Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday 24, November, 2012

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

VOL. 2 NO. 17 SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

. . . putting the people first

AL-MUHARRAM 10 - 11, 1434 AH

Kannywood:

N150

I N S I D E

I sang “Haduwa mai dadi” for my Ex–girlfriend – Muhammad

ABU @ 50

>> Page 34

Jonathan’s Presidency:

A History of back and forth

Is not worth celebrating – Dr. Muazu ABU now has e-library — Prof. Zakari

President Jonathan

Pages 9, 10 & 11

I started as a labourer and retired as Managing Director of ABU Press — Afegbua >> Page 34

2013 budget: Perfect for government’s transformation agenda — Abati Pages 12 & 13

WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

Kano riot: Police arrest 22 suspects >> Page 7

Nasarawa: A lawmaker’s quest to boost rice production >> Page 15

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

ABU@50 Katsina College

Sardauna’s alma mater

named Barewa College Zaria. It is absolutely clear that one cannot talk of the Independence of Nigeria 50 years ago without mention of the Katsina College.

It was Katsina college that shaped the thinking and the intellectualcapacities of the postindependence northern leaders, the premier of the northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, the founder of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria attended Katsina College so also the first prime minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and opposition elements such as Late NEPU leader, Malam Aminu Kano.

Later the school produced the likes of, the first civilian president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, former head of state General Murtala Ramat Muhammmad, late Umaru Musa 'Yar'adua, former sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, Fomer Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Bello, former Chief Justice, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi,

former CBN governor and minister of finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma.

Others include, former minister of transport in the second republic, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, late ABU radical Schorlar Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman, former ABU ViceChancellor, Professor Ango Abdullahi, former EFCC Chairman AIG Nuhu Ribado (rtd), former FCT minister Malam Nasiru El-Rufa'I among others.

Therefore the story of the struggle and success of Nigeria's independent will not be complete without mentioning the role of Katsina. At a time people were running away from western education in the North, Katsina embraced it and moulded the character of future leaders through the Katsina College. All credit goes to Emir Muhammadu Dikko.

Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.

He was born in Rabbah, Sokoto State. The son of a district head and heir to the Sokoto Caliphate, his great-grandfather was Sultan Bello, the founder of Sokoto and son of the revered Shaykh Usman

Dan Fodio. Ahmadu Bello received his education first at the Sokoto Provincial School, the only modern school at the time in the Sokoto province. Then, he proceeded to the Katsina Teacher's Training College. After spending five years at Katsina, he was appointed by the Sultan to become a teacher at the Sokoto Middle School, his former school which had undergone rapid transformation. In 1934, he was made the district head of Rabbah, four years later, he was promoted and sent to Gusau to become a divisional head. In 1938, he made an unsuccessful bid to become the new Sultan of Sokoto. The successful sultan immediately conferred upon Sir Ahmadu Bello the traditional, now honorary, title of Sarduna, alternatively spelled Sardauna, and elevated him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council. In 1948, he was offered a scholarship to study local government administration in England. Ahmadu Bello took the scholarship sensing he needed to shore up his knowledge about

the process of governance.

After returning from England, he was nominated to represent the province of Sokoto in the regional House of Assembly. As a member of the assembly, he was a notable voice for northern interest and embraced a style of consultation and consensus with the major representatives of the northern emirates: Kano, Bornu and Sokoto.

In the first elections held in Northern Nigeria in 1952, Sir Ahmadu Bello won a seat in the Northern House of Assembly, and became a member of the regional executive council as minister of works. Bello was successively minister of Works, of Local Government, and of Community Development in the Northern Region of Nigeria.

In 1954, Bello became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria. In the 1959 independence elections, Bello led the NPC to win a plurality of the parliamentary seats. Bello's NPC forged an alliance with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe's NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) to form Nigeria's first indigenous federal government which led to independence from Britain. In forming the 1960 independence federal government of the Nigeria, Bello as president of the NPC, chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria and devolved the position of Prime Minister of the Federation to the deputy president of the NPC, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Bello's greatest legacy was the modernization and unification of the diverse people of Northern Nigeria. He was assassinated on 15 January 1966 in a coup which toppled Nigeria's post-independence government. He was still serving as premier of Northern Nigeria at the time.

The Ahmadu Bello University is named after him. His portrait adorns Nigeria's 200 naira note, and he is survived by three daughters, one of which died in 2008.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari

Mal. Aminu Kano

Sultan Maccido

Gen Muhammadu Buhari

Mal. Adamu Ciroma

Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi

Alh Umaru Dikko

Late Dr Yusuf Bala Usman

Prof Ango Abdullahi

Mal. Nasir el-Rufa’i

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

T

h e history of independent Nigeria will not be complete without the mention of ancient Katsina and the role it played in the independent process.

Katsina, in the pre-colonial era was one of the prominent states in Bilad al-Sudan. In the pre-colonial era, Katsina served as an important link to traders from the Maghriban states and the East African states.

From 14th century Katsina served as an important centre of scholarship. Apart from Katsina Ulamas which the area attracted, other Ulamas from the northern parts of Nigeria, also visited the area to either search for knowledge or offer their own contributions to learning and scholarship. The prominent pre-colonial Katsina Ulamas are, Wali Dan Masani, Wali Dan Marina and Wali Dan Takum.

A prominent scholar from North Africa, Sheikh Abdulkarim Almaghili was also in Katsina where the area benefited immensely from his knowledge. It was similarly documented that the leader of 1804 jihad, Sheikh Usman ibn Fodio had some of his Ulamas in Katsina.

With the coming of the colonialists and the introduction of western education in colonial Nigeria, the fortune of Katsina changed. The ascension of the throne of Katsina leadership by Emir Muhammadu Dikko in 1906 saw a radical approach by the emir to embrace the new education system. This however accounted to the dominance of Katsina people in both public and private sector of post-colonial Nigeria.

Owing to the support of Emir Muhammadu Dikko in 1922 British Governor General, Hugh Clifford founded the Katsina College.

The college was moved to Kaduna as Kaduna College in 1938, and in 1949 it was moved to Zaria as Government College and later

Late Sir Ahmadu Bello

Barewa College Zaria

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 3

ABU@50 I started as a labourer and retired as Managing Director of ABU Press —Afegbua For 75 years old Alhaji Shuaibu Afegbua who hails from Edo state, life itself is the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), where he started as a foundation staff way back in 1962 at the tender age of 17 and rose through the ranks to attain the exalted position of Managing Director of the ABU Press. He spoke with Agaju Madugba, in Zaria.

I

started work with the Nigerian College of Arts and Science and Technology in July 1955. I started as an Assistant Time Keeper. What I actually did was to mark those who were present and those who were absent and those who did overtime and the number of hours they did and at the end of the month I prepared a report which I sent to the Time Keeper. I was a daily rated staff.

They were paying me two Shillings and six pence daily. Then the full time workers were paid two Shillings and nine pence. I was in the estate department and we built some of these structures you still see around today. The last job we did was the Vice Chancellor's house. In 1955, I got a job in the library as a library attendant in ABU, cleaning the library and putting books on the shelves. In 1957 there was a train disaster and the books that some students borrowed were damaged and recovered from the wreckage. They were brought to Zaria and returned to the library.

The books were sent to the University of Ibadan for binding and when they were returned to us, we were amazed because the books looked new in spite of the level of damage. Then I asked the Librarian

Alhaji Shuaibu Afegbua if he could send me to Ibadan so that I could learn book binding. That was in 1959. I went to Ibadan and was trained for three months and I came back and started mending books.

Then in 1962, I was absorbed into the university system with junior staff number 27 of the ABU. I continued with the binding and mending of books until the

University Librarian requested that I should be given a scholarship for training abroad. The library later became the University Press and I became the Deputy Managing Director. When it was time for me to retire, I was asked to remain and was made the substantive Managing Director. I was there for nine years and I eventually retired

in 1999.

How was ABU in those days?

ABU was good in those days.

Some of us were living in SabonGari and we did not want to live in Samaru because there was no "life" there, then. It was difficult getting people, workers, to live in Samaru.

But all the expatriate staff were in Samaru, they had their quarters and the students had their accommodation, it was two students to a room, different from what we have now. We really had good times in those days. There were only two places to work then, either at the railway in Zaria or at the ABU. The pace like a bush. The library used to be here (ABU MicroFinance Bank) from here it moved to the place where we now have the Post Graduate School. One of the students' blocks was used for the administration office. There was no Senate Building at that time.

So how would you describe ABU of today?

ABU today is over-crowded and the quality has reduced. So, it is correct when people say that the quality of students has begun to go down. Now, some students are not ready to read. You see an Engineering student and you won't know that he is an Engineering

INTERVIEWS student. Things that students used to do in those days, they do not do them again. For example, we have a drama village but they are not doing anything there nowadays.

They cannot stage Shakespeare's plays anymore.

So, is the celebration of ABU @50 worth it?

Yes! I have seen it all, the good and the bad of the ABU. I started here as a labourer on daily pay and from there I became a permanent staff and rising to the position of Managing Director of the ABU Press.

It is not an achievement for me alone; it is an achievement for everybody who is ready to work hard. There are some people who are not ready to work for advancement. Some people have left the ABU, grumbling for one reason or the other but in my time, hard-work was appreciated. I got married here at ABU and all my children were born here and some of them went through the ABU. I have a daughter who passed through here but doing her PHD programme in the United Kingdom now. I have benefitted so much from the ABU and I congratulate the institution for the achievements it has recorded over these years. The school has produced numerous people who held and some are still holding very high positions in governments at all levels. Such people should come and help the ABU to enhance its status.

ABU now has e-library —Librarian, Prof.

Zakari Mohammed

T

he ABU has for the past one month been celebrating its 50th anniversary. Do you think it is really worth the while?

Yes, it is worth it. Even if it is a child or even you, you should be happy to be alive and would want to celebrate the period of your existence. Then what about an institution that has gone a long way in educating people and making them useful members of the society, in all sectors of the economy. It is worth celebrating. We are not even talking about the scientific advancements that have been recorded.

What of the library, is it really functional?

It is functional and we have gone a long way in terms of meeting the needs of the university community.

Apart from the usual purchase of books and journals, we have advanced further to the modern electronic library in terms of the eservices that we provide. If you check the website of the ABU, we have gone a long way. There are certain things that you need that you do

not need to come to the library as you can link up with us through the internet. And if you want some eresources, you do not have to come to the library. You just link up with the right website and you get it. We still have the situation where you come to the library and pick up some books to read but in the contemporary methods of providing information services. A lot of money is still being spent for the acquisition of books and journals but aside that, we go for the contemporary publications, that is, electronic publication.

Currently, we subscribe to about 26 data bases of books. The students have access to all these things and it is free. All you need to do is to log onto the website.

But you know that at the beginning of every year, the students pay for what is called, library charges and that is all. No more no less. And you know the money they pay is far too small, compared to what we provide for them. Outsiders too have access to these services but all you need is to come and register or you write and tell us what you want to do, then we help you out.

It is generally agreed and accepted that there can be no viable and progressive university without a viable, standard and progressive library. The vision statement of a university library should be world class and most preferred centre of excellence for the support and provision of the state of the art information environment, systems, resources, services, competent personnel and facilities for study, learning and research and advancement of the university community and the society at large.

Knowing the strategic importance of a library in a typical university setting, the university library was already in existence before the inauguration of the ABU on October 4, 1962. It was made up of inherited collections and buildings of the then Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology. In the 21st century, libraries must shun maintaining the status quo and evolve from being mere store houses of books and documents to become strategically preferred centres of information resources and services readily available and accessible to customers

Prof. Zakari Mohammed regardless of their location and time of access. In 2007, the ABU library, along with five other university libraries in Nigeria finally settled for the Visionary Technology for library Systems library application software, with assistance from the Mac Arthur Foundation grant.

There are insinuations that the quality of students that the ABU churns out have continued to decrease?

This issue of quality is relative but when you compare the performance

of our graduates in their respective fields, you find that they are doing very well. After all, we go for accreditation of programmes in other institutions, under the auspices of the National Universities Commission. I won't mention some of these institutions but to be sincere, ABU students are doing well. But that does not mean that you do not have certain instances of some who do not meet up with expectations but I must say that majority of them are doing quite well.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

ABU@50 ABU@50 is not worth celebrating —Dr Mu'azu Dr. Sani Mu'azu, 71 is one of the foundation students of the ABU at inception in 1962. He later became a lecturer in the school before his retirement.

His story am one of the first students in the department of Biological Sciences. It was beautiful in those days when we were students here. We ate chicken on Saturday and really had wonderful period. In my class, we were only two, not 2000, just two of us in the class.

In my second year, I was the only student in Botany. In those days there was no excuse for anybody not to do his work. But later I had cause to teach 2,500 students in a class, in 100 level. I taught 2,500 students and the class can only accommodate perhaps 500 students. We had to divide them into groups and even at that, no class can take each group at a time. You can compare that to when we were only two in a class

I

Dr. Sani Mu'azu

or when I was the only one in the class. You can imagine the attention we had. We had one to one attention. Students were directly attached to the teachers.

But nowadays, there is nothing like that.

In Medicine then, each student had a cadaver to himself if they wanted to dissect human body. But today, one cadaver will be open and you have some 50 students surrounding it. Is that Medicine?

That is the problem with numbers. It does not take anybody anywhere.

There is no attention. The same equipment we had when we were so few is the same equipment being shared by these thousands of students today. This is a big problem that everybody should understand, the standards have nose-dived. The standards have become so low.

It is not worth celebrating. I am one of the first students and there is nothing to celebrate. I have been here and I never left this place for once. I saw the ABU going up and I saw it going down and now I have seen the

INTERVIEWS ABU down. I am very sad because of this development. So, there is nothing really to celebrate. Those standards are gone forever; we can never have them again. There is no way you can have one Professor to a student.

“

In Medicine then, each student had a cadaver to himself if they wanted to dissect human body.

But today, one cadaver will be open and you have some 50 students surrounding it. Is that Medicine? That is the problem with numbers.

Appraising technology and girl-child education in the North

By Miriam Humbe with agency report

T

o d a y 's girl child will be the mother of tomorrow. As a mother she can give her child a sound nursing and capable upbringing. A woman has the maximum impact on the social, economical decisions taken for the benefit of the family. Education for all, boys and girls, men and women in the country, and especially in the northern part is invariably the legacy bequeathed by late Sir Ahmadu Bello because of his firm belief in the future and development of the country.

It is agreed that Nigeria is facing the challenges of economic, social, political and educational development which may have led to the introduction of various reforms at different levels of the national life.

These reforms are expected to bring about developments in areas of needs through the infusion of modern methods and values. Education particularly deserves a major focus.

This is because it is believed that education is the bedrock of our national development which if vigorously pursued, could be used to achieve political, economic and social cohesion.

The development of any nation requires the supportive efforts of all its citizens without gender discrimination.

It becomes imperative at this point to state that to achieve national development, both male and female members of the society need to fully be carried along. In recognition of this fact therefore, the World Conference on Education for All, (EFA) held in Geneva in 1990 stressed the need for gender equity at all levels of

education.

The Beijing conference of 1995 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) of 2005 also stressed the need for gender equity. In Nigeria, the National Policy on Education (FRN; 2004) also acknowledges the need to accord equal educational opportunities to both males and females. Gender equity should be a major characteristic of any educational reform programs embarked upon by all tiers of government starting from the federal government down to the local governments where it is estimated that over 75 percent of our populations dwell.

This should be aimed at addressing gender imbalance in education especially as girls' access to basic education, especially in the Northern states of the country has remained low, according to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) findings in 2007. UNICEF also availed that only 20 percent of women in the North West and North East of the country are literate and have attended school while the North Central and North West presents the worst scenarios.

Gender composition of occupations in both the formal and informal sectors, of a country is an important indicator of the economic opportunities open to women even as the participatory level of individuals in each sector could be determined by the enrolment of males and females in schools and their participation in certain school subjects and career. The low enrolment of females in the study of Sciences, Technology and Mathematics is however, rather worrisome. This may tend to have

strong negative implications for national development.

The importance of girl-child education can never be overemphasised. The benefits of education for a girl-child are numerous. These include better management of the home environment, effective use of health services, and application of improved hygiene and nutrition practices, reduced fertility, lower child mortality, longer life expectancy, better child health care, smaller families and better educated children. In addition, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF, 2007) revealed that girls' education does not only bring the immediate benefits of empowering girls, but is seen as the best investment in a country's development.

Education for the girl-child also provides the opportunity for the development of essential skills such as, self confidence, effective participation in educational activities, protection against HIV/ AIDS, sexual exploitation and self reliance among others. Educating the girl-child is a powerful instrument for development, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria, where social welfare and economic advancement are constrained by population growth and a weakly developed human resource base, especially in the area of science and technology.

The improved awareness of the significant role of education has brought about increase in school enrolment and literacy level among girls, particularly in developing countries, but disparity remains an issue between boys and girls in the study of courses in sciences and

technology, and also between men and women in career choice and workforce.

There is the need therefore to stem the instances of low enrolment of females in sciences and technologicalrelated courses at the University level of education. It is also imperative at this point to call on relevant educational institutions to ensure that

females, rather than take the least resistance by opting for disciplines designated as feminine such as liberal arts, education, nursing and law, do not shy away from courses in Sciences, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics, which had formerly been designated as masculine subjects in this era of global technological advancement.

Young females displaying benefit of girl-child education in technological age, in Kano

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 7

News Police arrest 22 suspects over Kano riot From Edwin Olofu, Kano

T

he Kano state police command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the ethno-religious crisis that occurred in Bichi town on Thursday.

A statement issued by the command and signed the Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, confirmed that two persons lost their lives to the mayhem while two others who sustained lifethreatening injuries are recuperating in an undisclosed

FG calls for more investments in minerals sector

By Augustine Aminu

N

igerian investors, both at home and in the Diasporas have been enjoined to invest in mineral exploration in the country.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Muhammed Sada made the call while delivering a keynote address at a stakeholder’s forum in Abuja on Thursday.

Arc. Sada said that if all the mineral resources across the country are properly explored, it would go a long way to develop the nation’s economy and also create employment opportunities for the populace.

He enjoined interested foreign investors across the globe to come in and invest in the sector, stressing that level play ground has been provided for whoever want to be part of the opportunity.

In a speech, the Director General/Chief Executive of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Mr. Alex Abaito Ohikere noted that the need for government’s intervention in mineral exploration is very necessary as most local investors are usually not prepared to spend their money on exploration.

Mr. Ohikere reiterated that in as much as mineral exploration is a risky business to venture into, government participation for the purpose of developing the sector is very important.

He said that NSRMEA is working vigorously to ensuring that the set objectives of the agency of sourcing locally raw materials needed for the nation’s iron & steel industry are actualized.

Mr. Ohikere stated that by the year 2015, the nation is expected to produce annually, 3million tons of liquid steel, saying that to realize this, 6million tons of iron ore and 2.8million tons of cooking coal will be required.

hospital.

ASP Musa Majia disclosed that no fewer than seven churches were set alight by the vandals while eight shops and one residential building was burnt down during the mayhem.

Bichi, a town located along Km 27 on Kano-Katsina federal highway erupted into a religious crisis on Thursday following an alleged mispronunciation of Hausa words interpreted by first speakers of the language as blasphemous.

The command said normalcy has been restored to the troubled town; adding that the command has intensified patrols to ensure residents go about their businesses without fear of molestation.

The police enjoined Kano citizens to continue to live in harmony with each other irrespective of ethno-religious differences.

The command further promised to get to the root of the matter and punish anyone found to have played a role in the crisis.

ABU graduates 7,680 From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

T

he Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, yesterday, graduated a total of 7,680 students during its special golden jubilee convocation.

Out of the number, 21 obtained first class; 960 obtained second class (upper division); 4130 had second class lower; 22091 obtained third class; while 276 students obtained pass degrees.

The ceremony attracted a number of dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the Chancellor of ABU.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, urged the graduands to be more creative in their quest to become independent, warning that the days of waiting for white collar jobs were fast fading.

According to Mustapha, “the responsibility of ABU has been changing.

From producing trained manpower for government, universities are now required to produce learned and skillful people for the open market and selfemployment. “So, you must be on your guard. In this kind of constrained world, you must not despair but deploy your skill creatively instead…”

PDP warns Fashola, ACN over LG election cases From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-west has warned the Lagos state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) not to attempt any underhand move to subvert the will of the people as was pronounced by the Local Government Elections Petitions Tribunal on Thursday when the tribunal declared the PDP candidate, Otunba Busari Jawe, was the duly elected chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo local council development area.

The party, which hailed the tribunal’s judgment, one of which also nullified the election in Yaba local council development area and ordered a rerun, commended the judges for

standing by the truth even in the face of glaring manipulations by the ACN. Zonal publicity secretary of the PDP, Hon. Kayode Babade, in a release issued said: “Except that Governor Fashola and his party men would want to pervert the course of justice as they are doing in the ongoing Ikoyi/ Obalende local council development area chairmanship election appeal case, there should be no reason for any appeal on yesterday’s judgments…

“It is therefore our warning to Governor Fashola and his party that any attempt to use the election appeal as a means of perpetuating their candidates in office as they have done on the Ikoyi/ Obalende case will be resisted by the people.”

Al-makura faces impeachment threat over crisis

By Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

M

embers of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Tanko Al-makura to end the crises ravaging the state or face impeachment. This followed an emergency session at the Assembly complex in Lafia on Friday afternoon.

House Majority Leader, Godiya Akwashiki (PDP, Nasarawa-Eggon-West), read out the day’s order including “House Resolution on Security Issues and other Sensitive Matters in the State”, as well as a “Deliberation on the House Resolution on Security”, and proceeded to read out the warning for impeachment process. The motion for the oneweek warning was seconded for deliberation, by House Minority Leader, Adamu Maikatako (CPC, Lafia-Central).

Akwashiki, after the Speaker, Musa Ahmed Mohammed (PDP, NasarawaCentral) declared the emergency sitting open, Akwashiki, read the resolutions of the last sitting which had asked Governor Al-

makura to expedite effort at stemming the lingering and violent crises which have engulfed much of the southern zone of the state in months now.

The Majority Leader alleged that the governor failed to comply with the resolution to quell violence which has sacked communities and displaced thousands.

She observed that a situation of complete breakdown of law and order leading to arson in which over 10 persons have been reportedly killed in Agyaragu – an outskirt of Lafia, the state capital, smacked of Governor Almakura’s incompetence to comply with constitutional provisions to protect lives and property in the state.

Akwashiki said the House resolved that Al-makura be given seven days from Friday to end the violence in the zone, or members will invoke Section 188 (1), to impeach him.

Yahaya Ohinoyi Usman (PDP, Umaisha-Ugya) moved the motion for the adoption of the warning for impeachment process, and was seconded by Peter Mbucho (PDP, AkwangaSouth.

Speed up work on Minna eastern byepass, Niger govt tells contractor

T

he contractor handling construction of Maitumbi-Maikunkele Eastern Bye-Pass in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger state, Pacific Investment Nigeria Ltd, has been asked to adopt measures that would ensure scheduled completion of work.

The Director General Monitoring and Evaluation, Mallam Iliyasu Dhacko gave the warning yesterday when the officials of the Directorate on inspection of project site visited the site.

Mallam Iliyasu Dhacko impressed on the need for the company to speed up its pace of work in line with mobilization received, increase its machinery and work force and setup a yard site.

He however acknowledged the company faced a difficult terrain.

He underlined need for Pacific Investment Ltd to engage with the local communities and put youths in the area to work as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The Director General said it was imperative for companies handling bonded projects to align with the vision of the Chief Servant, to leave Niger state better than he met it.

Welcoming the Monitoring team, the project supervising engineer, Mohammed Muye, speaking on behalf of the Project Manager, Mister Tian, explained that work was halted during the peak of the rains.

He however assured that efforts would be stepped up to conclude hydraulic structures and to meet the project schedule.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

News

Minister says cancer registration critical

By Jamila Nuhu Musa

T

h e Minister for Health, Prof. Oyebuchi Chukwu, has said cancer registration is critical in planning preventive strategies for the fight against cancer in the country.

Prof. Chukwu, who was represented by Dr. Omobolanle Olowu, said this while opening the training on cancer registration methods at the Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria (IHVN). He noted the need for strategies to be put in place to encourage the hospital-

based cancer registries to become public-based cancer registries; adding that the Federal Ministry of Health is planning a nationwide cancer burden survey to provide data on cancer.

According to him, the training will equip participants to carry out this cancer burden survey. “The skills you acquire here will be of immense assistance in completing the survey successfully. I urge all the participants to share the vision and goals of the Federal Ministry of Health to collate cancer data by taking advantage of the wealth of experience of resource

persons at the training by acquiring all the necessary skills that will help you in the discharge of your duties in your various cancer registries”, he said.

Prof. Chukwu also promised to ensure that the gains of the training is put to maximum use while saying the commonest cancers in Nigeria are breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers. According to him, the report of the Nigeria National System of Cancer Registries (NSCR) shows that “breast cancer incidence has increased 100% in the last decade”.

CJN swears-in Bulkachuwa as Ag. Appeal Court President ... also swears-in Jumbo-Ofor

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, yesterday, swore-in Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the new Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

The CJN also administered an oath of office on Justice Ifeoma Jumbo-Ofor, whose inauguration was suspended on November 5, 2012 on the basis of a petition alleging contradictions in her state of origin.

The brief ceremony witnessed a mild drama, as journalists who went to cover the ceremony as well as other guests were barred from entering the CJN's chambers, the venue of the oath-taking.

A very senior official of the court, who did not identify himself, insisted that journalists would not enter the venue and when asked why, he said: "Because we did not invite the press; it's only NTA that is allowed in".

Meanwhile, Justice Bulkachuwa's inauguration as Acting PCA on Friday, brings to an end the tenure of Justice Dalhatu Adamu, whose tenure was renewed a number of times, having been appointed on August 22, 2011, following the suspension of Justice Isa Ayo Salami by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Bulkachuwa's term is expected to end on or about February 24, 2013, by virtue of

the express provision of Section 238 (5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

A

young man Wer Yima of Tse Yima Agba, Mbangul, Vandeikya local government area of Benue state who allegedly attempted to assassinate Governor Gabriel Suswam was yesterday arraigned before a magistrate court in Makurdi.

Police First Information Report, in suit no. MCM/101/12, showed that Yima had on the

30th October 2012 dressed in a military camouflage and armed with a locally made pistol, forced his way in the direction of the governor at the palace of the Ter Kunav in Vandeikya where the governor had gone to pay homage before he was arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS led by one Sgt Tor Geri.

The prosecuting officer, Inspector Terzungwe Kajo, said by the act, Mr. Yima is accused of criminal trespass, conspiracy,

A Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa

wearing dress used by public servants and unlawful possession of firearms, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

He intimated that investigation was still in progress and applied for a date to enable him conclude investigation.

The trial magistrate, Mrs. Theresa Wergba did not take any plea for want of jurisdiction and adjourned the case to December 7, 2012 for further hearing.

Mark leads delegation to visit Suntai, attend Onayekan's consecration

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan is sending an official delegation headed by the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark to represent the Federal Government at the formal consecration of Archbishop John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican today.

Other members of the delegation are the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.

It would be recalled that Archbishop Onaiyekan’s elevation to the College of

$12.4 oil windfall suit: Court slates Nov. 29 to deliver judgment

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

Alleged Suswam would-be assassin in court From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

IHVN Coordinator of the Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP) and national coordinator of the NSCR, Dr. Elima JedyAgba, said the training is to improve case finding and registry methods. “We hope that with training and support, we can upgrade a few of the hospital-based cancer registries to population-based cancer registries to get better estimates of the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

The 21 participants at the one-week training were drawn from cancer registries within the country and from Gabon, Kenya and Seychelles.

Cardinals was announced by the Vatican on October 24, this year.

President Jonathan has also mandated members of the delegation to stopover in Hanover, Germany on their way back to visit Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba state who is receiving treatment there for injuries sustained in a recent plane crash.

The delegation left Abuja yesterday and is due back to the country tomorrow.

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, slated November 29, 2012 to deliver judgment in a suit instituted by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Forum (SERAP).

The NGO had approached the court under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

It averred, among other issues that, "In 1994, the Federal Government set up the Pius Okigbo Panel to investigate the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and recommend measures for the re-organisation of the bank.

In the course of its assignment, the Okigbo Panel found that the $12.4 billion in the Dedicated and Special Accounts had been depleted to $200 million by June 1994."

Although, judgment was scheduled for yesterday, the trial Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole apologised over failure to do so, as he said the court's Registry just drew his attention to a motion filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

Before adjourning for judgment, Justice Kolawole asked counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), if he had been served with the AGF's motion, and he responded in the affirmative saying, he has since filed and exchanged his response.

Present in court was Felix Nwosu and Gerald Nwaneri, both of whom represented the AGF and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, who are respondents/defendants in the suit.

University to prosecute lecturers who abscond after overseas training From Mike Etim, Uyo

H

e n c e f o r t h , lecturers and other academic staff from the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa, who absconds after their overseas training, sponsored by the university are to be prosecuted.

The measure according to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Peters, while speaking to journalist in Uyo, is to put an end to the trend where lecturers rampantly absconded from the university after their studies abroad.

To effect the action, the vice chancellor said the university will initiate a court action against the families of such staff.

The vice chancellor also said the university will use other means such as going through the embassies of the countries where the staff are studying to get them repatriated.

He however commended the other lecturers of the university who had come back after their studies.

He maintained that as a young university approved by the House of Assembly in September 2009, it was inappropriate for it to start losing lecturers.

20,000 police officers deployed for Benue polls From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

M

ore than 20,000 policemen have been deployed to Benue state to guarantee security for Saturday’s local government polls in the state.

Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ezeala who disclosed this to our reporter yesterday, added that the Inspector General of Police, also directed that mobile policemen from Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Enugu and Taraba states should be deployed to Benue to complement the command in maintaining law and order during the local government election.

The police spokesman intimated that other security agents such as the civil defense, immigration, SSS, prisons service as well as the military would be used to complement the efforts of the police during the election.

Ezeala who urged the electorate not to panic but to go out to perform their franchise however, warned all political thugs and their sponsors to steer clear from all the polling units in the state, maintaining that anyone caught violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 9

Cover

Jonathan’s Presidency:

By Aisha Biola Raji and Nasiru Mu’azu Isa

N N

i g e r i a n s have tolerated for a long time, a moribund political and economic threshold from one administration to another despite the fact that they deserve good governance and a better tomorrow, and this they have continued to crave even after President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo came on board.

Unfortunately, the hope for a better tomorrow is dashed again. But the people are beginning to hold their leaders accountable for their wrong doings. They have since risen to the challenge of demanding from their leaders’ accountability, transparency, the truth and nothing but the truth especially now that the country is on the brink of collapse.

Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s

President, and Commander –in-chief of the Armed Forces is a man who has lived and thrived on tremendous good luck all through his political career. The story of his meteoric rise from a ‘spare-tyre’ in Bayelsa state to the country’s most powerful man is nothing close to hard work or political savvy.

Aside his stupendous good luck, another attribute the President reportedly possesses in abundance is patience, perseverance and simplicity.

Despite the provocations he suffered in the hands of a so-called cabal when Late Yar’adua was ill, he took everything with philosophical calmness.

At least, these were some of the attributes that endeared him to Nigerians prior to the 2011 presidential poll which he won.

His region ‘lays the golden egg’ but yet to be allowed to govern the country.

He grew up in excruciating poverty, had

A history of back and forth

no shoes and bags, attended school on barefoot. All these stories won him sympathy and most of the votes he got were more because of sympathy and rigging than anything else during the electioneering campaign.

It however became obvious months after Mr. President and Namadi Sambo were sworn in that they were more interested in the position than what they would do with it. Too many policy flipflops, inconsistencies, disparities between his own comments and that of his spokesmen have helped to reinforce the belief in certain quarters that this administration thrives on speaking from both ends of the mouth.

This belief was no less obvious in the last Presidential media chat where he took advantage of the questions put to him by the panelists to disagree with himself as well as his spokespersons on several policy issues.

Mr. President is fast gaining notoriety for saying something and meaning something else and/or for saying it is A today, B the next day and neither A nor B the day after.

2015/ Zoning policy Going by the zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the presidency is supposed to remain with the north up till 2015 just like it was with the south till 2007. But President Jonathan’s stewardship appeared to be the worst ever foundation possible for denying the existence of such policy in the party to pave way for his emergence as PDP Presidential candidate in 2011.

In addition to that, based on the heat and tension the zoning issue had generated, the President made a clear public pronouncement that he would be seeking the mandate of Nigerians only once, meaning if he won, whatever

Contd on pages 10&11

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Cover

A history of back and forth

Vice President Namadi Sambo Contd from page 9 happens, he would quit power in 2015. When he made this pronouncement, there was no sign that he didn’t mean it; neither did he mince words in saying that four years were enough for any leader including himself to make an impact and pave way for others.

In fact, the official spokesman of the Federal Government, Labaran Maku on a visit to the headquarters of Peoples Media Ltd, just before the polls said: “I was not with the President when he made that statement but if he has said that, he means every word of it. Mr. President has proven himself to be a man of integrity and a man of his words.

What he seeks is an opportunity to better the lot of Nigerians through quality leadership. He means everything he says.”

While most political observers expect that every time the question of 2015 comes up, the President will say an emphatic no! as he had promised before the elections, the reverse has been the case so far. It is public knowledge that there has been clandestine pressure on him to seek reelection in 2015 and the President’s body language is suggesting that he may yet again go back on his words.

His official attack dog, Dr Doyin Okupe has not missed any opportunity he has to tell anyone who cares to listen that his boss will seek to retain power in 2015.

The familiar pattern is for some groups and associates to first start drumming it in the ear of

Mrs Patience Jonathan

compatriots that the sitting leader is the best thing to ever happen to the country and the country will collapse if he doesn’t remain in office. While this is going on, the man at the centre of the controversy will neither stop the praise singers from doing their thing nor own up that he is nursing the ambition to succeed himself. President Goodluck Jonathan is following this pattern faithfully.

The first media chat he conducted at the middle of the year, rather than say unequivocally that he was not interested in seeking reelection in 2015; he said that it was too early to talk about that since he was only about a year old in his first tenure.

The media chat of last week further exposed the inner minds of the President as far as 2015 is concerned. The excuses he gave for not making a definite statement on 2015 were at best, watery.

“It is too early to ask a sitting President if he will contest or not,” he said.

While putting his argument in favour of longer single tenure forward, the President said, “four years is a very short time for a person to make an impact.”

Mr. President is now indirectly saying that if the status quo remains (which is most likely), he may seek reelection in 2015.

Boko Haram There is no other phenomenon that has exposed the inadequacies of President Jonathan than the Boko Haram insurgency. While it must be

admitted that Mr. President is really unlucky to be at the helm when some people are determined to wreck the country, the Boko Haram sect has succeeded in its bid to make him appear clueless.

At the beginning of 2012, the President told the world in a Sunday church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja that he was aware that the Boko Haram insurgents had infiltrated all branches of government, military, paramilitary, police force and even the intelligence unit.

Hearing such a weighty comment from the President, hope rose among Nigerians that the end of the crisis may be close after all. But the President never made attempts to name or identify these Boko Haram elements at his backyard.

It would be recalled also that Mr. President had told Reuters in an interview that his administration was ready and willing to dialogue with the dreaded sect if that would bring an end to the daily killings of

Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke innocent Nigerians.

Aside that, a supposed Boko Haram kingpin said in Saudi Arabia few months ago that his group was interested in dialogue with government based on some conditions.

Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati also said in well publicized interview he granted to State House correspondents that there was ongoing ‘back-channel’dialogue with the sect on ways to bringing an end to the violence.

On Sunday, August 26, Mr. Abati told State House correspondents that the government was in talks with the Boko Haram through “backroom channels.”

“When government says it is already talking to Boko Haram, the form of that dialogue must be properly understood.

“The form of the dialogue is that backroom channels are being used to reach across with the sole objective of understanding what exactly the grievances of these persons are,” Abati said.

Three months later, on

“

These facts completely negate the statement Mr. President made at the last media chat about the impossibility of dialogue with the group. Now, Nigerians don’t know who is misinforming them between him and his spokespersons.

Monday November 12, Abati again confirmed to Punch Newspapers that the government was in talks with the sect.

“I can confirm to you that talks are ongoing at the background. But the talks are not the kinds being envisaged by Nigerians,” he said.

“The ongoing talk is a back channel one in which those who know members of the group are talking with them on behalf of the government.”

These facts completely negate the statement Mr. President made at the last media chat about the impossibility of dialogue with the group. Now, Nigerians don’t know who is misinforming them between him and his spokespersons.

“There is no dialogue with Boko Haram because Boko Haram still operates under cover. They wear masks, there is no face and we don't have anybody to discuss with,” the President said.

Observers have been wondering since last Sunday how the President’s statements that there were Boko Haram elements in government circles and its agencies could be reconciled with the recent one that the terrorists were invisible.

How can they be so close to him and yet undetectable? How? Manitoba Canadian power firm, Manitoba Hydro International had his mouth-watering Transnational Company of Nigeria (TCN) contract

Contd on page 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 11

Cover

A history of back and forth Contd from page 10 cancelled by the Federal Government some few weeks back. Or that was the information the President’s spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati made available to the public.

On Wednesday, November 14, Abati’s statement to the media on behalf of the President in which he said the president cancelled the transmission contract given to Manitoba read in part: “Mr. President has cancelled the Manitoba power contract with immediate effect.”

But fielding questions from the panelists during the last media chat, Mr. President declared that the firm’s contract was never cancelled by government.

“Manitoba’s contract has not been revoked. There were some issues raised because of misunderstanding.”

The President added that he had directed for the pending procurement issues to be resolved as soon as possible.

“Manitoba contract has not been revoked,” the President said, explaining that his administration observed that the company “did not follow the law strictly,” when it got the contract.

Manitoba Hydro, a Canadian state-owned firm, emerged the highest bidder, in April, to manage Nigeria’s transmission network, under the Transmission Company of Nigeria, for three years. The company was initially expected to resume in September.

Instead of resuming, Abati announced that the contract has been cancelled. Jonathan however, said the contract was not cancelled but is being regularized as due process was not fully followed in the award.

First Lady’s illness The President also confirmed that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was ill and treated abroad contrary to the claim by Abati and Dame’s spokesman, Ayo Osinlu that she only went abroad to take a deserved rest.

Osinlu told journalists on September 3 that the First Lady was not sick but travelled out of the country to take a “moment’s rest.”

“If you look at her itinerary in August, you would be wondering how she was able to accomplish that. In the course of this week, she will be back home.

But remember, it all depends on her plans,” Abati also denied the illness story describing it as a rumour.

“The (illness story) was a rumour and there is nothing like that,” Abati said.

As if in the mood to discredit all the Presidency’s spokespersons, President Jonathan responded to question

Mr Labaran Maku

Mal. Nuhu Ribadu Ribadu Mal Nuhu

Mr Steven Oronsanye

Dr Doyin Okupe

on the well being of his wife during the media chat thus: “She was ill, she received treatment.”

“When she returned, she had to further recuperate,” the President said while explaining the First Lady’s absence from public glare since her arrival the country on October 17.

The three scenarios suggest one thing. It is either there is no synergy between Mr. President’s image makers and the decision makers of the administration or that the administration just takes pleasure in policy flip flops, or both.

Presidential Media Chat That is why the last Presidential chat was widely seen to be a charade. Without the intent of discrediting the panelists, they really let

themselves down on that day.

The questions were below par and not punchy enough to really make the President sit up.

There were no follow-ups on the response of the President to the issues where he either contradicted what he had said in the past or rejected the earlier statements of his spokespersons.

They even ran out of questions even though there were so many issues left untouched.

There were no questions put to the President on the fallout of the Ribadu committee and how the Federal Government has been severally accused of being behind the theatrics that greeted the submission of the committee’s report.

The fact that the President didn’t see anything wrong in

Steven Oronsaye and Bernard Otti getting juicy appointments in the NNPC at the time the committee commenced its work, was questionable.

It was an opportunity for the panelists to take the President on,

on his reaction to the drama and the way he has been treating oil thieves in both government and private sector with kid gloves as well as other burning issues dear to the heart of Nigerians, but they bungled it.

“

The three scenarios suggest one thing. It is either there is no synergy between Mr. President’s image makers and the decision makers of the administration or that the administration just takes pleasure in policy flip flops, or both.

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Cover Interview

2013 budget: Perfect for government’s transformation agenda — Abati In this interview with State House Correspondents, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati faults critics of the 2013 budget presented recently to the National Assembly by the President, saying their contentions are borne out of little or no knowledge of the content of what was presented to the lawmakers. He also bares his mind on other national issues bordering on the Presidency and governance. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem reports

S

ome pundits have faulted the 2013 budget presented to the National Assembly, saying it is replete with duplications and contradictions, adding that the whole thing is against the spirit of President Jonathan’s promise to cut down cost of governance. How do you react to this? think it is very unfortunate that something as important as the budget is being politicised. I know that the headlines are attractive. When you see some of the headlines you will know they are sensational, but when you subject many of the reactions to rigorous analysis, what you will find is just a lot of hot air and no substance. This is a budget that has been submitted by the President to the appropriate assembly but people started commenting on the budget even before the President even placed it on the table. It is a very strange thing. It is only in Nigeria that people comment so expertly on things that they have not studied, on something which they have not even taken the basic effort to understand what is involved. If you look at that budget that the President presented, there are many angles and many aspects of it.

International analysts, economists and research agencies who are dispassionate in this matter have taken that budget, analysed it and said it is a balanced budget. They have said that it is a budget that seeks to consolidate growth. They have said that it is a budget that shows discipline and consistency on the path of the Jonathan administration. .

If you look at that budget, there are incentives that have been given to the manufacturing sector and to the agriculture sector. There are projections there in terms of empowering the women, in terms of wealth creation, in terms of job creation, in terms of fiscal discipline and in terms of protecting the interest of the country.

How would you describe the re-election of Olusegun Mimiko for a second term in

I

President Goodluck Jonathan the recent governorship poll in Ondo state vis-a-vis the acclaim of the present administration to free and fair polls?

The credit for this as I said in a comment that I issued immediately after the elections must go to President Jonathan because in terms of the electoral reforms and the achievements, leadership is everything. People look up to the man at the top and what President Jonathan has shown since he took charge and promised to make sure that the electoral machinery in Nigeria is raised, the level of integrity is deepened and that our democracy is thereby consolidated, is to keep to his promise.

His administration organised the April 2011 elections adjudged even by the cynics to be very successful. In fact, if you check the latest book

by Professor Chinua Achebe titled ‘There was a country’- I think around page 247 or sothere is a specific reference to the success that Nigeria has made with elections in recent times.

And that, I think, is a strong endorsement of the vision and the achievement of the Jonathan administration. There may be some challenges here

and there but people agree generally that a lot has changed.

President Jonathan’s zeal with regards to elections is that every election must be free and fair and transparent. Anywhere he has been to, whether in Kebbi or in Sokoto or in Bayelsa or in Edo or in the latest one, Ondo, the message that he preaches is the message of one man, one vote, one youth, one vote. And his charge to the security agencies is to ensure that on Election Day the right of the people to choose freely is protected. This is what we have seen played out in Edo and this is what we have seen played out in Ondo, whether his political party, the PDP is involved or not, it doesn’t matter. That principled position is what this administration has remained committed to. At one level, what happened in Ondo is a major achievement for the administration. It is a clear demonstration that our democracy is being consolidated and it is also a clear illustration of President Jonathan’s commitment to the consolidation of Nigerian democracy and he has been very consistent in this respect.

The President mulled the possibility of Diaspora voting during his visit to Niger Republic. What is its

significance and importance to elections in the country’s electoral process?

It was not just in Niger, the same question also came up in Mali. Everywhere that the President travels to one thing that he makes sure he does is to meet with Nigerians in that particular country. No matter how tight his schedule may be, he will insist on meeting with Nigerians to know how they are feeling, to know if there are any problems, to know if they need assistance of the government and every trip that we have made abroad, this has been a key regular feature and I think it is something good. It is always a good opportunity to keep pace with people. Also, whenever the President meets with Nigerians abroad, the excitement is great and people are so happy that their President and their commander in chief has come to visit them and to identify with them. We have seen this played out everywhere; in Germany, in Jamaica, in Malawi and most recently in Niger and Mali. But to return to your question, yes, Diaspora voting is something that comes up all the time. And the reason is simple. We are in the age of technology and instant information-the digitalisation of information. The distance

between Nigerians in Diaspora and home here is very narrow.

You will be surprised that those people abroad are as passionate about what is going on in Nigeria as the people inside Nigeria, if not more. I mean this is the age of satellite television. When we were in Mali, we were watching AIT. So, those people abroad are Nigerians.

They remain Nigerians in every sense and they want to be part of the process at home. They want to be able to vote and they know that other countries of the world have this absentee balloting process or what you call Diaspora voting. In some of these countries, you will be surprised at the population of Nigerians.

In Mali alone, there are close to 5 million Nigerians we were told.

I don’t know whether the figure is exaggerated but, there is quite a large community of Nigerians there. So, Mr. President’s position and what he tells them is that he too believes that the people in Diaspora must be involved; they must be encouraged to vote, may be, not in every election for reasons of logistics, but at least in the Presidential and the gubernatorial elections. They should be able to have a say. It is also a way of connecting them with home. You know the fact that they are living abroad does not rob them of their citizenship rights and their rights also to choose who leads their country.

But it is not a decision that can be taken by the Executive.

So, Mr President then told them that he has already conveyed this concern to INEC which is the appropriate body; that INEC while preparing for the next election should try to look at the possibility, work out the mechanism and pursue the process of ensuring that Nigerians in Diaspora can also vote. So, this is the position of the President in that regard.

Review and amendment of the 1999 constitution is ongoing at the National Assembly, to which also at a round table jointly organised by your office and the UNDP with Editors from notable media organisations, you spoke Contd. on page 13

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 13

Cover Interview Diaspora voting feasible in 2015 — Abati Contd. from page 12 extensively on the proposal on tenure extension which was misconstrued by opposition elements. Is the President giving up on this?

No, the President has not given up on it. The President is a citizen like every other Nigerian.

He has a right to make proposals, to express ideas and to provide leadership in line with his own vision for the country. And that was precisely what he did when he lent his voice to the issue about the tenure of elected officials. It was a principled position namely that with the obsessions that elections every four years generate, it is very difficult for people who have been elected to focus properly because the people who are not in government and who have lost out in the last elections go out of their way to distract the attention of the person who is there. Now, for purposes of stability, he was then saying is it not possible for us instead of having two terms to have just one term for the president and governors and also even extend the number of years that National Assembly members or legislators generally spend in parliament. That way, you know people can focus for a period of time and he was not dogmatic about it because it is not the executive that will amend the constitution. It is the job of the legislators and it is the Nigerian people who will say what they want or what they do not want at the end of the day because the constitution belongs to the people. It is an expression of the sovereignty of the people.

The critics almost hijacked the proposal from us, and they twisted it, because of their own misconceptions and their own selfish ambitions.

So, at that forum where we had the opportunity to meet with Editors and the constitution was discussed, I felt that it was a very good opportunity to address some of those misconceptions.

You will be surprised at the kind of misconceptions among people out there, including people who should know. Once something sounds sensational, it sounds mischievous and many Nigerians are quick to just take those things in and they will be repeating the wrong notion all over the place, probably out of the conviction that if you tell a lie all the time, then it will assume the status of a truth.So, that was why I brought that up and it was not only that. In fact, at that seminar somebody was even saying that when the President set up the Belgore committee whose task was to look at previous attempts at political conference, constitutional conference and constitutional amendment to look at some of the contentious issues and

harmonise them and offer recommendations, the President gave the Belgore committee no go areas which means that the President has a personal agenda.

And I said excuse me! I issued the press statement announcing the composition and the appointment of the Belgore committee and I went online immediately and read out the relevant parts of the press statement. I said look what the terms of reference say. What the very first or second term of reference says is that in fact the

further consolidation of Nigerian democracy. He is not seeking to benefit from any constitutional amendment; rather, he is seeking to deepen the democratic process in Nigeria, which was why he expressed that opinion.

And he is not the only person that holds that opinion. It has been on the table ever since. And to those who are saying if the constitution is amended in that regard, then he will benefit from it, I said no. Even a bathroom lawyer should know that a particular piece of legislation

Dr. Reuben Abati committee should look at controversial issues. There is no where the term of reference says the committee should not consider certain things but here you are telling editors that the President said there are certain no go areas. I said the President never said so. I issued the press statement and I went online and I checked one or two newspapers, I said look at this newspaper, this is what this newspaper reported.

This is even a newspaper you would consider to be an opposition paper. And that is why you see that we have to keep explaining many of these things.My own point is that, look, President Jonathan has no selfish agenda. His vision is one of progress. His vision is one of

cannot have retro-active effect and that is even a bathroom lawyer not to talk of people who are knowledgeable.

The President’s response to the unprecedented flood disaster across the country was swift.

What is government doing to ensure that funds raised by the Dangote/Agbakoba committee are not embezzled o diverted?Well the thing about this governance process is that whatever government does some people will find something to say. I think there is a lot of cynicism out there. Because in your question you said on one hand the efforts that the President has made have been applauded.

That is the one I’m aware of that a lot of people are saying that the President and the various government agencies responded pro actively. You know they showed a lot of compassion and that the President going round the country to meet with people in the various relief camps, to take immediate action, to mobilise NEMA, mobilise Ministry of Environment and all the relevant agencies. That shows real leadership; that is the part of it that I know and that I have heard. But you said some people are also expressing fear.

Well, you know a lot of Nigerians are afraid of everything, including their own shadows but the truth of the matter is that government means well.The intention of the Dangote/ Agbakoba led committee that has been set up on flood relief and rehabilitation is to raise funds.

And the funds that will be so raised are to assist the people who have been affected by that flood disaster. I mean the President went round the country touring many of the affected states. You could easily classify some parts of those states as disaster zones.

Houses have been submerged, properties have been lost. I mean in one state, one man we were told was even contemplating suicide because he had borrowed money ahead of the farming season, invested the money in his farm, and then all of that just gone, submerged. In another case, we were told another man had borrowed money from the bank to do a low cost housing estate. He had just completed the houses he was about to start selling. The whole of that place built on a flood plain was submerged. Who will buy such a house even after the flood?

These are the kinds of stories that we have been hearing one after the other. You must have also heard that in some of the camps, people have been giving birth to babies. You know, there is a whole lot of angle to it. And what government is doing is to set up this committee to raise funds, but more effectively to involve various stakeholders in this relief effort because it is not something that government must do alone. Government immediately gave N17.6 billion which was shared among the various affected states, actually all the 36 states of the federation.

It is just the degree that differs from one place to the other. And the states were classified from category A to D.But beyond that there are steps that need to be taken in the medium term and in the long term. The people that have been affected after the flood would have receded; they need to be rehabilitated; they need to be assisted to get on with their lives. Those who have suffered grievous lose need to be assisted to move on again and they also

need to be re-assured. Now, you cannot take all of that effort and say it is a sham. That would be a wrong thing to say because what government is trying to do is to show care. What government is trying to do is to come to the rescue of Nigerians in distress.

And what the Jonathan administration has done is to mobilise persons in civil society to come and help fellow Nigerians and I think that is a very good initiative.And on the basis of that responsiveness from the part of government, you must have read in the papers that a number of persons too in their private capacities are out there helping people and that is what this is all about. It is about leadership. What President Jonathan has shown in these instances is leadership- to say that look, we are one community and we are one people. Whoever is in distress we come to the rescue of that person or those persons or those communities.

The President suffered criticism when he travelled for the UN Earth conference in Brazil, a few months after, the country was filled with water? Would the President still want to respond to those who kicked against that trip and how the resolution adopted at the summit affects Nigeria?Well, you have said it; you should help us amplify it. You are referring to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janerio, Brazil that the President attended. The thing to note is that Nigeria is part of a global community and what we are seeing increasingly is that what affects one country affects the other. And I think most recently President Jonathan made this point in Mali when he said, look the security situation in Mali is an international matter. We have seen what has happened now with regards to this environmental challenge, with climate change, with excess rain fall causing mass flooding and great devastation in Nigeria. It happens in other countries too.

And all of these are very well documented. We have also seen the challenge of terrorism.

We have seen that terrorism is an international issue. Now when there are forums in any part of the world where these issues of common interest are being discussed, I think it is only appropriate and only fitting that the President of Nigeria also takes part in those discussions because we can learn from other countries and other people’s experiences.

We can build enduring partnerships and when situations like this occur, the international community will also be enthusiastic to partner with us.Look at the National Relief Committee on Flooding and Rehabilitation that the President set up; international agencies are part of it.

Development partners are members of that committee and they are willing to support Nigeria and assist Nigerians.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Feature Forces against polio virus eradication in Kaduna state From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

W

i t h a total of 14 cases of the wild polio virus in Kaduna state, indications have emerged that the area still has a high rate of non-compliance to the immunization campaign a development which has tended to mar efforts at eradicating the crippling disease.

Due to the intensity of the campaign worldwide, the disease has since been eradicated in virtually all countries except Pakistan, Afghanistan, Chad and Nigeria which alone has a total of 100 cases out of the 179 global figure of wild polio virus cases. Kaduna's figure is third position, after Katsina and Kano which have 28 and 21 cases respectively.

Speaking at a two-day meeting with officials of the state's Action Committee on Immunization and a nongovernmental organization, Journalists Against Polio (JAP), Secretary of the committee, Lawal Abubakar, lamented that in spite of efforts at enlightening parents on the need to immunize their children, a cross section of the people still resist.

Even as another round of the immunization campaign continues today nationwide, according to Abubakar, about 16 communities in Birnin-Gwari local government area of state have been labeled "unreachable" for a number of reasons including the fear of being attacked by armed robbers who have since made the area their den.

He noted that some other areas refuse to allow vaccinators access to their children as the communities complain of lack of government presence as represented by the lack of portable water, access roads and health facilities among others, while some parents also claim that the repeated rounds of immunization may be detrimental to the health of their children.

But as Abubakar put it,"endemic countries require repeated doses of polio vaccine to boost immunity, "as he noted that an earlier rumour that the West introduced the vaccines to reduce the population of Muslims may not be unconnected with the apparent antagonism against the polio campaign from sections of the community.

Abubakar said,

"communities not reached by vaccinators because of insecurity due to fear of attack by armed robbers include wards like Kuyello, MagajinGari, Dogon-Dawa and Gayam with 16 settlements under them.

If one child is infected with the virus, it can be transmitted to over 200 children."

"There is need for immunization against polio as long as children are being born.

Vaccination will continue even if it is one child because it is costlier to keep a child with polio infection than to prevent it and parents who are kicking against this immunization usually take the vaccination themselves when they go on pilgrimage.

So, why do you take what you prevented your child from taking?

"Parents must be convinced on the importance of immunization, and they should be enlightened on dangers of mixing politics with issues of health."

Also speaking, at the flagoff ceremony of the sixth round of the sub-national immunization plus days campaign at Gazara, Makarfi local government area, Governor Patrick Ibrahim

Yakowa explained that the global fight against polio was conceived following the certification of smallpox eradication in all the countries of the world in 1980 adding that, during the 41st World Health Assembly in 1988, 166 member countries adopted a resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio.

According to Yakowa, "this marked the launch of the global polio eradication initiative which was spearheaded by national governments, World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Rotary "Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the number of polio cases has fallen by over 99 per cent and 124 countries were certified to be polio-free by 2012.

"India is the latest country to be certified polio-free in February 2012. With this development, more than eight million people who would otherwise have been paralyzed are walking today because they have been immunized against polio since the initiative began in 1988.

"It is unfortunate to note that today; Nigeria is the most entrenched reservoir of the

wild polio virus in the world.

Also, states in the north of the country are the main source of infection within Nigeria, neighbouring countries and indeed the world.

"But it is sad to note that, although Kaduna State was polio-free for a period of 30 consecutive months and we were closer than we have ever been in breaking polio

transmission, unfortunately, we are now experiencing an outbreak of polio infection.

"If we are to join the rest of the world in becoming polio-free, we all must allow our children to be vaccinated, and the responsibility of such task, to a greater extend, rests on the shoulders of our local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders."

Minister of Health, Prof Onyeabuchi Chukwu

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 15

Feature Nasarawa: A lawmaker's quest to boost rice production F

or a trained economist and lawmaker, Hon. Philip Aruwa Gyunka, (PDP, Akwanga south), chairman, House committee on Finance and Appropriation, at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, the nomination by the federal government to represent Nigeria on a national assignment in the Peoples Republic of China, precisely to participate in a training that lasted 5 months on the cultivation of hybrid rice, came as no surprise, considering his passion for agriculture.

Describing his experience in China as being positive, Hon. Gyunka told journalists shortly on arrival, at an event organised in his honour by the people he represents at the state assembly, saying he has seen and witnessed what is necessary to help in our bid to reposition agriculture, particularly as it relates to the quantity and quality of rice production in the country.

The lawmaker explained that out of its desire to share its acquired experience in rice production, China, which arguably is the largest producer of rice in the world today, initiated the training to help boost rice production across Africa, stressing that while in China, participants drawn across Africa, learnt both theoretical and practical aspects of hybrid rice production.

The gesture by the Chinese government and the zeal exhibited

by Hon. Gyunka on the need to revive and improve rice production in the country, particularly in Nasarawa state, could not have come at a better time when it is becoming increasingly necessary for most states in the country, particularly those from the north, to diversify their revenue base rather than depending solely on dwindling federal allocation.

Only recently, the Minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, lamented the dangers of Nigeria's reliance on imported food, saying that it was dangerous for the country to spend so much importing food to meet its people's food needs when it possesses massive potentials to produce food commodities.

Reeling out grim statistics of the colossal importation bill of the country, the minister disclosed that, as one of the leading food importers in the world, Nigeria spent N635 Bn to import wheat and N356 Bn to import rice in 2010 alone, bringing the total bill for the importation of these cereals to N991 Bn for the year under review.

"This is not fiscally, economically or politically sustainable. Nigeria is eating beyond its means. While we all smile as we eat rice every day, Nigerian rice farmers cry as the imports undermine domestic production. Our farmers sow in hope but reap in tears, as cheap food imports dash their hopes of better prices or incomes," the minister lamented.

He stressed that as Nigeria imports food from the global market all it is doing is importing inflation.

He added that low productivity of domestic production systems

The need for most states, particularly those from the north to diversify their revenue base away from the over dependence on oil money, has never been more glaring, more so with the ever continuous dwindling of federal allocation, as well as the ever increasing demands by the people for improved standard of living. For most states in the north, agriculture has been and will continue to be a major revenue earner, as well as a major source of employment. In this report, Ali Abare Abubakar, in Lafia, examines how a lawmaker from the State House of assembly, Hon. Philip Aruwa Gyunka, is set to boost rice production in the state.

Gyunka flanked by Chinese officials at the training school increases prices of non-tradable food crops together, leading to rise in food price inflation. "With poor urban and rural household spending 70 to 80 per cent of their income on food, life is unbearable for many," he noted.

The Minister explained that the country can no longer continue to depend on expensive food imports and thin volatile global markets to meet its food requirements, maintaining that as the events of the food crisis unfolded, traditional food exporting countries put bans on food exports.

"Thus, even if importing countries have the resources to finance food imports, the food may not be there," he added.

According to him, food security in Nigeria is now a matter of national

Gyunka in his nursery

security, stating that the country must learn from Asian countries by tapping into all the resources of its farmers across the nation and deliver a green revolution that will make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.

"We must turn Nigeria into a bread basket - a power house for food production. To do so, we must make a fundamental paradigm shift: Agriculture is a business, not a development programme. It must be structured, developed, resourced and financed as a business," he said.

He pointed out that the days of treating agriculture as a development project are over, stressing that his ministry will develop and transform the sector as

a business that works for small farmers, medium and large farmers, that will unlock wealth and allow Nigeria to meet its food requirements, while also becoming a major player in global food markets to help diversify income for the nation.

Hon. Gyunka, armed with the training and skills acquired during his sojourn to China, merely reflected the yearning of the minister, stressing that he is not only willing to replicate the feat he studied in China, but also encourage the use of hybrid seeds to boost agriculture.

He observed that even though poor farmers exist in China, they were generally successful because of reformed agricultural policies put in place by the government to

encourage not only the farmers but scientists who conduct researches to improve on available seeds.

The lawmaker said he is willing to cooperate with the Nasarawa state government, by making his knowledge available for farmers in the state to be able to produce up to 7.5 tonnes of rice on a hectare, a far cry from the average 2 tonnes currently being harvested from a hectare.

Even though Hon. Gyunka expressed some initial worry over prevailing political wrangling, making a veiled reference to difference in political leaning from that of Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, as being capable of dampening his zeal to impact his knowledge on farmers in the state, he however called out to the governor to assist him in his quest to further boost rice production in the state, not minding that they came from two opposing parties.

However, and in this respect, the lawmaker may have no cause for worry, for in a recent speech he delivered on the occasion of the 50th independence anniversary of the country, Governor Al-makura, while observing that the state is blessed with vast agricultural potentials with over 70 percent of the population engaged in one form of agriculture or the other, stated the necessity of introducing new techniques towards mechanisation of agricultural practise.

Al-makura disclosed that his administration is exploring avenues to partner with foreign investors to boost rice production in the state.

Thus, it is only reasonable to assume that if the governor is willing to partner with foreign investors to boost rice production in the state, what more of a state lawmaker, a son of the soil ever so willing to bring his experience from China to bear on the production of rice across the state?

Hon. Gyunka in his rice field in China

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 17

Politics

What next for Kwara after Saraki?

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he history of Kwara state politics will not be complete without a chapter or more about the role Dr Olusola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin played during his lifetime.

The Second Republic Senate Leader was known for his generosity to all and sundry.

The Waziri of Ilorin had installed four elected civilian governors in the state with countless legislators both in the state and at the federal level.

With his demise, the big question on the lips of many is can Dr Bukola Saraki step into his father's shoes? Would Senator Gbemisola Saraki allow her brother take charge considering the sharp political division between them?

Another big question raised by political pundits is whether the people of Ilorin would allow a son to become another godfather after decades of being under the firm grip of the father?

Others believe Dr Bukola Saraki does not even have that quality to carry on the torch because he lacks the charisma, patience and leadership qualities to carry everybody along.

Alhaji Abdulkarim Olola Kasum, the Chairman of Afonja Descendants Union, Ilorin in an interview with journalists said with the exit of 'Oloye', Kwara state has no leader. He noted that Dr Olusola Saraki's death marked the end of an era in Kwara politics.

"From the cradle to the grave, the strong man of Kwara Politics,Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki,was a grassroot politician. He will forever be recommend as a friend of the commoners and the poor. His exit last Tuesday marked the end of an era in Kwara," he noted.

Senator Lawal Shuiad, Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF)

>> Page 24

Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed

Dr Bukola Saraki

Senator Gbemisola Saraki

who visited Saraki family in Ilorin personally told Dr Bukola Saraki to exercise patience, be humble and stay with the masses.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Arc.Yomi Awoniyi who had known late Saraki since his childhood days as family doctor and friend to late Awoniyi worried about sustenance of Saraki legacy. He racalled that the Waziri of Ilorin didn't downgrade a child or less privilege in the society.

The son of late Awoniyi recalled his encounter with Baba Oloye as a child and adult saying " he stood by me at the grave of my father three years ago and I felt this a great man that stood beside me. He is indeed, a humble man."

To Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who did his youth service in Iludun-Oro, a town in Irepodun local government area of Kwara state in 1981, Baba Oloye was a great crowd puller.

"Every Friday, when he was around, I will see many people migrating to his house.

He was a crowd puller. Anytime he was in Ilorin, you will see crowd around him."

Recalling his interaction with Saraki few days before he died last Wednesday in Lagos, the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of River state, Rotimi Amaechi said Dr Saraki told him he was proud to be a Nigerian and was going to die as a Nigerian.

Governor Amaechi disclosed this when he paid a condolence visit to his Kwara state counterpart, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, adding that “I can recall the last time I spoke with him, he admonished that we should do everything possible to keep the country together as the cost of disintegration is better imagined than experienced.”

Governor Amaechi noted that the late Senate Leader sustained the integrity of politics in Nigeria through his passion for

the promotion of the well being of the poor.

The Chairman,Nigeria Governors’ Forum(NGF) urged the political class to sustain the legacies of Dr Olusola Saraki by promoting the welfare of the poor.

To wear his father's big shoes, Dr Bukola Saraki may need to contend with his contemporaries in Ilorin, the elites and Islamic clerics who are not happy about his tenure in office without fulfilling some of his promises.

Again, would some of his father's associates who were older than him bow for him as leader? Would people of Kwara South and North senatorial districts also bow for him as new political leader that would dictate who takes what in Kwara?

To many, the general election in 2015 and the position of Sen Gbemisola Saraki and her camp would decide whether Dr Bukola Saraki would take over the mantle of political leadership in the state.

Group petitions Oshiomhole, alleges corruption against former commissioner

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

A

group that goes by the name ''Edo for Good Governance'' has asked the Edo state Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to intervene on the role former State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mrs. Cordelia Aiwize played in some programmes which may ground health services in the state.

In a petition signed by its President, Chief Osato Omoigui and addressed to the State governor, the group alleged highhandedness, abuse of office and embezzlement of public funds when Aiwize was at the helm of affairs of the health ministry.

The group alleged that "the Commissioner collected bribes from health personnel to give jobs, mismanaged approved funds to facilitate a statesponsored free eye test scheme and the setting up of Opticianry laboratories in the 3 senatorial districts of the state and spent less than 50 percent of approved funds for drugs meant for flood victims and demanding 10 percent kickback from contractors to supply drugs to the state revolving drugs project".

The group also claimed that recently the former commissioner arrogated to herself the role of not only overseeing the employment of 138 doctors and Nurses

including 13 consultants, 38 medical/ dental personnel, 8 Nurses, 6 Pharmacists and 6 Laboratory Scientists now in the state's employment, but ensured that those who got the job paid her N100,000 for their appointment.

As for those who could not afford the employment fee, the group said that "they were denied letters of employment even after they passed the relevant screening and oral interviews and had their names replaced by other willing applicants".

It added that "even these workers who were employed as far back as May 2012 are yet to be paid their first salary due to the attitude of the former commissioner who only recently approved their salary vouchers for the head of service's attention".

In another development the group alleged that the former commissioner "collected double the amount of N495, 600 approved funds meant for the Free Eye Program from the state coffers in March.

It alleged that after she got the same amount from the state treasury she asked and got the Health Management Board, HMB, to pay her the same amount for the flagging off of the Free Eye glasses program of the government in March 2012".

In addition the group said that then Commissioner who "bought the glass frames used for the exercise at N200 each

from roadside vendors later admitted, in her retirement of the approved funds that she bought each one for N1,200". It added that the event at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Benin City which was chaired by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, rtd. and was expected to be replicated across the state, would have been a flop though it has now been abandoned for lack of funds.

The Edo for Good Governance said "the former commissioner received the N24milion approved in February 2012 for the setting up of one Opticianry laboratory each at the Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, the Central Hospital Uromi and Central Hospital Auchi, while work was yet to start on any of them".

But contacted on the contents of the petition the ex commissioner denied the allegations and told Peoples Daily weekend, that she is not in any way involved in the allegations of corrupt practices being peddled by the group.

She said "What I will say to you is that we know we have a board that is directly in charge of the 34 hospitals. The issue of N100, 000 came to my knowledge and I went to the Board to accuse them. I could not confirm…A dime I did not collect…I did not collect money to give people employment".

She also said that she was not aware

Gov Adams Oshiomhole that the funds meant for the Free Eye glasses program of the government had been released adding that she had to give the organisers of the event her own money, N100,000 when they were almost stranded for lack of funds.

On the Opticianry laboratories she said that work had commenced on the erection of the 3 Opticianry laboratories in the three senatorial districts in the state for which the sum of N24million was approved in February this year.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

Keep breakfast simple Fluffy eggless pancakes Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoon butter

Method: Combine dry ingredients and mix slightly. Add milk, oil, water, and vanilla. Whisk together until just combined. Be careful not to over mix it should still be slightly lumpy. Set aside to rest for a few minutes.

Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until hot. While pan is heating, add butter. As soon as the butter is melted, add melted butter to

pancake batter.

Return pan to stove and stir butter into batter.

When pan is hot, with a measuring cup or ladle, pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface. Carefully flip pancakes with turner/spatula and cook until golden brown.

How to prepare Zogale tea

M

o r i n g a oleifera or Zogale leaves, is one of the richest sources of nutrients and vitamins that our body needs. It is rich in calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and iron. Moringa can be prepared as a vegetable or included in soups, but mostly just the leaves and fruits are used. Others prefer to drink it as tea.

Here are some simple steps on how to make Moringa tea and Moringa powder.

Step 1 Get Moringa Leaves (Zogale) Gather Moringa leaves, 3 to 4 stalks will do. It is best to use the mature leaves because they dry up fast.

Step 2 Air Drying Air dry the leaves including the stalks for a day or until the leaves are crisp. Air drying will make the leaves fall out and then you can separate the stalks after. But some people include the stalk in making tea because of its fiber content.

Step 3 Grinding Grind the air-dried leaves (with the stalks if you prefer) for 10-15 seconds.

You can use a blender to grind the leaves.

Step 4 Storage Put the ground Moringa in tea bags, and store in a cool, dry place. Make sure

not to leave it in open moist places, so it will have a long shelf-life.

Step 5 Preparing the tea To prepare Moringa tea, just add hot water, lemon and sugar to taste.

Tips -Grinding the leaves for a minute or

two will give you Moringa powder, which can be sprinkled on dishes.

-Use a net when air-drying the leaves so they don't scatter.

-Another way of making tea is by simply boiling 1/2 cup of Moringa leaves in 1 1/2 cup of water. Let it cool and drink the concoction as tea.

Banana and vanilla tea cake

U

s e black bananas. In fact, if they turn black, put bananas into freezers to keep for when you're ready to prepare. Once defrosted they will be pulp like and mix into cake batter much more easily giving you a cooked consistency like mud cake. Sometimes requires a little extra time in the oven.

Don't .

Ready in 1 hour 5 mins Saved by 123 cook(s) Ingredients: Serves: 10 -125g butter (at room temperature) -185g caster sugar -1 teaspoon of vanilla extract -2 very ripe bananas (to about 180g of flesh) -1 egg -1/4 teaspoon bicarb of soda -100ml of milk -180g self-raising flour Method: Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins 1. Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.

2. Blend butter and caster sugar until creamy. Add vanilla and keep beating.

3. Peel very ripe bananas and mash them with a fork (if defrosted bananas as in the tips above, just squeeze them into batter and beat). Add them, along with the egg, to the butter and mix well.

4. In a small bowl, mix bicarbonate of soda with milk until dissolved, then add to the banana mixture. Sift 180g of self-rising flour and fold, gradually, into the mixture.

5. Grease a small loaf tin, then pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 45 minutes or so. It's done when a skewer pushed into the middle of the cake comes out dry.

6. Cool a little before turning out onto a cooling rack. When completely cool, dust the top with a little icing sugar.

Keeps for up to a week if kept in a sealed container in the fridge or cool cupboard.

Pancakes without Eggs 2 Tbsp. flour Pinch of salt Dash of nutmeg 1 tsp. moist sugar (more to taste) 1/2 pint milk 1 Tbsp. butter, melted Mix flour, salt, nutmeg, and sugar.

Make a smooth batter by very gradually adding milk.

Beat batter fully ten minutes, adding melted butter.

Fry the pancakes in the usual way (about 10 minutes per cake), and serve them with maple syrup or powdered sugar sprinkled between them.

Also you could make a full batch of any recipe and then freeze them and all you would have to do is warm them up in the microwave.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 24, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 19

Beauty Tips 10 easy ways to remain beautiful Every person has their own techniques when it comes to their beauty regimen, but there are some basic tips that everyone needs to follow in order to get the look they want. The following article is going to provide you with these tips.

Make sure your hairstyle is up to par: When your hair is not cut or just simply not styled properly, it can have a negative effect on your overall look. Be sure to choose a style that compliments the shape of your face and is something that you will be able to keep up with.

Get plenty of sleep each night: There are many reasons why it is important to get enough sleep each night, and maintaining your beauty is one of them. When you do not get enough sleep you may develop dark circles or bags underneath your eyes. These flaws can have a negative effect on how your face looks.

Take care of your skin properly: This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of looking your best. If you do not care for your skin it may become wrinkled or suffer from other damage. This damage could be irreparable and you could end up with bad skin for the rest of your life. Always protect your skin from the sun and use a moisturizer every day.

Make sure your nails are always clean and manicured: You would be surprised by how often people neglect their nails thinking that it does not affect the

way they look-this could not be further from the truth. People do tend to notice your nails so make sure they do not have any dirt underneath them and have them clipped to a respectable length.

Make sure the makeup you use does not bother your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive: Certain makeup can cause skin irritation and even make your face swollen. If you are unsure of which makeups are safe, stick to a brand that you are used to.

Get rid of any unwanted facial hair: Nothing is more unattractive on a woman than facial hair. It makes a woman appear to be masculine. It is not always enough to use tweezers to remove facial hair since it will keep coming back. Speak with your doctor about certain medicated creams that may work or inquire about laser surgery.

Be sure your diet is a healthy one: Eating a healthy diet is good for your health, and it is also good for your skin. The vitamins and nutrients in fruits and vegetables are very beneficial for your skin. There are even some vitamins from these foods that provide your hair with strength and shine.

Be sure that you are getting enough exercise:

Exercise is good for your health, in general. As far as beauty goes though, it will help keep you in shape, which of course is great for your overall look. Just be sure to take a shower immediately afterward so that you can keep your skin clean.

Stay away from smoking and if you currently smoke try to quit: Smoking causes a lot of harm to your health, and in addition it can cause damage to your skin. It causes skin to age and increases premature wrinkles. If you're having trouble quitting, speak with your physician.

Stay hydrated: Water is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

Also, it is very healthy for keeping skin healthy. Be sure that you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water every day to get the most benefits from it.

As mentioned in the beginning of the article, everyone has their own ways to get beautiful and stay that way. But, there are many basic tips that everyone should follow to maintain their beauty, all of which you have been provided with in this article. Use these tips to look the best you have ever looked. www.beautytips.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 20

Leisure WORD SEARCH

With Augustine Aminu

PICTURE OF THE DAY

A Real Lagos Child

Find the words about Kung Fu Panda, which are listed below, in the Kung Fu Panda word search grid. Circle each letter one by one. Each letter of the Kung Fu Panda word search grid may be used in more than one word.

Kung Fu Panda Word Search Puzzle P

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CHINA COMMANDER VACHIR CRANE DRAGON WARRIOR FURIOUS FIVE KUNG FU MANTIS MASTER OOGWAY MASTER SHIFU MONKEY

MR. PING NOODLE SHOP PANDA PO SNOW LEOPARD TAI LUNG TEMPLE TIGRESS VALLEY VIPER ZENG

QUOTES Whatever u do, be sure of it, learn d form but do it in own way, don't be afraid I proffer peace; it delights more than rancor and divisiveness.

Don't hang around people who don't value your value Life doesn't always turn out the way it supposes to. It is what it is! It is what you do about it that makes the difference.

During tension, tell yourself; all is well; you will gain courage It better to be LATE and live long than to be the LATE A wise man will not judge a book by its cover.

Never give your word to somebody you know little or nothing about

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

Proverbs and wise sayings A farmer does not conclude by the mere look of it that a corn is unripe; he tears it open for examination.

It is little by little that a bird builds its nest.

To do one's duty is to eat the prized fruit of honor.

A farmer who would not work inside the rain and would not work under the sun, would have nothing to harvest at the end of the farming year.

The heap of yams you will reap depends upon the number of mounds you have plowed.

It is the work of one's hands that decides what one eats for dinner - for some it is pounded yam, for others it is pounded plantain or nothing.

An ant-hill that is destined to become a giant ant-hill will definitely become one, no matter how many times it is destroyed by elephants.

He who is afraid of doing too much always does too little.

Sleep and indolence are not cousins of a good harvest.

Success is 10% ability, and 90% sweat.

JOKES

Primary two students A teacher of primary two students, drew a Nigerian map on the board and ask the students, who knows what this is? After asking, all the class were quiet when MUDI realise they will be all beaten then he raised his hands and the teacher said clap for him an she gave him a cane to bit all the students in the class, after MUDI has finished beating them all, she then say MUDI tell them what it is, MUDI said an-thy this lucks like ( YAM RIDGE).

CARTOON

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Healthy Living 'Nigeria must fully embrace herbal medicine' H

ow did you get involved in herbal medical practice?

In Nigeria, we are always sleeping. Our policy on herbal medicine just got developed about two three years ago. The minister has made a statement that it would be incorporated into the normal health system but up till now it was a mere statement. No circular to that effect has come out to government departments. If we do that and look inward, our Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would become relizable targets. Oil will become secondary if herbal medicine is well developed in this country.

On the issue of motivation, if I am not motivated by my country or anybody, I will motivate myself. Thank God the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified with my anti malaria drugs. It gives approval once the drugs have been certified fit for human consumption. WHO knows that it is effective and that is why it gave that approval and that is why countries like India, china took on me.

What do you think are the challenges facing MDGs in Nigeria?

No it is left for you to judge but there are times I think there have been major breakthroughs because I have been able to register 3 products. One of such product boosts the immunity of the human being beyond human imagination. You can imagine somebody with fever, HIV or some sicknesses of unknown origin that is unable to stand up, he is unable to eat.

You know these major illnesses, it starts from the stomach; you are unable to eat.

The HIV patient who has been having HIV for two months and his weight down from 70 to 40, he is on the stretcher, he cannot walk, he cannot eat, he cannot do anything, they have to carry him. The day they bought these 3 drugs and gave him in Makurdi, that same day he ate, that same day he got up, that same day everything worked and he never went back.

This is the same patient who came to berekete radio to announce himself and that is why HIV patients are now phoning me and coming in person, you know they usually hide. But they are now coming down because they know that they can get solution. So this is the journey so far.

Are you in collaboration with the Nigerian institute of research?

Chief Benjamin Amodu is a director in one of the federal ministries who combines that with herbal medical practice. In this interview with Augustine Aminu, he argued that Nigerians from all walks of life must embrace herbal medicine to achieve sound health.

Chief Benjamin Amodu For this entire product you have seen, I didn't go to quacks.

Any time I do my research work, you can see it plenty, this is the research centre, the main lab and other things are elsewhere. Once I centralise here and I am done with, I send it to Idu, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research Centre which is WHO centre in Nigeria, it is recognised.

They do further test; they subject my research to further test. When they give me the result, I take it to NAFDAC for registration. That is how I have been able to discover 12 cancer recipes which the Nigerian media carried sometime ago.

What joy do you derive from seeing your research help people recover from their ailments?

Like I told you, am a pharmacist, I have worked in the state house hospital for over 29 years. It is the highest hospital in the land which is the president's hospital where I was in charge. It was in that place I met persons like Gen. Babangida and other top brass military officers. So there is a lot of joy because as a pharmacist I am trained to compound and make drugs and dispense them to patients. Fulfilling that dream is

a dream come true for a pharmacist.

How do you combine being a civil servant and pharmacist?

There is no question of combination. The first statement I made to you is that I am civil servant, am allowed to farm and I am on my farm. Most of these products are from the food we eat and I cultivate these foods on my farm, I harvest them, and I also sell them. I add value as a pharmacist and that is the value you have seen here and in terms of comparative advantage, Nigeria for having this soil should be a major issue all over the world.

As we speak, there is no cure for cancer but we have cured several cancer patients here.

I have a number of people in terms of personnel working with me. Like when federal ministry of health nominated us to go to a cancer seminar in Cuba, I couldn't go. Two of my scientists went and because of their interest in our product, they gave us one of their own products which are made from the scorpion, the sting of the scorpion for the treatment of cancer. So they saw my own drugs as good drugs and they immediately signed an MoU with Nigeria that we should be supplying Cuba and you know

Cuba is number one in cancer treatment in the whole world.

I am grateful for that because before now, the Nigerian government did not recognise us.

When they got an invitation that Cuba is doing their first exhibition for the use of non chemical in the treatment of cancer, I think they realise that what I am doing may be the right direction, so go there, and I went and I conquered.

How has it been for you in those areas where you needed government support?

The whole world is going to this direction of herbal medicine.

Over 33years ago, there was a problem and WHO is concerned that when people are sick, and the kind of treatment they get, they are worried about affordability, easy access to medicine, and cost of those medicines. Because of that, they wanted to know how the whole world gets itself treated. So they set up a research to go into the continents of the world to find out. And from that research, they found out that over 80% of the world population depends on the drugs that are indigenous to their various locations in the world. 80%; that is 4 billion people.

Based on this, WHO said if this is true, every continent in the world should go back to nature and after a research they will be subject to little thesis. One of the thesis, are these things stable, can it be formulated into a drug. Maybe your own locality, they said you should put water, you put a plate outside when it is raining, collect the dews water, and it will cure tuberculosis. If it is effective, If it is stable, you can make it into bottle and be giving to people.

That is stability test. The second one is; are these things poisonous for human consumption, how is that test done? They will take like ten basins. If a cup of water is what will make somebody to be healed, they will take 1 cup, 2 cups, up to ten and will give it to an animal at once, keep it in a room, lock it and be observing it for ten days. If it does not die, that means it has passed turgidity test which means it will not kill. So those are the two things.

WHO said it that a period has come that if you are suffering from just throat or knee pain, all

the antibiotics you are taking may not work, you may die from them as little as those things are.

So if this warning not enough warning that you that are here, in fact the topic you will give to your various paper, which government will page you later, should be part of your social responsibility to let Nigerians know because they are pretending; including the doctors who are masters of everything, but, they will want to claim in my area of specialisation which they know nothing about. If the world has gone global on herbal medicine, who are we in Nigeria to say we don't accept it. What WHO has said, all my products here have undergone it. So legally, nobody can stand my way. And even if the government does not listen to me, individuals who have problems will find where John Amadu is and they will come. And this is what is happening right now.

Why is it that Nigerians have not accepted herbal medicine?

If other countries are adopting it and they are going far, what is Nigeria waiting for?

Are we not ready to promote our own? So you ask them those questions. More importantly, ask the Nigerian medical team about our natural resources that are working, you should sensitize them that they should not be pretending over global issues, and nobody will wait for Nigeria. That is the way I want you to put it in the press. Of recent, I was given the researcher of the year award in England; African researcher year award. The award was presented to me by the President of West Indies in London. So what are we talking about?

“

WHO said it that a period has come that if you are suffering from just throat or knee pain, all the antibiotics you are taking may not work, you may die from them as little as those things are.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

With Aunty A'isha

Sights and sounds Why cheetah has two black streaks on its face

L

o n g ago a wicked and lazy hunter was sitting under a tree. He was thinking that it was too hot to be bothered with the arduous task of stalking prey through the bushes. Below him in the clearing on the grassy veld there were fat springbok grazing. But this hunter couldn't be bothered, so lazy was he!

He gazed at the herd, wishing that he could have the meat without the work, when suddenly he noticed a movement off to the left of the buck. It was a female cheetah seeking food.

Keeping downwind of the herd, she moved closer and closer to them. She singled out a springbok who had foolishly wandered away from the rest. Suddenly she gathered her long legs under her and sprang forward. With great speed she came upon the springbok and brought it down. Startled, the rest of the herd raced away as the cheetah quickly killed her prey.

The hunter watched as the cheetah dragged her prize to some shade on the edge of the clearing. There three beautiful cheetah cubs were waiting there for her. The lazy hunter was filled with envy for the cubs and wished that he could have such a good hunter provide for him. Imagine dining on delicious meat every day without having to do the actual hunting! Then he had a wicked idea. He decided that he would steal one of the cheetah cubs and train it to hunt for him. He decided to wait until the mother cheetah went to the waterhole late in the afternoon to make his move. He smiled to himself.

When the sun began to set, the cheetah left her cubs concealed in a bush and set off to the waterhole. Quickly the hunter grabbed his spear and trotted down to the bushes where the cubs were hidden. There he found the three cubs, still too young to be frightened of him or to run away. He first chose one, then decided upon another, and then changed his mind again. Finally he stole them all, thinking to himself that three cheetahs would undoubtedly be better than one.

When their mother returned half-an-hour later and found her babies gone, she was broken-hearted. The poor mother cheetah cried and cried until her tears made dark stains down her cheeks. She wept all night and into the next day. She cried so loudly that she was heard by an old man who came to see what the noise was all about.

Now this old man was wise and knew the ways of the animals. When he discovered what the wicked hunter had done, he became very angry. The lazy hunter was not only a thief but he had broken the traditions of the tribe. Everyone knew that a hunter must use only his own strength and skill.

Any other way of hunting was surely a dishonour.

The old man returned to the village and told the elders what has happened. The villagers became angry. They found the lazy hunter and drove him away from the village. The old man took the three cheetah cubs back to their grateful mother.

But the long weeping of the mother cheetah stained her face forever. Today the cheetah wears the tearstains on its face as a reminder to the hunters that it is not honourable to hunt in any other way than that which is traditional.

PAGE 23

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

Why the sun and moon live in the sky

M

a n y years ago, the sun and water were great friends, and they both lived on the earth together. The sun very often used to visit the water, but the water never returned the visits.

At last the sun asked the water why he never visited. The water replied that the sun's house was not big enough, and that if he came with all his people, he would drive the sun out of his home.

The water then said, "If you want me to visit you, you will have to build a very large house. But I warn you that it will have to be very large, as my people are numerous and take up a lot of room".

The sun promised to build a very large house, and soon afterwards, he returned home to his wife, the moon, who greeted him with a broad smile.

The sun told the moon what he had promised the water, and the next day, they began building a large house to entertain the water and all his people.

When it was completed, the sun asked the water to come and visit him.

When the water arrived, one of his people called out to the sun, and asked

him whether it would be safe for the water to enter, and the sun answered, "Yes, tell my friend to come in."

The water began to flow in, followed by the fish and all the other water animals.

Very soon, the water was kneedeep in the house, so he asked the sun if it was still safe, and the sun again said, "Yes," so more of them came in.

When the water was at the level of a man's head, the water said to the sun, "Do you want more of my people to come?"

Not knowing any better, the sun

and the moon both said, "Yes," More and more of the water's people came in, until the sun and the moon had to sit on top of the roof.

The water once again asked the sun if it was still okay to keep coming in. The sun and moon answered yes, so more and more of the water's people came in.

The water soon overflowed the top of the roof, and the sun and the moon were forced to go up into the sky. ...and they have been there ever since.

HIS AND HERS CORNER

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 22

With Aunty A'isha

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

AFRICAN TALES

MODEL OF THE WEEK

The lion's whisker

O

n c e upon a time, there lived a young husband and wife in a small village in Africa. The husband had not been happy with his marriage; he began to come home late from working in the fields.

His wife thought he was the most wonderful man but she was unhappy now because of his behavior.

One day, she went to the oldest man in her village, the village elder was sad to hear her marriage was not a happy one.

He had married them only two years before.

"Of course I will end your marriage if that is what you want," he told the young wife, after listening patiently for a while. "You will be free to marry again but is that really what you want?"

"I want my husband to be kind," she said. "Now we are both miserable."

"I think I can help you," the elder said slowly. "I can prepare a secret potion that will change your husband into a loving man."

"Prepare this magic potion at once!" the young wife cried out excitedly.

"I could make it," he said sadly.

"But I am missing an important ingredient. I am too old to get this ingredient for you. You must bring it to me."

"What do you need?" the young wife asked eagerly. "I'll bring it today."

"I need a single whisker taken from a living lion to make the potion work."

Her eyes widened in alarm.

She bit her bottom lip. She straightened her shoulders. "I'll get it for you," she nodded.

The next morning, the young wife carried a huge piece of raw meat down to the river where lions sometimes came to drink.

She hid behind a tree and waited.

After waiting many hours, a lion ambled down to the river to have a drink. He sniffed at the raw meat.

In three bites, the meat was gone. He raised his mighty head.

He knew she was there. The young wife held her breath. The

mighty lion moved slowly back into the forest and disappeared.

The next day, the young wife came again. This time, the lion appeared quite quickly. This continued for many days. Days became weeks. Each day, the woman crept from her hiding place behind the tree, moving closer and closer to the lion.

At the end of four weeks, she moved quietly next to the lion and sat silently while he ate. Her hand shaking, she reached slowly out and pulled a whisker from his chin. Holding her prize firmly in one hand, she sat frozen until the lion had disappeared back into the forest.

She ran to the elder, waving her whisker. "I have it," she shouted. "I have it!"

The elder was in awe when he heard her story. "You do not need magic to change your husband back into the loving man he once was. You are brave enough to pull a whisker from the chin of a living lion. It took cleverness and bravery to do what you have done. Can you not use that same patience and courage with your husband?

"But the potion," the young wife said eagerly. "Would that not work as well?"

"Perhaps," the elder told her.

"But it would not last. Trust me, my child. Show your husband each day that you love him. Share his problems. Make him feel welcome. Make him feel wanted and needed. Give him time to change and see what happens."

The young wife went home and followed the elder's advice.

Slowly, her husband began to return from the fields with the other men of the village. He began to look glad to see her. Within a year, their life was a happy one.

Rawdiyyat Ummie Adams

ACTIVITIES Name and paint the object below in colours of your choice, what is it used for and where can you find it? Show your work to your teacher or parents for correction. Cheer!

CREA TIVITY CREATIVITY

How to make your own lip gloss this Harmattan season, (parental supervision needed)

D

o you know what it is like to make your own lip gloss? It is very easy. This dry season, you will need to apply gloss on your lips in order to keep from drying and peeling. Here are steps to making your own natural lip gloss.

What you need: -Beeswax (a bar is best) -Flavoring and/or scent like drink flavoring. (You can also use honey for flavor and color. Just melt the honey with the Vaseline.)

-Coloring (pinch a bit from lipstick or use food coloring) -Any additives you might like (coconut oil, honey spread, lavender) -Small containers (old lip gloss containers or you can buy plastic tubes at the drug store) -Oil What to do:

Assemble the ingredients

Stir the mixture of flavor and oil as it slowly melts together.

Place a quarter cup of the petroleum jelly or Vaseline in a pot

Put the mixture in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Remove from heat once the flavor and oil have melted together. Put it in the fridge for an hour or 10 minutes

Pour it into a container if you are planning on keeping it.

Let the mixture cool in your desired container.

Enjoy your soft, natural lips!

Tips -Flavorings: You can purchase flavouring and scents for lip gloss from any good craft store; beeswax can also be purchased at the craft store or a health food store. At the grocery store you can pick up the sunflower oil and flavorings such as mint extract.

-Containers: You can usually find some nice tins or pots at craft stores; you can sometimes find twist-up 'lipstick-like' containers.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Kannywood I sang “Haduwa mai dadi” for my ex- girlfriend - Muhammad Muhammad Anas Abubakar is a young upcoming musician that is trying to create a niche for himself in the Kannywood industry. He has released a couple of songs that have created cult following for him. In this interview with Nasiru Mu’azu Isa, he shares the challenges of being an unknown voice in a very competitive market.

How long have you been singing and what motivated you? have been singing for the past five years. I actually wanted to become an actor but as that did not work out and I had the talent for singing so I opted to become a singer. It is also easier to produce songs, unlike a movie, with little money you can produce an album, while a movie requires a lot more money to produce.

Which songs have you produced so far?

I have produced a number of songs so far. The popular ones among them include “Anas Dawo”, “Haduwa mai Dadi” and “Gadar Zare”. “Gadar Zare” was my entry into a recently held music competition.

So did you win the completion?

No, I didn’t, but a lot of people felt I should have been among the runners up. Even the person who won the competition acknowledged that my song was among the best.

How old are you now?

I’m 22yrs old.

I presume you still live with your parents, how did they receive the news of you becoming a musician?

Initially I had no problems, then my mother called me and told me she does not want me singing, so I tried to make her understand and also a couple of my relatives got involved on my behalf asking her not to worry and allow me to go ahead with singing. Eventually she gave her blessing.

What genre of songs do you do?

I do every type, some for events like weddings and also a lot of romantic songs and a bit of hip hop.

Why do you guys do a lot of romantic songs like “Haduwa mai Dadi” which I presume is a love song, and don’t explore the other genres like R&B and such?

Well the thing is love is a universal affair and without love this world will be a difficult place. And let’s not forget, a lot of people encourage we love each other, so you see in everything we do love is very important. And also we all are products of love.

How do you get the stories in your song, like “Haduwa mai Dadi”, where did you get the story from?

Well some are people’s stories and some are stories of what has happened to us as individuals. “Haduwa mai Dadi” is a personal story that happened to me. It happened while I was in secondary school, I was in love with a girl but it eventually ended.

Do you have a girlfriend now?

I don’t have one now. When i sang “Haduwa mai Dadi” I was still very young and my parents kicked against it. They wanted me to go to school, so when the relationship ended i just forgot about relationships. Moreover she has moved on and is now married and i have an admission to University.

I

Muhammad Anas Abubakar Did she know you wrote the song for her?

Of course, her whole family knows and she was very excited and happy about it. And you know a song can make people know you and that is what most politicians use to sell themselves. As long as that song is played it will always be associated with you. a song will also reach places that you never imagined, example is a song i did for a movie and five days after its release, people in London where calling to ask about the song, that is power of music.

How do you cope with your fans especially the female fans?

It’s not easy and sometimes it’s quite annoying, but it does not mean that I am rude or inaccessible to my fans.

Some fans are quite demanding, wanting to meet you and some want to hang out. The most difficult fans are those who call to ask for another actor.

It is quite annoying to receive a call about somebody else.

Do you make any money from your music?

Yes I do, but the idea of going into music to make money is not the right mindset. Patience is a much needed virtue in the industry, before you start

making any money you need to be known. So patience is the watch word for us.

Why is it that you don’t collaborate with other artist from the south?

There are a few collaborations especially between our English musicians and us, specifically English artist in Kaduna. It is also very difficult to get some of the southern artist to collaborate with.

Why is it that our musicians in the north don’t do album launches?

It is a difficult affair and most of us don’t have what it takes to do an album launch. An album launch is not just about the album, it is also about raising funds through the album launch. One of the challenges is most of us are not well established to be able to bring in the right kind of crowd for an album launch. In the south it is easy to get someone who would be willing to sponsor your album launch; in most cases the established ones help those who are coming up to launch their albums.

So why is it that, the established musicians are not helping young artist like you?

Well for some it is selfishness and

envy. Some are scared some of us are better talented than them as such they would not want to help anybody outshine them but there are those that just don’t have the time.

How do you think such a problem can be solved?

The solution is people have to stop being selfish. They should always consider that no matter what happens and how big an artist becomes, they would always be beholden to you for giving them that opportunity to come and they will never forget that.

Established artists should be bold and courageous enough to bring up new talents.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an upcoming artist in the North?

The major challenge is always funding, nobody is willing to help a young upcoming artist. If you have no money then the chances of you failing is quite high.

How do you distribute your music?

There are two ways to do it. Either you sell the rights to a marketer who will now pay you off and decide how many copies he wants to make and you have no share in the proceeds of that sale or you sell it to the marketers at a discount and you will be the one to make copies available to the marketer. The marketer will now add something to the price you gave him and then sell to the public.

Do you own the studio where you do your work?

Not all of us have studios. Some of us have to book and pay for studio time, while some own their studios.

Do you face any problems with these marketers?

That is where the biggest problem is. Some marketers will sell your work but to give you your money becomes a major issue.

Why won’t you organize yourselves so that you can distribute your own work without the hassles of these marketers?

We are currently doing that but it is not easy, some of the establish musicians are distributing their own works. Another solution to the problem is if your album is popular you don’t give it to the distributors until they pay you your money.

Among the established voices, which would you want to collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with all of them but most especially Adam Zango and Zuwaira Ismail.

What is your advice to young people thinking of join the industry?

I want to advice them to be diligent and hardworking. They should not be greedy and selfish because as long as you are selfish then success might be a hard thing to come by.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 35

Nollywood Omotola, Genevieve take fight to FAB awards for ‘Most Stylish Actress’ crown

Omotola

Genevieve gain, two of Nollywood’s biggest elephants; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji in conjunction with their respective fans have been put at logger-heads with each other as the two make-believe heavyweights slug it out at the FAB awards holding in December 2012 in Lagos.

Omosexy, as Omotola is fondly called by her fans, and Genny, as Genevieve is also fondly called by her fans, have been nominated alongside Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe Etim and Beverly Naya for the Most Stylish Actress category of the awards.

The awards ceremony holds on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at Landmark Village, Victoria Island Lagos. The winner would be determined by online votes, which might be as a result of the muscles flexed by their fans in determining who wins the award category. The awards debuted in 2010.

Now that the elephants fight, who suffer(s)? Let’s wait till December 2 to get answer(s).

A

Show promoter threatens Naeto C with EFCC over alleged fraud

A

show promoter, Fine Boy Swag (FBS) Entertainment, has threatened to drag popular Nigerian rapper and son of Nigeria’s ex-Aviation Minister, Kema Chikwe, Naeto C, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what it termed an alleged ‘fraudulent obtainment of money under false pretence’ from the company by Naeto C. According to a press release FBS Entertainment through its representative, Muhammad Nura, it claimed that Naeto C failed to honour his side of an agreement to perform in one of its shows the company had contracted the rapper to perform at in July 2012 after making an initial payment of N400,000 of the N600,000 agreed as the total payment.

The statement reads, “13TH NOVEMBER, 2012 ATTENTION: ALL MEDIA HOUSES REPORT OF FRAUDULENT OBTAINMENT OF MONEY BY MR NAETO CHIKWE We write to report the case of obtainment by false pretence committed against our enterprise Fine Boy Swag Entertainment (herein referred to as “Our Company”) by Mr. NAETO CHIKWE. (A musician by profession who is popularly known as “NAETO C” also herein referred to as “NAETO C”.)

“We would like to state that we had discussions with NAETO C over a contract to perform at the show which was scheduled to hold at Cubicle Arena, Maitama Garden, Maitama on 18th of July 2012 by 5:00pm in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria and he agreed to perform at the show.

“Our agreement is detailed in a one page contract agreement dated 14th July, 2012 and signed by NAETO C and our enterprise. A copy of said contract is hereby attached.

“Consequently, and as agreed upon discussions with NAETO C, Our Company paid a deposit in the sum of four hundred thousand Naira (N400, 000.00) in to NAETO C’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Account with the account details as follows Account Name: Naeto Chikwe.

Acct Number: 0115788951. A copy of the GTB payment teller is hereby attached.

“NAETO C defaulted in performing as agreed in the contract signed, and also failed to pay back the money paid in respect of the contract four hundred thousand Naira (N400,000.00) being the deposit paid in respect of the contract.

His actions as stated above apart from being a breach have also constituted an obtainment

by false pretence which constitutes an offence under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We hereby write to inform the general public of the activities constituting a betrayal of trust and serious criminal offence which should be accorded attention by all concerned.

“NAETO C’s actions have made Our Company to suffer damages, which among others include loss of good image, business goodwill and withdrawal of contract deals by clients as many clients now see Our Client as being unreliable.

“Our discussions with NAETO C to recover the amount paid have been fruitless and have been met with insults. We have written to EFCC to ensure that justice is done in respect of this matter and also to ensure that NAETO C is brought to book to curb the crime rate in Nigeria “We will be available for

the air and set the records straight.

“For the purpose of clarity and details, we will enumerate all the facts of the affair below.

Naeto C actually made the trip to Abuja to fulfill his end of the agreement subject to receiving full payment for the said event a day before or on the date of the engagement. When it became apparent on the day of the show that the promoters were not forthcoming with the balance, our client declined to grace the show with his presence especially as he had held up his end of the bargain regardless of the fact that the show was three days to his wedding.

“Most significantly, the signature on the agreement document is not that of our client and this act of forgery is not only distasteful, but criminal.

“At this juncture, it should be stated for the benefit of those that are new to the entertainment business that ‘a

“WTM Global Trends Report 2012’.

The report explained that Nigeria’s massive film industry, ‘Nollywood’, is a rising star in Africa’s tourism industry, just as it declared it the world’s second largest film industry in volume terms, after India’s Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood in the US, with more than 2,000 films produced annually. Specifically, the report predicated GDP growth in Africa to be at 5.2 percent in 2012 and 2013, while trips/ arrivals will rise to 4.5 percent in 2012 and 4.6 percent in 2013, adding that intra-regional travels is crucial for the African Tourism industry, due to strong business, linguistic and cultural links between many countries.

Besides, the report indicated that Nollywood films are popular in many African countries because their huge popularity attracts domestic and regional African tourists to Nigeria,

show promoter is liable to forfeit any money deposited to book an artiste for a particular date if the promoter fails to complete payment before the stipulated time for the performance and the artiste is permitted to walk away from the arrangement’.

“This is standard practice in entertainment all over the world because artiste will decline all other approaches by prospective clients once a party makes a commitment by way of an initial deposit.

Boom in Nollywood to boost GDP growth rate in Africa – Report A report released in London, yesterday, by Euromonitor International and Reed Exhibitions Limited, organizers of the World Travel Market (WTM), has predicated a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in Africa, as a result of the boom in the local film industry dubbed ‘Nollywood’. The GDP growth figure for the African region was contained in a report, titled:

visiting film locations. Also, the report noted that the popularity of Nollywood would be a major growth driver with the leisure sector attracting film fans and business travel boosted by the growing economic importance of the film industry.

“Arrivals to Nigeria are set to rise three percent annually, over 2012-2016, mainly thanks to intra-regional tourism fuelled by growing African economies.

It means Africa is poised for continued strong growth arrivals, incoming tourist receipts, air and hotel values sales in 2013,the report said.”

Reacting to the report, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Segun Runsewe, said the reports showed that President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, especially in the travel and tourism sector is making impact on the country’s image globally.

Naeto Chikwe further consultations in respect of this matter as the claims are not in any way frivolous.

Yours faithfully, Muhammad Nura FOR: FINE BOY SWAG ENTERTAINMENT” However, a representative of Naeto has reacted to the allegation. According to a statement released by Naeto C’s representative, the rapper fulfilled his side of the bargain but claimed that the show promoter defaulted in paying up the balance of Naeto C’s fee.

He then claimed to sue the company for defamation and forgery because the statement claimed the signature shown in the contract does not belong to Naeto C. The statement reads, “With reference to the news making the rounds on entertainment blog portals and social media platforms about our client Naeto C defrauding a show promoter of certain amount of money, we would like to clear

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 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

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

Score card of River Niger dredging project Re: Sovereign wealth fund

By Innocent Ebirim

T

he dredging of lower River Niger with the main objective of achieving an all year round navigation of the dredged channels from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State, shows the Federal Government’s commitment in improving Inland water transportation in the country.

Historically, the idea of dredging the lower River Niger was mooted in the late 1950’s when the colonial administration was busy with the preparation of the country’s independence and as such could not take any concrete step in that direction. Since independence, successive administrations had only paid lip service to this worthwhile project until late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua emerged on the scene as Nigeria’s President, took the bull by the horn and approved contract for the dredging, a project his successor-in-office, President Goodluck Jonathan in the patriotic spirit of policy stability has intensified as part of his transformation agenda in the transport sector.

The first score card is that the present administration has been able to undertake this laudable project previous administrations were unable to do in Nigeria’s post-independence over 50 years of existence. Therefore the initiators, managers and partakers of this development project could be tagged as record breakers and history makers.

Hitherto, the waterways that are currently dredged had served as strong and viable route of water transportation in the country. During the colonial times, mails were sent to Onitsha from Lokoja through River Niger waterways by the colonial authorities; the Royal Niger

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 Company and its French counterparts used the Rivers Niger and Benue as routes to move raw materials from the hinterland and exports from Northern Cameroun for industries in Europe and Northern America.

It was in realization of the advantages of in-land water transportation that the Federal Government signed a 34.8billion naira contract for the dredging of lower River Niger on 1st December, 2008 which was later reviewed upwards when the Federal Executive Council on 2nd November, 2011 approved additional 8.5billion naira due to confirmed fluctuations in the prices of labour, diesel etc and constant siltation of the River channels thereby putting the entire project cost at 43.3billion naira. The project was flagged off on 10th September 2009; the entire project has a 3-year completion plan, which means that the dredging and maintenance works are supposed to be completed in 2012.

The dredging of lower River Niger contract from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State which covers an estimated 572km in eight states namely; Kogi, Niger, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa is divided into five (5) Lots with several bifurcations has the following contract scope-capital dredging works,

maintenance dredging works, River training works (installation of navigational aids) and community development works.

The cheering news from this project is that the dredging project has been successfully completed in June 2011 and maintenance dredging started immediately and as at today, a reasonable portion of the maintenance dredging has being completed. In addition, navigational aids have been installed in the dredged channels while BUOYS to signify safety and sensitive zones and to mark the dredged channels have been installed and laid in all the 5 Lots of the project.

The positive result of this successful dredging is that all the routes from Baro in Niger State to Warri in Delta State is now open and accessible for vessels to move products and goods through these dredged channels to different parts of the country.

Two strong testimonies of this statement can be advanced. In August 2011, NINON, a Marine Transport Company moved 300 tonnes of tiles equivalent to 15-20 trailer loads of tiles from Lokoja through the dredged lower River Niger channels to Onitsha. That was the first of its kind in Nigeria for over three decades. Not long ago, the contractor handling Lot 5 of the project

from the Jamata to Baro, William Lloyds Tech Company moved its big vessels from Port Harcourt to Baro, which it was unable to do prior to the dredging.

With the successful dredging of the lower River Niger, windows of numerous investment opportunities are now available on the Nations waterways. As Nigerian Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA), intensifies efforts in marketing these opportunities to investors in Nigeria and abroad, it will be necessary for them to patronize this laudable project to avoid the siltation of the dredged channels where sands fill and block the channels if they are not used. The Managing Director of NIWA, Arc. Aminu Yar’Adua has assured that many investors have indicated interests to patronize the dredged channels.

To guarantee the safety and security of the waterway channels, the Honourable Minister of Transport, Senator Idris A. Umar has commissioned the newly acquired twelve security boats fitted with GPS and Echo Sounder to determine the depth of water level and to detect movement of vessels around the vicinity within a range of 12 nautical miles and to be manned by NIWA’s strong Marine Police Command. A radio communication is being put in place by building towers on the River for easy information during any emergency.

A Naval base has been established at Lokoja while plans for the establishment of custom formations in all the ports are under-way as prerequisites for full in-land water ways navigation.

Innocent Ebirim, is the Media Assistant to Hon Minister of Transport, Abuja E-mail: innocentokadigbo@gmail.com,

I was misquoted on Boko Haram — Maj-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd)

I

t has come to my notice that I am being accused by some sections of the Nigerian media of backing the Boko Haram sect in its fight against the Nigerian State. I granted interview to some sections of the press in Minna recently, when the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), which am an active member visited Governor Babangida Aliyu to submit its “Road Map For Peace, Unity and Development in Northern Nigeria” When questioned on my view about the Boko Haram sect and the Nigerian

State, I told the Press that if Boko Haram sect had targeted elections riggers, fake ballot papers thumb printers, stuffers, snatchers and corrupt government officials, instead of Churches and Mosques, that are places of worship, then the fight would have made some sense. I quickly pointed out that violence in any form cannot solve our problem; rather dialogue on a roundble is the most civilized way to resolve disputes. I supported the renewed peace plan by government and the sect to bring peace to Nigeria again.

Having acquired a Ph.D in International

Law and Diplomacy, it was wrong of any sensible Nigeria to allege that I aspire to be a member of a group that wasting innocent lives of Nigerians. At no time did I say I want to be a member of Boko Haram.

It is my candid view as I told the press in Minna that this security challenge in Nigeria is not peculiar to our nation alone.

It is my position that through information gathering, dialogue or war could be used by government to quell such uprising. I feel strongly sad that this spate of violence has crippled the Northern Economy and painted the North as trouble makers. It is

unacceptable and must be addressed squarely for peace to reign in Nigeria.

As an active member of the A.C.F, I have always supported and will continue to untiring efforts of Mr. President’s peace efforts and I wish to urge all Nigerians to demonstrate commitment to the Transformation Agenda of the present government. I suspect that some political mischief makers are out to smear my name for cheap publicity.

I rest my case with the Nigeria people.

- Maj. Gen. Lawrence A. Onoja (rtd) Ph.D

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 37

The Entrepreneur Ya’n lemo market can be a source of revenue for Kano, says Na Alhaji Na’ibawa Ya’n Lemo, the popular orange market in Kano state was a bee hive of activities when Peoples Daily Weekend visited the place, which caters for over 10,000 people daily. Our reporter, Mustapher Adamu spoke with acting chairman of the market union, Alhaji Muhammadu na Alhaji.

C

ontrary to the perception that Na’ibawa ya’n lemo is solely an orange selling market, it was discovered that other fruits like banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, watermelon etc. were being off loaded from trucks from other parts of the country. Acting chairman of the market union, Muhammadu na Alhaji gave an insight into how the market came into being.

The market was relocated from Kofar Nassarawa to Na’ibawa about 25 years ago, while leadership of the union is similar to the democratic system of government. “We elect our leaders the way government does its officials”. The market is quite large in size and undertakes various activities including loading and offloading of sacks that contain fruits in their hundreds.

Alhaji Muhammadu said the orange is brought from Benue, Osun and Oyo states to Kano.

Different colours of sacks used to package the fruits help traders to differentiate from what part of the country they came from. For instance, the orange brought from Benue State is packed in whiteleather sacks while those from Osun and Oyo are contained in brown colour cotton sacks.

The Acting Chairman also said the oranges can last for a period of 10 days before they begin to decay due to lack of storage facilities while banana lasts for shorter time like 2 days but coconut can stay for days.

Fruit business in the market is virtually seasonal.”Our business is seasonal because fruits are seasonal. The market becomes busier and sells more when the

Pinapple Acting Chairman, Alh Muhammadu na Alhaji fruits are in season. This is the time when prices of fruits become lower.” He said.

“A sack of orange is presently N3,300 but when the season passes and it becomes scarce, the price may go up to N10,000 per sack” It would seem however that fruit business in the Naibawa Ya’n lemo flourishes most of the time considering the high demand on daily basis.

“Even though sales are seasonal like the fruits, business in the market flourishes and we are always busy, about 10,000 people patronize this market daily.”” He said.

The chairman, market union, Mohammadu explained that apart from major dealers who sell fruits in large quantities to target customers, there are market operators who sell the fruits in small quantities to ordinary people on demand.

Mallam Yahaya, a major dealer in the market, told our reporter that he sells oranges only in large quantities to dealers that also sell out to vendors.

Women are not left behind in the market operation. Like men, women engage in selling the fruits, especially oranges, in large and small quantities.

Mrs. Patricia told our reporter that she has been selling oranges for about 10 years in the market.”I have been selling orange for long you can see them in small baskets, that’s how I have been selling my own oranges for about 10 years now.”

Patricia said she buys the orange from her regular customer, who sometimes agrees to sell to her on credit. She also said she enjoys the business and is grateful to God for it because it is the only way she fends for her family.”

I thank God for providing this business for me because it is the only source of money I have to support my family.

Sometimes the market is good while sometimes it is bad and that is life.”

Authority in the market has attributed the current security challenges in the nation, especially Northern Nigeria as the major problem bedeviling the market activities.

The acting chairman then called on the state Government to invest money in the market for employment opportunity to the youths.

Orange

Coconut

A fruit market in Spain “I call on the state government to intervene by investing in the market as we have observed its

commitment to boosting agricultural development in the state.”

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Interview

'Jonathan can contest again in 2015' Hon. Solomon Bamola Gowin is an activist and strong apostle of youth empowerment. A member of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), he coordinates several other initiatives involved in youth programmes. He contested the position of the National Youth Leader of the PDP in the last convention but lost to Alhaji Garuba Chiza. In this interview with Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, he explained his passion for youth advocacy and argued that President Goodluck Jonathan can legally seek reelection in 2015 if he so desires.

Y

ou have made youthbased programmes and initiatives your pastime. What could be responsible for this?

I think that has to do with my background. You know some are born with silver spoon but some of us come from very poor backgrounds. So when people like us get a small opportunity to assist the less privileged, we jump at it not because we don't have anything better doing, and of course what can be better than helping your fellow man? It's because we know what it means to lack basic things.

And like I have said earlier, youths are the engine room of any country. And like any car owner knows an engine needs special care if you want your car to last long, the same thing with the Nigerian youths. They need to be specially taken care of because they are the future of this nation. The youths are also very vulnerable because of the exuberance in everything they do.

Look at the case of the present insecurity in the nation; it is the youths who are behind it because they are easily led astray. I have found out long ago that unless the youths are adequately empowered we will continue to have problems.

This is why at every opportunity I get I make empowering the youths a priority.

We have to make the youths have confidence in themselves and their abilities. Despite the fact that our party is trying, there is always room for improvement. And I believe that no amount of investment in the youth is wasted, the nation will definitely be the better for it at the end of the day.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently accused President Jonathan of not nipping the security challenges in the bud early enough. What do you think?

Nobody knew it would degenerate to this level, but then every problem has its own peculiar solution and we cannot compare the insurgency in Odi to the violence in the North.

No matter how we look at it, the violence in the North does not only have a garb of religion, it also has a political undertone, an average northerner that we know before is passionate and friendly. You remember in those days when you go to the market to buy something from a northerner, you know he is

Hon. Solomon Bamola Gowin going to add more for you (which we call jara). So if we must tackle it effectively we must be careful. The religious leaders must be called upon. Traditional rulers and even the politicians and youths themselves will not be left out. It would be a kind of large family discussion.

Then again, the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has to sit up. I strongly believe that no sane human being will just take a gun and start killing people anyhow without being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And the immigration also must sit up to check the influx of foreigners into our country.

Also, the youths must be empowered. There is no shortcut to it, we must empower these youth because Nigerian youth are very resourceful and it is a common saying that an idle hand is the devil's workshop. A youth is more vulnerable when he/she can't sustain himself or herself. In empowering the youths, government should also continue to improve the power sector as they are already doing.

You see, I believe Nigerians need stable power supply for survival.

The people can go into different vocations if there is stable power supply. Nigerian youths are very entrepreneurial and innovative; when there is stable power they

may not even disturb government again.

Are you convinced that your party, the PDP has a good enough programme for the youths?

I think the national youth leader of the party is in the best position to answer that question but I can assure you that PDP has much in stock for the youths of this nation, regardless of your political leanings.

Take for an example the Youwin programme. It is not just for PDP youths but every youth in Nigeria.

Also, personally I have my own programme for the youths, wherein they will go to Israel to acquire knowledge on mechanized agricultural and they come back to impact their communities. The programme which is in partnership with Israeli embassy and some interested state government has been christened Youths 2 farm project.

We are sending some youths to Israel to learn the full mechanized agricultural skills to be used in Nigeria after completion to create agricultural mini-mega village in their communities and we can say this project is being strongly supported by the presidency and the PDP family. So, you can see there is much for the youths to gain in this administration.

Do you think the present leadership of the PDP is

threatened by the talk of merger between some opposition parties especially with rumours going round that President Jonathan may be eyeing the seat again in 2015?

So far, Mr. President has not mentioned whether he will contest or not. One thing I want you to know is PDP is not a one man affair, it is a collective responsibility of all members of the family and there is no one that is above the law, there is no one above the party, the party is supreme.

Yes, people might say the president is slow and all that, even Obama had it tough in the US but at the end the people still reelected him in a free and fair election because they see him as a man of peace. That the President has been conducting free and fair elections in the country is an indication that he means well for Nigerians and Nigeria. If he decides to go for a second time and the party allows him, what is left for us as members of the PDP family is to support him with all our might to win.

And do you think he stands any chance of winning, considering the fact that not many Nigerians are satisfied with his government so far?

You see people seem to see Mr. President as slow because he has not

been taking drastic steps and solutions. A drastic problem does not require a drastic solution because it is the people that will suffer for it at the end of the day and I think this is the thinking of Mr. President.

Like it is said slow and steady wins the race. It is said that he who fights fire with fire usually ends up with ashes on his hands so; that the President is not taking drastic decisions should not be enough to crucify him as slow.

We have had leaders who will never listen to advice in this country. But he does.

Do you think President Jonathan can take the oath of office thrice?

From my calculations, he has taken the oath of office only once.

The first one you refer to is to complete the tenure of the late President. What we should ask is how many times has he sought the people's mandate to be President and you will realize it is just once.

So he still has one more time to seek the people's mandate, if he so desires.

What is your advice to the youths of this generation?

Work hard. Maybe it is because we say it is a computer age or jet age, most youths are very lazy.

They do not want to work hard to get things done any longer.

Also, the youths should be conscious of how they spend their time. You see, watching violent films and all that breeds a violent character. You just see them unconsciously manifest these traits that can ruin their future.

But above all we must empower these youths. Like the mini mega agricultural village we are trying to build, it is not just to empower the youths but also to curb the exodus from the rural to the urban by providing every amenities in the mini mega agricultural village.

What we have in mind is to use this promised project as an avenue to discover talents, there will be recreation centers in these villages where talents will be discovered and polished.

I want to thank President Jonathan and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur for supporting this project and creating the right environment for our youths to grow.

I also want to thank the governors of Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Enugu, Kano, Edo, Lagos, Imo and Ondo for taking youth empowerment programmes serious in their various domains.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 39

Interview

Government alone cannot handle refugee crises —FORD President I

s your organisation the Nigerian subsidiary of the Ford Group? Or are you affiliated to it?

Yes, we are FORD, but no, we are not the American Ford.

Theirs named after Henry Ford, the American industrialist, who is best remembered for his pioneering work in the autoindustry. Our FORD is all Caps.

Meaning: it is an acronym, and stands for: Friends Of Refugees and Displaced Persons. It is also known as The FORD Initiative.

While Ford Group is largely a business concern, we are a notfor-profit organisation, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), concerned with alleviating the suffering of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

Thus, the mission of 'The FORD Initiative' is caring for the displaced persons in Nigeria irrespective of the tribe, colour, religion, gender, age, nationality or race. But while Nigeria is our immediate concern, we are looking beyond our borders as natural disasters are now global phenomena, and can occur anywhere, leaving needy victims in their wake. So we are Nigerian in focus, but global in outlook.

Are you just making your debut now or have you been operating before?

We have been in existence for a couple of years, so we are not just making an appearance or debut as you put it. Refugees or internally displaced people did not start with the recent nationwide floods. Before the floods, we had man-made disasters like communal clashes, religious upheavals, bomb blasts, environmental degradation from oil spills etc etc, so the floods only compounded it.

With bomb blasts and floods everywhere now, your organisation must be very busy.

Yes, we are. It is just that we are more busy now. You know, before now, people have been displaced, off and on, in Benue state, in Ebonyi state, in Cross River state etc. And such displacements, irrespective of their causes, leave the victims with significant, and often times, life-threatening results - both in the immediate aftermath of the displacement and also in the long term. Victims will normally require urgent help to meet humanitarian, psycho-social, material and healthcare needs.

And although government's efforts are always there, they are not always enough or timely or far-reaching: what with bureaucracy, corruption and all.

Dr. Aina Olufemi Odusola is the President/Executive Director of Friends Of Refugees and Displaced Persons (FORD) aka the FORD Initiative, a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to giving care/succour to Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In an interview with Augustine Aminu, the Clinician/Public Health Practitioner spoke on the work/vision of his NGO, and why NGOs like FORD have stepped in to help complement government's efforts in succouring victims of floods, sectarian clashes and other disasters.

Excerpts:

Dr. Aina Olufemi Odusola That is where NGOs like the FORD Initiative comes in.

The FORD Initiative, succinctly put, is focused on the: Provision of humanitarian care support in forms of material needs; Provision of psychosocial care support; Provision of healthcare support; Provision of rehabilitation support in the long term and the Provision of reintegration support. Others are: the Provision of habitat support in the short term as well as the Provision of educational support in the short term.

Your NGO seems to be concentrating its efforts in helping disaster victims. In future, do you plan to venture into the preventing side of disaster management, especially, man-made disasters like communal clashes, religious upheavals?

Yes. FORD promotes ideas, products and solutions that will minimize societal tendencies towards conflicts, and simultaneously encourages peaceful co-habitation amongst individuals and peoples of diverse religious, political and social background.

Also, we promote ideas and

services that will discourage the production of refugees and internally displaced persons using the strategies of public enlightenment, awareness creation, dialogue, peace and conflict resolution. So we are into the mitigation of human disasters that produce refugees and internally displaced people, but while we cannot always be successful in stopping them altogether, we passionately pursue alleviating the ugly consequences. So we are into advocacy, Peace and conflict resolution strategies, engagement with policy makers on good governance and democratic values, operational research into health related problems of refugees and displaced people plus public enlightenment on tolerance and social harmony among peoples of various backgrounds.

NGOs are mushrooming everywhere, some with overt pecuniary motives. Some are not even NGOs but NGIs ie Non-Governmental Individual.

So what separates your NGO from the others?

We are quite aware that Non-

Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are coming under abuse these days. They are sometimes formed and used by some individuals as platforms to access funds, sometimes from foreign bodies, apparently for social causes, but convert same to personal use. The FORD Initiative is, however, different. Members are not out to enrich themselves or to take advantage of other people's misfortune or tragedies.

Besides our social conscience, our Board of Trustees is composed of members of the society with impeccable integrity, proven track records and selfless service to the society - be it in the health, education or the social services.

These board members are: Messrs. Simon Imobo-Tswam, a Media Practitioner/Secretary; Bolaji Akinyemi, a reverend gentleman and renowned school Administrator in the Lagos Area; Pharmacist Gabriel Assa, a notable entrepreneur; Emmanuel Ayalogu, Theater Practitioner-cum-movie producer; Pastor Johnson Usiagwu, and Ayodeji Olubunmi Ojo, another renowned educationist.

Furthermore, as the chief visioner/promoter of FORD, even before the formal registration of the organization early this year, I have for about a decade, been involved in volunteer humanitarian and healthcare activities to people in need including refugees. I have on many occasions in the past, in the name of the organization, singlehandedly promoted and funded humanitarian activities and visited refugees and displaced people's camps across the country.

Needless to say,

transparency, accountability and ethical financial standards as enshrined constitution govern all fund-related matters of the organization. Board decisions are taken based on standard corporate governance, and membership is open to members of the public who identify with our goal and core values.

How do you fund your activities?

Well, you know that we are a not-for-profit organization.

Therefore, aside from what we are providing by ourselves, we also relying on the generous donations, either in kind or cash, from well-to-do and publicspirited individuals as well as corporate bodies and organizations to substantially fund and power our NGO's activities.

At the moment, the activities of the organization are constrained by inadequate funds; being that our interventions like those at the United Nations funded Refugee camp in Oru, Ijebu Ode, (Ogun State) are being funded through personal efforts and resources of members, particularly the chief visioner/ President/Executive Director.

However, with our vision and the worsening humanitarian crises across the country, no thanks to floods, bombs and communalcum-sectarian upheavals, we cannot comfortably continue to fund our activities alone if we hope to realise our objectives and achieve any appreciative measure of success in the long run. We need both local and international assistance from other NGOs, governmental and international development agencies, philanthropists and public spirited individuals.

“

Also, we promote ideas and services that will discourage the production of refugees and internally displaced persons using the strategies of public enlightenment

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Media I courted my wife on GSM for six weeks before we met -Muhammad Kudu Abubakar Mohammed Kudu Abubakar is one NTA’s brightest stars. The Head of Political Desk, Abubakar spoke with our reporter Miriam Humbe in an encounter at the NTA headquarters Abuja, on his growing up days and passion for journalism, a profession he fell in love with from childhood. He opened a window into his love life saying he courted his wife on the GSM. Enjoy...

Muhammad Kudu Abubakar How was your growing up like? y growing up was very interesting. I was born in Kaduna but when I was two or three years old, my parents thought I should grow up with my uncle who was working in Sokoto, so I ended up growing up there. I went to primary school and secondary schools in Sokoto then I went to SBS Zaria for my A Levels. After the A Levels, I unfortunately lost my dad and could not continue my university education immediately so I started work. While working, I pursued my first and second degrees and now I have double Masters degrees, so to God be the glory.

But Sokoto was a very interesting environment. It is a place where talking about Almajaris, those days while in primary school, we also attended Quranic School with them. The things they did such as going to farm for the Islamic teacher, I did all of that. Sokoto has a lot of donkeys and you find them even in the bush, not owned by anybody.

As children, we could just go and climb one. I remember one day when I climbed one naughty one.

It just started running helter skelter with me and by the time it flung me off, I hit my head on the ground.

I cannot forget that. I thank God that we mixed very well in those days because I remember we went to school with different kinds of people from different backgrounds and tribes. In my class then, I schooled with the children of Shehu Shagari. But now, this type of mixing up does not happen. And that is why the society is finding it difficult to have harmony and cohesion. We have to go back to the past.

While growing up, was there a time you were

M

punished for doing something naughty?

There were several instances. I was good in my academics but also very heady as a child. I remember this particular episode where my uncle’s wife said, ‘if you don’t wash these plates, you are not going to eat tonight’. As a child of six or eight years, if I backed a child, you’ll think am a lady. I knew how to change the nappies and prepare the baby’s food in a feeding bottle. One day, my uncle’s wife said she would not give me food because of the pile of plates I failed to wash. It was time to go and play football with friends so I left and abandoned the chore but I was spanked for it. There are several others that I can’t remember but this one, I can’t forget it. Of course, the next day, I was not allowed to go out.

What informed your decision to go into journalism?

It is the same upbringing with my uncle that made me like journalism. This is how it happened. I was in Turaki primary school in Sokoto. There was this older brother of my friend who was my classmate also. My friend’s name is Audu but his older brother’s name is Mohammed Kolo. Kolo gave us a letter to go and post.

The address on the letter was London School of Journalism, Fleet Street, London. It was a very interesting envelope. We posted it but that name London School of Journalism became embedded in my head. I began to think about what I will do to qualify me to read this kind of course. When we came back, I asked him what it entailed to read Journalism and he said it is a course that enables you to work in any newspaper, radio or television. The interest developed

from there. Before then, I was very intrigued by the radio. As a child, I used to open the back of the radio to see if possible, who was talking inside. That interest coupled with the experience of the journalism school became embedded in my psyche. The third reason is that my uncle liked newspapers a lot, particularly, the New Nigerian. He would send me to buy the day’s newspaper for him and after reading, he would throw it at me that I should also read. Sometimes I would read loudly as if I was a news caster and you can see that today, I am one. In the secondary school, I was a science student so I made sure I did not pursue science for a degree. After A Levels in SBS at ABU Zaria, I did Chemistry- Biology- Geography as my combination but I abandoned them to read Mass Communication at University of Lagos to pursue my interest. After that, I read political science as a degree; I have a Masters in International Relations and another Masters in Sociology. All of these courses go to further consolidate and solidify my position as a journalist, newscaster and current affairs person. You can see that my not pursuing a science degree was providence because if I had done that, I probably would have found myself in another profession and I would still be thinking of my earlier interest. But here I am today, pursuing my dream as a newscaster and reporter.

For how long have you been covering the Senate?

I have been covering the senate since the inception of democracy in 1999. I was there with my colleagues like Mark Amarere of AIT. But I left the National Assembly in 2002 and went on secondment as head of communications, NEPAD, Nigeria. I came back from secondment in 2004 to NTA. In NTA, I was made head of political desk up to 2007. The authorities sent me back to the National Assembly again so I have been there since 2007 to date. Between 2007 to date, another portfolio has been added to me. I also head the entire National Assembly desk and the political desk for NTA. What are the peculiarities of covering the senate?

There are a lot in the sense that the National Assembly is a theatre for elected politicians. In the case of the senate, you have 109 of them. In the case of the House of Representatives, there are 360 of them.

So it’s a lot of challenge meeting people of different backgrounds, different mannerisms, and experiences all in one place talking of one thing and somebody like me reporting for NTA. To make sense of what 109 people say in two minutes for the Network News is a huge challenge. It is both a challenge and a difficult thing to satisfy all of them. So the peculiarity there is that first, you cannot satisfy everybody there and secondly, it is a big challenge having to make sense out of what 109 people said from 10 am to about 2 pm. I try to get the news in what they did. So it is a daily challenge and it is just the grace of God and the experience one has gathered that one is able to make sense out of the cacophony of voices that one hears every day in the chamber.

Please take us into your personal life. How did you meet your wife?

Oh it’s a very interesting one. I owe a lot to God and to the GSM. I did not get to meet my wife immediately we started talking. I first saw her through her picture with her friend. I liked the beautiful face I saw and asked and was told she was a nice lady and all that. I received her phone number in Minna and returned to Abuja. Her friend must have told her she had given her phone number to someone who would call her anytime. I waited until I finished the day’s job before placing the call at about 11 pm. She responded and we got talking. Her voice was as lovely as her person when we finally met about six weeks later when I went to Minna. We started talking about marriage some six months later.

What do you do with your spare time?

Working in NTA is almost a 24 hour job. What I do mostly is jog every morning and walk brisk walk.

Sometimes when I have the time, I go to the gym. I like reading, music and travelling when I have the time.

What is your favourite meal?

My favourite meal is any food with lots of vegetables.

As a Nupe man, I like gbegiri soup [beans soup]. In Nupeland, when there is a major celebration, it is what is served. But instead of taking it with amala like the Yorubas, we take it with tuwon shinkafa or pounded yam. My wife cooks it for me every time. It’s one of my favourite meals.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 41

Weekend Abutu, Osagie set to join Sharks

J

onah Abutu and Monday Osagie are close to joining Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side, Sharks for the 2012-13 seasons.

Both players travelled with the Blue Angels’ contingent to the city of Calabar, where the team is expected to hold pre-season camping before the new term gets underway.

Sharks’ secretary, Cyril Wite, confirmed the presence of both players in the team to supersport.com but revealed that no contract has been agreed yet with Abutu and Osagie.

“You know the NPL has not cleared this yet so we can’t say they have signed for us. But they are part of our team that just arrived in Calabar for camping.

“No deal yet in place for either player as this is still subject to approval,” said Wite.

Osagie is touted as a direct replacement for Senegalese centre-back, Ousmane Pape Sane.

On the other hand, Abutu who featured for rival Premier League club, Lobi Stars, last season should fill in the vacant central midfield role left

by Kola Anubi who joined Warri Wolves in this off-season.

Members of the domestic league Eagles in training

President urges Eagles to win AFCON

By Albert Akota

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has again urged the Super Eagles to win next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr Patrick Ekeji dropped this message in Abuja at the 2012 FCT SWAN gala and award night.

He said Mr President has asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to return home with the cup, the country won last 1994 in Tunisia.

“The President is not concerned on how the NFF intend to do this, but it must be done, “he said.

The Eagles have won the Nations Cup twice, in 1980 and 1994.

Ekeji has also disclosed that the proposed 1.4 billion Naira (about $9 million) budget for the AFCON will soon be approved to ensure a hitch-free preparation for the tournament. He also revealed that Mr President has approved the funds needed for AFCON to enable the NFF prepare the team.

The SWAN gala and award night was the climax of a week of activities to mark the 2012 FCT SWAN week.

The night saw Godfrey Ali Gaya, Governor Lyle Imoke and NFF President Aminu Maigari bag distinguished merit awards.

Arafat Aliu of 96.9 Coolfm was voted the best Journalist Radio, Salihu Ibrahim of AIT pocketed the Television award, while David Ngogua of Daily Trust went home with the Best Print Journalist award for 2012.

Abutu and Osagie

Jossy wants the best for Falcons

F

ormer Super Falcons’ manager, Joseph Ladipo also known as Jossy Lad has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to look beyond the side technical crew for Kadiri Ikhana’s replacement.

Ikhana departed after he guided the beaten title holders to their worst performance at the African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea.

The other crew namely former Nigerian player, Rita Nwadike, Charity Enwerem, Bala Mohammed and Justin Madugu have remained silent after the team’s poor outing.

Ladipo said the coaching pedigree of the quartet is in doubt to fit into the shoes of Ikhana.

“I don’t know the coaching pedigree of other Falcons’ technical crew. I don’t even know the criteria that fetched them the job in the first instance.

“I know Rita Nwadike in her long playing days as dedicated, thorough and disciplined but I’ve not seen her as a coach. I think she just started.

“Maybe the NFF knows more about them than us but I think the task of rebuilding the team is demanding than any of them can cope with or handle.

“The Falcons’ job is delicate and must be placed in a tested and competent hand, an experienced hand, which has a template to restore the team to its past glories,” he said. The former 3SC board chairman will not join the discourse over the suitable gender for the senior national women’s side.

“Male or female coach can handle the team, I’m not aware of any separate coaching laws for either of the sexes. It’s the same except the gender of players that differs.

“In Europe where the gender sensitivity is high their women coaches are more advanced than ours. I don’t know how many competent women coaches we have in Nigeria.

“Of course, Eucharia Uche has proven herself in past assignments, I think the bottom line is to give the job to male or female who is competent and able to deliver the goods,” he said.

Lad was in charge of the Falcons when they first lost the AWC crown in 2008 in the semifinals to hosts and eventual winners, Equatorial Guinea.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 42

Olympic 100m bottle throw: Ashley faces trial

A

man accused of throwing a bottle at the start of the men’s Olympic 100m final will stand trial next year.

Ashley Gill-Webb, of South Milford, North Yorkshire, was arrested after the incident in the London Olympic Stadium in August.

He has pleaded not guilty to two public order offences.

District Judge Jacqueline Comyns, at Thames Magistrates’ Court, granted him conditional bail. He is due to appear for trial on 3 January.

The court heard he had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Bootham Park Hospital in York after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, but was released on 7 September.

At a hearing on 6 August, he denied using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress under Section 4A of the Public Order Act. Mr Gill-Webb has now also pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

Donald leads World Tour Championship in Dubai

L

uke Donald shot an impressive seven-under-par round of 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first day of the World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The 34-year-old, who moved up to world number two after winning in Japan last week, had seven birdies and no bogeys.

World number one Rory McIlroy,

who missed the cut in Hong Kong last week, had five birdies on the back nine and is one of three players sharing second.

The final event of the European season, at the Greg Norman-designed Earth Course on the Jumeirah Golf Estates, is limited to the top 60 moneywinners on the circuit this year, but only 56 were able to start.

He faces the prospect of hunting down Luke Donald and the top two in the world fighting out the closing tournament would provide a fitting finale to an excellent year for European golf.

Half of the victorious Ryder Cup team are within three strokes of the lead and this has the makings of a thrilling tournament.

Ashes 2013-14: Gabba will host opening Test of Australia series

T

he Gabba in Brisbane will once again host the first Test of the Ashes winter series in 2013-14.

The opening game of the five-match series - the second part of the first backto-back Ashes since the 1970s - will take place on 21 November.

England had been due to head down under a year later, but the event was brought forward to avoid a clash with the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The second Test will take place in the Adelaide Oval from 5 December, while the Waca in Perth hosts the third match from 13 December.

The MCG in Melbourne will be the venue for the fourth Test beginning on Boxing Day and the series will conclude at the SCG in Sydney from 3 January 2015.

The schedule matches that of the 2006-07 series which Australia won 50.

As well as the Test series, England will play warm-up matches against Western Australia, Australia A, New South Wales and a Chairman’s XI. The series will be followed by five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals between the two countries, dates of which are to be confirmed.

Camacho declare ‘brain dead’ after shooting

P

uerto Rican former boxer Hector “Macho” Camacho is clinically brain dead after being shot in the head on Tuesday, doctors say.

He was in a deep coma and unresponsive, the director of the hospital treating him, Dr Ernesto Torres, told reporters.

Camacho, 50, was sitting in a car outside a bar on Tuesday with a friend when it was fired on.

His friend, Adrian Mojica Moreno, was killed in the attack. Police say they do not know of any motives for the shooting.

Camacho fought some of the great

Relatives are expected to decide whether to remove the three-time world champion from life support.

Camacho suffered a heart attack after being wounded in a drive-by shooting outside the capital, San Juan.

The bullet “damaged three arteries that run through the neck and as a result blood is not flowing well” to Camacho’s brain, he added.

names of boxing - Oscar de la Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard and Felix Trinidad.

But in recent years he was convicted of burglary, found in possession of drugs and the subject of domestic abuse complaints from his former wife.

He continued to box, losing a fight to Saul Duran in May 2010, and had been discussing another bout next year.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 43

Chelsea coach looks to get win over Manchester City R

afael Benitez can boost his standing among the Chelsea fans skeptical about his appointment as interim manager by masterminding a victory over unbeaten leaders Manchester City in the Premier

League tomorrow.

After nearly two years out of management, Benitez was brought in Wednesday to replace the fired Roberto Di Matteo with

Chelsea’s league challenge faltering and a successful defense of its Champions League title looking unlikely.

A lot has changed since Benitez

Hughes sacked as Queens Park Rangers manager

Q

PR have sacked manager Mark Hughes with the club bottom of the Premier League after 10 months in charge.

Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge for the match away to Manchester United today. The club said that it would make “a further announcement in due course” with former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp favourite to take charge at Loftus Road. Hughes’s final match in charge was a convincing home defeat by fellow strugglers Southampton. The Hoops’ only managed to preserve the Premier League status on the final day of last season and, despite implementing a massive overhaul of his squad during the summer, Hughes’ team have continued to struggle.

No apology for Clattenburg racist abuse on Mikel

C

helsea have suggested they will not be offering an apology to referee Mark Clattenburg after he was cleared of using racist language towards John Obi Mikel.

Clattenburg will return to action as fourth official for Spurs versus West Ham on Sunday and will then referee Southampton v Norwich on Wednesday.

Both Clattenburg and Professional Referees’ Union spokesman Alan Leighton have criticised Chelsea’s decision to go public with their complaint, with the club briefing the press room little over an hour after the game against Manchester United on October 28.

Chelsea’s decision to go to the press created a media storm and left Clattenburg’s reputation in tatters, even though he has now been told there is no case to answer after there was found to be no evidence to back up Ramires’ claims.

However, when asked if Chelsea would be offering the official a full apology, Chelsea spokesman Steve Adkins said: “We are pleased that the FA recognise the claim lodged by Ramires was done in good faith.

The Spaniard was unveiled to the world for the first time - follow his master plan to stay at Stamford Bridge longer than six months...

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team Man City Man Utd Chelsea West Brom Everton Arsenal West Ham Tottenham Fulham Swansea Liverpool Newcastle Norwich Stoke Sunderland Wigan Reading Aston Villa Southampton QPR

P 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12

W 8 9 7 7 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 0

D 4 0 3 2 5 4 4 2 4 4 6 5 5 7 6 2 6 3 2 4

L 0 3 2 3 2 3 3 5 4 4 3 4 4 3 3 7 4 7 8 8

last worked in the Premier League - the final game of his six-year stint at Liverpool was in May 2010 and that includes the emergence of big-spending City as a force.

After winning the title last season, City have climbed back to the top of the standings and are four points ahead of third-place Chelsea going into the match at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United, who are toppled by City after a surprise 10 loss at Norwich on Saturday, host last-place Queens Park Rangers. A home victory could be the final straw for fired QPR manager Mark Hughes - a former United player.

City’s first loss of last season came at Chelsea, and if the European champions can repeat those exploits 11 months ago, Benitez would go a long way to convincing those supporters who doubt whether his hiring until the end of the season is an upgrade from Di Matteo.

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has scored in each of his past four matches after a low-key start to the campaign, while Carlos Tevez has netted six times already GF 25 29 24 19 22 23 15 20 25 18 17 13 9 10 10 12 14 10 18 9

GA 10 17 13 13 16 13 12 21 22 16 16 17 18 11 12 21 19 22 30 23

GD 15 12 11 6 6 10 3 -1 3 2 1 -4 -9 -1 -2 -9 -5 -12 -12 -14

Pts 28 27 24 23 20 19 19 17 16 16 15 14 14 13 12 11 9 9 8 4

Messi nears Mueller goals record

S

uperstar Lionel Messi, having taken his 2012 goals tally to 80 in midweek, can close in on German great Gerd Mueller’s all-time record of 85 in a calendar year tomorrow.

The Argentinian had already surpassed Pele’s total of 75 goals in 1958 and a double at Spartak Moscow on Tuesday, when Barcelona secured their spot in the Champions League last 16, further boosted his hopes.

With his La Liga-leading side travelling to Levante tomorrow, Messi now has eight matches left before the Christmas break in which to break Mueller’s record of 85 goals in 1972.

Levante will be difficult place

to go for Barca as Real Madrid can vouch after scraping a late 2-1 win there two weekends ago.

A 2-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna last weekend saw Levante move into a Champions League position in fourth, and in Obafemi Martins they have pace that Barca will be wary of.

The Nigerian ex-Newcastle and Inter Milan striker has hit five goals in eight league games this season since his summer move from Rubin Kazan.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid entertain Sevilla just before Barca play, knowing that a win will pile pressure on Messi and his teammates.

There are three points between

the two sides who have both made record-breaking starts to the season.

Barca have dropped only two points to date in the 2-2 draw with Real Madrid, while Atletico have let just five slip.

Atletico have won every home game but Sevilla arrive in the capital full of confidence after the 5-1 thrashing handed to their local rivals Betis last Sunday.

Meanwhile, chasing hard in third position, eight points behind Barca, are Real Madrid who go to Real Betis on Saturday on the back of five straight league wins and Champions League qualification achieved with Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

in the league, looking a different player to the one that spent most of last season on strike.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers makes his first return to Swansea since leaving the Welsh club for Anfield in the offseason.

Southampton host Newcastle and Tottenham are at home to West Ham. WEEKEND FIXTURES Barclays Premier League Sunderland v West Brom Everton v Norwich Man Utd v QPR Stoke v Fulham Wigan v Reading Aston Villa v Arsenal Sunday Swansea v Liverpool Southampton v Newcastle Chelsea v Man City Tottenham v West Ham French Ligue 1 PSG v Troyes AS Nancy v AC Ajaccio Sochaux v Nice Bastia v Lorient Reims v Brest Rennes v Evian TG Sunday Montpellier v Bordeaux Toulouse v Lyon Marseille v Lille German Bundesliga Bayern Munich v Hannover 96 Schalke 04 v Eintracht Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen Mainz v Borussia Dortmund Greuther Furth v Nurnberg Sunday SC Freiburg v VfB Stuttgart TSG Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen Augsburg v Borussia M'gladbach Italy Serie A Palermo v Catania Sunday Atalanta v Genoa Chievo v Siena Pescara v Roma Sampdoria v Bologna Torino v Fiorentina AC Milan v Juventus Spanish Primera Liga Rayo Vallecano v Mallorca Valladolid v Granada Malaga v Valencia Real Betis v Real Madrid Sunday Espanyol v Getafe Athletic Bilbao v Deportivo Atletico Madrid v Sevilla Levante v Barcelona Sunday CAF Confederation Cup AC Leopards v Djoliba

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 44

P.I.C.T.O.R.I.A.L

Chelsea have suggested they will not be offering an apology to Mark Clattenburg after he was cleared of using racist language towards John Obi Mikel

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool’s defensive frailties were again exposed as the Reds twice surrendered the lead to Young Boys. Elsewhere, Newcastle progress as Spurs stumbled

FIFA previews the AFF Suzuki Cup which commences this weekend with the biannual south-east Asian tournament typically promising large fervent crowds and high tempo football.

India's Cheteshwar Pujara again defies England with an elegant century on day one of the second Test in Mumbai.

Dan Carter suffers a leg "twinge" in training and could be a doubt for New

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 45

Javelin: A speed builder

By Augustine Aminu with additional information from Wikipedia

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u r i n g the era between the Mycenaean times and the Roman Empire, the javelin was a commonly used offensive weapon. Being lighter than the spear, the javelin would be thrown rather than thrust and thus allowed long distance attacks against one's enemy.

Athletes, however, used javelins that were much lighter than military ones because the idea of the event was to demonstrate distance rather than penetration. The one major difference between the javelin of the ancient games and the javelin of more modern times is a leather thong, called an ankyle that was wound around the middle of the shaft. Athletes would hold the javelin by the thong and when the javelin released this thong unwound giving the javelin a spiraled flight.

Unlike other throwing events, javelin allows the competitor to build speed over a considerable distance. In addition to the core and upper body strength necessary to deliver the implement, javelin throwers benefit from the agility and athleticism typically associated with running and jumping events.

Thus, the athletes share more physical characteristics with sprinters than with other, heavier throwing athletes.

Traditional free-weight training is often used by javelin throwers. Metal-rod exercises and resistance band exercises can be used to train a similar action to the javelin throw to increase power and intensity.

Without proper strength and flexibility, throwers can become extremely injury prone, especially in the shoulder and elbow.

Core stability can help in the transference of physical power and force from the ground through the body to the javelin. Stretching and sprint training are used to enhance the speed of the athlete at the point of release, and subsequently, the speed of the javelin.

At release, a javelin can reach speeds approaching 113 km/h (70 mph).

Rules for Throwing a Javelin The javelin throw is one of four throwing field events. The javelin is a spearlike instrument that is thrown by the athlete into a designated space known as the throwing sector. Originally used by hunters as a way of procuring food, the javelin throw has existed as a competitive sport since the days of the ancient Greeks. Both men and women worldwide compete in the javelin throw.

Equipment The javelin is made of three parts: the head, the shaft and the grip. The shaft and head are made of metal. The shaft may be of solid or hollow construction and must be smooth throughout. The head comes to a sharp point and may be reinforced. The grip must cover the center of gravity of the javelin. The grip must be universal in thickness and be no more than 8 mm thicker than the diameter of the javelin. The javelin tapers from the grip to the tip and tail. Men use javelins weighing 800 g while women use javelins weighing 600 g. The overall length of the javelin varies, with women using a javelin that is 2.2 m to 2.3 m long and men using a javelin that is 2.6 m to 2.7 m. The javelin may not have any moving parts.

Legal Throw The javelin must be held by the grip and thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the arm. In the javelin throw, athletes run up the runway before rotating their hips a half turn and making the final powerful steps

to hurl the javelin forward into the sector.

The release must be from behind the arc, which is the curved line that separates the runway from the sector. The javelin must land headfirst within the sector. The thrower must not allow his body to rotate through a full turn during the approach. Furthermore, the athlete should not turn his back to the throwing sector until after the release of the javelin. Unorthodox throwing styles are not permitted.

Throwing Aids Taping of the hands and fingers is not

allowed other than to protect an injury.

Athletes may use chalk to assist in the grip of the javelin. A support belt is also permissible.

Foul Throw An attempt may be classified as a foul throw if a legal throw is not used or if the athlete touches the arc, also known as the foul line; run-up lines, which outline the runway; or the area outside the foul line or run-up lines before the release of the javelin.

A throw is considered a foul if the athlete does not hold the javelin by the grip or if the

javelin does not meet regulations. If the athlete crosses the foul line or leaves the runway before the javelin hits the ground, it is considered a foul throw. If the javelin lands on or outside of the sector lines, the throw is classified as a foul.

Measuring A judge inside the sector determines the nearest point of first contact of the javelin. The throw is then measured from this point to the inside edge of the arc.

Measurements are made immediately after each throw.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

Focus

I plan to build cleft and facial surgery centre in Nasarawa, says Sen. Adamu Recently, former governor of Nasarawa state, now senator representing Nasarawa West at the National Assembly, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, sponsored a free cleft and facial deformity surgery for about 60 less privileged members of the society at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi. In this report, Ali Abare Abubakar in Lafia, examines how the lawmaker is reaching into the depth of his human compassion, to give back to the society, by bringing succour to victims of facial deformity.

Sen. Adamu, Dr. Yahaya Ubam, Head, clinical services and Dr. Bello putting heads together at the function.Sen. Adamu, Dr. Yahaya Ubam, Head, clinical services and Dr. Bello putting heads together at the function.

T

he crowd that gathered penultimate Friday at the waiting hall of the ante natal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, generally exuded an air of festivity much rather unlike that to be expected in such a facility, where mostly the afflicted converge to seek succour from various forms of ailment troubling them.

Mothers cuddling their babies, young men suppressing their discomfiture and deformity but high on expectancy, huddled on the wooden benches, peering as they await the entrance of dignitaries, which included among them no less a person than, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Nasarawa state, who in his characteristic manner, is reaching out to them in a way that will not only transform their lives but allow them live a normal existence.

The occasion was the formal opening ceremony of a free cleft and facial deformity surgery programme, ran by a nongovernmental organisation, the Cleft Care Foundation (CCF) and among the waiting crowd are about 60 afflicted persons, men, women, and children, with 22 of them having already benefited from the free surgery.

The CCF, according to Dr. Seidu Adebayo Bello, director and consultant maxillofacial surgeon, was conceived to serve as a

platform to actualise the dream of service to humanity. That it is an initiative borne out of the believe that Nigerian professionals should wake up and stop depending on foreigners to take care of the less privileged in the society. Adding that the foundation has in its fold a conglomerate of FCT based volunteer professionals capable of conducting surgeries on children and adults that are afflicted with facial clefts.

In a speech he delivered at the occasion, Dr. Bello, described cleft lip and palate (CLP), a condition affecting most of the people who turned up at the event, “as the commonest congenital deformities of the craniofacial region”, which he said is a condition that affects every population of the world, stressing that it affects 1 in every 700 children all over the world, with the deformity said to be occurring as a result of disturbances of growth between 5 to 12 weeks intrauterine life of a foetus, which could be due to genetic or environmental factors, including radiation, malnutrition, drugs, alcohol, etc.

While listing forms of the facial deformity to include; NOMA, which occurs as a result of childhood mouth disease that is occasioned by under nutrition, various facial tumours and TMJ ankylosis (locked jaw), which he identified as major source of social

dislocation in the society, Dr. Bello listed the objectives of CCF as; to sensitize the populace on the scourge of CLP as well as other facial deformities; to assist the predominantly poor victims in the repair of clefts; promoting research in CLP and establishing a facial deformity hospital to provide free care for the poor.

Thus, the expectant crowd gathered at the ante natal clinic, who mostly have been affected by one form of facial deformity or the other, awaited in unabated joy, for members of the foundation to give them succour through conducting free cleft and facial deformity surgery, made possible by Sen. Adamu, who, out of compassion for the plight of the victims, decided to sponsor the entire exercise, with about 60 patients expected to benefit.

In an address at the function, Sen. Adamu recounted that when

One of the beneficiaries

members of the foundation first contacted him, seeking for him to join them in their quest to bring succour to the less privileged members of the society afflicted by CLP, in spite of his initial reservation, “the human being in me, got the better part of me and I saw the need to give back to the society through the sponsorship of this programme.”

While expressing his gratitude to God for being part of the programme, he acknowledged that several persons in the state and particularly in his constituency, Nasarawa west, have been afflicted by facial deformity and that he is willing to foot the bill for CCF to come to Keffi and carry out the operation, even as he lamented the lack of a conducive environment to actualize the programme.

He said he took it upon himself as a duty to make sure that all that is necessary to see to the actualisation of the ideals of the foundation is put in place, banking on the cordial relationship he enjoys with the management of the FMC Keffi, who are willing to collaborate by facilitating for the foundation to use facilities at the centre to carry out the surgery.

Sen. Adamu stated that he directed the director of the foundation to contact the chief medical director of the FMC and that if he is willing to provide the facility, “Iam will to provide the finance”, so that the programme should take place in Keffi.

As a humanitarian gesture, the former governor emphasised, even though the programme is beginning in Keffi, and if turns out to be a success, “I said to them, you can extend it to Lafia and Akwanga”, stressing that everything in life has a beginning, a starting point and that Keffi is only the starting point before the foundation will spread its work to

other parts of the state, to bring succour to people affected by facial deformity.

To crown it all, while expressing gratitude for the turnout of beneficiaries, as well as management of the hospital for allowing the use of the facility, Sen. Adamu turned to face the CMD of the medical centre, Dr. Gyang, who sat beside him at the high table and said, “God sparing me and if the FMC can provide a space, Iam willing to build a cleft and facial deformity surgery centre, so that my people can continue to enjoy the facility.”

To the beneficiaries, he had a word for them, urging them not to be ashamed of their condition but come out to take advantage of the free surgery and to abide by what medical advice they will get from doctors working for the foundation.

Sen. Adamu traced the prevalence of CLP among the people to “illiteracy and traditional practice and beliefs, which he said, has further compounded problems that are not so difficult to handle, with victims so ashamed they fail to come out to the public for treatment.

He appealed to the elites to extend the appropriate medical advocacy to make the people understand that such deformities are curable, with improved training and facilities at medical centres across the country, urging them to volunteer, as a matter of duty to humanity, to serve as pointers and guides, to those who may be afflicted by facial deformity and showing them these are maladies that can be handled.

Earlier on, in a bid to show appreciation for his kind gesture, Dr. Bello of the CCF, designated Sen. Adamu as the Cleft Care Ambassador, for coming in to alleviate the plight of the people.

In a vote of thanks, Dr. Yahaya Ubam, head, clinical services at the FMC, expressed gratitude to the former governor for reaching out to help the less privileged in the society, by making it possible for the CCF to carry out cleft and facial surgery, while expressing the willingness of the hospital to collaborate with the lawmaker to see that a centre for cleft and facial surgery is established in Keffi.

Some of the beneficiaries, who could not wait to show their gratitude, took turn to hail Sen. Adamu for his gesture. Mrs. Rita Eze, a mother and resident of Mararaba, who came to the centre cuddling her four year old daughter, thanked the lawmaker for making it possible for her daughter to live a normal life, having benefited from the free surgery.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER, 2012

PAGE 47

From the Pulpit How old are you? (II)

I

started this message last week using Gen 47:7-10 as my main text. Today, I want to bring you the concluding part. In the first part, I began to talk about what Jacob meant when he said in that Scripture that the days of the years of his pilgrimage were "one hundred and thirty years; few… and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage."

Evil days Jacob also said something else about his days on earth. "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.'" (Gen 47:9 NKJV) In addition to describing the days of his pilgrimage on earth as few compared to those of his fathers, Jacob also described the days of his years as evil. Part of the prayer of Jesus in the Lord's Prayer is deliverance from evil. (Matt 6:13 Luke 11:4) How evil were the days of his life?

Jacob must have reflected on his journey in life and the challenges he had faced before coming to Egypt.

Jacob was the man who ran away from being killed by his brother after defrauding him to collect his father's blessing. (Gen 27:41-46, 28:1-5) Jacob was the man who served for 14 years just to marry a wife, Rachael, who many years later died at child birth. (Gen 29:15-30, Gen 35:16-19) Jacob was the man who served a dubious uncle and father -in-law,

Laban, who reduced his salary ten times and he would have left Laban empty handed but for God's mercy.

(Gen 31:7-9, 13) Jacob was the man who mourned a supposedly dead son for over 13 years.

(Gen 37:30-35, 42:36-38) The evil and sorrow of life could have made Jacob look older than his true age when he stood before Pharaoh. The Bible does not tell us why pharaoh asked somebody he was seeing for the first time, "How old are you?" Could it be that he looked aged, haggard? Probably that's why Jacob had to explain that he was not as old as his father. Could that be the reason?

But truly troubles of life, grief, trials, or the vicissitudes of life can make one look older than one's age if one doesn't have a positive attitude towards the challenges of life. You should age gracefully and not awkwardly. I believe Moses aged gracefully. Deut 34:7 says, "Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished." (NKJV) Troubles are part of human existence. (Job 14:1) The psalmist cried in Ps 25:17 "The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring thou me out of my distress." (ASV) Life is full of troubles but God is able to deliver you if we put your trust in Him. Job 5:19 says, "He shall deliver you in six troubles, yes, in seven no evil shall touch you." (NKJV) Are you looking older or younger?

How old are you? Are you looking older than your real age or younger?

Don't let the troubles of life age you.

Don't let them weigh you down thereby affecting your health negatively. Ps 34:19-20 says, "The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one. For the LORD protects them from harm - not one of their bones will be broken!"

(NLT) Have faith in God. Cast your burden upon Him for He cares for you.

(1 Peter 5:7) Don't be a worrier! Take all your burdens to the Lord in prayer.

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:4-7 NLT) Worry can't change anything; it will only impact negatively on your health. Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not!

And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?" (Luke 12:25-26 NLT) Prov 12:25 says, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." (NLT) Don't let worry over the challenges of life weigh you down. Child of God, disallow the suffering you go through from taking its toll on your health. "But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. Instead, you must worship

GREEN PASTURES

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:14-15 NLT) If you're going to age gracefully, you must also not abuse your body eating food that don't do your body good. Avoid so called beauty treatment that eventually destroys your body. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. It is surprising that despite the de-marketing of tobacco consumption via the advertisement that the Ministry health warns that those who smoke cigarette are liable to die young, many have chosen to die young by their continued smoking of cigarette.

Avoid eating what can reduce your health and eventually abbreviate your life; don't abuse your body. "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (1 Cor 3:16-17NKJV) How old are you?

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, I urge you to take the following steps:*Admit you're a sinner and you can't save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of

life - your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start to attend a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church.

There you will be taught how to grow in the Kingdom of God. Kindly say this prayer now: "0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God" I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May the Lord make you a Cedar Christian. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be.

Commitment to the restoration of lost glory Nehemiah 3:1-32

N

e h e m i a h was a wise, intelligent, diligent and determined believer who laboured in prayer and building for the restoration of lost glory. Thus, to achieve his goal, he recognised the need to labour and partner with the wise, hardworking, faithful, courageous, noble, zealous, passionate, single-minded and purposeful people. We must watch the kind of company we keep. When we live and relate with champions and nobles, our thoughts, ideas and thinking will become noble. But those who enjoy walking with lazy, indolent, ignorant, unfaithful,careless,carefreeandscorners who are resistant to God’s word cannot be committed to getting His work done.

Through commitment, Nehemiah and his brethren repaired the gates and built the walls of Jerusalem. There is still a gate for us to repair today. This gate refersto the church and the congregation of God’s people. The house of God is the gate of heaven, a place where believers are prepared for heaven. It is necessary for us to take a cue from Nehemiah and startbuildingourgatestoday.Inbuilding the gates of salvation, repentance, righteousness and life eternal, we must learn from their cooperation, coordination and concentration until they finished the task. It is only people of praise, power and purity that can build for God’s glory. Nehemiah and his brethren repaired those gates and restored them to their original state, security, height, beauty and glory. They also fortified the walls. We need to rise and build our personal lives, faith, family, church and ministry the Lord has given us.

1. GOD-GIVENRESPONSIBILITY

DEMANDING THE SAINT’S CONSECRATION Nehemiah 3:1-6,8,9,12; Jeremiah 45:5; John 3:30; Philippians 3:13; Nehemiah 2:20; 4:19-23.

Nehemiah had a great responsibility which he concentrated on. He divided Jerusalem into two for easy completion of the work. The people did not question his action because they believed he was led by God and did everything for their interest. Believers should avoid arguing onnon-essentialsandconcentrateonthe work the Lord has given them to do.

There are seven lessons we need to learn from Nehemiah: (1) Devotion to the Lord. Nehemiah recognised that his devotion was to God, not to any man or himself. He knew his calling was from the Lord. Hence, he gave the work adequateconcentrationtogetitdone.We should be devoted to building the gate of ministry, righteousness and purity.

Devotion to the Lord entails that we do everything to His glory. (2) Decision and directives by Leadership. The portion for each worker was assigned, recorded and supervised by Nehemiah and leaders delegated by him. Each section was built according to the same standard and specification to meet the expectation of a perfect piece. Nehemiah had the whole picture of the work in his mind. There is a global picture of God’s work. Leaders should help believers who are engaged in different sections to bring the work to global perfection and limit. We should give the leadership the liberty and freedom to give direction and take decision. (3) Division of Labour. The priests, Levites, rulers, merchants, tradesmen, families all took their share in this glorious work. Selfishness has made some believers to be too overprotective. They don’t want anybody to

FAITH DISCOURSE WITH

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi interfere with their area of work in the ministry. This kind of attitude is detrimentaltogettingthetaskofthegreat commission done. We should be concerned about the eternal destiny of sinnersandcollectivelycarrythemessage of hope to them. Division of labour with the spirit of unity helped Nehemiah and his brethren to get the task done.

Everyone was happy when the different sections were making progress in the work. There was no rivalry or dispute among people working in the different sections.

(4) Dedication to their Lot. Concentration is an important principle in Christian work. The greatest results were achieved because God’s people continued to expend all their energy towards the divinely assigned work. It is of greater consequence to do one thing well than to do many things indifferently. A man of one Book, one goal, one ministry and one pursuit will succeed. (5) Demonstration of Loyalty.

No man is omnipresent. Although Nehemiah was not everywhere at the same time, through loyalty from the people they were able to face their enemies squarely. Through loyalty, they expressed their purpose to build the wall and they proceeded

immediately to carry out the resolution to build the fallen capital to restore the lost glory. (6) Discernment by the Leadership. There was discernment on the part of the leadership to enlist those who had the mind to work. Although Nehemiah was new in town, he was able to recognize those with contrary spirit. We must have Nehemiah’s kind of discernment so that we don’t commit the work of God in the hands of people with contrary spirit. The labour of the hand is not acceptable when not accompanied with the circumcision of the heart. To take part in God’s work, our hearts must be circumcised. (7) Devotion of the Leader. As a leader, Nehemiah was dedicated and devoted to the work. He did not abdicate his office or responsibility: he was constantly available until the work was completed. He was an exemplary leader who laboured with the people.

2. GLORIOUS RESTORATION THROUGH SUSTAINED CONCENTRATION Nehemiah 3:16-32; Judges 8:4; Acts 14:21,22; 26:19-22; Revelation 2:25,26.

Nehemiah and his people had a mind to work. And through sustained concentration, they were able to finish it.

When the work of God is divided for us to be able to finish it within a specified period, we don’t need to argue as sanctified people. Sanctified people are selfless: they do not engage in carnal comparison or judgmental spirit. Like Nehemiahandhispeople,wemustmake ourselvesavailableandcontinuewiththe work of God until it is finished. This is not the time for relaxation and recess in doing God’s work. Leaving the work undone is dangerous. We must reject every form of tiredness, fearfulness, discouragement, disappointment, pressure, conflict, pain or pleasure and continuewiththework.TheLordexpects us to continue with His work till He comes.

3. GREAT REVELATION FOR OUR SOLEMN CONSIDERATION Nehemiah 3:1; 13:4-9; Jude 1:3.

Christ’s warning that the first shall be last and the last shall be first calls for solemn consideration. The departure of Eliashib, the priest, from the faith and going into alliance with Tobiah towards the end of his life and ministry should be given a serious thought by every believer. He used his privilege as one having the oversight of the chamber of the house of God to make a place for the enemy in God’s house. As believers, we should be watchful so that we will not abandon Christ and His word, and team up with the anti-christs and false prophets in the latter part of our lives and ministry.

It is dangerous when believers compromise or shift ground to suit their selfishinterest.Wemustnotenlistpeople with contrary spirit into God’s work. We must uphold the same standard of teachingandpreachthesamemessageof salvation to sinners.

BIG PUNCH “To make sure that the bill sails through, I discussed with President Umaru Yar’adua the difference between the bill and what the Constitutin says and he was exited and looked forward to being the first President to present the State of the Nation Address” – Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu accusing President Jonathan of killing the State of the Nation address bill since the death of his predecessor

SATURDAY 24 — SUNDAY 25, NOVEMBER, 2012

The Almajiri (I) 'Remain conscious of God and He will teach you.' (Quran 2:282)

I

n continuation of our discourse of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony in Nigeria we sense the need to focus our attention mostly on Northern Nigeria.

This region is at least three quarters of Nigeria, in size, in weight, in prestige, in values, in history, in potentiality. Yet it is the most dysfunctional part of Nigeria - non performing, derelict, in disarray. The reason is obvious: absence of education and prevalence of ignorance.

The most 'iconic' image of Northern Nigeria is the Almajiri and it is from here we start our discourse. Who is an Almajiri?

One of them is Abu Ali al Hussein Ibn Sina.

Born in 980, Ibn Sina, known in Europe as Avicenna, starts his education with the Quran,which he commits to memory at the age of ten. As such he most eminently qualifies as Almajiri. So devoted is he that towards the end of his life, he would recite the whole of the Quran once every three days. At 13 he starts learning medicine, at 16 he begins treating patients, one of whom is his Head of State, the Samanid Caliph, Nuh ibn Mansur, by curing him of a dangerous ailment. He turns down the royal offer of a job in the palace which would have meant an unlimited access to the seat of power as well as ample privilege, wealth, influence.

After consuming almost the entire content of the Royal Library, he leaves. His supreme goal at this tender age is to advance his knowledge. After all, he is an almajiri par excellence: 'How,' as Michael Morgan beautifully puts it, 'he loved being at large in the racks and racks of manuscripts, with the soft rustle of pages, the smell of leather and paper and ink, all that knowledge, all that possibility.' Had he succumbed to the invitation of the ruler, he would have spent his whole life in the State House, enjoying the lucre of office, teaching adoring students, treating the mighty and the wealthy, enjoying all the fun of being at the corridor of power: 'he could have put in the required time in court,' to quote Morgan, 'laughing at the Emir's awful jokes, guzzling his wonderful free wine, winking

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the parade of female dancers and entertainers, regularly checking on the Emir's state of health, helping him with his hangovers, his depression, his occasional bouts of venereal disease contracted from an improper liaison.' No, the young man has a more sublime ambition, he desires to fuse the divine, the Quran - already engraved in his heart, stimulating and energizing the brain, elevating and ennobling the heart - perfectly with the human, that masterpiece called intellect. What eventually emerges as Ibn Sina is the product of that fusion.

At the time of his death in 1037 as he approached the age of 58, Ibn Sina has written about 450 treatises, of which 240 have survived. Of these, 40 are on medicine and pharmacology, 150 on philosophy, and the rest shared between astronomy, alchemy, geology, mineralogy, theology, metaphysics, psychology, logic, physics, mathematics, music and poetry.

George Sarton, in The History of Science, rates Ibn Sina as 'the most famous scientist of Islam, and one of the most famous of all races, places and times.' For a thousand years, Sarton adds further, 'he has retained his original renown as one of the greatest thinkers and medical scholars in history.'

Michael Morgan, in Lost History: The Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers and Artists, has given a gist of Ibn Sina's phenomenal gifts to the world in the field of medicine. Foremost is that he gives medicine a formal structure for the first time, while his genius lies in the fact that he transforms the human body into something that can be understood - like any other physical phenomenon - in terms of casual chains of events that lead to various states of health, illness, and disease. He gives to the world more than 700 drugs, discovers tuberculosis as an infectious disease, describes in greater detail the anatomy of the human eye. He teaches the world about meningitis, about the causes of rabies, breast cancer, tumors, about toxins and their antidotes, germs and viruses, and about numerous physical and biological conditions, such as ulcers, kidney disease, facial paralysis. Jim Al-Khalili, in

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Pathfinders, adds that Ibn Sina teaches the world many 'aspects of modern medical textbook in the way it describes causes, types and forms of all kinds of fractures, along with methods of treatment' aside from the fact that he is indeed the first physician 'to advocate what we now know as delayed splintage..a respected idea in medicine today...and also how to deal with a fracture to the first metacarpal bone, which modern textbooks describe as 'Bennett's fracture' after the man who supposedly "discovered" it in 1882, nearly nine centuries after Ibn Sina's description.'

Above all, however, Ibn Sina is remarkably prescient, sometimes ahead of his time by almost a thousand years, 'uncannily right about some things, still valid in the 21st century,' as Morgan observes.

One example is his idea of physical exercise, which he describes as the instrument of life for the human body, so much so that with regular exercise many diseases would be avoided.

Wikipedia quotes what Ibn Sina says in his Canon: 'The value of exercise includes the following

(1) it hardens the organs and renders them fit for their functions (2) it results in a better absorption of food, aids assimilation, and, by increasing the innate heat, improves nutrition (3) it clears the pores of the skin (4) it removes effete substances through the lungs (5) it strengthens the physique.

Vigorous exercise invigorates the muscular and nervous system.' On the whole, Ibn Sina writes: 'Exercise is that agent which most surely prevents the accumulation of food in the body, and prevents plethora. It renews and revives the innate heat, and imparts the necessary lightness to the body, for it causes the subtle heat to be increased and daily disperses whatever effete substances have accumulated. Exercise keeps the joints and ligaments firm, so as to be always ready for service, and also free from injury. To forsake exercise would often incur the risk of "hectic", because the instinctive drives of the members [of the body] are impaired, inasmuch as the deprivation of movement prevents the access to them of the innate breath.' Ibn Sina

insists on good and healthy diet.

'The meal,' he writes, 'should include: (1) meat especially kid of goats; veal, and year-old lambs [this means white meat in today`s terms] (2) wheat, which is cleaned of extraneous matter and gathered during a healthy harvest without ever being exposed to injurious influences (3) sweets (fruits) of appropriate temperament.'

Wikipedia concludes: 'From the above reading, it is clear that Ibn Sina gave advice in his book which is still the same advice medical doctors give to their patients.

Daily Physical Exercise; and to defeat diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, the prescription of a diet which contains high amounts of Whole Grains and little to no amounts of Refined Carbohydrates.'

In his practice of medicine Ibn Sina seeks to bring mind and body together, operating, according to Morgan 'from the essentially Muslim belief that it is more natural for humans to be healthy than unhealthy and that disease is the result of some disturbance of the natural state.' He therefore advances the principle that even unhealthy ideas, emotions, and state of mind can also affect the body. Ibn Sina's greatest and most enduring work on medicine is his 14 volume medical encyclopedia, Al Qanoon Fil Tibb, or Canon of Medicine.

George Sarton describes the work as: 'An immense encyclopedia of medicine. It contains some of the most illuminating thoughts pertaining to distinction of mediastinitis from pleurisy; contagious nature of phthisis; distribution of diseases by water and soil; careful description of skin troubles; of sexual diseases and perversions; of nervous ailments.'

Dr. William Osler, calls it "a medical bible for a longer time than any other work', while in the eyes of Arnold C. Klebs Canon of Medicine is 'one of the most significant intellectual phenomena of all times.' It was the standard medical text in Europe and Muslim world for about seven hundred years - 'an extraordinary shelf life,' observes Jim Al-Khalili 'for an academic text, particularly as it also supplanted the writings of Gelen and Hippocrates, the two giants of Greek medicine.'

This Almajiri is universally acclaimed as Princeps Medicorum, Prince of Physicians.

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