TEP SEPTEMBER 2013 Issue by The Empowerment Post

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Dallas Convention of Edo Indigenes Details of Edo contracts from 2009 Looting of Obaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace by the British Majek Fashek blows hot Okagbareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pace to glory

www.theempowermentpost.com September 2013

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Expectations Challenges Measurement

Next Edition: Review of Local Government activities in Edo State

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Fight to Finish Nigeria Delta Edo 3

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Cover Commentary

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PUBLIC ENTERPRISES HAVE A ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT By Chief Lawson A. Omokhodion

inally, Nigerians are gradually waking up from a long slumber and are beginning to discard an unworkable notion that public enterprises are evil. . The fake notion that Government has no business in business and the fundamentally flawed argument that the public sector should only play a regulatory role in the Nigerian economy is slowing evaporating. Both public enterprises and private enterprises must play a complimentary role in the economic development of a mixed economy, the type we practice in Nigeria. Since the coming of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) unto our shores via the great IMF debate of 1985, Nigerians have learnt to demonize public enterprises, castigating them, facilitating their sale to cronies of government officials and using the channels of mass communication to impress upon the citizens that these enterprises are no good. Under the President Ibrahim Babangida''s government, the National Council of Privatisation and Commercialization, and its executive arm the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) were set up and the use of these bodies for the fire sale of public enterprises was deepened by the Olusegun Obasanjo's government until this day. Last year President Goodluck Jonathan, took a good look at the privatisation programme and declared that it has failed. Recently, the Senate of the Federal Republic conducted a probe into a number of the privatisation transactions carried out by the BPE in previous years and what their findings were mind boggling. Indeed, the Senate found that very viable public enterprises were sold to selected friends of government; that such private enterprises were deliberately undervalued and sold at give away prices; 4

that many public enterprises were sold to private individuals who did not know what to do with them but up ended stripping the assets; that corporate governance crisis was imported into some public enterprises to make them look ungovernable and amenable to easy disposal; and that the funds realised from the sale of many such public enterprises were looted. The purpose of this article is not on the abuses of the privatisation exercise and exposing those who have benefited from their sale. My purpose is to reopen the debate on the place of public enterprises in economic development. A public enterprise is defined as an organisation set up and wholly owned by government or one in which government has majority shareholding. They can be broken into four groupings: public utilities, financial institutions, commercial and industrial companies and regulatory or service bodies. In Nigeria most of the enterprises established on the attainment of independence were set up by either the federal government or the regional government and with the creation of states, many such enterprises were set up by the state governments. One major reason why commercial public enterprises featured predominantly in developing economies is because, at Independence their indigenes were either too poor and too unknowledgeable and so could not muster enough loan or equity capital or experience to embark on major commercial projects. At that point only the government had the clout to borrow in huge volume or/and make equity funding available to finance certain projects. Quite often companies that transited into the post Independence era were those that the colonialists or their agents successfully established September 2013

Cover Commentary

prior to independence. It was only government that had the muscle and the reach to attract management expertise to these companies at the time of their creation. Many natural monopolies in sectors such as telecommunications, power, and oil and gas could only be established as public enterprises. Again because of the barriers to entry such sectors as banking and other financial institutions, refineries, motor assembly plants, hotels, radio/TV could only be funded by government. In countries like China, India, United Kingdom, Indonesia, the Arab world, Brazil and Malaysia, these publicly owned companies were the forerunners of their industrialisation and many of these public corporations still exist to this day. In Nigeria, many of the public enterprises started to mature in the early eighties; just 23 years after the country attained its republican status. Coincidentally, the maturation of these c o m p a n i e s , coincided with the third world debt crisis that gripped Brazil, A r g e n t i n a , Venezuela, Nigeria and the rest of the developing world in the early eighties and the IMF visited many of these economies with the destructive structural adjustment programme (SAP). While a number of these developing countries resisted the SAP, feeble ones like Nigeria couldn't partly because of its military regimes that needed western acceptance and their poor knowledge of western neo-colonial entrapments. The result was the acceptance of the IMF many conditions, including the privatisation of the public enterprises; in a country where the private sector was still fledgling and so not yet ready to assume such colossal responsibility. The public enterprises themselves also gradually became a cesspit of corruption, incompetence, nepotism, graft, greed and poor management practises. Many of them were not monitored, their managers were chosen only in deference to their tribe and ethnic groupings and government officials were very comfortable converting these enterprises to their private estates. But these evil tendencies on the part of public enterprises were the same the world over. 5

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However, whenever such poor practices were detected among managers of public enterprises in countries like China, India, Brazil, Malaysia or Indonesia, they were punished either by death sentence, life imprisonment, amputation, or very long jail terms that were complemented by debilitating fines. In Nigeria, our inability to enforce rules against corruption and petty theft carried out by public enterprise board directors' and corporate managers led to the national acquiescence to dispose of them in any way whatsoever. But in the pre-war republic of Yugoslavia, it was the public sector organisations that catapulted the country into the best in the Eastern bloc and today many of the succeeding countries still depend on their public enterprises as manufacturers of goods and services both for local consumption and for exports. There is a need to rethink the national approach to the existence, management and controls of public enterprises in Nigeria. For many years, this country has not been able to get private individuals to set up any refinery. The reason is that private companies in Nigeria neither have the funding nor the guts to undertake such responsibility. But these private enterprises can lift oil and trade. Apart from power plants dedicated to supply power to a small community, no private effort has crystallised into supplying power to a state or a geopolitical zone. In the same way, since the motor assembly plants like Volswagen, Steyr, Leyland etc were abandoned, not one private sector effort has been made to set up any. Even the steel plants sold to Nigerian concerns can only manufacture substandard iron rods and in the market today that explains why builders prefer to use iron rods imported from Ukraine or elsewhere when building. From what has become clear, any corporation, whether public or private, that does not have definite and verifiable long-term, short-term and tactical objectives and plans can only fail. The vision of every public enterprise is enshrined in its enabling act and for commercial concerns this vision is translated into the memorandum and articles of association and they must not be ignored if these enterprises must succeed. September 2013

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A public enterprise can be managed exactly like a private enterprise with the exception that while a private commercial enterprise aims at profit maximization, a public commercial enterprise aims at either full cost recovery and/or a satisfactory profit. Because, the public enterprise is not too heavily tilted towards profit making; it ends up providing more employment than its counterparts in the private sector and its environment is healthier and less competitive. A typical example today is the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (MINT); with majority government ownership and the CBN Governor as Board chairman and managed under a first class private sector model and makes satisfactory returns to government. The Bank of Industry (BOI) owned fully by government is another successful public enterprise that is doing Nigeria proud. It is not true that corruption, graft, nepotism and embezzlement only occur in public enterprises. The recent experience with very big Nigerian banks and manufacturing companies in the private sector where corruption, poor corporate governance practices and mindless acquisition of personal wealth became the order of the day is an example of the abuses that private enterprises indulge in. The inventory manipulation reported in Lever Brothers Plc and a similar practice in Cadbury Nigeria Plc also a few years ago are examples of such bad practices in the private sector. Similarly, the Nigerian private sector, apart from notable examples in selected sectors, is lacking in depth and is not able to perform beyond the level of poor training the staff are exposed to. Quite often private companies refuse to train their staff believing that training is a waste of resources but the public enterprise sees manpower training as an opportunity to develop the company, the staff and the nation's economy. The federal and state governments must become more imaginative by setting up public enterprises to absorb the millions of unemployed youths in this country. Selling off every government owned company will yield funds that will be corruptly pocketed by government officials. Because the various insincere attempts to sell the Nigerian Telecommunications Company (NITEL) have come to pass the company is now being totally liquidated. What a loss of a gigantic public enterprise with inherent job creating possibilities. The noble roles played by the home governments of BT (British Telecoms) and/or AT&T (ATT) helped to create and sustain these companies for 6

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hundreds of years. The American Insurance Group (AIG) remains in the full grip of the US government till this day. With highly trained manpower roaming the streets jobless, a serious EFCC, ICPC and Senate performing their oversight duties; public enterprises can yet thrive. The job creation mandate via public enterprises is not for the federal government alone. State governments and local governments can dream out areas of deficiencies in their local economy and position enterprises wholly or partially owned by them to deliver economic benefits and create jobs for the teeming youths. In Edo or Delta state so many areas of need exist. The agricultural sector is of a major attraction in creating jobs in Edo. Hundreds of cottage industries to cultivate, grow, harvest, process and market a myriad of agricultural commodities can be honestly developed and put into operation. Tractor hiring services, seed multiplication programmes, extension services, road works, environmental beautification, integrated market development etc. are such minor examples for the state or local government to follow. Government at local and state levels can set up interlocking block moulding companies and sell to those in need under strict regulatory controls. Government can partner with transporters, not as a public relations gimmick, but in an honest and transparent environment to grow a reliable intra-state transportation system that is beneficial and job creating. Tractor hiring, seed multiplication, business advisory support, labour exchanges and a host of others are areas where state and local governments can begin to expand their job creating possibilities. But to sit down and say only the private sector or federal government can create jobs amounts to sentencing the youths of Edo state and the youths of Nigeria to years of misery and squalor. *Chief Omokhodion, a business executive is based in Lagos.

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Publisher’s note

WORK WITH PURPOSE

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fact, it is to what extent they have fulfilled their obligations to the electorate whose mandate they hold. From one location to another the result paints very blurred images. DATELINE DALLAS It was the 22nd annual Edo National Convention at Marriott Airport Hotel. It was a memorable gathering of Edo indigenes from several American cities who converged to seek ways to support developmental efforts at home. This annual event has become a key calendar item which attracts top government officials from Edo state and private business people. In Dallas, Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Aliko Dangote were in attendance. Next stop is Chicago.

Short & Sharp

Public enterprises have a role in economics development Both public and private enterprises must play a complimentary role in economic development of a mixed economy, the type we practice in Nigeria. Running the office for the people Unfortunately, there is enough reason to believe that most political office holders are not acting in the best interest of those who put them in power but in their own best interest. The Dallas Convention The 2013 annual convention of Edo National Association held in Dallas Texas, USA under the theme “Quest for Economic and Industrial Development in Edo State”. I don't use cocaine – Majek Fashek When I was young, I was a habitual hemp smoker till I become hooked to a specie of hemp produced in Delta State says Majek.

CONTENTS

erformance or productivity is an economic index applied to the measurement of output as a ratio of several inputs. Inputs include labour and capital while outputs are essentially measured in revenues and other GDP components. Performance can be examined collectively or viewed sector by sector. Whatever pattern is adopted, performance gains are vital to the economy and helps to accomplish more with less. Within the economy as with other sectors of human endeavor, performance is a vital tool for measuring growth. In practical terms, performance is the visible level of accomplishments by political office holders of the tasks associated with the offices they occupy. In

September 2013

Editorial

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Marine High-way

BE WELFARE DRIVEN

erformance deficiency level among public office holders is alarmingly low. While public expectations are high, pursuit of personal desires engage the attention of the public officers to the extent that performance takes a distant back seat. Interestingly, the validity of positions occupied by these public officers is derived from the cumulative mandate given in trust to the elected and through them to the appointed office holders in return, minimum levels of performance are expected in the delivery of several welfare packages. For instance, it is absurd to install a bore-hole water supply facility in the house of a public officer in a village that lacks water. Considering that the right to the office was given to the occupant on behalf of the people. But then this is a general malaise. We deal extensively with this fundamental flaw in our political machinery. We were present at the Dallas Convention of the Edo indigenes in the United State of America. Also, a detailed breakdown of contracts awarded by Edo State government between 2009-2011 Majek!!! How can we forget him? The redemptive success of star athlete Blessing Okagbare All these plus the regulars are captured for your delight.

We also offer a feed-back channel for you our beloved readers to send us your views, comments and opinions on any issues concerning any of our editions to our e-mail; theempowerment@yahoo.com or direct to any of our offices.

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Publisher Osakue Agbontaen Executive Consultant Emeka Ogbeide JP Executive Contributors Chief Lawson Omokhodion Patrick Oronsaye Administration Sylvester Uyigue Gloria Ogbeide Marketing Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama Karen Ese Omogiate Editor Kenneth Okunbor Correspondent Omafume Amurun (Delta) Graphics Odiete Lawrence Kunle Bagbe Legal Counsel Peter Osemwenkha Esq Published by: Peoples Broadcasting Limited

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RUNNING THE OFFICE FOR THE PEOPLE By Emeka Ogbeide

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Government

olitical office holders broadly fall into two categories, those elected by Nigerian citizens and those that are appointed by the executive at state and federal levels of government as state commissioners or federal ministers. Whether they got into office by winning popular elections or by appointment as special assistants or special advisers through political patronage, their actions or lack of it impact on the citizens of this country negatively or positively. The only way to justify their election or appointment is to diligently perform their duties, if possible with passion, putting public interest well above their personal interest. The demand for service is a social contract because these public officers made campaign promises before being voted into power and consequently are maintained with tax payer's money and other resources owned by Nigerian citizens. While acting in the best interest of their constituency, the public office holders ought to interact and keep abreast of the needs of people who voted them into power with a view to providing it within the limit of resources voted in the state or federal budget. Unfortunately, there is enough reason to believe that most political office holders are not acting in the best interest of those who voted them into power but in their own best interest. For instance in 1999, members of the Senate and House of Representatives resumed duty by fixing their salaries and allowances which was deemed outrageous by members of the 11

Dr. Emma Uduaghan, Delta State Government

public. Consequently, there was public outcry at the development. How did the Legislators react? The then Senate President Evan Enwerem, of blessed memory told the bewildered polity that he sold his house to contest election and needs to recoup his electoral expenses. That has been the attitude of political office holders to date, going by the unfulfilled expectation s of majority of Nigerians. An attempt to set an agenda on the expectations of many Nigerians becomes necessary as there seems to be a disconnection between political office holders and the people they represent. The traditional expectations of Nigerians over the years , given that Nigeria is a developing economy has been, and remain provision of good roads, potable water, health, housing , power and employment. Virtually every government that came on board in the past 50 (fifty) years made these their main developmental focus, yet these basic necessities of life are yet to reach an acceptable level of achievement. Nigerians now know why successive government have earmarked billions of Naira for these projects but Nigerian citizens do not eye mark or have felt the impact of billions spent by government on these projects over the years . The reason for inability of government to achieve set target is corruption on the part of political office holders. Thus the expectation of Nigerians is for government to tackle corruption in all aspects of our national life. Corruption is an omnibus word beyond

September 2013

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Sapele Road approach to Ring Road, Benin City money changing hands between a law enforcement agent and a law breaker to escape prosecution. Broadly we have political corruption exemplified by rigging which gives victory to a party that does not deserve it. There is also corruption in educational institutions where students either engage in cheating during examinations or else awarded certificates The expectation of Nigerians is for political office holders to dispense with corruption and corrupt influences in the discharge of their duties. What drives corruption is greed and the desire to amass wealth which is often funded with stealing money that is meant for provision of infrastructure and other amenities for the teeming populace. Stealing public funds clearly contravenes their oath of office. Nigerians expect stricter enforcement of laws and a society driven by rule of law. The late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua will ever be remembered by his passion for a Nigeria where the rule of law drives personal and official businesses. Had Nigerian Law enforcement agencies been alive to their responsibilities, corruption would have reduced if not eliminated. A lawless society will breed citizens with culture of impunity who break laws without remorse. That is not the kind of society we want to nurture. The expectation of Nigerians is an equal opportunity society. Political office holders should create a level playing ground for every Nigerian citizen in the distribution of political offices among themselves and in the distribution of privileges and 12

opportunities among Nigerians. There should be no discrimination based on tribe, religion, circumstances of birth like state of origin, catchment area and such other discriminatory criteria which breed disgruntled and un patriotic Nigerians. The expectation of Nigerians is for political office holders to strive to build the country around institutions not personalities, especially god fathers. God fatherism should not feature in the quest for elective positions where acceptable character, integrity and desire to serve the public and not self is of utmost importance. Building the nation around persons and not institutions is responsible for the various abandoned projects across the country. Building the nation around institutions instead of individuals ensures that any incoming public officer continues with the project initiated by his predecessor because government is a continuum. A situation where individual public office holders seek self-glory at the expense of delivering the dividends of democracy will only retard the nation. Education of Nigerian youth at primary, secondary and tertiary levels at affordable and subsidized fees is the next expectation of Nigerians on political office holders. This is because according to Biogenes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the foundation of every state is the development of its youth. The country will be a far easier place to govern with an educated populace. Education in this wise will focus on skills acquisition rather than knowledge acquisition. With skills, the September 2013

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youth will be able to engage in self-employment rather than roaming the streets in search of limited white collar jobs.â&#x20AC;? In other words, education of the youth is the best way to tackle unemployment. Political office holders in Nigeria seem to have become heartless because they no longer care for the less privileged. While political office holders who served the country for barely four years are awarding themselves generous gratuity and life pension, people who retired from government service after putting in thirty five years(35) years cannot get their terminal benefits many years after. The expectation of Nigerians is for an institutionalized social security for the aged and the unemployed youths. They should be paid monthly stipend on proper identification and assessment to prevent fraud. Security of life and property is what every Nigerian expect from government and political office holders. Life in Nigeria has become cheap and safety of investment is no longer guaranteed Worse still the law enforcement agents who are sustained by taxpayer's money and whose statutory responsibility it is to protect life and property have become very brutal, turning their guns against innocent and defenseless Nigerians instead of hunting down the criminals in our midst. Kidnaping, rape and other vices have become the order of the day and cuts across class and clime. It has been alleged that some of the kidnaping are politically motivated, which is where political office holders come in. Political office holders should not look at politics as a do or die affair or a zero-sum game where someone has to lose something in order for them to gain an advantage. Political office holders are expected to be accountable to the people and not to themselves. In all cases the wishes of the people must prevail. A recent example is the issue of local government autonomy in the ongoing constitutional amendment process. While majority of Nigerians want local government to be financially autonomous, a newly formed political party with fairly national spread in its convention in Nassarawa state said they are opposed to local government financial autonomy. The question then is, who are they representing, the Nigerian people or themselves? The time has come for political office holders to be people oriented. Once they are elected through a popular election or appointed to office as the case may be, they cease to pursue their self-interest or the interest of the party on whose platform they won an election but pursue the interest of people that voted them into power that is the way forward.

Asaba Airport

Benin Specialist Hospital under construction

Erosion control in Edo State

Solar installation in Delta State Secondary School 13

September 2013

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Performance tips Compiled by Emeka Ogbeide

Break the seal of hesitation. A bias toward action is the most common trait across the hundreds of creative professionals and entrepreneurs. While preparing properly as you start a new project is certainly valuable, it's also easy to lose yourself in planning (and dreaming) indefinitely. We must challenge ourselves to take action sooner rather than later. The minute that you start acting, you start getting valuable feedback that will help refine your original idea – and move forward with a more informed perspective. Start small. When our ideas are still in our head, we tend to think big, blue sky concepts. The downside is that such thinking makes the barrier to entry – and action – quite high. To avoid “blue sky paralysis,” pare your idea down to a small, immediately executable concept. Once you've road-tested your idea on a small scale, you'll have loads more insight on how to take it to the next level. Protoype, prototype, prototype. Trial and error is an essential part of any creative's life. Usually when we execute an idea for the first time, it sort of sucks. The important thing is to synthesize the knowledge gained during the process to refine the idea, and create a new-and-improved version. Prototyping and iteration is key to transforming a so-so idea into a game-changing product. Rather than being discouraged by your “failures,” listen closely and learn from them. Then build a new prototype. Then do it again. Sooner or later, you'll hit gold. Create simple objectives for projects, and revisit them regularly. When working on in-depth projects, we generate lots of new ideas along the way. This can lead to a gradual expansion of the project's goals, or “scope creep.” This insidious habit can make it impossible to ever really complete anything. The best way to avoid it is to write down a simple statement summarizing your objective at the start of each project. And then – this is the part we overlook! – revisit it regularly. When scope creep starts to happen, you'll notice. Work on your project a little bit each day. With projects that require a serious infusion of creative juice – developing a new business plan, writing a novel, or just learning a new skill – it's incredibly important to maintain momentum. Just as when you run everyday, the exercise gets easier and easier, the same thing happens with your brain. 14

Stimulate it regularly each day, and those juices start to flow more freely. Note “the important thing isn't how much you do; it's how often you do it.” Develop a routine. Part of being able to work on your project a little bit each day is carving out the time to do so. Routines can seem boring and uninspiring, but – on the contrary – they create a foundation for sparking true insight. Break big, long-term projects into smaller chunks or “phases.” To help manage expectations and stay motivated for year-long or even multi-year endeavors, break each project into smaller chunks that only take a few weeks or a month to complete. The dual benefit of this approach is: (1) making the project feel more manageable, and (2) providing incremental rewards throughout the project. It's crucial to pause periodically to take stock of what has been accomplished – even if there's a long way to go. With projects that require a serious infusion of creative juice, it's incredibly important to maintain momentum. Prune away superfluous meetings (and their attendees). Few activities are more of a productivity drain than meetings. If you must meet, make sure everyone knows what needs to be accomplished from the outset. If people are present who don't help out with achieving that objective, let them leave. Start your meetings with the question, “Do we all know why we're here?” and then follow with, “Does everyone need to be here?” Practice saying “No.” Creative energy is not infinite. Seasoned idea-makers know that they must guard their energy – and their focus – closely. When you're in execution mode, keep in mind that “unexpected opportunities” also mean distraction from the work at hand. Saying no is an essential part of the productivity equation. Remember that rules – even productivity rules – are made to be broken. Did we say develop a routine? This and other tips here should only be followed as long as they are working. If forward motion has become impossible with your current routine, try something else. Whether it's taking a long distance trip, popping into the art museum, walking around the block, or talking to a perfect stranger, make sure you occasionally shake up your normal routine. Breaking habits offers new perspective and helps recharge us to head back into the fray. – September 2013

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PERFORMANCE HYPOCRISY John Dithaiye

n August 12, 2009, the then American Secretary of States, Hilary Clinton addressed Nigerians here on our soil and said inter alia: without good governance, no amount of oil or no amount of aid, no amount of effort can guarantee Nigeria's success. Nigerians applauded her as a mark of affirmation and approval that good governance was at the heart of socio-economic development and desirable. The performance of any public officer: Presidents, Governors and Local government Chairmen must therefore be weighed against the practice of good governance. Briefly put, good governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage people's affairs in a manner that is participatory, transparent, equitable, effective and accountable. The concept of good governance centers on the responsibility of governments and governing bodies to meet the needs of the masses. Indeed, the entire hullabaloo about public office is necessitated by the fact that there is a job to be done. In the same breadth, the entire machinery of government, the structures and personnel is supposed to be organized around the needs of the society. It does appear that the very essence of public office and the huge complex machinery of government have often been relegated to the background while the pursuits of perquisites and self aggrandizement and acquisitions take preeminent position. The United Nations and its agencies such as the World Bank and the IMF are the principal promoters of good governance. They have also identified the main indicators of good governance to include the rule of law, openness and consensus building, participation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, equitable distribution of resources and tackling corruption. According to the IMF corruption is caused by ineffective governance of the economy by too little regulation. Good governance ensures that economic and social priorities are based on broad consensus in the society and that the voices of the most vulnerable are factored in decision making process over 15

allocation of developmental resources. No government can reasonably and conscientiously be adjudged to have performed or failed without having been subjected to rigorous good governance performance indicators. Good governance principles will result to the right policy decisions and programs implementation framework that will fast track economic prosperity. Infrastructure building as part of the whole gamut of effort to deliver on electoral promises must be founded on the right policy options. Democracy without basic economic structures that guarantees safety and opportunity for citizens to work and eke a living is meaningless and worthless. Sadly, the motivation of most public officers in government in Nigeria is not rooted on the quest for strong economic base rather our public officers are only interested in cueing up for their own slice of the national cake at Abuja. When the fast depleting share of their state is receive, the largest chunk will be allocated to personal upkeep, security, overhead and emoluments, all recurrent while the people get little or nothing terms of capital allocation to address the concerns of the people. The sum allocated for public interest could often be best described as tokenism. Tokenism is a symbolic act by public officers to create the impression of seriousness to deliver on promises. Often times, they are gestures that fulfill the requirement of law rather than genuine commitment. Unfortunately, the issues central to performance measurement and assessment are far beyond the comprehension of the common man. The vast majority of people display lack of information and can hardly be trusted with rational judgment without close guidance. Most comments on performance in Edo State for instance, are clothed in parochial fantasies buoyed by populist theatrics of the Governor. They are narrow, simplistic and defy sound logic. For instance, it is common to hear that the physical infrastructure on ground speaks for itself as nothing like it happened in the past. Without the least attempt to undermine the achievements of Edo State governor or any the government of Nigeria for that matter, we cannot September 2013

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continue to speak in vacuum rather we must speak on facts as dictated by clearly outlined good governance criteria and parameters. Governors must be wary of mistaken perceptions of development by the insouciance of timid and ignorant majority for the real. Good governance comprise of the processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, create expectations for government and exercise their legal rights. It is not possible to talk in terms of government performance in isolation of mechanisms and processes that makes performance possible. Adherence to well defined principles, policies, rules and processes over time builds strong institutions needed to drive and sustain development. For the purpose of illustration, what are the expectations of the people of Edo S t a t e f r o m government for instance? Without doubt, people expect the government to grow the economy. It is the business of government to articulate the right strategies to grow the economy, create jobs and prosperity. One would ordinarily expect the government to have a properly articulated e c o n o m i c development blueprint with participation of the people. The economic blueprint should contain short and long term economic plans and should have been produced, publicized and made available on demand. That is not the case to the best of my knowledge. Government programs and projects should have emanated from the prescriptions and projections of the document in all sectors be it infrastructure building in education, health, industrialization, sports, environment etc such that a clear direction of the State would have be unmistakable and no one would be left in doubt. . More importantly, the mechanisms and processes of implementation of projects in the blueprint should be open and transparent. For instance, it is not enough to announce that a road has been 16

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constructed or reconstructed. The people must participate in the process of bidding and award of contract. The going rates for construction work in the State should be of public knowledge such that contract sums that now run into billions of naira will not entirely sound strange and esoteric to the general public. That is what they call transparency. Claims and celebration of performance on road infrastructure must include the total number of new kilometers added to existing ones and the grounds yet be covered in line with the projections on the blueprint. When government speaks to known document, the language is better understood and the claims are more credible. What is being trumpeted today is what young pupils use to call 'bujubuju' at playground. It counts for nothing to the enlightened mind. In any case, the performance of public officers can be measured by development index which are often collated over time by independent bodies. For instance, if a state government claims t h a t i t h a s accomplished so much in education, certain clear indices will either confirm or refute the claims. Such indices include a close review of the following data: i. The number o f n e w classrooms added to the inherited ones ii. Percentage growth in school enrolment within the period under review iii. Improvements in teacher-pupil ratio within the period under review iv. Improvements in training and retraining of teachers within the period under review v. Improvement in the provision of equipment, facilities and teaching aids within the period under review. vi. Improvement in the quality of graduates as can be attested by improved performance in external public examinations. September 2013

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vii. Positive money for value assessment of projects in the industry etc. The sum total of these indices will attest to good performance or otherwise in the sector. In any case, good governance development index take into account the general impact on the standard of living of the average citizen. For instance, has the impact in education improved the quality of education and the literacy level? Has the impact in road development added more new kilometers such that traveling time was reduced across the state? Has the impact in housing provided more shelter for the homeless? Has the impact in the area of health made healthcare more accessible by improved infrastructure, improved state of equipment and eliminated out of stock syndrome of basic medicines? These are some of the critical development indicators that seek to establish whether citizens are better off and should be celebrated if findings are positive. Any claims of performance that are not backed up with verifiable specific data are dishonest and hypocritical. Although, the impression has been created that the Executive Arm of Government are the main culprits of poor performance and misgovernance, the legislative arm of government not only play the ostrich, they are infact, more notorious in the display of reckless libertine and debauched behavior. Constitutionally, they are supposed to be closer to the people through constant interaction with their constituents. That is the essence of making public provision for acquisition and maintenance of constituency offices. Our findings indicate that few constituency offices that exist are largely symbolic and under-utilized. There are so many dimensions to representative duties that have been ignored. In the first place, most legislators have proven to square pegs in round holes as they cannot cope with the most critical and primary responsibility of a legislator which is to be a strong voice for their constituency. Many of them do not participate in parliamentary debates. In effect, some legislators have not moved a single motion nor even contributed to the making of laws on the floor of Parliament. Indeed, several constituencies, whether at the state or federal level are not represented in parliament. Those that are represented are underrepresented. Apart from the responsibility of effective and strong representation on the floor of parliament, a legislator has far more responsibilities to perform. They are expected to be leader in the mobilization of resources and development of their constituencies. This can accomplished in several ways through robust constituency outreach programmes. Indeed, the legislator is a bridge between the constituents and the complex and confusing government structure and

The Empowerment Post

processes. Any legislator that cannot attract physical development to their constituency has failed woefully and has no excuse what-so-ever as public officer and must be declared incompetent and unfit. The assessment of public performance of a legislator is much easier. The indices include the following: i. Attendance and activism on the floor of parliament in terms sponsorship of bills and motions. ii. Activities at the constituency office where reports are regularly rendered and notes compared. Here positions are adopt on pending issues for future debate. iii. Accountability in terms of expenditure of constituency allowances, executions of constituency projects, employment of the required number of staff at the constituency offices, payment of full salaries and allowances to staff etc iv. Acting as a development leadership in the constituency etc Public officers are primarily elected or appointed to drive the development process of the society. They must be held accountable for failure. The wheel of progress and prosperity must be unclogged and unfettered by the people themselves who have for too long been victims of deceit and corruption. The state cannot be contented by the fact that government is seen to have made progress from the standstill position of the previous government. Therefore, let no one be hoodwinked to settle for 'half bread'. Such notions and messages come from the pit of hell and deserve no attention! The various governments must accept responsibility for failing to provide transparent and accountable government not to talk of fighting the evil of corruption. There are no internal mechanisms and checks that will guarantee transparency and accountability. Most state governments have displayed reckless indifference to time tested bureaucratic due process. The arrogance of some public officers must be confronted and curtailed. The budget is not for fun, the treasury is not the private family property of any governor while public debt incurred for unproductive ventures must be out rightly condemned and accounted for. A system of transparency, participation and openness builds public trust and strengthens democracy. We have seen more of sloganeering and propaganda than concrete achievements across the states. Public officers must be more accountable and must prove that they have comprehensive plan and vision to take their constituencies to the next level.

September 2013

ROYAL MARBLE HOTELS Luxury Peace Comfort Less than 5 Minutes form Airport Only 10 Minutes to City Centre 110 Luxury Rooms Baraquet and Conference Halls 24 Hours Restaurant & Bar Casino Security & Constant Power Supply Swimming Pool

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Event

The Empowerment Post

THE DALLAS CONVENTION The 2013 annual convention of Edo National Association Worldwide took place in Dallas Texas, USA from August 30 – September 1, 2013. The theme from this 22nd convention was “Quest for Economic and Industrial Development in Edo State” In attendance were Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor, acclaimed business moghul Aliko Dangote, serving members of the National Assembly, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly Uyi Igbe, Majority Leader Hon. Philip Shuaibu, State Attorney General Henry Idahagbon, Publisher Empowerment Post Osakue Agbontaen and several dignitaries from all over the world. In his welcome address, Convention Chairman Felix Ogbeide expressed gratitude to members of the federating unions from the peaceful and harmonious relationship existing between them. He also called on everyone to participate in the search for economic breakthrough in the state.

September 2013

The Empowerment Post

Event

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole Chief Omorogieva (L) TEP Publisher Osakue Agbontaen & Maj. Gen. (rtd) Omoregie

Dr. Raph Adeghe (L) & Senator E. Uzamere

September 2013

Event

The Empowerment Post

Princess Akugbe Obazee singing the American & Nigerian athem

Dr. Raph Adeghe (L), Mayor of Dallas & Barr. Henry Idahagbon

Mrs. Kate Salami (R)

Bishop David Azenabor (R)

September 2013

The Empowerment Post

Event

Osakue Agbontaen (L) & Hon. Philip Shuaibu

Aliko Dangote

Osakue Agbontaen (L), Princess Akugbe Obazee & Tunde Obazee

Cyril Agbontaen (L), with wife & Publisher Osakue

Godwin Obaseki & Maj. Gen. Omoregie

Otokiti standing

Mr. Osamudiamwen & Engr. Oviasu

September 2013

Private Business

The Empowerment Post

Start planning early to avoid family failures On leaving school, Elwyn Griffiths, who manages Oaklands Farm Egg with his brother Gareth, was sent by his father to the US. “I was told to 'travel, look and learn'. Only then could I come back to work for the family firm.” There was one condition: he had to earn enough money to pay for his flight home. So he proved himself, working on various “huge farms' before returning to Shropshire fold, and ultimately taking over the company with his brother. Today, Oaklands Farm Eggs employs 110 people and produces nearly 500m eggs a year. According to US study, nearly nine of 10 family business owners believe their families will still be in control of their company in five years. In reality, less than a third survive into the second generation, only 12 per cent are still viable into the third, and only 3 per cent of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation and beyond. Failure to properly manage the issue of succession planning is often to blame for this. According to Juliette Johnson, head of UK family business at Coutts, the private bank, it is often the case that “emotion blurs the vision of leaders”. Some heads of family owned companies "make their children feel obligated to join the company, which can backfire by creating a crop of managers who aren't interested in being there", George Stalk and Henry Foley wrote in the Harvard Business Review last year in a study looking at some of the reasons why succession can go wrong. Mr. Stalk and Mr. Foley suggest putting family members through .rigorous performance assessments to see if they are suitable to take on the role. Nigel Nicholson, professor of organizational behavior at London Business School, believes that part of the problem is that the next generation is often wary of being branded as a "beneficiary of nepotism". They should not feel this, he says, as taking over a family business can be extremely challenging. "They [the next generation] need to understand that they are contributing to that precious, intangible 'family capital'," Prof Nicholson says. Mr. Griffiths at Oaklands Farm hopes that one or all of his three nephews, aged between 18 and 24, will join the family company, although he insists they will "have to prove themselves before they can come into the business, and show they will be an asset". One way to test family members' aptitude for business is to give them a chance to work outside. The family company, either in another operation, or by investing in their own start-up. This is known as "reverse succession", in which a company head encourages a younger relative to set up 24

their own business to prove their ability before the parent buys back the enterprise and brings them back into the fold. Elisabeth Murdoch is one example of this. After working for her father, Rupert Murdoch, in a senior role at the satellite broadcaster BSkyB, she left to start Shine, a television production company. A few years later, Shine was bought by what was then called News International, Mr. Murdoch's news- paper group, for £415m. If done well, reverse succession can mean that the successor is respected by colleagues rather than being seen to have acquired their position through nepotism. Prof Nicholson believes succession planning tends to fail when companies misread their future needs - "often because their vision is not aligned with reality". They also misread their leadership requirements, and the kinds of people who will thrive. He says: "They make the mistake of measuring talent as if it were a unitary fixed quality rather than something that has to adapt to needs. "They then end up with a list of favourites groomed for succession and set in place, without realizing that a good 'number two' may be a lousy 'number one'." Nicholas Oughtred, chairman of William Jackson Food Group, the owner of the Jackson's Bakery brand and Able & Cole organic food delivery business, warns against "family recommending family". In his case, the use of external professionals to assess potential successors has been "invaluable". "It is very important to make the process transparent and be up front about what it is," says Mr. Oughtred, the great-great grand- son of William Jackson, who founded the company in Hull in 185l. Mark Hastings, director- general at the Institute for Family Business, which represents the UK's family business sector, says the key is to plan early. "Where it tends to go wrong is that nine times out of 10, people haven't started early enough or they are suddenly struck with succession because of a sudden death," he says. He advises planning your successor as soon as you assume a chief executive or chairman position. Mr. Oughtred agrees on the wisdom of planning early. "I'm in my second five-year term and we are already discussing ... as a family, my replacement," he says. For those that lose out on the, top job, Mr. Oughtred advises provide them "with a constructive career plan so they get something positive out of it too". "There must be no losers in a family succession process," he adds. Courtesy: Financial Times

September 2013

The Empowerment Post

Motoring

Ford Explorer 2013:

Exploration Continues...

he real trick Ford Explorer has improved as well. Most bumps are soaked up with a soft thump that is audible and felt in the chassis. The worst bumps on the road will cause a somewhat unrefined bang, but overall, it's a significant improvement. Likewise, noise/vibration/harshness is improved and the cabin is fairly isolated experience. Also on the positive side of the ledger are the brakes. Ford has upped the diameter and width of the front rotors down below, and enlarged the brake booster and tweaked the pedal ratio up top. The result is a firmer, more linear pedal that didn't fade despite aggressive driving on a very twisty road. The pedal feel is also improved, though you need to give it more muscle than you initially expect, again to compensate for all that weight. Ford's now-familiar 3.5liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 makes a stout 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque powering the Explorer Sport. It feels similar to the Flex EcoBoost. It's not a throw-youback-in-the-seat kind of acceleration, but instead a strong surge. There's still a bit of lag off the line until the turbos spool, but once they're running, the engine's got plenty of power the rest of the way up the selectable digital tach. The isolation inside means it's one of those vehicles where you can look down and suddenly realize you're cruising well above the speed limit. F o r d h a s a l s o reprogrammed the transmission in the Explorer Sport, giving it quicker shifts and letting it hold gears longer. More important, the transmission is more responsive to the driver, making downshifts with just a nudge at the throttle rather than you having to stomp on it as in other Explorers. There again is no Sport mode, but the transmission 25

doesn't really need one -- the manual mode is quick to react to your inputs. It does have a bad habit though of cutting power noticeably during upshifts. As the new gear engages, power is fed back in slowly at first, then ramped up exponentially. The result is a slight hesitation in the acceleration. It also upshifts automatically at redline in manual mode, but fewer owners are likely to experience that. Overall, Ford says the Explorer Sport should be 2 seconds faster to 60 mph than a standard non-turbo V-6, putting it at about 6 seconds flat. It feels capable of it, even if it doesn't sound like it. The distant, muted growl of the engine and whisper of the turbos doesn't sound fast or powerful, but Ford says it was aiming for a more refined experience. It hits that

mark. Then there are the little bits. The black exterior trim and wheels lend it a sporting edge. Inside, the stitched seats and steering wheel add some flair. MyFord Touch, which comes standard along with the premium stereo, has been updated with better graphics and we experienced none of the bugs and glitches that plagued it in the past.

September 2013

Edo Contracts

The Empowerment Post

LIST OF CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE EDO STATE GOVERNMENT FROM JANUARY 2009 - 2011 S/N Description of Project 1.

Contractor/Address

Contract Sum

Implementing Year of Agency Award Ministry of Environment and Public 2009 Utilities

Clearing of Refuse in Phantom Energy N26,000,000.00 Benin Metropolis Services Limited, 4 including Costain Rd and Odani Road, Elelenwo, Isonoro Street from 22nd Port Harcourt. February to March, 2009 2. Clearing of Refuse in Phantom Energy N26,000,000.00 Ministry of Benin Metropolis Services Limited, 4 Environment including Costain Rd and Odani Road, Elelenwo, and Public Isonoro Street from 22nd portHarcourt. Utilities March to 23rd April, 2009 3. Beautification of Sapele Kiosque Vegetal Ltd, N261,133,981.00 Ministry of Road from Ring Road to 7, Oyinjolayemi Street, Environment Murtala Mohammed Way Victoria Island, Lagos. and Public Junction (2.20km), Benin Utilities City. 4. Beautification of Kiosque Vegetal Ltd, N183,376,272.00 Ministry of Akpakpava Road from 7, Oyinjolayemi Street, Environment Ring Road (1.2km), Victoria Island, Lagos. and Public Benin City. Utilities 5. Beautification of Oba Home Office and N117,920,435.00 Ministry of Market Road from Ring Gardens Ltd, 46B Environment Road to Siluko Road Inter Glover Road, Ikoyi, and Public Chande (0.85km), Benin Lagos. Utilities City 9. Desilation/Maintenance Los-German Nig. Ltd., N11,471,790.00 Ministry of Construction of side drain 4A Erhabor Street, Off Environment along 2nd Ibiwe/Iwehen Giwa Amu, Benin and Public Street (0.624 km), Benin City. Utilities City. 10. Desilation/Maintenance of Cremona N46,000,000.00 Ministry of Underground Conduit Drain Construction Environment and along Lower Lawani, Nig Ltd., Plot Public Utilities Evbiemwen/Obakhavbaye 5A Kudenta Street, Benin City. Industrial Layout, Kaduna. 11. Desilation/Maintenance of V. Amcon N117,44,260.00 Ministry of Side Drain along Murtala (Nig.) Ltd, 22 Environment and Mohammed Way from Useh Road, Public Utilities Sokponba Road to Ikpoba B/City. Slope Road, Benin City. 12. Desilation/Maintenance of Phantom N16,407,490.00 Ministry of Side Drains along Uselu Energy Environment and Lagos Road from UBTH to Services Ltd, Public Utilities five Junction, Benin City. 4, Odani Road, Elelenwo, PortHarcourt. 26

Status of Project

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

2009

Completed

September 2013

Edo Contracts

14.

15.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

Desilation/Maintenance of Underground Conduit Drain along Ora Crescent/Joromi Aerodrome Close, Benin City

Cremona 42,716,362.40 Construction Nig Ltd., Plot 5A Kudenta Industrial Layout, Kaduna. Construction of PHC Miltess N20,516,989.50 Building Ugbowo & Ososo Corporate Akoko-Edo. Ventures, 15, Obakhavbaye Street, Benin City. Construction of PHC Leo-Petrotech N19,011,767.25 Building with Staff Quarter Ltd., 10, Evbogida, Egor. Guobadia Street, Benin City. Construction of PHC A.G. Zion N19,469,657.63 Building with Staff Quarter Ltd., 95, Evbareke, Egor. Siluko Road, Benin City. Construction of PHC H & M Inter. N24,772,945.50 Building with Staff Quarte Service Ltd. 8, Ogbutuo Av Construction of PHC West Rock N24,772,945.50 Building with Staff Quarter Ltd., 69 Obe and Block Wall Fence, Street Unogbo, Esan Central. Sabogidda Ora, Edo State. Construction of PHC Spinnel Nig. N18,968,080.00 Building with Staff Quarter, Ltd. 1, Awo, Esan North East. Bashorun Street, Off Kudirat Abiola Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Construction of PHC Huntteco and N24,680,485.80 Building with Staff Quarter Company, 74, and Block Wall Fence, Oghu - Old Ogba Ewohimi, Esan South East. Road, Uromi. Construction of PHC Erylaston N20,673,854.25 Building, Imiava & Ogochi, International Etsako Central. Ltd., 126, New Lagos Road, Benin City. Construction of PHC Krharrez N20,133,960.00 Building, Ekwotsor & Ventures Imiekhri Etsako East. Ltd.,15, Obakhavbaye Construction of PHC Rick Foster N18,128,416.40 Building with Staff Quarter, Emuze Ltd., Iyamho, Etsako West. 2A Offa Street, Off Victory Road, New Lagos Road.

Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities

2009

CGS - MDGs

Completed

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

September 2013

The Empowerment Post

Edo Contracts

Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Ekhueye, Owan East.

26. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Ihimwirin, Ikpoba-Okha

27. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Obe, Ikpoba-Okha

28. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Aruogba, Oredo.

29. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Urhomehe, Orhionmwon.

30. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Owan, Ovia North East.

31. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Usen, Ovia South West.

32. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Uhen-Igueben, Igueben.

33. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Atoruru, Owan West.

34. Construction of PHC Building with Staff Quarter, Avbiosi -New, Owan West.

35. Construction of PHC Building, Utoka & Abieyi, Owan North East and Ovia South West.

36. Construction of Perimeter Block Wall Fence around PHC Building, Ugbona Azukhala & Udame, Etsako Central.

Shelter N19,949,661.35 Solution & Project Ltd., 6, Delta Crescent, Benin City Muifison Nig. N18,144,628.00 Ltd. 25, Osasenagha Street, Benin City. Tomwhite N18,007,054.00 Investment Nig. Ltd., 73 M.M Way Benin City. 3 Degrees N19,505,785.60 Global Services Ltd., 7, St. Peters Lane, Off 2nd Ugbe Road, Benin City. Glimpse N19,855,832.06 Nigeria Ltd., 3, Ogbewi Street Benin City. Space Form N18,790,774.00 Nig. Ltd., 10, Amure Avenue Benin City. Kastute Ltd., N19,326,069.00 16, OsazeeEdiale Street, G.R.A., Benin City. Anestony N18,650,864.50 Construction Nig Ltd., Plot C55 AmuwoOdophin Estate, ApapaOsgodin Express Way, Lagos. Abdul Ahmed N19,071,414.90 Enterprises. 3, Ogbewe Street, Benin City. Danak N18,896,997.00 Investment Limited, 126B, Efurun Sapele Road, Benin City. Wecorale N20,382,419.40 Investment Ltd., KM 5, benin Auchi Express Road, Benin City. Laukah Nig N30,372,031.10 Ltd., 7 Adesuwa Street, New Benin, Benin

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

September 2013

The Empowerment Post

Edo Contracts

37. Renovation of existing PHC Building, Ikoha & Ugha, Ovia South West & Uhunmwode.

N17,780,532.00

38.

N15,259,378.50

39.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

50.

Jubilant Citizen Resources Ltd., 7, Woriu, Orowo PortHarcourt, Rivers State. Renovation of existing PHC King & Building, Aduhanhan & George Ltd., Evbuohuan, Uhunmwode. 3A Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, lagos. Construction of Perimeter Lampers Block Wall Fence around Engineering existing PHC Building, Ltd., 22, Ewatto & Ahia, Esan South Ikhirolo East. Road, Ekpoma. Construction of Perimeter Prek Printing Block Wall Fence around Enterprises, existing PHC Building, Oria, 1, Iriri Lane Ugboha & Illushi, Esan Uromi. South East. Procurement of Medical Net Global Equipment for PHCs, Integrated Iyamho, Ososo & Ekueye, Ltd., 10, Etsako West, Akoko -Edo & Osadiaye Owan East. Street, Benin City. Procurement of Medical Mebco Nig. Equipment for PHCs, Ltd. 11, Ekuotsor & Imekuri, Imiara Uhemuyi & Ogochi. Etsako East & Street, Etsako Central. G.R.A., Benin City. Procurement of Medical Kamuzu Nig Equipment for PHCs, Ltd., 103, Atoruru & Avbiosi -New, Igbe Road, Atuegbo & Unogbo. Owan Auchi. West & Esan Central Procurement of Medical Patanne Equipment for PHCs, Awo, Chemical Ogu-Ewohimi & UheLtd., 60, Igueben. Esan North East, Airport Road, South East & Igueben Benin City. Procurement of Medical Johelo Nig Equipment for PHCs, Ltd. Evbogida & Evbareke, (Urhoghide) Ihimwirin, Obe. Egor & 19, Awo Ikpoba – Okha. Lane, off Ogbelaka Street, Benin City. Procurement Of Medical Amstek Equipment For Phcs, Owan, Nigeria Ltd., Usen, Amogba & Urhomehe. 41, Sapele Ovia North East, Ovia South Road, benin West, Orede & Orhionmwon. City. Supply of Drug/Dressing to Rimvid Nig. the following newly Ltd., 3, Creek constructed PHCs, Ugbogbo Road, Apapa, & Ososo, Imaivia & Ogochi, Lagos. Ekwotsor & Imiekuri, Iyamho, Ekhueye, Atoruru & Avbiosi -New, Atuegbo & Unogbo. Akoko -Edo, Etsako Central, East, West, Owan East West & Esan Supply of Drugs/Dressing to Tasty the LGAs Drug Stores, Foundation Etsako Central, Estako Ltd, 17, Etsako, Etsako West. Imueruze Street, Benin City.

Source: Edo State Government 29

CGS - MDGs 2010

CGS - MDGs

Only Ikoha Completed while Ugha Ongoing

Completed 2010

N15,782,287.50

CGS - MDGs

Ongoing 2010

N23,450,000.00

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N29,296,360.00

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N28,288,566.40

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N29,662,600.00

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N20,908,066.20

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N30,038,000.00

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N29,428,666.05

CGS - MDGs

Completed 2010

N27,110,900.00

CGS - MDGs

N22,905,760.00

CGS – MDGs

2010

Completed

Completed 2010

To be Continued Next Edition September 2013

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Archives

The Empowerment Post

engaged for the remainder of the 19th, 20th, and 21st February, in clearing the town as much as possible, making a defensible camp for the Protectorate Force, and destroying chiefs' houses, sacrificial and crucifixion trees, and the whole of the Juju houses. On the 19th. February three of the Jakri carriers of our ill-fated expedition came in from the bush terribly mutilated. They reported that as our troops approached the city all the other wretched carriers of our expedition who had been Photograph of the British invaders at the Oba palace

brought there alive were at once killed, but that no white men had been brought there. All had been

burning up what was left of the city as well as the equipment of the invading British force. Much of the carved woodwork in the Oba's palace was lost.

was also found alive at the bottom of one of the deep

The extraordinary collection of brass

pits amongst a lot of dead bodies. Six Accra men from

sculptures, depicting the chief events of the history of

the Gold Coast also came in from the bush heavily

Benin's people, were looted and these treasures were

ironed. They had been captured while they were

removed by the British troops and subsequently

collecting rubber in the Mahin Country to the north of

auctioned by the Admiralty to defray the cost of the

Benin City.

expedition. Most of the over 1000 bronzes were bought by museums in Germany. Only a handful found their way to the British Museum Thus was destroyed the great city of Benin. Then to ensure military security, and provide a clear line of fire for invaders in case of a counter-attack by Benin soldiers, the British troops blew down the

killed at the massacre. One of poor Mr. Gordon's boys

On the 21St. February a carrier column, escorted by men of the Naval Brigade, arrived with stores and ammunition. The whole of the Naval Brigade left Benin City on the 22nd February, and arrived at Warrigi on the 24th, meeting with no more opposition; the flanking columns also returned soon

high walls of the brunt down Oba Palace.

afterwards, and the whole embarked on their ships on

Nearly all the boxes and stores of our unfortunate

the 27th. This ended the Punitive Expedition.

expedition were found almost intact in the King's

Ling Roth in his book Great Benin wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

Palace, but unluckily were all burned by a fire which

... if a city ever deserved its fate, that city was the city of

broke out on the 21st February and burned most of the

Great Benin.' And he continues 'â&#x20AC;Śthat the little war we

town. In this fire the house used for a hospital was

waged was justified beyond all expectation.

burned, but, thanks to the promptitude of Captain

To justify and to cover up this premeditated invasion of

Campbell, R.N., all the wounded and sick were got out

Benin, the deliberate and willful destruction, and

safely. Many of the officers of the expedition lost all

looting of her heritage, the perpetuators embarked on a

their kits in this fire.

comprehensive and sustained propaganda of

The Naval Brigade was to

have left Benin for their ships on the 20th February, but as the Protectorate Force, who were to remain in Benin, were short of ammunition and stores, Admiral Rawson decided to remain till the 22nd. The whole Force was 33

disinformation to discredit their victim. Unfortunately the denial of this heinous crime against mankind is still actively promoted till date by 'respected' European art historians and historians September 2013

Entertainment

The Empowerment Post

I DON’T USE COCAINE – Majek Fashek

or Nigerian-born international reggae star, Majekodumi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, the days of locust are over. The talented musician seems to have gotten his groove back. After years of unprofitable sojourn in the United States, Majek who relocated to Nigeria has tried to rekindle his career courtesy of his new management company, A+ Global Entertainment. Having vowed not to talk to the press any longer, most especially on matters concerning his lifestyle, the Rainmaker recently broke his vow and opened up like never before. He personally invited us to his house in Lagos and for four hours bared his mind on several issues that he has been keeping close to his chest. It was a soul-to-soul discussion of a 'sinful' past. He spoke to Frank Chike

You returned to Nigeria from the United States several months ago, tell us how you have been enjoying your stay here? I have been thanking Jah for making it possible to be here today, courtesy of my sister, Hajia Amina Oluremi Dangaji, the CEO of A+ Global Entertainment who has been the only person sponsoring me, she is God sent, she is the only person that fully understood me. Hajia is Rastafarian. In fact she is a music business goddess (laughs). I believe that is why God eventually brought us together to work and rekindle my career. And working with her, we have been able to achieve a lot within a space of nine months.

reside in Logos and we have recorded a new album, which we are going to release in matter of weeks. At a stage, people thought that you wouldn't be able to bounce back to the stage you were before (Sits up) Well, there's a time were Nigerian press were writing rubbish, telling people that Majek has gone mad, that Majek is a cocaine addict. In fact, they nearly spoiled me before the world, but Jah said no, that Majek will not die, and here I am today bouncing back to a new glory. I knew what I passed through in America, when God was punishing me, maybe for my sins, which I think he has forgiven me. And that’s why He told me to come back home for people to witness the blessing He now wants to shower on me, so that those people that were laughing at me, will see a new Majek. Tell us about the album that you are coming out with? The new album is coming out under A+ Global Entertainment in conjunction with my label and the work when completed in matter of time of weeks will be titled, Gangsta Rasta. I am doing the record for A+ Global Entertainment based on our understanding because Hajia has been so good to me. We gathered that there is a song in the album called, I don't want to die in New York, why such a title? Yes, New York, people do me wayo, they owe me one million dollars. I mean Sony Music Company (USA) and Interscope Records from the royalty of an album I did for them titled, Sprit of Love, and I am hoping that if I collect that money I will give some amount to Hajia because she has really suffered to make me who I am today, Na she help me to bounce back. Some years back you sang about Majek Fashek in New York, where you attacked and exposed the ugly side of the city, so why New York again? You know what happen, I have lived in New York for years and I was disappointed that the city is nearly the opposite of what people outside thought it to be. Could you believe that there are a lot of homeless people in New York? In fact, majority of them are hard drug addicts, sleeping outside in the cold night, with their blankets as shelter. But no matter what, US government from time to time pays them salaries for their feedings. In short, I saw hell in that city, and I decided to sing something that is satirical about my life experience in New York. Tell us about other songs in your album? I won't tell you, why don't you wait until madam releases the album in the first week of November so that you can

September 2013

Entertainment

play and hear more, yes, lest I forgot, the production was handled by Chris Okon, Yes, I have not also told you that we are planning to do a musical tour of some cities in Nigeria, come December this year. The tour is for my fans to see the new Majek Fashek, the Majek that they used to know. Is it true that your kids also doing music in the US? Yes, my first son, Randy Makekodunmi is a music producer, while his juniors, Destiny and Susan are doing hip hop, and they are currently recording their debut album, which is produced for them by their brother, Randy (brings out the CD to show us). I participated in doing some of their tracks. What kind of father are you to them, are they comfortable with your life style? (Angry) see, you must be a fool for asking this question, but I forgive you because you are my paddy. Now answer the question, Majek? My kids love me very well, and they have revolutionary minds like me, and they always treat me like an egg. They hate doing anything that will hurt me, even though we are not living together, as they are already on their own. I do go to their houses anytime I like and they do entertain me, buying wine for me, and when am going they do give me big amount of money. In fact, they have never allowed me to go broke, and just last week they sent me some big amount of money. Is your wife, Rita not missing you? Don't you think your absence can make her abandon you? Yes, she is missing me, because the romance I give her anytime I am around is too much. I dey romance her well, but I am sure that she is not too worried about my relocation to Nigeria. I learnt she was here in Lagos some weeks ago? What I am trying to tell you is that no matter what happens nobody can take my wife away from me. Never mind those guys over there. They cannot enter because I have used love to padlock them away. They cannot enter because me and Rita are under a kind of love oath. No be juju o How old is your first child, Randy? He is about 37 years old now. He is about to get married, I know his girlfriend. Is any of your children smoking India hemp? No, right from when they were kids I have been advising them not to smoke Indian hemp because of its effect on the brain. As you can see, since I have began to reduce my rate of smoking Indian hemp, I have been looking healthy. That's one good thing Hajia has done for me since I returned to Nigeria. In short, igbo (Indian hemp) is not good for the health. Now what I smoke is cigarette. It's like what you are telling us is a white lie? Who told you I am telling lies? Do you think that I am Ras Kimono who said that he is a vegetarian or Rastafarian whereas he is not? Although, he used to be one but at a stage he failed the law (laughter) You have not said much about your experience with igbo (India hemp) Igbo and cocaine dey scatter brain. I don't use cocaine. You just said something about Ras Kimono? Yes, Kimono go eat goat, day come catch am. 35

The Empowerment Post

Now He is suffering for failing the laws of the Rastas. His friend, Black Rice did the same thing but he's smarter than Ras Kimono that is why his belly has not begun to protrude (laughs). What am saying is that am a true Rastafarian, I keep the laws. Back to what am telling you about Indian hemp. Yes when I was young, I was a habitual Indian hemp smoker till I became hooked to specie of hemp produced in Delta State, a harsh one for that matter, which nearly ruined my life. It is by God's grace that I gave up the habit, if not I would have run mad by now. That is why I have been telling my kids and other musicians around me to drink alcohol instead of taking Indian hemp or sniffing cocaine because alcohol don't damage brain like those hard drugs would do. Many of your contemporaries in the music business are dead, why do you think God still allowed you to be alive? I think it's because Jah has special plans for me. As you can see, I am the last Rastafarian prophet that is still standing in Africa and God is working through Hajia to fulfill his plans for me. I bought a saxophone last year when I was in America but I don't want to be playing it anyhow here in Nigeria because I don't want to compete with Femi Kuti or to show that I can play more than him, that's why I only go about with my guitar. How soon would Rita, your wife be coming to Nigeria again? I don't know yet, but if I buy the house that I am planning to buy soon, she would come and stay for like one month with me. In one of your songs, you warned of fire and revolution hitting Africa, now do you still believe something like that will happen, going by the wind of democracy blowing across the continent? Yes, that my prophecy has not come to pass. But Jah still warned me to continue to tell my people that bloody revolution would hit Nigeria soon and that the blood of evil men will be sacrificed to the gods of war. How it will happen I don't know. Even the time it will happen I don't know but Area boys, the poor masses will lead that revolution and the fight will not be a war of ethnicity when it starts. In fact, J.J Rawlings' revolution in Ghana will look like a child's play when Nigeria's own comes. Nigerians would soon rise to fight. Courtesy: TS Weekend September 2013

Sports

The Empowerment Post

World’s most Expensive Transfer Madrid announced in August that Bale has signed a sixManchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. year contract, and a person familiar with the deal said at Madrid, whose annual revenue reaches 500 a world-record fee of 100 million euros ($132 million). million euros, previously broke the transfer record in "I am not sure there is ever a good time to leave a club 2009 when Kaka joined from AC Milan for 65 where I felt settled and was playing the best football of million euros ($92 million). my career to date," Bale said in a statement published The 24-year-old Welsh winger has dazzled on the Tottenham website. "I know many players talk audiences around the world with swerving free of their desire to join the club of their boyhood kicks, defense-splitting surges and mesmerizing dreams, but I can honestly say, this is my footwork. d r e a m c o m e t r u e . " "I am well aware that I would not be at Tottenham manager Andre Villasthe level I am today were it not for firstly Boas said that Bale's move was set Southampton and then Spurs standing by to be "the biggest transfer in me during some of the tougher times and world football," and the fee affording me the environment and eclipses support they have," Bale said. the 93 million euros Madrid paid Gareth Bale 10. Neymar (Santos to FC Barcelona) - €57 million Brazilian youngster Neymar has impressed football fans and critics alike this past season. His playing style showcases the traditional Brazilian flair people are used to seeing, and it was obviously not long before a big-name club came along for him. The Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and FC Barcelona went head-to-head in a bidding war for the youngster. Though Real Madrid were said to have offered more, Neymar chose Barcelona, where he felt his style of play would fit in well. 9. Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea) - €58.5 million Fernando Torres is a Spanish household name. His impressive performance at the Euro 2008 and at Liverpool made him one of the most coveted strikers in Europe. When Chelsea came calling, it was an unbelievable chance for the striker and as well for Liverpool, who needed the money. However, the Spaniard has barely been his old self since joining Chelsea. 8. Luis Figo (Barcelona to Real Madrid) - €60 million Figo became one of Spanish football's most prominent villains when he made the switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid in the summer of 2000. The player received a less than appreciative welcome from the Barcelona fans upon his return to Camp Nou for an El Clasico. 7. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid to AS Monaco) - €60 million Despite being chased by the Premier League's biggest clubs, Radamel Falcao chose to make a move to AS Monaco. Atletico Madrid are one of the many Spanish clubs in need of the money from big transfers and Falcao's move to Monaco has given them the financial standing they needed. 36

6. Edinson Cavani (Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain) €64 million Cavani chose a big-money move to French club PSG over Chelsea. He was drawn to the project that PSG have put in place - to try and make them the biggest club in Europe. 5. Kaka (AC Milan to Real Madrid) - €65 million Trumping Edinson Cavani's PSG transfer by just a million euros, Kaka's transfer to Real Madrid is the fifth most expensive in history. The Brazilian legend made his move in the summer of 2009 and after a few good seasons, this last one has been a little dismal for the Brazilian. 4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan to Barcelona) €69.5 million Ibrahimovic completed his move to Barcelona in the summer of 2009. He signed a five year deal with the Catalan giants after three years at Inter Milan. Despite being a success with Barcelona, Ibrahimovic moved to Milan and then to Paris. 3. Zinedine Zidane (Juventus to Real Madrid) €73.5 million Enough can't be said about Zidane's success with Real Madrid. The €73.5 million price tag was well worth it for the legend. Despite his controversial exit from football, Zidane remains an idol for players around the world. He was quick on his feet and had a remarkable eye for goal. 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United to Real Madrid) - €94 million Cristiano Ronaldo made history in 2009 when he became the most expensive player in history. The Portuguese player signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid and today has a buy-out clause of nearly one billion euros.

September 2013

Sports

The Empowerment Post

Okagbareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pace of glory

Blessing OKAGBARE Country: Nigeria Born: 09.10.1988 1 x Olympic Games Bronze medalist 1 x World Championships Silver medallist 1 x World Championships Bronze medallist 1 x All-Africa Games Gold medallist 2 x All-Africa Games Silver medallist 4 x African Championships Gold medallist 1 x African Championships Silver medallist 3 x Olympic Games finalist 5 x World Championships finalist 6 x Diamond League meeting winner 1 x Current African Record holder - 100m Blessing Okagbare (born 9 October 1988) is a Nigerian long and triple jumper and short sprinter. She is an Olympic and World medalist in the long jump, World medalist in the 200m, and the African record holder in the 100m. In May 2007, at the All-Africa Games trials in Lagos, she established a Nigerian record of 14.13 metres in the triple jump. At the 2007 All-Africa Games she won the silver medal in the long jump and finished fourth in the triple jump. In the latter competition her Nigerian record was beaten by Chinonye Ohadugha, who jumped 14.21 metres. As a 19 year old, she won a bronze medal in the â&#x20AC;&#x201C;women's long jump event at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Okagbare scored a 100 m/long jump double at the NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship for University of Texas at El Paso, completing an undefeated collegiate streak that year. She won the Nigerian 100 m title in 2010, running a time of 11.04 seconds, and stated that she 37

was opting out of the long jump in order to save herself for the upcoming African championships. At the African championships in 2010, she won gold in the long jump again with a distance of 6.62m while her compatriot Comfort Onyali took silver. Okagbare also won gold in the 100m distance with a run of 11.03s flat, while Gabon's Ruddy Zang Milama and compatriot Oludamola Osayomi won silver and bronze with runs of 11.15s and 11.22s respectively. She won her third gold at the end of the championship as part of the Nigerian 4x100m women's relay team. The team of Okagbare, Osayomi, Lauretta Okoh and Agnes Osazuwa set a new games record with a run of 43.43s, more than a full second ahead of the silver-winning Cameroonian quartet. In 2011, Okagbare continued to build on her earlier endeavours by establishing herself as a 100m runner. At the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Okagbare placed fifth in the 100m final with a run of 11.12s. However she did not make it to the final of the long jump as her best jump of 6.36m was not enough to get her out of her qualifying group.[8] She concluded her 2011 season by winning three medals at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique. She won silver in the 100m behind compatriot Oludamola Osayomi with a run of 11.01s and gold with in the long jump with a jump of 6.50m. She was part of the Nigerian quartet that won gold in the 4x100m with a time of 43.34. 2012 was a busy year for Okagbare. She jumped 6.97m in the long jump in Calabar during the Nigerian championship. She won new continental medals at the 2012 African Championships in Porto Novo. In the 100m she was beaten to silver by Gabonese Ruddy Zang Milama while in the long jump she claimed gold with a jump of 6.96m. In London 2012, Okagbare participated in her second Olympic games. Going into the Olympics she had a run a number of fast 100m races and there was much anticipation and hope of a medal. However the 2012 Olympics were not as successful as the 2008 Olympics for Okagbare. She established a new personal best of 10.92s in the 100m semifinal but placed eighth in the final with a run of 11.01s. 2013 would prove to be a breakthrough year for Okagbare. In April 2013, in Walnut, California, Blessing Okagbare set a personal record in the 200 meters with a time of 22.31s (+1.3 m/s wind). Then, in July, she improved her personal best in the long jump with successive jumps of 6.98m (+1.1 m / s) at the Athletissima meet in Lausanne, and 7.00 m (no wind) during the Monaco Herculis meet. On July 27, 2013, at the London Anniversary Games, Okagbare set a new African record of 10.79s in her 100m race. She won the final about an hour later, setting a new African record of 10.79, in a race where she beat reigning 100m Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Okagbare's record eclipsed the existing record by compatriot Glory Alozie of 10.90 seconds which had stood since 1998. At the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Okagbare won the silver medal in the long jump. Her jump of 6.99m put her in second place behind Brittney Reese of the United States by only 2 cm. In the 100m final, she placed sixth with a run of 11.04. Okagbare also placed third in the Women's 200m race. September 2013

Health

The Empowerment Post

KIDNEY CARE continued from August edition Dietary and Lifestyle Changes Dietary changes are just as important as any medications you would take. This is because the causes of kidney disease are mostly lifestyle diseases, or those that are preventable with a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend you: · control diabetes through insulin injections and frequent monitoring · cut back on cholesterol · cut back on salt · choose heart-healthy diet including fresh fruits, fresh veggies, whole grains and low fat dairy · limit alcohol consumption · increase physical activity · lose weight · quit smoking Dialysis and Kidney Disease Dialysis is an artificial method of filtering the blood and is used when someone's kidneys have failed or are close to failing. Many people with late-stage kidney disease must go on dialysis either permanently or until a donor kidney for transplantation can be found. Types of Dialysis There are two types of chronic dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis In hemodialysis, the blood is pumped through a special machine that filters out waste products and fluid. Hemodialysis is most commonly done during three sessions per week—each lasting three to five hours long—in a hospital, dialysis center, or at home, but it can also be done in shorter, more frequent sessions. Several weeks or months before starting dialysis, most patients will have an artery and a vein surgically joined, typically in the forearm. This larger blood vessel is called a fistula, and it allows routine access to high blood flow by accessing an artery instead of a vein. Over time, the vein that is connected to the artery will begin to function more like an artery, and the access point for dialysis will be effective. An implanted tube, called an arteriovenous graft, can also be used for the same purpose if an artery and vein cannot be joined.

Peritoneal Dialysis In peritonealdialysis, the peritoneum—the membrane of blood vessels lining the abdomen—stands in for the kidneys. A tube is implanted and used to fill the abdomen with a fluid called dialysate. Waste products in the blood flow from the peritoneum into the dialysate, which is then drained from the abdomen. There are two forms of peritoneal dialysis: continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, in which the abdomen is filled and drained several times during the day, and continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis, which uses a machine to cycle the fluid in and out of the abdomen at night while the patient sleeps. The most common side effects of peritoneal dialysis are infections of the abdominal cavity or the site where the tube was implanted, weight gain, and hernia. Dialysis Complications In addition, people on either form of dialysis still often experience complications caused by kidney failure such as anemia, bone weakening, and swelling or fluid accumulation in the heart or lungs. Dialysis-related Amyloidosis In this condition, proteins are deposited on joints and tendons, causing pain and stiffness of the joints. Dialysis-related amyloidosis is common in people who have been on dialysis for five years or more. What Is the Long-Term Outlook for Kidney Disease Diagnosis Once diagnosed kidney disease will normally not go away. The best way to maintain kidney health is to incorporate a healthy lifestyle and follow your doctor's advice. Kidney disease can worsen and ultimately lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure is when your kidneys are barely working or not working at all. This is managed by dialysis. Dialysis involves the use of a machine to filter waste from your blood. In some cases of kidney failure, your doctor will recommend a kidney transplant. Left untreated, kidney failure can result in death.

The most common side effects of hemodialysis are low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and itching. 38

September 2013