doesn't get the long silence and I'm close to telling him to stop texting me, I want NOTHING to do with him.

Re- Run as fast as you can, never talk to him again. He is dangerous. Please see yourself as worthy of a good loving relationship, not a prisoner to be held at the hands of a monster like that young man.

—Mr. Charles

Why do I put up with this?!

I

've been dating this guy for about two years now and we really loved each other. We both loved weed too. Everything was going great until he got some huge amount of money from his grandpa but he mainly spent it on weed, he stopped talking to me on phone and treated me like shit. He had a good job and he got fired for doing something grimy. He blames me for getting him fired because I stopped smoking and he kept doing it even when he didn't have money to buy some. He constantly calls me

a bitch, fat, slut, cheater. He thinks I'm cheating on him because I dress well, I've stopped paying his bills, I have dreams, I want to do great things and I want to create a good life for myself. If I have him in my life, I will fail. He used to be really nice, now all he wants to do is sit down and smoke. He says he wants to be with me for the rest of my life but I don't want to risk everything and then have to put up with his lifestyle. What do I do? Do I sit and talk with him? Do I go to a relationship counselor for advice? Or do I

just break up with him?

Re- I have been in a similar relationship. I am guessing that you are in your early twenties?

From my experience, there were many times I felt like I had to get out of the relationship but I honestly thought I couldn't live without him. And then I started to ask myself questions like how many more years of this should I put up with? Is this fair to me?

Eventually, I left him and it was the best thing I did but I did it when I was ready. My advice is to try to look into yourself as much as possible as you are your greatest resource. Ask yourself those important questions. I wish you best of luck.

-Tade Dump him: First of all you need to realize that weed is illegal to possess and smoke.

After you realize that you need to realize that it is bad to do drugs and date a man that does drugs. You should dump him and go find yourself a better person.

-David

was dating a guy who just got out of a long term relationship where his ex cheated on him. We had an amazing 2 months and he was all about me, he told me he wasn't interested anymore in the relationship. I pushed and he bounced. I am devastated. I asked if he would reconsider and he said no. What should I do? How should I handle this?

Re- You have to move on. Sorry, but he wasn't ready for any commitment. He might be in another year or two, but you'd be a fool waiting around for that.

-Richard

Sick of looking for a relationship- Blah

I

'm a pretty great guy in search of steady relationship; all I seem to find nowadays is the wrong lady.

Where are the normal decent women? It's like they don't exist and it's driving me crazy.

I wouldn't mind having someone to hang out with and no I don't need a supermodel, they're all materialistic anyway but just someone normal.

I had a great relationship 2 years ago but she wanted to get serious when I wasn't ready, plus there were a few things about her I didn't like but I thought later when I'm ready, I'll find someone better. 2 years and no one is better for me.

Guys tell me where to look please..

Relationship tips Solve conflicts by taking the lead

C

o n f l i c t is not in itself a bad thing. In fact, conflicts in relationships can be constructive when used as a vehicle for improving communication. The following four steps can help you use conflict as a tool for gaining clarity, creating deeper understanding and strengthening relationships.

When you are in the midst of conflict, take the LEAD to manage it respectfully and calmly.

Listen to what is being said: Many times, conflict arises from a simple lack of understanding or miscommunication. Avoid making assumptions about what you hear. Instead, ask for clarification. For example, "I heard you say X, is that what you meant?"

Explore the feelings that come up: Sometimes conflict escalates because something about the situation is an emotional trigger for us. If you're feeling upset by the conversation, try to determine where the feeling is coming from. Take several deep breaths and try to remember that, what is happening now is completely separate from the past. You can manage conflict more effectively if you deal only with the matter at hand. When you start introducing memories and past sleights it will be tough to get past the history of bad feelings to work toward a positive outcome.

Affirm the other person's point of view: You don't have to agree to understand the other point of view. Simply acknowledging and validating someone's feelings can be a powerful tool for resolving conflict positively. At the end of the day, most people just want to be heard.

Decide on a fair course of action: Now that you have a clear idea of what the problem is and where the person is coming from, it is time to explore some solutions. Throw out some ideas that you can get together. Choose the soundest option that you can agree on. Plan to revisit your decision within a specified period of time to see how you are doing and what changes, if any, need to be made.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 19

Beauty Tips

Do you want to have fairer but safe skin?

H

ave a fair and glowing skin with home products, without expensive skin whitening products.

Most women want to have whiter and fair skin, and they use different skin whitening tips to satisfy their desire for white skin. The enthusiasm of the skin whitening tips is seen mainly in the Eastern side, where everyone would look white using various skin care tips and skin whitening treatments that can give them fairer skin and again, when the hot sun tanning is the main cause of trying to acquire white skin.

Nowadays many skin whitening products are readily available in the market. The skin whitening creams and lotions contain active ingredients such as bleach, lemon and aloe Vera extracts, which reduce the production of melanin in the body and protects the skin from being darker.

Although the skin whitening products have become very popular, but the skin whitening range of major brands such as Olay and L’Oreal are not affordable for everyone. If you’re not in a position to buy expensive skin whitening products, you can try homemade skin whitening tips that are incredibly useful. Homemade skin whitening tips are not only cheap and useful, but also help your skin to prevent it from damage caused by harmful chemicals in many skin lightening creams.

If you want to get rid of dark skin, skin whitening homemade tips is a great way to get your skin to facilitate safe and efficient colour skin.

However, you can enjoy the best Honey and almonds for results if you apply these useful skin most amazing white skin care tips in your daily routine: Honey and almonds The face mask of honey and almonds is one of the most amazing skin whitening tips. You can easily have skin whitening mask by a teaspoon of milk powder, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon almond oil and apply on face for 10-15 before washing it off.

Tomato and oatmeal You can also use the skin whitening effect, followed by mixing oatmeal with yogurt and tomato juice and apply it on face for at least 20 minutes, wash with cold water. This is a beautiful skin whitening treatment to remove the tan and have lighter skin tone.

Milk and lemon juice One of the most effective homemade skin whitening tips is the gram flour and milk mask, it glow on both lighter and dark skin. How do you achieve this, mix 1 tablespoon of gram flour with 2 teaspoons of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice and heat for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Potato slices One of the simple homemade skin whitening tips is the use of sliced raw potato on face, which reduces blemishes and marks from the skin.

Potato slices, reduces blemishes and marks

Tomato and oatmeal, lighter skin tone

Milk and lemon juice for glow and shine

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Learning Short story

With Augustine Aminu 07038749120 julius2001_a@yahoo.com

The Honourable Minister (I)

A

s the drama group of the Federal Government College, Jawan, got set for its performance, the audience became increasingly restive, eager for the spotlight to beam on the stage. Everyone was bursting to watch the drama not just because of its title, “A Day in the Life of the Minister”, which stood out among the other titles in the competition, the school was well known for its excellent performances.

The important personalities on the high table were not left out in the excitement. The Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Information, was particularly anxious. He couldn’t wait to see himself mirrored in the creative ingenuity of these intelligent youths reputed for dramatic excellence.

The group had never come second in any competition.

It was therefore the expectation of all that even in this special contest organised by the First Lady of the state to mark the nation’s independence anniversary it would prove its mettle.

The school principal was quite sure of this, for the English teacher, the brain behind the group’s consistent achievements, was a winner any day. That was why when he went to her office a week ago to brief her on the play she simply gave him a go-ahead without even bothering to know the title.

“Mr. John, just go ahead,” she had said. “Do what you deem neceassary.”

Mr. John was, no doubt, one to be trusted.

His sense of judgment was quite exceptional. But like most artists, he was also

full of crazy ideas. And this play was a product of one of such ideas—an experimentation of what he called Real-drama, a kind of drama in which actors are expected to act as naturally as possible. To achieve this effect, he merely gave the actors the title of the play and a rough idea of the story line, leaving the details to their own imagination and initiative. So even he himself was a stranger to the drama that was about to unfold.

As the audience’s attention gouged through the dark stage, a sudden violent scream went off somewhere offstage, throwing everyone offbalance. “ W u u u o o O H !

WuuuUUOOOOH! WUUUOOOOOOOH!” A powerful spotlight flooded the stage, revealing the actors (the Minister and his entourage) just in time to prevent a general stampede. Even the security personnel were taken aback.

Before they dashed to the protection of the dignitaries, the First Lady had jumped into the arms of the nearest person—the Information Minister!

“Ha-ha-ha!” the Minister and his entourage laughed boisterously from the stage.

“Who says to be a minister is a small thing,” the Minister enthused, trembling with laughter.

“The siren really scared the hell out of them,” said one of the members of the entourage.

“Why not!” exclaimed the Minister, looking towards the high table.

“What is a masquerade without the mask? Without thunder and lightning, how can the mortal appreciate

what goes into rain-making?

Ha-ha-ha..!”

“But, sir, your detractors may describe it as an act of terrorism, this siren...” his Permanent Secretary began.

But another member of the entourage cut him short: “And why should that bother the Honourable Minister!”

“Tell him!” said the Minister in agreement. “It is his types that are agitating for a ban on the use of siren...”

“Your detractors will never see the light of day, sir...” the Permanent Secretary apologised.

“What is power without a screaming siren?” the Minister fumed.

“There is no power, sir!” the Permanent Secretary concurred, completely apologetic.

The light faded out. And a moment later another light spilled over the stage, revealing the Minister at home; then at the office; at a function; at another function; at yet another function... Inaugurating a committee on the National Poverty Eradication Programme, a committee on the National Re-orientation Agency, a panel of inquiry to investigate the misappropriation of 2 billion Naira meant for the federal civil service pensioners...

At every scene, which flowed sequentially into the next scene with gradual changes in the lighting to reflect times of the day, the Minister displayed incredible ministerial antics, attracting intermittent ovation from the audience.

The high table was becoming more tense as the play progressed.

To be continued.

Hackers reveal 10 PC security mistakes we ALL make

A

n o n y m o u s supporters: But we all play into the hands of hackers, by making elementary …No one knows security mistakes better than hackers - because for them, tiny errors in security are the ‘keys’ that allow access to home PCs and office computer systems.

And hackers are clear about one thing. Computer users make mistakes all the time - and often the same ones, over and over again.

Two hackers - one ‘ethical hacker’, who tests computer systems by attempting to break into them, and one exhacker who now works in security - lay bare the ten errors that crop up most often.

‘People are too trusting,’ says Tom Beale, who has worked as an ‘ethical hacker’ for 10 years, protecting corporate and government systems by finding weaknesses.

‘The human element is always the weak link in the chain. People are very easily distracted - and particular attackers prey on that.’

‘People are just getting more and more stupid,’ says Cal Leeming, an ex-hacker who was convicted for a cyber crime, but now works in computer security.

‘They want their stuff to be protected, but they expect someone else to do it for them. People don’t want

to know.

Even for companies, computer security isn’t a priority, because it’s not a primary source of income. It’s only once the company’s been hit that they realise, “Oh we should have paid more attention than that”.’

1. Don’t use the same username everywhere ‘People often upload photos of themselves to an online library, say,’ says Cal Leeming, a former hacker who works in security at Simplicity Media, ‘But they use a username they use on other sites. They don’t realise that people can use Google to connect them across all the different worlds they visit, and then work out a way in.’

2. Don’t trust public wi-fi ‘When you go on a public wi-fi network you have no way to determine whether it’s a real network run by a reputable company, or a fake run by a spotty guy next to you,’ says Tom Beale of Vigilante Bespoke. ‘The problem’s particularly bad on mobile, where you really can’t tell if you’re on a fake network set up to steal your data. If you’re going to use public networks for business, use a laptop, because the browser will warn you of security breaches - your phone won’t.’

3. Be careful about who your friends are on

Facebook ‘Facebook has been basically forced to implement privacy settings,’ says Cal. ‘But people still get it wrong.

They randomly friend other people, not realising they are giving away information that could be useful in a cyber attack - for instance names of pets or family that might be a password or security question.’

4. Don’t trust people you don’t know ‘I always tell people to do an ‘offline test’ - ie would you do the same thing if you were offline? So for instance, if you’re chatting to someone online, and you tell them some information, would you give that information to someone you’d just met in a bar?,’ says Tom. ‘Online, you’re even LESS safe - because you may not be talking to who you think you are. People just seem to lose all concept of reality when they’re on a PC.’ 5. Use two-factor passwords when you can ‘People resist this except when they’re made to do it like by their bank,’ says Tom. ‘But it does add that extra layer. It does offer protection. People accept that their bank will use tokens or keycard readers, but when other sites add it, people resist it - they just want quick access.’

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Healthy Living

Stem-cell, only known cure for HIV/AIDs, Dr Agwale As scientists globally battle to find the cure for HIV/AIDS with many procedures, renowned vaccinologist Dr Simon Agwale, founder/chief executive of Innovative Biotech Limited, Keffi, Nasarawa State, and Innovative Biotech USA Inc, asserts that the only known cure for the scourge remains the stem-cell approach. Agwale, former chair and West Africa's representative on HIV/AIDs for Developing Countries Coordinating Committee (DCCC) at European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Programme (EDCTP), maintains that although the procedure is cumbersome, its simplification has been the concern of his agency. Augustine Aminu was there. Excerpts:

What is a stem-cell approach? t is the only solution, at least for now, to cure HIV/AIDs. It was first done in Berlin, Germany, in what is today called the Berlin Patient. Naturally there is less than 0.3 percent of the world population with a HIV resistant gene which is in the CCR5 co-receptor. HIV enters the cells via a tri-complex between the virus, CD4 and then the coreceptor. Because of this natural mutation or deletion in the CCR5, the CCR5, in this 0.3 percent of the world population, mainly Caucasians, which is one percent of the Caucasian population, has the resistant gene. So that gene becomes inactive because of the deletion. As such the HIV binds to CD4 and it won’t enter the cell because the CCR5 is inactive.

Based on that information, the Berlin doctors presented a case study of a patient that had leukemia and the only therapy was the stem cell. They went to the bone marrow centre in Germany, screened some cord blood and found a potential donor.

They did cross-matching, called HLA, to ensure that the donor was compatible with the recipient to avoid graft rejection. When they did that, they got a resistant patient that had a resistance gene.

They took stem cells from the blood of the patient and did bone marrow transplant after compatibility test. Shortly, the engraftment was successful. It means the donor’s stem cells will form a chimeric with the recipient’s stem cells.

That chimeric will then be repopulated. Because they are resistant to HIV, the virus will not infect them. So the original cells of the infected person will die off and new ones made. The cells that will be repopulated are the chimeric, which is resistant to HIV. The case of Berlin is over five years now and all kinds of sensitive assays have been done and no virus found in him. This is the only known cure for HIV. Hence, scientists began to look into how to get that resistant gene.

Because it is not practicable much screening is involved to get people with a resistant gene; and even if the resistant gene is got, there must be cross-matching to see if the recipient can receive the cell from the donor, it makes it impracticable. Even in that case, if you get one resistant gene, it can only serve one donor; it became cumbersome.

The second approach, yet to enter the clinic, is to introduce artificial deletion

I

into HIV patients stem cells. Here the cell of a HIV patient is taken and deleted based on what happens in nature, and returned to the bone marrow. The deleted stem cell is then repopulated, and it will mimic what happens naturally and the person will be cured. That approach again is cumbersome. It is not practical for developing countries where the majority of the victims live.

Since we know that this approach works, we decided to do something differently; more so that we know the limitations of the two approaches. Companies are developing drugs mimicking the resistant gene. We now thought that taking cells from those resistant people and isolating those specific repopulating cells, that is the haemotopoetic stem cells, and expanding them in the lab, there will be enough cells - one donor donating to millions of people.

That is the only quick approach.

The proof of concept is what we are about to test. If it works, it means we have overcome the issue of cross matching. These cells can be given to anybody irrespective of whether they match or not.If that approach works, we will now worry about how to have a bank in the lab by reprogramming the cells into what is called the induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs).

They have all kinds of cells that can differentiate into the liver, heart etc. You can now derive the haematopoitic stem cells from the cell bank (IPSCs).. They can be sent to anywhere in the world for expansion in the lab. for clinical application. We are interested in the blood because the goal is to rebuild the immune system. That is what technology is all about. You take haematopoetic stem cells from induced pluripotentstem cells and expand them in the lab using the sorting method to select the ones needed. Then several patients can be given. There will be a situation where infected Africans’ immune system will be rebuilt to carry the HIV resistant genes. They can also be a perfect resource for other patients. It means you have a local pool of these resistant genes from where other patients will be treated. This method eliminates the issue of cross-matching and raw materials because there will be indigenous people whose immune system has been rebuilt with the resistant gene. We are growing enough cells now in our US lab. If it works, great news; if it fails, the research continues. We know that if we repopulate resistant genes,

Dr Agwale there will be cure. It has been demonstrated; it is figuring now that remains.

Who are those involved in the innovation?

Research requires multidisciplinary approaches.

Immunologists, stem cell experts, molecular biologists, donors, clinicians, laboratory scientists among others are in this scheme.

This is the sign of the 21 century.

This is why we don’t have cures for most diseases because people work independently. If it sails through, the over five million HIV patients in Nigeria will be taken care of, and eventually the 34 million worldwide. This will eliminate mother-to-child transmission and prevent new infections. It is a prelude to eradication of the scourge.

How does this concept relate to a report many years ago that some prostitutes in Kenya have resistant genes?

The case of Kenyan commercial workers was different.

They had what is called the cellular immune response. That requires constant boosting. It is like somebody has something and something is given to boost the system. So they had to remain in business to be constantly exposed to the virus to be protected. Many of them that left the work became infected. The case in Kenya was not natural. It was an artificial protection. This one is natural. If you have this mutation in the cell, you become resistant to HIV. There is no vaccine for HIV today because there is no knowledge about the correlates of protection.

When do we expect the result?

Once the bone marrow transplant is done, a couple of weeks, you will notice the effect. First the genotype will change to the donor’s.

Then you know that the graft was successful.

Then a couple of weeks more, the viral load will become undetected and there will be a rebuilt immune system.

Does it have anything to do with sickle cell?

The further advantage of this,

if it works, is to change the entire transplantation field.

It will be easy to do kidney and liver transplants because it has taken care of transplanting.

Sickle cell disease will also be resolved.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

With Aunty A'isha

Sights and sounds Dangers of flooding

PAGE 23

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

The Bundle of Sticks

T

By Restorations Educational Staff

F

looding is one of the most dangerous, destructive, and deadly natural disasters that can occur. They can happen anywhere, and at any time, for a variety of reasons. Flood-related deaths are common, usually due to lack of proper preparation and nonexistent safety protocols.

As difficult as it may be for adults to remain safe during a flood event, it is even more so for children.

Children need to be properly taught about the dangers of flooding, what to do, what not to do, and how to best keep themselves safe and alive. It should be explained to them in language that they understand, in a manner designed to educate and not simply frighten. In addition, adults should be proper role models when it comes to heeding the advice and warnings as issued by the National Weather Service and taking all appropriate safety measures.

Teaching tips Children should be taught to avoid water when unsupervised. After a storm occurs, puddles are natural temptations, but creeks, ditches, basically any area overflowing with water can be dangerous. Water does not always indicate its depth, and what looks like a shallow puddle may be a hole, several feet deep.

Children should know that they are to never try to walk or run across any kind of

flowing water. It only takes six inches to knock a grown man off his feet and children are even less stable. Running water also carries debris such as rocks and branches, which may cause serious injury if it strikes them.

Children should know how to operate a portable radio or television, and where to tune it for weather forecasts and conditions. Flash floods occur rapidly, and most deaths related to them occur because people do not evacuate rapidly enough. Have a family emergency plan in place and make sure your child knows the drill. Keep them involved in the process. They should also know how to dial 911 and explain any emergency that may happen.

Teach your child the slogan "Turn Around, Don’t Drown", designed to warn people away from flood conditions. They need to learn that avoiding flood water is the best way to avoid injury or death. In emergency cases, they should always remain with their parents or the closest responsible adult.

Following orders and instructions is paramount, since this is for their safety and well being.

Never assume that your child will do the correct thing in emergency situations.

They lack the judgment and discernment skills necessary to cope with such eventualities. The best you can do for them is make sure that they are properly educated on all facets of severe weather and flooding

wo men were walking along one summer day.

Soon it became too hot to go any further and, seeing a large plane tree nearby, they threw themselves on the ground to rest in its shade.

Gazing up into the branches one man said to the other: “What a useless tree this is. It does not have fruit or nuts that we can eat and we cannot even use its wood for anything.”

“Don’t be so ungrateful,” rustled the tree in reply. “I am being extremely useful to you at this very moment, shielding you from the hot sun. And you call me a good-for-nothing!”

All of God’s creations have a good purpose.

HEAL TH TIP HEALTH

How to be safe when you are in the sun Don’t Feel the Burn Even though the sun is hot, it does cool things. It keeps us warm.

It makes flowers and plants grow.

It even gives us vitamin D

so we can better absorb calcium into our bodies for strong bone!

CARTOON OF THE WEEK

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 22

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

With Aunty A'isha

AFRICAN TALES

Puppy love

A

s they neared the clay pits, the old dog let out a low whine. It was greeted by a shout of joy from high up in a tree where the princess had climbed to escape a lion. As she hurried down from the tree, her father examined the scene. It was not difficult to see what had happened. He saw the pit where his daughter had been buried and the claw marks where her faithful dog had dug her out.

And when he finally held his daughter, he saw smear marks over her face where her loyal friend had licked her back to life.

"Oh, Father,"cried the girl, "I feared I would never see you again!"

"If it had not been for your faithful old friend here, I hate to think what would have happened," smiled the chief. "I couldn't understand why he had clay all over himself until I found your wooden amulet in his mouth."

"Well, I saved his life so long ago," said the daughter. "I guess it is only right that he saved my life today."

There was great rejoicing throughout the village when the

chief returned with his daughter.

Everyone was thrilled to see the princess safely home. Well, that is everyone except the girls who had gone to the clay pits. They trembled, and for a good reason!

When the chief finally called the girls in front of him, he declared, "Those who give death should also be given death. But, I have learned something from this old dog. Sometimes it is also good to save a life. So, I will give you a chance to live, although you certainly don't deserve it. If you wish to live, you must bring me that terrible monster Nabulela.

He has troubled our village long enough. Yes, bring me this creature and I will spare your lives."

It wasn't much of a choice for the group of girls. They faced a possible death at the hands of the terrible monster or certain death at the hands of their chief. But, they quickly devised a plan that they hoped just might save their lives and satisfy their chief.

At sunset, the girls set out for the lake with the porridge and bread that they always brought to Nabulela. However, instead of

MODEL OF THE WEEK

leaving it at the water's edge and fleeing, the girls dropped loaves of bread along the shore, tempting the monster out of the water. The bread and porridge didn't interest him as much as the girls who brought the offering. And since the girls remained along the shore, it didn't take long to get Nabulela's attention.

When the monster emerged from the water, the girls saw just how enormous the snow-white creature really was. And then, he roared and they saw just how many sharp teeth he had. That was too much for the girls. They dropped the porridge and fled back towards their village. Nabulela raced after them.

It was lucky for the girls that they had a good lead, because he was a very fast creature.

The girls raced into the village and straight through the entrance of the royal cattle kraal with the monster just behind them. Of course, the girls had no plans to remain trapped in the kraal. They dashed through to the back exit and escaped. Immediately, two of their friends slammed the gate shut before Nabulela could follow. And then, two others locked the front entrance to the kraal.

The great snow-white creature was trapped. It didn't take the girls' fathers long to finish the job their children had started. The great monster was no match for so many warriors with shields and spears.

The village girls created a magnificent snow-white cape for their chief.

The chief not only forgave them, but he wore the cape over his shoulders for the rest of his life. And, of course, there was enough left over to make a matching snow-white cape for his daughter and her faithful old dog.

The end.

CREA TIVITY CREATIVITY

How to make an animal from string When it is What you need: A ball of yarn Scissors Googly eyes What to do: Take or buy a 1 ball of yarn Take the beginning of the string and place it under your (Right or Left)thumb.

Create a small gap. Here comes a part where

all cut, take a piece of string and double knot it around the middle.

4

you must remain calm. You must make a small space where you can fit the scissors through. Please be VERY careful when doing this.

Cut the yarn carefully and when it starts falling off hold on to that one end carefully.

6

Play with it so it does not look like 7 string with string tied around the middle.

If you want, you can add googly eyes but they might not stick.

8

2 5

3

Wrap it around your hand until you have the thickness you want it to be. There should be no flesh showing where you wrapped it. The more yarn you use the bigger it will be.

Enjoy your new friend.

You now have a cute and fuzzy friend to give to someone or 9 keep to yourself!

Esther Enyo-Ojo Sunday aged 5 years of Gid-Vic Academy, Kugbaru Road, Ado, Nasarawa state. She likes writing, reading, singing and watching cartoons

ACTIVITIES Name and paint the image below with any colour of your choice, describe what they are doing.

Show your work to your teacher for correction.

Cheers!

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Kannywood

PAGE 25

Nollywood

Entertainment

I experienced marriage problems- Dan Hausawa

Top 10 richest Nollywood actresses

Dan Hausawa or DH is one of the popular musicians in Kaduna state, he is using his music as a commentary of what is happening in the society and also preaches against societal issues such as religious and ethnic violence. In this interview with Nasiru Mu’azu Isa he discloses his plans for the “I want peace” campaign and also the challenges of doing music in northern Nigeria..

Dan Hausawa Can you introduce yourself? y name is Sama’ila Adoyi Ogwuche, popularly known as Dan Hausawa, DH in short.

How did you get the name Dan Hausawa?

The name was given to me by one of my fathers, whose name is Alhaji Abdullahi Gidan Ruwa in Malali. I lived in his house; in fact I have a bunk there. He used to teach us chemistry, biology and physics and I normally come first in these subjects. At a time I started coming second and after a while I started came third, so he started calling me Dan Hausawa. Whenever I had a low grade he would make jest of me and that was how the name stuck and actually became a blessing for me and I thank him for giving me that name.

How long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing for a long time but professionally I started singing in 2007.

How many albums have you released so far?

I just released the second album,

M

which is yet to be in the market, I have finished recording, I have done the album listening. So I have one album out in the market but the second one we are still working on it.

What is the name of the first album?

The first album is titled “Aure”, it means marriage in Hausa.

What made you go into music?

Well it’s something that I have always had passion for; I’ve always loved to sing and not just singing for friends. I have always admired established musicians and love good music. While I was working, I was a presenter in a radio station here in Kaduna and one of my colleagues, Fresh Kid invited me for an audition at Extra Large and the man liked me and I started working with him but there was no future for me there while I worked for 13months. There I met my late friend Hassan Baba Ahmed may his soul rest in peace and he kick started my music officially. We recorded about thirty songs and out of the thirty we selected ten and 2 remixes from the UK “Dariya” and the album was ready and out in the

market.

Why did you name the album “Aure”?

Initially the album was supposed to be named “Dariya”; the Aure song was the last song in the album. I personally experienced marriage problems like break ups and other marital issues. One day I was in a bus, some years ago, there is this place called Magajin Gari in Kaduna and one of the passengers said “akwai Magajin Gari” and the conductor echoed it to the driver saying, “akwai kotun raba aure” meaning the next bus stop is the place where marriages are dissolved. I took it upon myself to visit the place, so I went there on a Saturday and witnessed the proceedings, on that day there were 14 cases and 11 were marital cases with irreconcilable differences. That was one of the reasons I titled the song and the album “Aure”.

Do you make money from music?

Yes! It is very lucrative; it has made a lot of people who thought they were nothing to become somebody, idols and role models in this country. That is where we aspire to get to, but the main reason for going into music is not just for the money, but because music is very lucrative in Nigeria right now, I think we are leading in Africa, especially black Africa. Northern Africa already has a very lucrative music industry, but in black Africa I think Nigeria is leading.

Recently there’s been a lot of noise about the “I want peace concert”, which you spearheaded, can you tell us more about it?

I was born in Kaduna, the north, I grew up here. In fact 90% of my fans don’t know my tribe, they don’t know my religion and that is very good because when you meet someone his identity should not be based on religion or tribe but who he is. We used to have neighbours with whom we exchanged gifts especially during Christmas and Sallah, so while growing up I looked forward to Sallah because I knew I was going to eat a lot of meat, and even wear new clothes because our neighbours will buy us new clothes when they buy for their children.

During Christmas our fathers will also buy clothes for them and we would eat and exchange food and gift items but these days, people don’t even exchange gifts anymore, even those from the same religion don’t even exchange food anymore. You have a city split in two, with people from one tribe on one side and another on the other side. When you are looking for a house people tell you look for a house in this area because that is the place that is safe for you. And then we see that friends today, tomorrow you have a quarrel and the next thing we start killing and burning our homes,

the bike man that carried you from one point to the other is the one you turn against the next day. The passenger you picked today you will turn against the next day over what?

It is the reason why I started the “I want peace” campaign. My new album, the one I mentioned earlier is about it and titled I want peace! We started the foundation and the idea is to have celebrities come and make that clarion call for peace. We also want to engage the youth because we realize that 90% of the people they use to commit crimes are young people.

Then we have prison visitation where we talk to young people because someone who is 15, 16 yrs has been convicted for murder, when they come out they need rehabilitation so they can fit into the society. The “I want peace” campaign is broad; we want to support local drive for conflict resolution. This is my contribution in my own little way to the achievement of peace specifically in my region and the nation in general. We have started with a concert in Abuja where we had a lot of celebrities attend and soon we will be in other places.

Are you married?

Technically I’m married because I’ve reached like 70% of the process now; the remaining 30% is just to invite my family and friends for chops.

How do you cope with fans?

Fans everywhere are the same especially when they idolise you.

Sometimes we over react especially when a female fan says “I love you”, and then we want to be promiscuous but how much promiscuity can one person be involved in. I love and respect my fans. So far so good and I pray God gives me the grace to contain myself.

What is your message to young people especially in Kaduna being the fodder for all the violence in the state?

I just want to let young people know that there is hope, not just in Kaduna but Nigeria as a whole. We need to create synergy among young people, if we hold each other’s hands then we will achieve our goal for peace. I’m very proud of being a member of Occupy Nigeria, what we did has never been done in this nation, we did not achieve what we wanted because the so called activists and NLC sold us out and that is the beginning of change in Nigeria.

I oppose violence in any form, 2015 is coming and we can’t kill ourselves because of that. Our struggle and fight should be against bad governance and corruption.

Let us hash tag #I want peace on twitter, on Face book, like and comment on the page until “I want peace” has become a clarion call for all.

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall

Genevieve Nnaji

Mercy Johnson

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

B

elow are the Top 10 Richest Nollywood Actresses of All Times.

Though they have a humble beginning, they have quietly made it to the top as the best Nollywood Actresses.

1) Kate Henshaw-Nuttall – 67 Million Naira By 2006, she had earned N10 million and the following year, she reached N12 million. The warm and beautiful star is also a model, a former Glo Ambassador, and face of Onga (brand from Promasidor) and has since earned a whopping N20 million between 2008 and 2010.

2) Genevieve Nnaji – 64 Million Naira By 2009, she raised the bar and she was paid $25,000 in the blockbuster international hit movie ‘IJE’ produced by Chineze Anyaene. A model and also a singer, she became the Face of Lux in 2004 and was subsequently involved with Pronto beverage and Omo detergent.

Between 2004 and 2006, she earned a whopping N31.3 million.

N14.7 million came from her two-year deal with Lux ($100,000). With no great interest in real estate, she decided to dive into the fashion industry.

She launched her clothing line St. Genevieve in 2008 which is presently being managed by

Monalisa Chinda fashion icon Zizi Cardow and is reportedly worth N20 million.

There is no doubt that she would have been topping this list with a great margin if she eventually got the Glo deal. She became the first to be contacted by Globacom, but she demanded N50 million while globacom wanted to sign her on for N30 million. She’s reported to have tried later to salvage the deal, but she had already lost it.

3) Ini Edo – 60 Million Naira She has five buildings to her credit and another one to be completed by the end of the year.

Most of the buildings are being

Rita Dominic

Ini Edo

Uche Jombo

Patience Ozokwor

Chioma Chukwuka rented to tenants. By 2007, she had earned N15.7 million from movies and her businesses.

She has just produced her latest flick ‘Memories Of The Heart’ which will be premiered in the United States. She is part of the Glo pride pack and is also part of the project to move Nollywood to another level. She is fully involved with Nollywood USA. 4) Rita Dominic – 58 Million Naira In 2004, she won the City Peoples Award as the Most Outstanding Actress. The face of Nokia and the Glo ambassador is also a business woman.

Rita has done well both as an

actress and a model. Her assets include landed properties and two homes estimated to be worth over N40 million.

Between 2008 and 2009, she earned N16million (most of it part of the money coming from Nokia and Glo.) She is about to launch a book and produce her own films.

5) Mercy Johnson – 55 Million Naira By 2008, Mercy Johnson had appeared in fifteen movies and earned N11.4 million from movies alone. The following year, she earned N13 million and she featured in the Emen Isong hit movie ‘Guilty Pleasures’. She is also an investor in properties and

she is about to complete two houses at the moment. She also owns about six landed properties in Lagos.

6) Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – 53 Million Naira In 2007, she grossed N9 million. Omotola takes it easy with her life and also has great passion for cars.

She drives more expensive cars than any actress in Nollywood and her garage is estimated to be worth N20 million. The mother, model and musician has recently stepped up her game in the music industry.

Her first album ‘Gba’ was her first introduction to the music industry but her sophomore album ‘Me, Myself & Eyes’ has defined her as truly talented. The production and promotion of her album cost her a whopping N13 million.

7) Patience Ozokwor – 51 Million Naira The Enugu star is nicknamed ‘Mama G’ in Nollywood. She is the oldest on the list and is notable for her tough roles in movies. ‘Mama G’, who is also a musician, has been consistent in the industry and her roles have been raw energy. She is very diverse in her investments but also has several landed properties. She also started business very early.

8) Uche Jombo – 49.5 Million Naira In 2008, she pocketed N10 million for her slick performances in several movies.

The Glo ambassador and model, who earned more than N11 million in 2009, seems unstoppable at the moment. The year 2011/2012 could see her top this list, since some of her movies are not yet released and the ones being shown in cinemas are still enjoying sold-out status across the continent.

9) Monalisa Chinda –50 Million Naira Between 2004 and 2008, Monalisa Chinda earned about N25 million.

The actress and producer is about to release her movie which is already in its final stages. She also owns landed properties in choice locations in both Rivers State and Lagos.

10) Chioma Chukwuka – 46 Million Naira The absolutely scandal-free actress in Nollywood has featured in about 70 movies and has raked in millions for herself and family.

She earned N8 million from movies in 2007.

In 2008, she also earned a whopping N9 million. She owns two houses and various properties in Lagos and her home state.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Hollywood/Bollywood Kareena turns 32, 'Heroine' hits The Layders: Authentic and Vibrant the marquee today

T

Frequently touted as the 'ones to watch', The Layders live up to the hype.Combining skill, imagination and experimentation they are able to shift between genres confidently and convincingly. howzitMSN had a chat with the group and here is what they had to say...

W

ho are The Layders?

The Layders is a fivepiece musical collective based in Johannesburg.

The group was founded in 2008.

The view through our soul-tinted lenses is a riveting panorama of musical styles: elements of neo soul, bossa nova, hip hop, house, and kwaito.

These elements are blended into tracks that radiate infectious funk and good times.

Where did it all start?

Well, we all met while attending different colleges and universities.

We were drawn together by our common musical interests.

What does the name 'The Layders' mean?

Our name 'The Layders' has no meaning. We give it meaning by what we do, which is making music that resonates with everybody.

What kind of music does The Layders do?

Our music has elements of neo soul, bossa nova, hip hop, house, and reggae.

What motivated you to choose the genre you are in?

We chose this genre simply because of the love of good music.

Where have you

performed?

We have performed at the Castle Light Spring Fiesta which is an annual event hosted by our record label Soul Candi Records.

We have also performed at Bassline, Cofi Rosebank, University of Johannesburg, Live, Morning Live, Polokwane, Cape Town‌the list is endless.

How are your CD sales?

The CD sales are overwhelmingly great! We sold out in Cape Town within three weeks of release.

Digital downloads enable us to share our music internationally, and we have been receiving fan mail from Kalamazoo Michigan in the US, and Japan too, and it is really awesome to see how well South African music is received internationally.

What would you say is the highlight of your music career?

We got to say the highlight of our career has been receiving praise from fans internationally and getting remixes done by international DJ, Jonny Miller.

We also feel very grateful to Soul Candi Records for signing us.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

We would like to work with Koop, Damien Marley, Incognito, Bongo Muffin, Esparanza Spalding, and Micasa.

Which other musicians inspire you?

We are inspired by JDilla, Erykah Badu, Bob Marley, Foreign E x c h a n g e , Jazzanova,Tortured Soul, and Hugh Masikela.

What one classic song do you wish you could claim as your own?

It definitely has to be Beethoven's Symphony No.8.

What's your favourite kind of gig to play: small and intimate or a big crowd?

We love performing for large crowds.

The adrenalin rush and the entire atmosphere created by thousands of people is priceless.

What's your favourite track off the album?

We love all the songs in the album, so it's hard to choose just one.

What can we look forward to from The Layders?

South Africa can definitely look out for the music video for our latest single "You know what you mean to me'', which is going to be awesome.

o d a y is really a special day for Kareena Kapoor. It is her 32 birthday and also the most important film of her career 'Heroine' is releasing today. With so much positive response from every corner, Kareena and the director of the film Madhur Bhandarkar are hopeful that the film will really do a good business at the boxoffice and audience would like Kareena's performance.

Ever since the film was conceptualized, 'Heroine' has made ample news for its casting. Madhur initially approached Kareena Kapoor for 'Heroine' but when Kareena backed out Aishwarya was signed but when Ash walked out for her pregnancy, Kareena was brought back on the board.

Kareena is fortunate that the film came back to her and she got the opportunity to work with the realistic director Madhur Bhandarkar.

'Heroine' is very close to Madhur's heart. It was his dream project and he is looking forward to it with high anticipation. Madhur has decided to release 'Heroine' today because the film is special for Kareena and he wants to make the day memorable for Kareena.

Kareena went every inch to promote the film in her way. She appeared in

every TV shows and attended events to promote the most important film of her career.

'Heroine' speaks the journey of an actress Mahi Arora and the ups and downs of her life. The film also stars Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda in the lead.

Happy Birthday Kareena and all the very best for 'Heroine'.

Five biggest paid indian actresses Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Though not on the scene for quite a long time, this green eyed actress demands quite a high price. The Bachchan bahurani did burn her hands in Hollywood, with films like Mistress of Spice to her credit, but she has hiked her fees to about 6 crores. If she manages to do a Jodhaa Akbar, then it should be fine. Otherwise 6 crores for an Umraao Jaan or The Last Legion does seem a bit extravagant.

Priyanka Chopra: Dostana and Fashion happened. And then life changed for her. She has gathered quite a lot of fan following, and is very popular. She has hiked her price to about 5 crores after her successful films.

Bipasha Basu: This dusky beauty has certainly cemented her position as an A-list actress.

With several hits to her name in different genres, she is quite a popular choice for producers. Bipasha charges about 2 crores.

Katrina Kaif: This beautiful lady has back to back hit to her name. So what if she isn't exactly known for her acting and can't speak Hindi properly? She takes in about 3 crores a movie.

Kareena Kapoor: She won over our hearts with Jab We Met and shocked us with Tashan, but this bundle of talent is surely a force to be reckoned. Though many hits to her name, she charges a modest amount of 3.5 to 4 crores.

Preity Zinta: The bubbly actress of Bollywood abode, Preity Zinta is geared up for her maiden production, 'Ishkq in Paris' which is slated for November 2nd release all over.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 27

Homes

Stop a leaking roof A s the rainy season intensifies around the world, some roofs may just begin to give way causing leakages and damage to home interiors and personal effects. If you have noticed that your home’s roof is beginning to leak during heavy rainfall, it is time to repair your roof’s shingles. The ideal thing to do is to tackle a leaking roof as soon as you notice a telltale water stain or dripping water, and you’ll prevent greater damage to key structural members and other parts of the house. The nasty little secret about any roof leak is that water travels through a process called “wicking,” and its journey can take it far from the location of the actual leak in the roof. That means that finding the leak can often be the most challenging part of stopping it, but a little detective work will lead you right to the problem. Here are a few do-it-yourself tips to put you through. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You’ll Need ·Trouble light ·Measuring tape ·Awl ·Flat pry bar · Roofing cement · Asphalt shingle ·Hammer ·7/8-inch roofing nails ·Wood shingle · Wood chisel ·Hacksaw blade · 2-inch galvanized roofing nails ·Wood wedge shims · Clay roof tiles and Show 11 or more.

Instructions Detection Your first step to finding the leak’s source could be a trip to the ceiling. Check your ceiling, starting above where the leak appears in the ceiling. Use a bright trouble light as necessary to trace the path of the water to the point of origin. If your ceiling is finished, this may involve removing sections of drywall. In any case, the process is best done while the leak is active, such as on a rainy day.

Inspect the roof framing and surfaces around the leak, including along its path. Probe the wood with an awl to reveal any compromised framing in which the wood has rotted. Check for mold or mildew. Any collateral damage will need to be repaired after you’ve taken care of the leak.

Measure from the exact point of the leak to a reference point, such as a chimney column or a roof vent. Use this measurement to determine the exact location of the leak on the surface of the roof.

Identify the cracked shingles on your roof. These are often easy to locate as they may be lifting up from the roof and slightly curled around the edges.

Slide a pry bar underneath any cracked shingles and pry the shingles upwards to gain access to the surface underneath it.

Take note of the size and length of the crack on the shingle and place a bead of roofing sealant underneath the shingle, which will mimic the size and length of the crack.

Slide the pry bar out from under the shingle and press your hands down on top of the shingle to bond the roofing sealant to the underside of the crack.

Apply roofing sealant on the crack on the top of the shingle and use a putty knife to smooth the sealant even with the shingle.

Quick Fixes Spread roofing cement over small holes or cracks in asphalt roof shingles, or where the underlying felt has been damaged. Securely bed the shingle in the cement.

Get the clutter cleaned up before applying roofing cement. Clean out debris from beneath warped or misshapen asphalt shingles and spread roofing cement under the shingle. Press it down with a weight so that it firmly beds in the cement until the adhesive dries.

Coat loose flashing seams with roofing cement to eliminate entry points for water.

Replace Asphalt Shingles Remove the damaged shingle. Pull it out slowly and firmly, being careful not to damage adjacent, intact shingles.

Cup all the nails that held down the damaged shingle with a flat pry bar.

Cut the new shingle as necessary to fit the space. Lay a bead of roofing cement on the underside of the new shingle, along the top edge. Slide the shingle into position under the lip of the shingle above it.

The sooner you fix a roof leak, the less chance of major damage.

Use 7/8-inch roofing nails for traditional shingles.

Nail the new shingle in place with 7/8-inch roofing nails driven in just above the tab slots.

Replace Wood Shingles Split the damaged shingles with a hammer and wood chisel. Pull out the pieces.

Slide a hacksaw blade under the shingles directly above the damaged shingles and saw through the nails.

Cut a new wood shingle or shingles to size. Coat the underside with roofing cement, and slide the shingle into position.

Wood shingles will require 2-inch galvanized roofing nails. Nail the new shingle in place with 2-inch galvanized roofing nails and coat the nail heads with roofing cement.

Replace Clay Tiles To remove the damaged tile, you’ll need to create a little wiggle room in the row above it. Wedge shims under

the tiles in the row immediately above the damaged tile, and use a pry bar to remove the nails holding the clip for the damaged tile.

Break up the damaged tile with a hammer and remove the broken pieces.

Nail the tile clip to the roof at the top end, and slip the replacement tile under the bottom hook. Remove the wedge shims.

Tips & Warnings When you have to replace a section of tiles requiring an extended amount of time on the roof and movement across the surface, rent a roof ladder that hangs from the ridge. This will not only ensure your safety, but will also prevent further damage to the roof’s surface.

Working on a roof, especially one that may be wet can be dangerous. Whenever you need to make a repair on the surface of roof, use a fall-arrest harness or a safety leash tethered to a secure feature such as the chimney column. - ehow.com

Stop house leaks by repairing your cracked shingles.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

It's all about deserts Deserts! They come in many petit forms. Nicely enough, the ingredients are available all year round and in all seasons. Fresh vegetables, fish and grains combined in the locally prepared meals rich in proteins with a touch of carbohydrates offer an accurate combination in these meals for the perfect desert.

Zogale (moringa) jollof rice Ingredients: 4 cups of rice, fresh pepper and tomatoes blended together, 1 large onion chopped, smoked fish or meat.

Groundnut oil, salt and seasoning, 1 tea spoon of grounded locust beans and two cups of prepared fresh moringa leaves.

Preparation: Wash rice and keep aside, fry blended tomatoes and fresh

pepper in oil, add locust beans.

Wash fish and add. If it is meat, cook it separate before adding.

Add all ingredients then add water that will cook the rice, cover pot and allow to boil then add the rice and cover again.

When nearly done, wash moringa and add to the cooking rice then cover again and allow to simmer until cooked.

Serve hot

Moi-moi with eggs and potatoes Ingredients: 6pieces of potatoes, 6 eggs, green pepper chopped: onions chopped, curry, salt for seasoning and small amount of groundnut oil.

Method: Peel and wash potatoes, then cut into small sizes, cook with salt & seasoning until soft.

Break eggs add cut green pepper,

onion and all seasonings. Beat well then add cooked potatoes & turn.

Get poly bags and put as you are making moi-moi, [beans pudding]. Then put some water in a clean pot, put the poly bags containing the mixture, cover the pot and allow to cook until done.

Serve hot with kidney & liver sauces.

Zogale (moringa) jollof rice

Kidney & liver sauce:

Ingredients: Kidney, liver, hot pepper, [attarugu], onions, tomatoes, tattasai, all chopped, curry & thyme, salt for seasoning and groundnut oil.

Method: Cut and wash kidney and liver and put in a clean pot. Cook for 10 minutes then remove from fire and drain out the first water used.

Add some fresh water, seasoning and salt and cook again until soft and all water dried up then add the chopped vegetables.

Add groundnut oil and fry until it turns light brown.

Serve with beans pudding, [alalar kwai].

This meal is suitable for those who need more protein and for children and pregnant women.

Dan Burdade Ingredients: two cups of beans, animal fats or groundnut oil, powdered ground nuts, pepper, salt and seasoning.

Preparation: Wash beans & remove the back cover of it then drain out water in a colander.

Get a steamer pot, add salt to the washed beans, also seasoning then put in a steamer pot and cook while steaming until very soft.

Remove from fire and add powdered ground nuts, pepper, groundnut oil or manshanu then serve.

Moi-moi with eggs and potatoes

Garden egg source

Garden egg source Garden eggs sauce (miyar yalo) Ingredients: Fresh garden eggs Âź mud of it, fresh pepper, tomatoes, green sweet pepper, onion, spinach, meat, palm oil or groundnut oil, salt & seasoning, curry and thyme.

Preparation: Wash and cut garden eggs and keep aside. Wash the remaining vegetables and chop; wash the meat add salt seasoning, thyme and curry then cook until soft.

Drain out the stock (water) then put oil to fry the meat then add the chopped vegetables & fry. Add onions and remaining seasoning then add the meat stock. Cover the pot and allow to cook for 5mins to 10mins. Prepare spinach and add to the cooking. Cover again for 5mins. Serve with semovita or rice flour, [tuwon shinkafa].

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Womanhood Staying fit and trim during menopause T

he menopause is a period in the life of a woman which is bound to happen as she gets older and the years of youthfulness begin to give way to ageing. Most women look forward to this period with a sense of uneasiness. The thought of losing their once cherished feminine curves to a fat and flabby shape size makes them cringe. Unfortunately however, as the clock ticks away everyday with every passing hour, the inevitable surely but steadily must come.

Getting prepared well ahead helps you to maintain and keep your shape intact to full old age.

With an increase in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and a decrease in estrogen, the recipe is ripe for a woman to gain significant weight around the mid-section.

While appetite increases and moods fluctuate, the best course is a strict diet and exercise regime to counteract weight gain and ultimately depression.

Things you'll need -Fruits and vegetables -Walking and running shoes Here is what to do: Walk away from the refrigerator when you're feeling blue. Sit in a chair, allowing the breeze of a window to calm you.

Realize that with the rapid drop in estrogen, your body is craving sweets and carbohydrates and you are experiencing depression. The sweets only provide a temporary high, and you are bound to come crashing down within an hour.

Know your body. Women can go through menopause any time after age 35, but it's most commonly part of a woman's life at age 51 or 52. The years preceding this are called perimenopause, during which the hormonal shifts in your body are causing a penchant for dramatic mood swings and weight gain. If you get your doctor to take blood samples and assess your hormonal levels-of estrogen, FSH and perhaps luteinizing hormone--you will at least know what you have. An FSH score of about 14 and over means your body is starting ovarian failure (menopause).

Treat yourself to natural sweets.

It's amazing how great watermelon tastes. Get ditto raisins, nuts, and whole grain bread with raspberry jam and fresh oranges into your daily meals. Do all it takes to eat well.

Exercise a whole lot. If you can't afford to join a gym, start a regular walking regime. Walk at least an hour a day, six days a week. Listen to music for inspiration. The high you feel while walking fast, especially if you live near the beach or mountains, is phenomenal.

Make peace with yourself. A woman's body goes through a dramatic, torturous process in her 40s and 50s. In a society that values youth and fitness, seeing the body change and feeling the uncomfortable rush of unwelcome hormones is rattling. And no matter how evolved you are, no matter how many degrees you have, it's difficult. Women often feel less "womanly" because of the loss of fertility. The more you can accept

It all starts with regular exercises and embrace the change, the more you'll value the life you still have to live, to its fullest.

Tips & Warnings Find an exercise buddy.

Work on maintaining a slim physique, but do not expect to look like you did at 25. If you stay reasonably slim and fit, you're ahead of most women. Weight gain is to be expected. Even the men in our lives realize that!

Prevent weight gain. Women tend to lose muscle mass and gain abdominal fat during and after menopause. Even slight increases in physical activity can help prevent weight gain.

Reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Physical activity during and after

menopause can help you lose excess weight or maintain a healthy weight, which may offer protection from breast cancer.

Strengthen your bones.

Physical activity can slow bone loss after menopause, which lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Reduce the risk of other diseases.

During and after menopause, the risk of various chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes tends to increase. Regular physical activity can counter these risks.

Boost your mood. Physical activity can improve your psychological health at any stage of life. eHow.com

Eating healthy counts a great deal

Being mindful of your weight keeps you in shape for life

PAGE 30

Archives

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Do you have old pictures for memories?

Send them to julius2001_a@yahoo.com

1959: Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, Premier of Eastern region, Onitsha, Nigeria

Enugu Municipal Offices building, Enugu 1959

Modoji village, near Katsina 1978

The Nigeria Post Office in Badagry, Lagos State. 1975

Musediku Adeniji-Adele (Oba of Lagos 1949-1964) introducing his chiefs to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Nigeria in 1956

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Leisure WORD SEARCH

With Augustine Aminu

Find the words about NFL Team Names in the football word search grid. The words can be forwards, backwards, up, down, or diagonal. Circle each letter separately and some letters on the grid are used in more than one word.

NFL Team Names Word Search Puzzle G R G S E

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FOOTBALL TEAM NAMES WORD LIST BEARS BENGALS BILLS BRONCOS BROWNS BUCCANEERS CARDINALS CHARGERS CHIEFS COLTS COWBOYS

Quotes by Ben Okri “The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.”

“Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.”

“The fact of storytelling hints at a fundamental human unease, hints at human imperfection.

Where there is perfection there is no story to tell.”

“Magic becomes art when it has nothing to hide.”

DOLPHINS “Politics is the art of the possible; creativity is EAGLES the art of the impossible.”

FALCONS FORTY-NINERS GIANTS JAGUARS JETS LIONS PACKERS PANTHERS PATRIOTS

Fatherhood

RAIDERS RAMS RAVENS REDSKINS SAINTS SEAHAWKS STEELERS TEXANS TITANS VIKINGS

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Wise saying “A man does not wander far from where his corn is roasting.”

“A rat is not born a rabbit.”

“A tiger does not have to proclaim its tigritude.”

“A traveler to distant places should make no enemies.”

“A tree does not move unless there is wind.”

“A tree is best measured when it’s down.”

“A tree is known by its fruit.”

“An old man is there to talk.”

“Fine words do not produce food.”

“Give me a push from my back” does not mean give me a hunchback.”

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 32

F Simple and Stylish

By Miriam Hembe

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ainab Indomie and Nafisa Abdullahi are few of the top sensations as far as Kannywood film industry is concerned. Aside being successful actresses, they are favourites of numerous fans of the Hausa genre, these damsels are not only highly talented but also beautiful with or without makeup. Always at home in

their native attires, their fashion styles.

While Zainab does a little more of the embroidered dressing with nice yards and fabrics such as shaddah, Nafisa on the other hand, likes to appear in well tailored Ankara fabric with cute patterns with stones.

The most striking commonality between theses beauties is that they both look stunning with little or no makeup at all.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 1 — SUNDAY 2, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 33

Business

FG says Onne free zone has attracted N930bn

New visa policy to encourage investors —Aganga

n n e Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone has attracted $6 billion (N930 billion) into the country since its establishment in 1997, Olusegun Aganga, minister of trade and investment, said yesterday in Onne, Rivers State, at the Oil & Gas Trade and Investment Forum 2012.

"The Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone is adjudged as the largest and fastest growing free zone in the world dedicated to the oil and gas industry," said Aganga.

The establishment of FTZs in Nigeria is in consonance with the globally-accepted new strategy for engineering industrialisation and the promotion of sustainable economic growth and development. Free zones are an integral part of Nigeria's trade facilitating mechanism and are designed to stimulate trade and export activities and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

"Globally, FTZs are known to have the largest job creation capacity. Records have shown that every job in a FTZ creates two additional jobs through a multiplier process. For us in Nigeria, FTZs are strategic in facilitating the growth of the economy and attracting FDI. I am particularly pleased with the technology brought into the country through Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone, the jobs that have

h e Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, has said that the Federal Government's new visa policy to encourage investors has started yielding positive results.

Aganga said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Trade and Investment Forum 2012.

The minister said that some of the investors at the forum were beneficiaries of the new policy as they obtained their visas at the port of entry in Nigeria.

“We have investors globally participating in the forum; there are investors invited from Europe and other countries. ``I met with seven of them a few days ago and they confirmed that they actually tested the new visa policy which says that you can obtain your visa at the port of entry. ``They went online, filled their forms, paid their fees, have their receipt and based on that they were granted visa at the port of entry; this shows that the new government policy which is to encourage investors and tourists is really working."

Aganga also said that the government was addressing the issues of security and

O

been created and investments that came with it.

The Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone has been playing this role since its establishment vie the Free Zone Decree No. 8 of 1996, and its official opening in March 1997. This culminated in the registration of about 150 investors in the zone with a cumulative investment to date of $6 billion (N930bn) and creation of well over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs for our people, both skilled and semiskilled, " according to Aganga.

He stressed that the development of viable FTZs was critical to the actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda, adding that the Ministry of Trade and Investment was committed to making the country's FTZs the hub of trade and investment within Africa and globally.

He said, "The existence of the Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone has contributed to the increase of economic activities at the Onne Port and the resultant increase in government revenue earnings, particularly, through the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Ports Authority. It is on record that investment inflows into the free zones have accounted for about 60 percent of the total investment into Nigeria within the last 10 years.

T

infrastructure challenges to further boost the country's investment environment.

“Security is very important when you are talking of attracting investment; you heard the president talking about it very many times, I am absolutely sure that the FG is working tirelessly on it."

The minister said that in spite of the security challenges, investors were being attracted to Nigeria because of the high rate of return on investment.

"As of today when you look at the investors coming to Nigeria, they are after two

main things, one of which is the return on investment.

"There is no place in the world where you have the kind of return on investment you have in Nigeria.

“Look at what has happened in the finance sector through backward integration; go and look at the published accounts by all the banks, you will see the level of profitability “You cannot make such a profit in most countries as of today, so I think investors have profit on their investment, money follows money that is why they want to invest not

because they want to make charity and there still so many opportunities in the country.

Dr Olusegun Aganga

Interbank rates fall 500 bps on budget cash

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igerian interbank lending rates eased more than 500 basis points on Friday to an average of 10.83 percent, compared with 16.33 percent last week, after a cash dispersal from the August budgetary allocation to government agencies hit the system. Africa's top crude oil exporter shares proceeds from oil sales from a centrally held account every month to its three tiers of government federal, state and local providing liquidity to the banking system and determining lending rates.

Nigeria distributed 570

billion naira ($3.62 billion) from oil receipts to its three tiers of government last week, and traders said about half of the funds hit the system on Thursday, sinking the cost of borrowing among banks.

"We have a large volume of cash hitting the system from budget allocations on Thursday and rates have fallen more than 5 percentage points since then," one dealer said.

Dealers said the market opened with a cash balance of about 317 billion naira ($2.01 billion) on Friday, compared with a negative balance of 42 billion naira last Friday.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) fell to 10.5 percent from 15.75 percent last week, 1.5 percentage lower than the central bank's 12 percent benchmark rate and 50 basis points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Overnight placement and call closed at 11 percent apiece compared with 16.50 percent and 16.75 percent, respectively last week.

Dealers said rates should remain flat next week or inch up marginally because of inflows of additional funds from matured treasury bills.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Entrepreneur

Taking diet to schools

By Nasiru Muazu Isa

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onsidering that the average consumer spends about five seconds looking at a product before making a purchase decision, it’s essential that the packaging that you choose for your product is attractive enough to sell it.

But for Mrs. Sylvia Tagbo Okeke, an entrepreneur it is not so much the issue of packaging, rather it is how to ensure that children in schools eat good meals during their break time. After leaving her job in the telecoms industry to start her own business when she relocated to Abuja from Lagos, she found the basis to actualize her dream, of improving children’s diet in the school environment.

Her interest was further ignited when she observed that parents, especially working class mothers do not have much time to prepare balanced meals for their children. As a way of filling this need, she decided to employ her entrepreneurial skills in doing this. Thus, preparing and delivering meals to children in different schools in Abuja metropolis became her calling.

According to Okeke, after identifying this pressing need, she combined resources with which she ventured into it, and she is now helping such parents. “What we do every day is to ensure that the children that we deliver to, have a balanced meal, when we say a balanced meal, we ensure that they have the right amount of dietary needs, like carbohydrate, protein and vitamins in their meal. We serve a three course meal, the main course and fruits and vegetables”, she explained.

This idea gave birth to her enterprise ‘Healthy Treats for Kids’, which she started barely a year ago.

On the challenges she is facing: According to her, getting the capital to start the business initially was a big challenge because she and her business associates did not want to go to the banks for financial assistance because what they are charging the parents would be minimal compared to other eateries. She said, “If we go to the banks our profit margin will be eroded by the charges and interest. We got a little bit of financing from an investor which we started with and of course, with every business you’d like to expand and then it comes back to financing again.”

Sylvia Tagbo Okeke

“

There’s a lot talk from the CBN Governor about helping women entrepreneurs especially small and medium scale businesses, but that has not taken off yet

“There’s a lot talk from the CBN Governor about helping women entrepreneurs especially small and medium scale businesses, but that has not taken off yet. They said it will take off at the end of September, so we are waiting for that” she added.

Her entrepreneurial experience: Mrs. Okeke in her words, “I come from a telecoms background. I left my job because they relocated my office to Lagos and I could not leave my children and husband, so I was wondering what to do, should I get another job? I weighed the options, in my former job; I was travelling all the time and did not really have time for my family, so I was thinking if I take another high profile job I’ll not be able to be with my family so I opted for something that would allow me time with my children.”

She added, “Initially, it was tough because a lot of parents did not know about us; they did not know if they could trust the wellbeing of their children to us. Our business is based on trust, and as a parent, to trust someone to deliver food to your child requires huge trust for such arrangement to work, that was the initial challenge we had. We had a couple of parents who decided to give us a try, and we kicked off.”

Profit: She however declined to disclose whether she has had any profit from the business as she answered, “It’s just a year, and by the end of the year I’ll be able to answer that question.”

Government grant: Whether she thinks government is doing enough to help entrepreneurs like her apart from the planned CBN intervention plan due by the end of September this year, she replied, “I can’t say anything about that because I’m just starting; it’s a year now so I have not really been to the agencies that are supposed to help women in accessing funds, so I can’t really say anything.”

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Always look around for what could be missing or needs to be met, people’s needs, and initiate actions towards achieving the goal. In doing so, you are bound to encounter some challenges that may tend to discourage you from continuing doing what you have chosen to do; don’t be discouraged, just keep on. This is because with time, you will realize it’s a worthwhile journey after all.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 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 DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

Abdul Ningi: The making of afund worthy Re: Sovereign wealth Commander of the Order of Niger

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major milestone was recorded in the life of distinguished Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi (OON) last Monday when he was deservedly conferred with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

It would be recalled that two years ago as a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman Police Affair’s committee, President Jonathan decorated him with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contribution to nation building. Ningi this time around received his second national award as a distinguished Senator and Deputy House Leader. This indeed is no mean feat as political observers are of the view that it takes sheer hard work, patriotism and commitment to national development for one to be recognized by the Federal Government twice within a short time.

Senator Ningi who also holds the revered traditional title of Walin Ningi in the legendary Ningi emirate council of Bauchi state deserves this presidential recognition considering the fact that he is a man who loves Nigeria with a passion, he believes in Nigeria and has on several occasions displayed pan Nigerian qualities both within and outside the confines of the legislative arena.

He is widely regarded as the voice of the voiceless, defender of the defenseless and above all a fearless politician who is principled. This meek, unassuming and humble parliamentarian is from all indications connected with the people, he knows them and they know him, he is a grassroots politician who believes and shares the yearnings and aspirations of his people.

Little wonder he was called to join the political fray in 1999 and contested for the House of Representatives which he won with a landslide.

WRITE TO US Peoples Daily Weekend welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Email: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com There is no doubt that the political history of Nigeria will never be complete without the mention of Senator Abdul Ningi .He is a legend whose contribution to the development of the polity would remain indelible in the minds of Nigerians. A parliamentarian of no mean repute, Senator Ningi has carved a niche for himself in all ramifications. During his sojourn in the lower chamber, whenever he rises up to make a presentation, the whole chamber becomes electrified that even a drop of a pin would be heard.

He makes his presentation with all seriousness and articulates his point to the admiration of his fellow parliamentarian; his positions were always for the good and benefits of Nigerians. Ningi is no doubt an institution in law making, in fact on his second coming to the House of Representatives, he was made the House Majority Leader, unarguably the engine room of the lower chamber. At the helm at that time as Speaker was Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, this particular crop of parliamentarians was a pride to Nigerians.

That 5th House of Representatives without fear of contradiction could be regarded as the best in output and lawmaking since Nigeria became a democracy.

Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi in 2008 bounced back into the House of Representatives

for a record third time after winning his case in the election tribunal. On assumption of office, he was appointed into the House committees on Sports, Niger Delta, Legislative Budget & Research, Federal Capital Territory and Works and he made appreciable impact in those committees. He knows the art of law making, as such he fitted into all the committees.

It is instructive to note that another former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole utilized the cognate experience of Hon Ningi to his advantage. He was always consulting him for one issue or the other. Ningi was the stabilizing force in the Bankole-led House. Little wonder, he was made the Chairman of the highly sensitive Ad Hoc House Committee that looked into the crises in the Niger Delta.

Some of the landmark inputs of this great Nigerian as a member of the lower chamber happened in April 2009, as Chairman of House Committee on Police Affairs. He invited the then Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farida Waziri to explain what had happened to the N16 billion recovered from the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun.

In June 2009, as Chairman of an ad-hoc committee on the Niger Delta, Ningi blamed

multinationals for failing to assist in the humanitarian crisis in the area. During a crisis between the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West Local Government Area, when about 3,500 people were displaced, he openly criticized oil companies in the area for their lack of concern for the displaced people in the area, singling out NNPC, Shell and Chevron.

In July 2009, during a budget debate, Abdul Ningi as House chairman of the Committee on Police Affairs said Nigeria was under-policed, with only 368,000 policemen for 150 million Nigerians. He said the police budget was insufficient compared to other forces such as the army.

He further observed that the security situation in the country was because criminals had more sophisticated arms and ammunitions than policemen. If anyone in the authorities had given listening ear to his worries then, the security challenges we now face wouldn’t have found space in Nigeria.

As he basks in the glory of this award, the nation expects more from this distinguished Senator, his landmark achievements in the provision of infrastructural facilities for the Bauchi Central Senatorial district is today a reference point in qualitative and consultative representation ever witnessed in the annals of this country.

Senator Ningi is an enigma, a political icon and a patriotic Nigerian who is deservedly enjoying the fruit of his labour.

Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion should all be proud of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi.

Alhaji Kaulaha Muhammadu wrote from No 1 Shehu Laminu Avenue, U/ Rimi Kaduna

Disaster management and the need for functional SEMAs

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n the last two years, Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented level of disasters both natural and manmade coupled with the high level of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance that has allowed it to strive unabated in every state of Nigeria. Although some of these disasters are inevitable, good policies, proactive measures and effective use of resources can

significantly reduce their impact In view of this, there is indeed an imperative need to heed to the relentless calls by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for states and local governments not to only establish State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) but to also effectively empower them to function properly.

If this is done, the Federal Government

will not be overburdened, this is because NEMA cannot afford to be in every location at every time. NEMA as an agency is only there to coordinate disaster management when such disasters have overwhelmed states and local governments. This is therefore a call on state and local governments to establish these SEMAs so that they can partner with each other to protect lives and

properties.

Until functional SEMAs are set up across the states and local governments, the one that will continue to carry most of the weight of these disasters is the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Dike Chigbue is the Executive Director, Stand Nigeria Initiative

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 37

Opinion Celebrating Aliyu Akwe Doma @ 70

By Rochas Ochela

“Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot hide it from themselves’’ — Sir James M. Barrie

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n Saturday, September 1st, 2012, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state and one of its founding fathers, attained the age of 70.

It is my intention to avail myself of this opportunity to reflect on the man and his ideals and to meditate on the reasons he is esteemed by many, not only in Nigeria but outside our shores, including many who have known him all through his extraordinary life in the civil service and political terrain.

When on September 1, 1942, a seemingly unknown family from Doma, in the then Plateau state gave birth to a little tot later named Aliyu, little did they know that fate will one day catapult him to the apogee or zenith of life.

Come to think of it, I have not been favourably disposed to writing tributes to living personages no matter the profundity of their achievements, lest my efforts be misconstrued as a backhanded attempt to curry favour from such personality, but today, I intend to break away from my past resolve. The reasons are not far-fetched. Considering the aweinspiring contributions of Aliyu Akwe Doma to the development of old Plateau and present Nasarawa states, he deserves to be celebrated on this occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.

After his primary education at Doma Central Primary School, he went to Government Teachers College, Gombe and Katsina-Ala Middle School, after which he proceeded to the nation’s premier University of Ibadan. He also attended Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Akwe Doma started his working career as a headmaster of Doma Central School (1964); Tourism Affairs Officer;

Chief Tourism/Cultural Affairs Officer.

He also served as Permanent Secretary, Depts of Parastatals, General Administration (Millitary Governor’s Office), Ministry of Establishment, Internal Affairs & Information.

In 1983, he served as deputy governor of Plateau state; and subsequently served as Member, Presidential C’ttee Council on Tourism; Foundation Member of Directors, Benue-Plateau Broadcasting Corporation to mention just a few.

Doma is also a recipient of several awards to. Among them is the OOM Officer of the Mono decorated by the late President of Togo, Gnassingbe Eyadema for outstanding performance in the civil service (1973); National honours award

by Olusegun Obasanjo as Cultural Ambassador (2002); Africa International Award of Merit conferred in Ghana (2002); Founding Father Award from University of Jos (2002); Fellow of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Arts (1991); Fellow of the Institute of Financial Management of Nigeria(1993); Fellow of Institute of Management Consultants (1997) and NAC Honours Award by the National Council for Arts and Culture (2001).

The sages made a time honoured statement long ago about the pedigree of mortals who populate the earth. Some, they philosophized, are born great; some have greatness thrust upon them, while others achieve greatness. For Aliyu Akwe Doma, the truth is that he achieved greatness through dint of hardwork.

As governor of Nasarawa state from 2007 to 2011, Doma did his utmost best to deliver democracy dividends to his people. He understood the dictum that ‘’power belongs to the people’’.

Accordingly, he maintained constant touch with the grassroots through the provision of basic infrastructural facilities such as roads, water, electricity and employment for the youths so much so that today, his name is usually mentioned in the state in reverential tones.

Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma

Doma is indeed a man of the people who has direct links with the masses.

Though out of the cockpit of power, his residence in Abuja remains a Mecca of sorts for people who throng the place for succour; he has consistently left in his trail enviable footprints that can only be matched by a few at the top. He has left indelible service records everywhere he has served, with many contending that his most defining moment was his aweinspiring upliftment of Nasarawa state from economic and political doldrums.

For those who have been following Doma’s giant and bold steps in testing the tip of his life, his consistency and successes are a tribute to his uncommon courage, faith, vision, selflessness and true commitment. The zeal and commitment he invested in administering Nasarawa state was borne out of his desire to create a new state where the weak and the strong, the indigenes and non-indigenes are treated equally; where you can turn your tap with confidence and water will flow; where you can switch on your light and it will shine; where your children will receive education and be sure of gainful employment when they leave school. His

vision was to transform the state into an economically prosperous, socially stable and politically peaceful state.

Truth be told, he scored excellent marks within the permissible limits of available resources.

That Aliyu Doma is a completely detribalized Nigerian with a large heart is not contestable. In a nation bedevilled by ethnic jingoism, his largeness of spirit, free of the smudge of ethnic prejudice, stands as example. In the magnificence of his example, we are confronted with a vision of national cohesion (in an age of Boko Haram) that can be attained if more citizens would renounce the false, deceptive tenet of ethnic exploitation.

Within the short time he has spent in politics, Akwe Doma has demonstrated that he is not only a visionary, but also a goal-getter who sees possibilities where others see difficulties. With all his actions, he has also demonstrated that it is still possible to be in position of leadership without being besmirched by the murk and dirt symptomatic of Nigerian politics.

Judging from the foregoing, it will amount to injustice of epic proportions and a profound lack of appreciation to allow the birthday anniversary of this political icon to pass unnoticed, uncelebrated. As we celebrate on the pages of newspapers (without the usual popping of champagne and clicking of glasses), the attributes of this illustrious Nigerian, let all his friends, well-wishers and admirers’ give him three resounding ‘gbosas’ on this auspicious occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary----Gbosa!

Gbosa!! Gbosa!!! .

I admire Aliyu Doma for many reasons. He is an authentic achiever secured to the point of ‘arrogance’. He is a treasure trove of information and knowledge and he is like an oasis in the desert of crooks and charlatans. To such an icon, I say happy birthday to you!

— Ochela, former editor of Abuja Today and Peoples Power Newspapers, is a media consultant based in Abuja.

Abuja Light Rail: A viable, sound project

By Ibrahim Sarkin Yaki

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buja, the Federal Capital City in recent years has witnessed an upsurge in population; this is also evident from the overwhelming increase in vehicles on most highways in the FCT which has made commuting a rather harrowing experience based on the high level of traffic gridlock.

It is based on this disturbing development that the current FCT Administration has purposely decided to unbundle the much needed multimodal form of transportation; and create an unhindered Abuja Light Rail that is sure to handle the issue of traffic gridlock and will also be effective, fast and provide a cheaper/affordable means of transportation.

The Abuja Light Rail project has reached it's final implementation takeoff stage; Senator Bala Mohammed made this assertion in Beijing, China where he went to represent the

Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed

Administration at the signing ceremony of the agreement for the $500M loan that is needed to bring the light rail project to conclusion.

He expressed absolute delight when he stated that "today marks a major milestone in the history of the provision of infrastructure in the FCT". And certainly the ability to finally access the loan will symbolize the transformation of the FCT. The Minister added that "the Abuja light rail is of major significance to us due to the manner it will be used to effectively move residents from the outskirts to the city center and vice versa; invariably, augmenting the socio-economic standing for the residents of the FCT by increasing their financial power and decreasing the city’s population upsurge.

Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala signed the MoU of the $500 million loan that will be provided by the Chinese Exim Bank.

The signing of the agreement between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Chinese Exim bank has set in motion an unimpeded protraction of the Abuja

Light Rail project. She also averred that it is in interest of both countries to cooperate with each other.

China is the largest country in the world and 2nd biggest economy in the world, while Nigeria is the largest in Africa and 2nd biggest economy on the continent. The Abuja Light Rail Project is exceedingly needed by not just the FCT but by Nigeria as a whole; the project remains a priority that is topmost to the President, FCT Administration and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory and this is commendable.

Obviously, Senator Bala Mohammed has reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to do everything necessary to ensure that the Abuja Light Rail project is completed within the transformation period of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is predicated on the fact that all impediments that had militated against the project had been shoved aside.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Issues Putting the records straight on urban renewal in Nasarawa From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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r i o r to the emergence of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) administration in Nasarawa state, Lafia, the state capital, just like other municipal towns from across the state, have been groaning under the acute lack of basic infrastructure necessary for a meaningful and productive existence, particularly for the growing population of Nigerians who trooped into the new state in pursuit of socio-economic ends.

Since the creation of the state in 1993, with the consequent influx of workers, service providers, craftsmen, as well as all manner of people attracted by the windows of opportunities presented as a result of the fulfillment of the collective yearning of the natives for selfactualisation and determination.

However, successive regimes, possibly handicapped by the plethora of resulting challenges of having to modify the certainly inadequate facilities available on ground then, facilities hitherto meant to cater for the exegeses of the then Lafia local government, or as commonly alleged, wilful negligence, have only paid lips service to the urgent need to improve on infrastructure in order to meet with the increasing demand for such.

So far and in this respect, Lafia, has remained a glorified local government headquarters, masquerading as a state capital, with total absence of basic infrastructure like power, drinking water, roads, a viable transport system, functional schools, healthcare facilities, as well as all those utilities that combine to make life worth living.

Not so long ago, the issue of power in the state capital was at its lowest ebb, resulting in not only prolonged power outages but an incredibly low wattage quite incapable of supporting any form of productive venture. Then, households remained perpetually in darkness and even when finally the lights came, it came in such a supply that one would prefer to use candlelight.

Then of course, there was the complete absence of internal road networks, with most of the roads reduced to potholed, bumpy labyrinth of totally inaccessible pathways, quite unbefitting of the status of a state capital.

Graciously, and unlike the previous administration which according to officials of the NUDB, undertook the construction of only 4 km of road within the capital city, the Almakura government has since embark upon a massive 50 km urban road project, with some of these roads completed.

The perennial water scarcity in the state capital and environs

has become legendary, with households made to resort to buying water from hawkers, as water taps remained continuously dry.

With the coming of the CPC administration however, with Governor Al-makura from the onset, identifying power, water supply and roads, among others, as critical areas his administration would tackle immediately, respite has since come the way of residents, as through concerted efforts and collaboration with relevant agencies, power supply has remarkably improved, with the otherwise nonexistent welding and fabricating business now flourishing in Shabu area, providing much needed employment to several people.

Households can now enjoy steady supply of power, even though the needs of consumers is far beyond the present rate of supply from the PHCN. But at least, residents can now say with certainty that it was definitely not like before, when darkness reigned supreme and one could count the number of hours there was that dim glow we called light, which would not even allow a consumer to boil water using an electric heater.

This giant stride to bring solace to the people by the Almakura administration was not achieved without a concerted effort, propelled by a vision fuelled by a yearning to impact positively on the lives of the people. Like Professor Umar Suleiman, managing director of the Nasarawa Energy Company (NASENCO), said, the CPC administration conducted an analysis of the power situation in the state and discovered that "it was very disturbing", following which his organisation recommended for the intervention by way of distribution transformers which saw to the transformation of the sector.

Reacting to claims that the previous administration of former governor Aliyu Akwe Doma procured 240 transformers for stability of power within the state, Prof. Suleiman dismissed it as untrue, saying, " that is a blatant lie." He explained that the records are there to show, the procurement process NASENCO went through and the companies from where these transformers were bought.

The managing director was emphatic when he declared that the transformers, which so far brought stability in the supply of power in the state, were bought by governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, while proceeding to give a breakdown of the procurement, saying, "initially, we did 30 transformers, but since then a lot more have been brought in, by way of intervention. I think, in the last

Gov. of Nasarawa state, Alh. Umaru Tanko Al-makura count, we have up to about 47 getting to 50 transformers.

Different varieties, including power transformers for injecting substations."

He wondered why the power supply was not stable, if the claim by the former administration was anything to go by and that if actually they bought so many transformers, power supply would have been stable and there would have been no need for any intervention. But according to him, when the previous administration left, power supply was far from being stable.

Prof.

Suleiman further disclosed that in line with the determination of the present administration to remarkably improve the power situation in the state, mobile power transformers have been recently installed in Akwanga, supplying power to Lafia. He stated that initially, Lafia, Akwanga, even far away Kafanchan, were tied to a single transformer.

Since the intervention of governor Almakura, this mobile transformer was brought to Akwanga and Lafia is being exclusively supported by that. And that explains the type of stability in power supply currently being enjoyed.

He disclosed that recently, following a meeting between the governor and officials of the PHCN, it was discovered why there was a drop in the power distribution from Akwanga, with about 29, 000 KV, to Nasarawa Eggon, where it drops to 26, 000 KV and by the time it reaches Lafia, it is 17, 000 KV, just barely half of what is supposed to be. So there are issues along the power route and one of the reasons is that people are tapping power along the line, all the villages are

being fed from this 33, 000 KV line, which is the one coming to Lafia. And then the problem is compounded, coming into Lafia, in Shabu area with all the welding activities that is going on.

As a fallout of that meeting, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, has assured the PHCN officials of his desire to find a solution to the emerging welders colony in Shabu area, in terms of meeting their power supply needs.

Also responding on allegations, among others, that the previous administration bought 40 buses that have been converted for use as Nasarawa Express, state commissioner for works and transport, Engr.

Mohammed Wada Yahaya, said that there was not any single contribution or any arrangement by the past administration. That the 40 buses were acquired through the singular effort of Gov. Almakura, through the normal federal government initiatives.

It is the same state government that acquired the deposits from relevant banks and bought the buses.

On the matter of the Abdullahi Adamu House, Engr.

Yahaya debunked claims by the previous administration that it constructed it at the cost of N400 m, explaining that, the past government only bought the house, "with only rats occupying the place", not until the present administration rehabilitated the structure to a befitting standard, which entailed modifying the roof, ceiling and almost every part of the building.

On the issue of roads construction, he stated that the entire roads being constructed

across the state by the present administration, have never been built before, asphalt roads, with culverts and concrete line grail, not the types of roads constructed by the previous administration.

In fact those roads, according to the commissioner," went away with that administration because they were shabby, not properly constructed, with most of them with single or double layers of tar, a few of them with blocked drainages." He observed that what the present government is putting in place is expected to last for not less than 30 years.

He also denied speculations that the roads currently under construction in the state, have been sponsored by the World Bank, stressing that the CPC administration is undertaking the road projects without taking even a loan from anywhere.

"If there was World Bank intervention in Lafia-Doma road, this was understandable. But the ongoing road projects in Lafia, Keffi and Akwanga are being sponsored by the state government."

On his part, Engr. Edward Daudu, acting managing director of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDB), reacting over rising suspicion in some quarters on the rationale of the removal of the Lafia street lights, estimated to have cost the state about N545m, explained that The street lights projects were initiated sometimes in 2007 and some of the luminaires, that is the lightening component, had expired, some of the energy storage facilities, the batteries, had expired, with some portion of the street lights having suffered vandalization, which has made it necessary to rework the entire system.

He stated that, when this administration came onboard, the board put up a proposal, because Lafia actually need street lights, because it has its own social functions, a proposal on how to rehabilitate it to make it serve the intended purpose, providing security, enhance lightening in the night, improve traffic, pedestrians and vehicles' visibility and the general safety and wellbeing of people.

"And His Excellency agreed to our proposal and the original consortium that undertook the project was asked to come over with some others to review what was on ground and how to enhance it by improving the luminance, that is the brightness. That is the light intensity per unit area."

He explained that it has become necessary to bring down the frames to change the bulbs, improve on the battery compartment and recoat the frame with anti-rust aluminium colours, which will altogether enhance the life span of the project.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 39

Focus Doctors perform world's first uterus transplant between mother and daughter

D

o c t o r s have carried out the world's first womb transplants between a mother and daughter.

Within the past few days, two women have received organs donated by their mothers in the hope they will be able to have children.

The recipients, whose names have not yet been revealed, are aged between 32 and 37, and are from Sweden.

The team from the University

of Gothenburg performed the transplant operation on two consecutive days.

The operations each lasted seven hours and were carried out at the weekend by a team of ten surgeons from the University of Gothenburg.

One of the women had been born without a womb while the other had recently had the organ removed following surgery for cervical cancer.

Both were still able to release

eggs from their ovaries and underwent IVF before the operation to produce embryos. These have been frozen and doctors intend to implant them into the women's new wombs next year in the hope they will become pregnant.

The women were 'tired' following the surgery but were recovering well, the Swedish doctors said. However, the team will not hail the operations a 'complete successes until the women have given birth to healthy

babies. Even though the mothers are in their 50s and 60s, the doctors believe they will be healthy enough to bear children.

And the women's bodies are less likely to reject wombs from their own mothers because the tissue is very similar to their own.

Over the next few months the doctors will gradually give the women fewer 'immunosuppressant' drugs, which stop their immune systems rejecting the organs, in the hope they will begin functioning normally.

Professor Mats BrännstrÜm, an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Gothenburg who led the team of surgeons, said: 'This is a major step forward.

'The women are well; they are walking but are tired after surgery.

The donating mothers are up and walking and will be discharged from the hospital within a few days.'

The woman whose womb had been removed following cervical cancer, identified only as Anna, said she had been 'handed a fantastic opportunity'.

Writing on the University of Gothenburg's website she said: 'I have been very careful to make my mother feel that she does not have to do what she is doing. My mother, however, is totally focused upon my welfare.' She and her boyfriend had created ten embryos, she added.

Over the coming months the

surgeons plan to carry out similar transplants on another eight women. They include seven who will receive wombs from their mothers and one who is being donated the organ by her older sister.

They are unable to have children unless they use a surrogate mother, which is illegal in Sweden - although it is allowed in Britain.

Last year Turkish doctors announced they had carried out the world's first womb transplant, in which 22-year-old Derya Sert was given the organ of a woman who had died in a car crash. She was due to begin IVF treatment this month in the hope of conceiving a child in her new womb.

But these latest operations are the first time doctors have carried out transplants between mothers and daughters. British fertility experts said that although the procedure was a significant breakthrough, it could only offer hope to a handful of infertile women, including those born without wombs or those who have had them removed due to cancer or gynaecological conditions.

Dr Gedis Grudzinskas, a leading consultant in infertility and gynaecology, said: 'This is a potential advance for a small group of women but I am cautious about how widespread the implications will be. Applicability is limited.' www.dailymail.com.uk

Almajiri: Curtailing street begging through shoe business From Ahmed Idris

R

ecently, President Goodluck Jonathan launched Alimajiri schools in Sokoto, North-west with the aim to curb high rate of begging. Last year, Kebbi state was also rated high on the list of states having large numbers of street beggars and not much was being done by the government to stop the menace.

Peoples Daily Weekend visited some Islamic schools in Birini Kebbi, the Kebbi state capital and spoke with Yayah Umaru, a student of Mallam Buhari Islamic School in Takalaw area in Birnin Kebbi, he is one of the students who was involved in doing one or two things like engaging in petty trading to take care of their needs after school hours instead of roaming the streets.

Yahya was born in Gomboro village in Bagudu local government area of the state, he is 12 years old. He disclosed the reasons his parents took him to Brinin Kebbi to study the Qur'an.

According to him, after his parents brought him to the school, Mallam Buhari who is the owner of the school asked them what type of trades they would want to do in order for them not to go begging on the street, this to him, was different from what he had been hearing from other school owners.

According to him, "I am satisfaction with the standard of

the Islamic school I joined because some students who are in other schools have to go and beg on the street to make ends meet."

However he explained that after he decided what trade he would engage in, he and other students of the Islamiyya, about ten of them saved money and started shoe making, the vocation which has turned out to be of great benefit as they are now self employed and therefore there is no need to start begging to fend for themselves.

Yahyha Umar said that from the little money they realise daily, they contribute N50 to buy food stuff to prepare their meal in the morning and keep the remaining part of the food until evening, to eat after their return from the trade. "We leave the house around 7am to 8am after morning studies (recitation of the Holy Qur'an) everyday and return back home around 7pm.

Umar further explained that every day he realizes N200 to N300 from the shoe making business from which he gives his Mallam (tutor), N100 to keep for him until the time he finishes his Qur'anic studies. The money according to him is what he will use to purchase the Holy Book (Qur'an) and other things at the end of his study.

Umar further pointed out that he does not attend Western education because he doesn't have anybody to sponsor him but he is

enjoying his shoe business. "I sustain myself in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. I don't like the Alimajiri system, and I want other students to stop begging because it is not good.

Some of our Mallams and students are involved in different skills and we are about 15 in number that are into shoe making, and the business if profitable" he said.

When Peoples Daily Weekend contacted Mallam Buhari, he explained that begging is not allowed in Islam and he doesn't want his students to involve in

begging. "If somebody is disabled, which means he or she cannot do anything then he can beg but he should not see it as business. "My entire students are not Alimajiri," he said.

He then appealed to the state and federal governments to assist them in order to promote his students to enable them engage in various skills for them to become self reliant.

Speaking on the matter, an official of the Ministry of Religions Affairs, Ismai'l Jega said that Kebbi state government has done a lot to

curtail street begging adding that recently, Kebbi government opened a skills acquisition centre in order to stop children from begging.

"During Sallah, government was able to provide them with food items and clothes for them to use for the breaking of fast and Sallah celebration.

Dr. Ibrhaim Alhassan, an Islamic scholar in Kebbi also said, if government can curtail street begging, in the North, it will reduce poverty. Adding that, "not only in the north, there is poverty in the country as a whole''.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Media

I acted lawyer in NTA's popular drama, 'Case file', says Bayo Atoyebi

By Miriam Humbe

M

r . Bayo Atoyebi is the Executive secretary of Nigerian Press Council. A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, he grew up in a loving family and was born as one of four boys and four other girls. He said he grew up in a family that was polygamous but very loving.

Childhood: While narrating his experiences to our reporter on his youthful days, he said, "growing up was very exciting.

When you are young man, you play pranks. My father was a petty trader and business man at the same time. He had a small store. When I would come back from school, he would want me to sit at the store and help out. But after coming back from school and eating my lunch, I will also want to go out and play with my friends so sometimes, I will just run off and go and have fun with my friends but when it is time to come back that is where the challenge is. But I found out that while I was helping out at my father's store, I was able to imbibe some qualities of accountability and sense of responsibility. This is why culturally; we tend to lose our core values because of wanting to be like foreigners".

Education: His life started in far away Ghana.

He came back home to Nigeria to attend secondary school. He schooled in Ghana in the hay days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah up to primary six level before coming back to Nigeria where he completed primary seven. According to him, there in Ghana, teachers wore uniforms just like pupils had their own uniforms too.

He schooled at Government College Kaduna and Rimi College, Kaduna. His love for journalism and sparked off when he was in secondary school. "We had an English teacher in my second year who was on the voluntary service organisation from the United Kingdom.

And he established for us what was called Class Magazine. So he encouraged us to write articles about the activities in the school. He would take it and edit and re-style it and give them to us periodically as school magazine. That perhaps was when my interest in journalism started", he said.

Still while in school, he took interest in debating societies and became the secretary of the society. He took part in drama and became president of dramatic club. "Those activities brought out the artistic and journalistic qualities in me. Later on, I found myself participating in radio programmes, discussing current affairs programmes, participating in television drama. I used to act the role of Lawyer in the court room drama called 'Case File' very popular on NTA Kaduna those days" he added.

Career: Eventually, when he went for NYSC, after a degree from the University of Lagos, he was posted to

Mr. Bayo Atoyebi, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council Nigerian Television, NTV Maiduguri.

He was given employment there but declined and left to join NTV Kaduna where his career started. He said, “that was where I cut my teeth in journalism proper.” He started his career in television and worked for 13 years before joining Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation where he worked for 13 years. He is presently at the helm of affairs at the Nigerian Press Council, the body that regulates activities in the print media for the past three years.

Having spent his entire life working in the media, Atoyebi says "the media never sleeps.” “There was a time I was working for a television station. I closed from work, went home and my wife was bringing dinner on the table but I was trying to watch the news of my station on television then all of a sudden, the television station went off air. I just picked my key and said I was going back to the office. My wife said, 'ah you just came back from work, why don't you eat?' I said, my station was off air and I had to get back. We got there and there was a major problem so with other heads of departments, we had to put our heads together to get the station back on air.

And that is how all-encompassing the life of a media man is. It leaves you with little or no time to relax".

"But I have been able to squeeze opportunities to relax because when I was growing up as young journalist, I

had programmes to produce in the current affairs. By Thursday of the week I would have finished producing two or three of my programmes and I was very free. So I used to relax by joining my colleagues in the sports department to go to the stadium to cover sports events", he said.

Eventually, sports commentating became part of his specialty in broadcasting. What used to be a past time later became part his routine job which first took him to Russia, Chile, Saudi Arabia and Scotland where he

was part of the NTA commentators’ team to commentate on FIFA tournament to Nigeria. Remembering the Miracle of Milan; the football match in February 1989 when Nigeria was down by three goals then came up to equalise and even won by nine goals, Atoyebi said he was part of the team of commentators in Saudi Arabia. He relaxes by reading novels, watching and monitoring sports and also takes time off to do lots of aerobics and exercises.

"They help me to keep healthy", he added.

Some of his contemporaries include the Managing Director of Power Holdings Company of Nigeria, Malam Hussaini Nlago, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu and Malam Abdulrahman Sambo, Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme.

Love life When asked how he met his wife, he said, "the person I married, I first saw her as my friend. For every young man, taking that decision of who will be your life partner is always very confusing.

My wife is my best friend. I came across her when I went to visit my childhood friend. Incidentally too her uncle, [her father's younger brother] lived in the same compound with me. Sometimes she used to come to our compound to visit her uncle. So when I would go to see my friend, by happenstance I would see her and when she would come to see her uncle in our house, by happenstance, I would see her again.

From there, I developed interest in her.

One day, I went to my bank for a transaction and saw her working there.

I asked, what are you doing here? she said she had just started working in the bank. We became closer and that was how it started. And today, we are the best of friends. I was not adventurous about ladies in my growing up days" he said.

Although he wouldn't disclose the number of children he has from the marriage, saying 'in my culture, you don't count children' he said three of his daughters are already married with children.

“

We had an English teacher in my second year who was on the voluntary service organisation from the United Kingdom. And he established for us what was called Class Magazine. So he encouraged us to write articles about the activities in the school. He would take it and edit and re-style it and give them to us periodically as school magazine.

That perhaps was when my interest in journalism started.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 41

Weekend FIFA U-17 Finals

Members of the Flamingoes acknowledging cheers from the crowd after the routed South Africa 7-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Azerbaijan finals

FIF A U-17 Finals: F laming oes FIFA Flaming lamingoes be gin r ace ffor or g lobal conquest begin race global Stories by Patrick Andrew

I

t is a season of women football which has been in the ascendency. Recall the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 and and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 have just ended.

Sadly, Nigeria were noticed in her conspicuous absence at the Olympics as was the case at the All Africa Games.

The FIFA U-20 Women World Cup did not offer the desired solace as the Falconets failed to take the podium honours in Japan.

Now, their junior siblings, the Flamingoes kick-start their quest for a sip from the prestigious as they confront their Canadian counterparts in their group’s opening fixture. The Flamingoes are among the 304 players comprising 16 teams that will vie for honours at the fiesta.

Already, coach Peter Dedevbo has assured that the Flamingoes are poised to go beyond the quarter-finals that they got to in the last edition.

“We are well prepared mentally, physically and in the mood to accomplish our mission. We have the confidence, depth and experience to march our opponents starting from Canada tomorrow (today),” he said.

The Flamingoes can boast of a squad featuring five players (Sarah Nnodim, Victoria Aidelomon, Oluchi Ofoegbu, Halimatu Ayinde and Ebere Okoye) who were also involved two years ago, and therefore have well blended team of experienced and lively crop of teenagers.

But Canada are not to be intimidated.

“You look at a little bit of their history right now with how they’ve done in U-17 and U-20 there seems to be consistency of their play,” Rosenfeld said. “[They] are becoming more and more organised in their women’s football, the talent keeps growing. They are definitely a squad to be reckoned with, not to

underestimate, and their strengths are definitely something that we are going to have to deal with.”

Coming off the back of a fine display at the regional championships in Guatemala, conceding only once – to USA in the final – and beating fellow Azerbaijan 2012 qualifiers Mexico in the semis, Rosenfeld believes the wind is in their sails.

The Flamingoes must have been gingered by their 4-0 drubbing of the Spain national U-17 side just last week.

Today’s matches Azerbaijan vs Colombia Nigeria vs Canada France vs USA PRK vs Gambia

CAF U- 17 qualifier

Eaglets' coaches vow to inflict more pains on Junior Menas

G

olden Eaglets coaches have vowed inflict further pains on the Junior Menas of Niger REpublic when the y clash with in the conclusive return leg of the African Under-17 qualifier at the U.J Esuene Stadium Calabar today.

Head coach, Manu Garba said the second leg will be played as if the match were not a formality. The Eaglets had a fortnight ago whacked their opponents in Niamey 41 to make today’s clash a formality. But coaches do not want the players to be complacent and have therefore instructed them to forget the first leg result and play with renewed vim.

“We want to win at home as we did two weeks ago in Niamey and we are leaving nothing for chance,” noted Garba.

In a similar vein, Assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke (MON) was even more forthcoming about the chance of the Nigerian side.

“We know there is a hug interest in this game after our 4-1 in Niamey but we shall be ready for the game,” Amuneke said.”We are realistic about our expectations and we are approaching the game with the same winning mentality.”

Already, there is the small talk that the match is going to be a walkover for the Golden Eaglets on account of their flattering 4-1 win in Niamey but Amuneke has begged to differ, insisting that football is not as easy as ABC. “Of course, we want to win but we must work for it. We are confident they would rise to the occassion,” the former African Footballer of the Year said.

Meanwhile, Suleymanu Kabirou, captain of Junior Menas, has declared that they will qualifier for the finals in spite of losing the first leg to the Golden Eaglets.

“We were shocked with the good handling of the ball by the Golden Eaglets. It was as if we were watching football on a playstation machine. But we hope to punish them just like they did to us in front of our home crowd,” the skipper said.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 42

Liverpool, Man United rekindle rivalry

By Patrick Andrew with agency report

A

fter 185 games and still counting, Liverpool and Manchester United rekingle their fierce rivalry this Sunday when they trade tackles- the first game for the Reds at Anfield since the report exonerating their fanss over the Hillsborough disaster was released.

The Hillsborough tragedy had claimed 96 lives and the burden of guilt heaped on the club and its fans, the Reds will host their acrhrivals determined to pick their first maximum points at Anfield.

The Reds are planning a number of tributes to the memories of those lost, including rival captains Steven Gerrard and Nemanja Vidic releasing 96 balloons prior to kick-off.

Manchester has also experienced its own tragedy this week with the murder of two police members, an incident which saw United and Galatasaray wear black armbands in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League match.

As if all that wasn’t enough to get the players and fans emotionally charged, there is the lingering issue of Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.

The former refused to shake hands with the latter in the teams’ last league meeting after being banned for directing racist comments toward the

Frenchman.

Since the season began, both have fared poorly: Man United lost their opening game of the season to Everton while Liverpool were stunned 3-0 by West Brom.

However, Liverpool have gone on to loss to Arsenal and two drawn twice with Man City and Sunderland, in spite of dominating in both.

In terms of pedigree, both have intimidating records but none standsout but the 72 to 62 record wins that the visitors hold over their hosts.

United seem to edge their rivals in current form: they are better organised, boast of Robin van Persie, who is prolific, strong defence and sonmewhat daring midfield where the likes of Paul Scholes, Shinji Kagawa hold sway.

Liverpool on the other hand are reputed for their blunt attack.

True, Steven Gerard, Joe Alen, Jonjo Shelvey could cause hurt but

the team is weak in the last 15 metres and at the back where Martin Skrtl, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson have been average while Pepe Reina has been anything but top shape.

Lius Suarez, relied upon to lead the attack following failure to secure replacement for Andy Carroll, has been less than clinical in front of goal. But the performances of the Reds’ young guns against Young Boys of Switzerland in the Europa League on Thursday was a morale booster that Liverpool could score goals.

But will Brendan Rodgers take the risk by throwing into the fray either Suso or Ossama Assaidi just as he has done with Raheem Sterling?

Sure, Sir Alex Ferguson will relish a win at Anfield as would Rodgers who will want nothing but his first league win with Liverpool at the expense of the 19time EPL trophy winners.

Liverpool And Man Utd Honours Competition Liverpool League Titles 18 Fa Cups 7 League Cups 8 Community Shield 15 European Cup/ Champions League 5 Cup-winners’ Cup 0 Uefa Cup 3 Uefa Super Cup 3 Intercontinental Cup 0 Club World Cup 0 Total 59

United 19 11 4 19 3 1 0 1 1 1 60

Nemanja Vidic, Man United

Joe Allen, Liverpool

Real set to breathe life into its Liga campaign

C

hampions, Real Madrid, aim to get their La Liga campaign back on track away to city rivals Rayo Vallecano following a dismal start which has seen a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona open up an eight-point lead over them with the season little over a month old.

Defeat away to Sevilla last weekend, however, means that Real have only picked up four points so far and afterwards an angry Mourinho was particularly disappointed with the manner of the defeat where the players appeared to lack interest.

Sergio Ramos, one of the heavyweights in the Madrid dressing room and has stood up to Mourinho in the past, appeared to be the one to pay the price as he was dropped against City and Raphael Varane came in to partner Pepe at centre half.

The pressure on the shoulders of the Portuguese coach would really have increased with a further defeat which looked quite possible at 2-1 down with six minutes to go but Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo turned the game around.

Most of the question marks at the start of the season were over how Barca would be able to

overturn Madrid with their new coach Tito Vilanova, and with Messi leading the way they have made a storming start with four straight wins in the league and now play Granada at the Camp Nou. Messi also proved his value on the European stage with two late goals as Barca too had to come from behind to beat Spartak Moscow on Wednesday.

Sturridge is also unavailable for Chelsea as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Everton’s Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic is unlikely to play at Swansea City today after bruising his knee and shin colliding with the post in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Monday.

Darron Gibson is also missing and Tony Hibbert remains doubtful as Everton attempt to protect their record of never having lost to Swansea in 14 previous encounters.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor will face fitness tests on Saturday to check on a hamstring injury.

Spurs face Queens Park Rangers at White Hart Lane on Sunday still looking for their first home win under new coach

Andre Villas-Boas.

Brad Friedel is likely to return in goal despite Frenchman Hugo Lloris making his debut in the 00 draw with Lazio in the Europa League on Thursday.

After three draws, Sunderland will be without Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar as they try and register their first league win of the season against West Ham United today.

Stoke City, seeking a first league victory at Chelsea since 1975, will be without defender Andy Wilkinson today after he was given a three-match ban for violent following an incident with Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli last week.

Maurice Edu could be in line for his Stoke debut following his international duty with the United States.

Fixtures Chelsea v Stoke Southampton v Aston Villa Swansea v Everton Zaragoza v Osasuna Celta Vigo v Getafe Real Betis v Espanyol Barcelona v Granada West Brom v Reading West Ham v Sunderland Wigan v Fulham Sunday Liverpool v Man Utd Newcastle v Norwich Man City v Arsenal Tottenham v QPR Mallorca v Valencia Levante v Real Sociedad Atletico Madrid v Valladolid Athletic Bilbao v Malaga Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid Monday Deportivo la Coruna v Sevilla

Wenger tests young Gunners against Man City’s strength

A

rsenal are full of confidence after edging out Montpellier in the Champions League and will be hoping for the same against Manchester City in their exciting Premiership clash at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday.

Manchester City on the other hand are in a different mood after drawing and losing their previous two fixtures.

Like City, the Gunners are unbeaten in their opening four games of the season but have been the more impressive so far, banging in six goals against Southampton last week.

“It will tell us a lot about our quality,” Wenger said at his Friday news conference. “How we handle the big games will decide how well we do in the championship. That is why it is

an interesting weekend for us. It will just tell you how strong we are at the moment.”

Although losing to Real Madrid is nothing to be ashamed of, their defensive unit has left little to be desired as they are yet to keep a clean sheet all season.

The Premier League Champions will be hoping for a victory in order to set alight their league campaign that has been hit with a lot of off field disagreements.

Roberto Mancini blasted Joe Hart’s criticism of his thoughts in the game against Real Madrid, while Mario Balotelli was reportedly in a bust-up with his fellow countryman and manager after reportedly hitting the town following the Stoke match.

In London things seem to be

looking a lot peachier with Mikel Arteta finally establishing himself at the heart of every Gunners attack, but they are still waiting for new striker Olivier Giroud to find the back of net.

Arsene Wenger is expected to stick with the Frenchman up front and he will be hoping that his patience in slotting him into the line-up will finally come good against City.

It is going to be a heated affair with both teams looking to battle for their pride and it will surely be a game not to be missed.

Chelsea’s new Brazilian wonderkid Oscar is struggling to be fit for the home clash with Stoke on Saturday after hurting his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday. Daniel

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

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Kenya, Ethiopia renew rivalry in Toronto women's race

FIFA to announce 2018 World Cup host cities Sept. 29

T

T

he great rivalry between East African neighbours Kenya and Ethiopia continues on the Toronto roads October 14 with a world class field intent on chasing the women’s course record of 2:22:43.

Agnes Kiprop, who has a personal best time of 2:23:54 from the 2011 Frankfurt Marathon, will carry Kenyan hopes into the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race. Among her Ethiopian rivals is Netsanet Achamo who has a best of 2:24:12.

The 33-year-old Kiprop won the Prague Marathon on May 13 just a few weeks after dropping out of the 2012 Boston Marathon suffering the lingering affects of a typhoid infection. She continues to monitor her health with biweekly visits to a doctor. Her commitment to Toronto came about almost accidently.

At the post-race reception in Prague her Italian coach, Gabriele Nicole, introduced her to Toronto race director Alan Brookes and suggested she might like to compete in Canada’s largest city. Kiprop is a training partner of Sharon Cherop, who won the event two years ago.

Cherop, of course, also won the 2012 Boston Marathon. But the training group includes other notable female marathoners, including Mary Keitany, the 2012 London Marathon champion and Lucy Kabuu Wangui, who debuted at the 2012 Dubai Marathon and finished 2nd in a spectacular time of 2:19:34. They meet in the running capital of Iten several times a week. Kiprop reckons she is in great shape.

Mary Keitany

Agnes Kiprop Kiprop was born in the village of Kaptul in the Marakwet district about 70 kilometres from Iten. She has five brothers and one sister and although a couple of her siblings tried professional athletics she is the only one who persevered. In her early days encouragement came from Paul Yego who, besides winning a silver medal at the 1995 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships,

is also from Kaptul.

With Yego’s encouragement Kiprop twice represented Kenya at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships - finishing 10th in 1997 and 7th in 1998 - both times in the junior races. Soon afterwards her career was halted so she could start a family. Today she is the proud mother of two children, Gavin, 8, and Sheila, 6.

Chavez could lose $3m over alleged use of marijuana

J

ulio Cesar Chavez Jr has tested positive for marijuana and could lose his $3 million purse after his first defeat last weekend.

The middleweight star could be stripped of the money, depending on the explanation he offers to Nevada boxing regulators.

Top Rank Inc spokesman Lee Samuels said on Thursday promoter Bob Arum was aware the 26-year-old Chavez had tested positive for the banned substance.

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will have the opportunity to explain the situation to the Nevada State Athletic Commission,”

Julio Caser Chavez

Samuels said in a statement.

Commission executive Keith Kizer would not immediately provide the name, but said only one of 32 fighters who took part in bouts at two Las Vegas venues last Saturday tested positive for a banned substance, marijuana.

Kizer said the commission was awaiting results of pre-fight tests for banned steroids, diuretics and masking agents before releasing all pre-fight and post-fight test results for all 32 fighters.

The commission can ban a fighter for one year and penalise him for up to 100 per cent of his purse for a failed test, Kizer said.

Chavez was guaranteed $3 million for his WBC title fight against Sergio Martinez.

Martinez dominated the first 11 rounds of the fight at the Thomas & Mack arena, but had to withstand a frenzied 12th-round effort by Chavez to win by unanimous decision. Martinez improved ran his record to 50-2-2.

Chavez, whose record fell to 46-1-1, with 32 knockouts, was suspended before, for seven months.

His 10-round points win in November 2009 over Troy Rowlands was changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned diuretic.

Chavez was arrested on drunken driving charges in Los Angeles on January 22 and struggled to make weight for a championship bout in February against Marco Antonio Rubio in San

Antonio, Texas.

The Mexican faces up to a one-year suspension, a possible revocation of his boxing licence and a fine that could take all of his $3 million purse from the bout.

Arum plans to seek leniency from Nevada officials because marijuana is a “recreational drug” and not a performance-enhancing substance.

“You certainly worry about the repercussions, but we have a great commission in Nevada that understands what the social issues are,” Arum told the Times. “As far as I’m concerned marijuana should be legal.

“I’m making a moral judgment. It has therapeutic effects. I’m not going to step back on this one: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with marijuana and if I had a vote I would vote to legalise it.”

Arum said Chavez had smoked marijuana to help him sleep but that such a benefit did not make the Mexican a dope cheat.

“I can’t really get excited about it.

There’s no promoter in boxing who could pass the marijuana test, including myself,” Arum told ESPN. “If there was a trace of marijuana, to me, it’s not the same as using a performance-enhancing drug. That is cheating.”

“Of course, we’re disappointed in him,” Arum said. “We hope he’ll learn a lesson here and next time get in top shape for the fight. But it shows you the immaturity here. He needs to grow up.”

he International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), confirmed on Friday it would announced the host cities of the 2018 World Cup in Russia next Saturday.

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and Russian Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, would jointly on Sept. 29 unveil the final 11 host cities among 13 candidates.

“I can say with pride that whichever host cities are finally selected, we believe that the entire country will win,” Mutko said.

Officials from FIFA and Russia, as well as Russian athletes, football stars and celebrities, would also attend the announcement ceremony.

Russia was awarded the right to host the 2018 World Cup in Dec., 2010.

A total of 13 Russian cities, including Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Yaroslavl, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Saransk, Samara, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Volgograd, Krasnodar and Sochi are vying to host World Cup matches.

Mutko said in April that FIFA had allocated nearly 700 million U.S. dollars to the 2018 World Cup.

18th NSF: Niger overwhelm Kwara, Kogi in Ilorin preliminaries

T

eam Niger has won six of the eight events at the North Central Zone II preliminaries in Ilorin for qualification for the forthcoming 18 th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012.

The other states in the zone are Kwara and Kogi were overwhelmed by Team Niger that emerged winners in female football as no other state presented a team for the event as well as in the female basketball, male and female handball and male and female volleyball.

Team Kwara, which came second in the zone, emerged winners in male football and Basketball, while Team Kogi went back home empty handed.

Commenting on Team Niger’s performance, Mr John Tamaha, the Permanent Secretary in the Niger State Ministry of Sports, said that the efforts and spirit of the athletes paid off.

“Honestly speaking, all the teams really performed well in the preliminaries; it was an interesting effort by all the participating teams,” he said.

A coach with Kogi State Sports Council, Obakachi Onipe, blamed the unimpressive performance of Team Kogi on late preparation. “The athletes put in their best, but the hitches were due to late preparation,” Onipe said.

The coach, who blamed the team’s problems on the state government, said that it responded to their needs too late.

He hoped that the state’s government fire-brigade approach to the team’s needs would not equally affect their performance at Eko 2012, scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

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P.I.C.T.O.R.I.A.L

Brazil had never won the FIFA U-17 World Cup and had been beaten by their final opponents Ghana in the same fixture in the previous edition, the day would nevertheless belong to the boys in canary-yellow and their exhilarating No. 10.

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied that Wayne Rooney will make his comeback from a thigh injury against Liverpool tomorrow

England recovers after losing Craig Kieswetter against Afghanistan at the World Twenty20, after New Zealand beat Bangladesh

An offer from Paris Saint-Germain was not the cause of Cristiano Ronaldo's "sadness", according to the French club's president, Nasser Al Khelaifi

Defending champion Novak Djokovic moves into the US Open semi-finals with victory over Juan Martin Del Potro.

Tiger Woods and Justin Rose share the lead on four under after round one of the PGA Tour Championship with Rory McIlroy three back

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

PAGE 45

HOCKEY:

By Augustine Aminu with reports from Wikipedia

F

ield hockey is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team’s goal using sticks.

In some countries, it is known simply as “hockey”; however, the name field hockey is used in countries in which the word hockey is generally reserved for another form of hockey, such as ice hockey, street hockey or roller hockey.

Field hockey is a sport played internationally by both men and women including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the quadrennial Hockey World Cups, the annual Champions Trophies and World Cups for juniors. Many countries have extensive club competitions for junior and senior players.

History of Hockey: Early Years The game of Hockey has been around from the time of early civilization. Some of the reports find the earliest origin of the game 4000 years back. Field hockey was reportedly played even before the birth of Christ. Basically known as the “ball and stick” game, it was played since ancient times in places diverse as Rome, Scotland, Egypt and South America. The game was referred to in different names but the basic idea of playing the game was the same. The most apt used term was “Hockie” by the Irish. Though the term was coined centuries ago, the word found its way through to the present generation.

In the 17th and the early 18th century England, the game acquired a fiercely competitive and chaotic form. Villages would compete against their neighboring hamlets and there were nearly 100 players in one team.

The game was a matter of pride and manhood; so the game acquired a dangerous form.

The game would last for half a month and many players would end up injured and grievously hurt. The umpires were there but they were more of mute spectators, who would make a call only if a team asked them to.

After some years, common sense and a logical and organized approach to the game came into play with the introduction of revision of rules. The game was limited to 30 players for each team. The Eton College of England drafted some rules to bring sanity to the game. The Hockey Association was formed in the year 1875 and some of the rules chalked out were implemented. The results were quite positive and more rules like giving the umpire enough authority were soon drawn to improve the quality of the game.

Rules Field of play The field should be rectangular and 91.4 meters long and 55.0 meters wide. It should be clearly marked with white lines.

All lines should be 7.5 cm wide.

Team sport

The longer, 91.4 metre lines are called side lines. The shorter 55 metre lines are called back lines. Goal lines are between the back line and the goalpost. Minimum run off areas should be provided outside the back lines and the side lines.

There is a Centrex line across the field and there are two other lines each 22.90 metres away from the centre line. This forms four even quarters.

Protruding from each back lines is a semicircle, sometimes referred to as the ‘D’ or the circle. These are the shooting circles and a goal cannot be scored unless the shot came from within the circle.

Goals At the centre of each back line are goals, which must be rectangular in shape and 2.14 metres high and 3.66 metres apart. There should be back and side boards 46 cm high.

The nets should be fitted loosely to prevent the ball from rebounding.

The BallThe ball should be spherical, weigh between 156-163 grammes. Its circumference should be 22.4- 23.5 cm. It should be white or any other agreed colour and should be smooth but seem or indentations are permitted.

Sticks Sticks should be flat on one side and curved on the other. Only the flat side may be used during the course of a game. It cannot weigh more than 737 grammes.

Teams A game will consist of two teams of eleven players each. You can have five substitutes to be used throughout the game.

You can be substituted at any time during a game except when a penalty stroke is being taken and you can come on and off the field as many times as your coach wants. You also have to enter the game at the centre of the field.

Captains Each team must have a captain on the field and they must wear a distinctive arm band. To sought out who starts with possession or which side they take will be decided by the two captains and umpires, by tossing a coin.

Umpires There are two umpires on the field who control the game. They take half of the field each and adjudicate in there own half.

Duration of play In junior hockey games will be 20

minutes each half, in intermediate and secondary hockey halves are 2530 minutes each way. In international matches each half is 35 minutes long.

Starting and Restarting games To start play a pass will be taken from the decided team from the centre of the field. It may be pushed of hit to a player in their own half. All opponents must be 5 metres from the ball. If the ball goes over the side line the team which did not hit it over the

side line will take the ball and restart play by passing it to a player. Then when the ball goes over the back line the defending team will take a hit 16 yards from the back line.

Scoring a goal To score a goal the ball must be in between the posts, and completely over the line and under the crossbar.

It also must be struck by an attacker inside the semicircle.

Conduct of play You shall not hit the ball intentionally with the back of the stick, use any body part, play the ball with your stick over shoulder height. You shan’t raise the ball dangerously or injure another player or the umpire. You can’t waste time. You can not obstruct the opposition with your stick our body.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Digest

Guinness World Records 2013

Over 120 million copies of the Guinness World Records book have sold around the world and the 2013 version is now available, with the usual collection of incredible people and feats on show.

Zeus, awesome dog

Just look at the size of this dog. Zeus is a 3-year-old Great Dane from Michigan and measures an incredible 111.8 cm (44 in) from foot to withers: the same size as a donkey. Standing on hind legs, Zeus stretches to 7 ft 4 in and towers over his owner Denise Doorlag. Denise said: 'Zeus is an awesome dog,' says owner Denise. 'The only downside is that everything costs more; the food, medicines, transport. We had to get a van to be able to transport him, and if he steps on your foot- he leaves bruises.'

Zeus breaks the record of previous record-breaking pooch Giant George, who is 1-inch shorter, which makes Zeus the tallest dog ever recorded in history.

Biggest biceps, Moustafa

Here's a new take on the saying 'welcome to the gun show'. Moustafa Adel Ismail has the world's largest biceps and triceps; his right upper-arm circumference is 63.5 cm (25 in) flexed and 60.96 cm (24 in) nonflexed, and his left upper-arm circumference is 64.77 cm (25.5 in) flexed and 62.23 cm (24.5 in) non-flexed.

Moustafa, trains six days a week and eats six meals a day, said: 'I have been working out for the last 11 years to get muscles this big'. He hopes his newfound fame will be the springboard to become a professional body builder and plans to compete in 'naturally enhanced body-building competitions'.

Most expensive painting, $119. 9m

Edvard Munch's The Scream (1895) sold to an anonymous buyer for $119.9 million (ÂŁ74 million) on 2 May 2012, making it the most expensive auction painting.

Oklahoma Sam, tallest donkey

Shortest bull

Archie, a 29-month-old Dexter from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is today recognised as the Shortest Bull in the world. He measures just 76.2 cm (30 in) from the hoof to the withers, 15 inches shorter than other bulls of his breed (typically 45 in). His height means that he's dwarfed by the other animals at his farm, including even the dogs and goats.

A mule named 'Oklahoma Sam' is today celebrating being crowned the 'Tallest Living Donkey' on the planet.

Measuring 15.3 hands (155.45 cm; 5ft 1in) tall, she dwarfs the common donkey (8 hands high) and her own larger 'Mammoth Jackstock' breed (12 hands high). Sam's overall care is handled by 54-year-old Linda Davis, a keen gardener and animal lover. Linda, who calls Sam her 'soul mate', says: 'It actually doesn't cost anymore to have a donkey of this size. He doesn't eat more. In fact, if I give him more bale he'll just use it to make his bedding more comfortable. He loves his sleep.'

Russian asteroid crater filled with over $1 quadrillion diamonds

By Fox Van Allen Call it the Soviet Union's most valuable cold war secret. This past weekend, Russia declassified the existence of what could very well be the richest diamond field in existence, located in the depths of a 62-mile diameter asteroid crater known as Popigai Astroblem in Siberia.

The diamonds found in the Popigai Astroblem are known as "impact diamonds." They're created when a meteor strikes a graphite deposit, as happened there an estimated 35 million years ago. Impact diamonds are significantly harder than normal diamonds, and are best suited for industrial or scientific use.

Given that diamonds can sell for $2,000 per karat with unusually large diamonds going for as much as $20 million, a discovery of "trillions of karats" could value this hole in the quadrillions of dollars.

Of course, a diamond discovery of this magnitude is almost sure to have a serious downward impact in the per-karat price should full-scale mining operations ever begin.

Source: Yahoo! News

Oldest Gymnast: Johanna (Germany) - 86 years old

Heaviest sportswoman, Sharran

Sharran Alexander, 46, stands 6ft tall, weighs 32 stone is Britain's only female sumo wrestler and is now the world's Heaviest Sportswoman. Sharran consumes 5,000 calories a day, and to build strength and stamina she swims and walks. Sharran said: 'I used to be ashamed of my size. But after taking up sumo I learned to love my body. The Guinness World Records recognition tops it off.'

Quaas

Johanna Quaas, 86, from Leipzig only began to train at gymnastics in her 50s and is now recognised as the world's Oldest Gymnast. In the last 30 years Johanna has won 11 major championships. To keep in shape for competition, Joanna has a strict exercise regime that involves a combination of gym workouts, running, and yoga. Johanna says that it's 'a great feeling to be in the Guinness World Records book. I hope the record inspires others to realise it's never too late to try something new.'

From the Pulpit PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

Where was the father of Jabez?

A

nytime Christians mention the name Jabez, the first thing that immediately comes to mind is the prayer of Jabez, and many times, those familiar with his story have prayed the prayer of Jabez. This is his story as presented in the Bible: “There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” (1 Chro 4:9-10 NLT) One thing I’ve noticed about the story of Jabez is that despite the negative meaning of the name - child of sorrow or sorrow maker, God didn’t change his name as he changed the name of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah and Jacob to Israel. I have limited space so I don’t want to go into the subject of people nowadays changing their names and surnames.

What is in a name?

A name has a way of affecting a person’s life except there is a supernatural power that intervenes in the case of a negative name to cancel the negative consequences or impact of such name. That was what Jabez did.

He appealed to the Highest Power to cancel the negative effect on his life of the name given him by his mother.

I’ve asked myself where was the father of Jabez? Where was he when the mother gave their son this

circumstantial name? The Bible does not tell us anything about the family of Jabez except that the mother named him Jabez because she gave birth to him in sorrow. That was unfair to Jabez and unfair to his destiny.

Who were the father and mother of Jabez? Where was the father when his mother gave him this name? Was his father alive or dead or was his mother a single mother? What kind of sorrow did she go through that informed giving him this name? Or did the father fail in his responsibility to name the child or to ensure that he got a name not based on circumstances of birth? I believe that the story of the naming of this man called Jabez further goes to emphasize the need for fathers to rise up to their responsibilities and live up to expectation in the lives of their children.

Women are more emotional than men, and men are known to be more rational than women; God has permitted one to balance the other.

While Zechariah was still dumb, Elizabeth gave their son the name John as the angel had told Zechariah even when no one was bearing that name in the family. “But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John” (Luke 1:13 NLT) When Zechariah was asked to write the name the child should be given, he also wrote John. Elizabeth was not emotional in her choice of name for their son - she was in the spirit. Luke 1:59-64 records

Deuteronomy 6:23-25; 10:11; Numbers 10:29 any believers are ignorant of the purpose and plan of God for their lives, families and church like many of the children of Israel were. But God reveals through their pilgrimage that He has a destination in mind for us. “And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers”. Not realising this, many people feel contented and continue with unending celebration of spectacular miracles of crossing the Red sea, eating manna, provision of water from the rock and meat from heaven which they have experienced.

As believers, miracles are not the ultimate purpose and plan of God for our salvation. “He brought us out” of sin and the world that “he might bring us (into)” His heavenly Kingdom. And between Egypt and Canaan, the commencement of our pilgrimage to the final consummation, He has given us His Word to guide us.

His word is given to produce righteousness in us so we can get to the Promised Land. Coming out of Egypt, experiencing spectacular miracles and rendering sacrificial service will serve no purpose if we are unable to reach the final destination - heaven. Our loved ones who have passed on in righteousness have had the purpose of God fulfilled in their lives as they are now rejoicing in heaven. Though bereaved, we need not sorrow over their departure but strive to overcome all obstacles by faith to reach the Promised Land. In spite of misfortune and bereavement, the Lord

commands, “Arise, take thy journey ...go in and possess the land...” (Deuteronomy 10:11).

1. REPORTS OF FEAR IN THE LAND: Numbers 13:26-29,3133;14:1-4; Isaiah 8:11,12,18; 1 Samuel 22:23. God promised to give the land of Canaan to the children of Israel and had the power to make them inherit it.

But ten of the twelve spies Moses sent to Canaan “...brought up an evil report of the land...” saying, “there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight”. This was a report of fear; a singular report that cancelled all the faith-building miracles the Israelites had earlier experienced.

Reports of fear in the land have the potential of eroding the courage and faith of believers and discouraging them from regular attendance at fellowships and faithfulness to the Lord. But God’s purpose to take believers to His eternal abode in heaven is constant and no evil report can cancel it. So, believers need not allow reports of fear to cancel their faith but remember great blessings they have received from the Lord. Entry to the heavenly city remains the ultimate purpose of God for our lives that will give value to all the miracles we have enjoyed in the course of our pilgrimage on earth. God granted those miracles to strengthen our resolve to get to heaven in spite of obstacles that we might face. The reports of fear generate evil desire and lead to decision to return to bondage in believers who are not steadfast, who forget that the purpose of God is to take us to heaven. But “the

this incident: “When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.

But Elizabeth said, ‘No! His name is John!’ ‘What?’ they exclaimed. ‘There is no one in all your family by that name.’ So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God” Parents must be careful not to give their children circumstantial names; rather they should receive their names from the Lord, names that reveal the destiny of their children, names that will inspire them. The name of Jesus was given by an angel before he was conceived. “‘Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31 NLT).

Spiritually sensitive father In Gen 35, we see another example of emotional naming of a child based on circumstances of birth but in this case a spiritually sensitive father was in the family to overrule the wife. That’s how it should be. Fathers must never fail their children. Fathers must never abdicate their responsibilities to their wives; women are different from men and there are things only a man can do, and vice versa. Women alone should not be left with raising children.

It takes the meeting of a man and a

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GREEN PASTURES

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 woman to produce a baby, and both of them should also raise the baby to adulthood. Rachael, the wife of Jacob, was about to die during childbirth.

“Rachel was about to die, but with her last breath she named the baby Benoni (which means ‘son of my sorrow’).

The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”)” (Gen 35:18 NLT) Rachael called the child Ben-oni meaning “the son of sorrow” or “the child of my distress”. This was exactly what the mother of Jabez did, and the name stood because the father did not overrule her or was not alive or around to overrule her. Thank God for a father who was alive to his responsibility!

What a father did not do or could not do for Jabez, a father did for Benjamin.

Immediately Rachael named him Benoni - “child of sorrow” or “child of my distress”, Jacob objected and named him Benjamin, “the child of his right hand” and this second name was final - Jacob’s decision prevailed. The name Ben-oni was buried with Rachael!

Benjamin was saved the pains of answering a dangerous name and having to appeal to God for intervention as Jabez did because there

was no father. Where was the father of Jabez?

I pray that you will not give your children wrong names. I pray God will help you to give them right names that will inspire them to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.

I hope mothers will learn from the story of the mother of Jabez and the story of Rachael, and avoid giving their children names based on circumstances of birth, names that speak evil to the future of their children, names that place on them a burden rather than an anointing from heaven, names that can make the children regret being born by their parents.

May you, as a father, be there for your children to give them the right names and nurture them on the right path. “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised.” (Gen 18:19 NLT) May you, as a mother, not give your children negative names just because of some unfavourable experience. You won’t fail God over your children in Jesus name. You won’t fail for your children.

Reaching the promised land by faith M

FAITH DISCOURSE WITH

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people... neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid” (Isaiah 8:11,12). Believers who obey and do not live by fear-inspiring reports will experience “signs” and “wonders”. Believers must not be frightened by evil reports but abide in the Lord and His service till the end.

2. RESPONSE OF FAITH IN THE LORD: Numbers 13:30;14:68,24; 2 Chronicles 20:17,20-22; John 6:67-69. Caleb and Joshua were among the spies sent to view the Promised Land. But they had a different kind of spirit, conviction and attitude. Full of faith in the promise and power of God, “Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” It is not what people hear or see that adversely affect them but the way they respond to what they hear or see. Filled with faith, we also can overcome all obstacles to fulfilling our God-given commission to Disciple

A Whole Nation. We can reach every village, community, town, city and country with the gospel and win souls for the Lord. This requires the involvement of every child of God. As believers, we must possess a mind that is different from those who give evil report; we must have conviction, courage and faith in the Lord to be able to possess the Promised Land. “If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey...But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it” (Numbers 14:8,24). If we respond with faith like Caleb and Joshua, God will fulfil His purpose in our lives. Faith and fear cannot travel together. If faith is allowed to grow, it will dominate fear. So, “fear not, nor be dismayed... for the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:7).

Faith in the divine presence and His appointed servants will make us to be

established in the truth as well as bring assurance of victory over all enemies. It is the response of faith to whatever reports we hear that will make the Lord fulfil His purpose and plan in our lives.

Believers who have faith do not depart from the Lord but are consistent in professing their faith in Him. 3. RESOLUTION WITH FAITHFULNESS AND LOYALTY: Ruth 1:15-18; Psalm 119:30; 112:7; 20:5. People who are inconsistent in their decision like Orpah, Demas, Lot’s wife and Judas Iscariot do come to church. They are quite unlike Ruth and other saints who respond to the Lord by taking a decision to abide in Him in spite of difficulties and misfortunes that come their way. Orpah departed but “Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God”. Through resolution with faithfulness and loyalty, Ruth became the great grandmother of Christ. Forgetting the reports of fear, respondinginfaithtotheLordandtaking a resolution to abide in the Lord today will lead to our greater usefulness and the ultimate fulfilment of divine purpose in our lives and church. We need to take or renew our decision to abide in the Lord like the psalmist did. “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me” (Psalm 119:30). Though God grants the desires of believers who are faithful in their decision to abide in the Lord on earth, His ultimate purpose is to take to heaven those who faithfully read, meditate and obey His word till the end.

BIG PUNCH "Over the years, our national budgets have raised hopes of a better life. Such hopes have remained largely unrealised because there is a defined correlation between the parlousness we observe in several key sectors and the haphazard and inconsistent implementation of budgets."

-Senate President, David Mark blaming the Executive for poor budget implementation

SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, SEPTEMBER, 2012

The West and its genetic disease

'We know well that what they say grieves you [Prophet]. It is not you they disbelieve: the evildoers reject God's revelation. Other messengers were disbelieved before you, and they bore their rejection and persecution steadfastly until Our aid arrived - no one can alter God's promises. You have already received accounts of these messengers.'

[Qur’an 6:34-35]

O

n c e again the world is being thrown into turmoil as a result of senseless attacks on the person of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the West.

The current attempts fits squarely into the general pattern of Western attitude to Islam. The attitude is described by the eminent European Muslim scholar, Muhammad Asad, in his Islam at the Crossroads, written in 1930's, as follows: 'It is one of deep-rooted and almost fanatical aversion; and it is not only intellectual but bears an intensely emotional tint. The West may not accept the doctrines of Buddhist or Hindu philosophy, but it will always preserve a balanced, reflective attitude of mind with regard to those systems.

As soon, however, as it turns towards Islam, the balance is disturbed and an emotional bias creeps in.' Western scholars, especially the Orientalists, according to Asad, 'seem to be tickled by a sense of malicious pleasure whenever an occasion real or imaginary - arises for adverse criticism' of Islam, and this sweeping madness has since encompassed Western intelligentsia, politicians and policy makers.

A proper understanding of the evolution of this irrational stance of a civilization which otherwise prides itself in rationalism is apt.

Asad traces the origin of the pathological hatred of Islam in the West to the Crusades, the Holy War waged by the European nations collectively on the Muslim world for three centuries beginning from the eleventh century, with the aim to extirpate Islam, if it were possible, from the face of the Earth.

Of this Sir Steven Runciman states in his monumental work, The Crusades: 'High ideals were besmirched by cruelty and greed...the Holy War was nothing more than a long act of intolerance in the name of God.' And it failed.

But the sequel was tragic for both Europe and Islam. For Christianity, however, it was effectively the death knell. On the whole the Crusades conditioned the European frame of mind towards

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Islam, and the hatred of Islam it fostered has continued to be passed on from generation to generation like a genetic disease. In the words of Muhammad Asad: 'The Crusades were decisive because they fell in the period of Europe's childhood, as it were, a period when its peculiar cultural traits were asserting themselves for the first time and were still in the process of evolution. As in individuals, so also in nations the violent impressions of an early childhood persevere, consciously or subconsciously, throughout later life. They are so deeply embossed that they can only with difficulty, and seldom entirely, be removed by the intellectual experiences of a later, more reflective and less emotional age.

So it was with the Crusades. They produced one of the deepest and most permanent impressions on Europe's mass psychology. The universal enthusiasm they aroused in their time cannot be compared with anything that Europe had ever before experienced, and with hardly anything that came afterwards.

A wave of intoxication swept over the whole continent, an elation which overstepped, for some time at least, the barriers between states and nations and classes. It was then, for the first time in history, that Europe conceived itself as a unity - and it was a unity against the world of Islam. Without indulging in undue exaggeration we can say that modern Europe was born out of the spirit of the Crusades. Before that time there had been Anglo-Saxons and Germans, French and Normans, Italians and Danes: but during the Crusades the new political concept of "Christendom", a cause common to all European nations alike (and by no means identical with the religious concept of "Christianity") was created: and it was the hatred of Islam that stood as godfather behind the new creation.

'But the evil caused by the Crusades was not restricted to the clash of weapons: it was, first and foremost, an intellectual evil. It consisted in poisoning the European mind against the Muslim world as a whole through a deliberate misrepresentation, fostered by the Church, of the teachings and ideals of Islam. It was at the time of the Crusades that the ridiculous notion of Islam as a religion of crude sensualism and brutal violence, of an observance of formalities instead of a purification of the heart, entered the mind of Europe, to remain there for a long time. The seed of

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The Ka’aba hatred was sown.' '[The] hatred grew with the passing of time and hardened into a custom. It overshadowed the popular feeling whenever the word "Muslim" was mentioned; it entered the realm of popular proverbs, it was hammered into the heart of every European man and woman. And what was most remarkable, it outlived all cultural changes. The time of the Reformation came, when religious factions divided Europe and sect stood in arms against sect: but the hatred of Islam was common to all of them. A time came when religious feeling began to wane in Europe: but the hatred of Islam remained. Some decades later there came a time when learned men in the West began to study foreign cultures and to approach them sympathetically: but in the case of Islam the traditional aversion almost always crept as an irrational bias into their scientific investigations, and the cultural gulf which history had unfortunately laid between Europe and the world of Islam remained unbridged. The contempt for Islam had become part and parcel of European thought. Although the religious feeling which was at the root of the anti-Islamic resentment has in the meantime given way to

a more materialistic outlook on life, that old resentment itself remains as a subconscious factor in the mind of Western man. The spirit of the Crusades - in a very diluted form, to be sure - still lingers over the West and influences its attitude towards the Muslim world and all matters Islamic.'

The irony, however, is that the giant called Western Civilization is largely the creation of Islam, in the main, the fruit of the career of Prophet Muhammad. The West may hate him, loath him, or try to besmirch his unimpeachable character, but Muhammad remains, at least in the realm scientific progress, her father. 'It is highly probable,' Robert Briffault wrote in The Making of Humanity, 'that for the Arabs modern European civilization would never have arisen at all; it is absolutely certain that it would not have assumed that character which has enabled it to transcend all previous phases of evolution.' Briffault asserts further: 'For although there is not a single aspect of European growth in which the decisive influence of Islamic culture is not traceable, nowhere is it so clear and momentous as in the genesis of that power which constitutes the paramount distinctive force of the modern world, and the supreme

source of its victory - natural science and the scientific spirit.'

Science, he said, owes its very existence to Islam. And: 'Science is the most momentous contribution of Arab civilization to the modern world, but its fruits were slow in ripening. Not until long after Moorish culture had sunk back into darkness did the giant to which it had given birth rise in his might.

It was not science which brought Europe back to life. Other and manifold influences from the civilization of Islam communicated its first glow to European life'.

What is going on now in the form of continuos injury and insult being inflicted on Islam with pleasure and impunity by the West is in fact merely a continuation of a trend that started centuries ago.

Muhammad has been, across the centuries, the intellectual, emotional and cultural target of the West. Much earlier he had been the target of the Arabs of his time, as indeed of the Crusades much later. Yet he represents the ultimate Truth, which, in turn, is the ultimate target of all those whom the Quran calls evildoers.

Muhammad's stature, however, can not be diminished. He remains the only one single individual who stands high above all the others who are adjudged by universal acclaim as the most illustrious and the most accomplished among Mankind. 'No founder of a religion,' as W.G Hogarth observed, 'has been left on so solitary an eminence as the Muslim Apostle.' But it is necessary to bear in mind that so often and so easily is the transition made by the West from verbal to military assaults on Muslims. The Crusades remain a living reality as far as the relationship between Islam and the West is concerned.

Iraq, where over one million Muslims were killed by the Western powers in a space of less than a decade for no reason whatsoever other than a thirst for Muslim blood, is a most recent example. And all of this arises from a desire to prevent Islam from living, thriving or consolidating.

But will Islam die? 'In this great duel,' between Islam and the forces seeking to destroy it, observes Thomas Carlyle, who describes Islam as 'a reality direct from the great heart of Nature', several decades ago, 'Nature Herself is umpire, and can do no wrong; the thing which is deepest rooted in Nature, what we call truest, that thing and not the other will be found growing at last.' The promise of Allah, says the Quran, may never be altered.

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