February 28,2016

Big Read News

THE

News

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Naira collapse:

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Insurgency: Military launches motorbike battalion

Nigerians groan under economic hardship

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Vol. 6 No. 9

February 28, 2016

Buhari to Saudis

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Conclude probe into death of Nigerian pilgrims P. 6

… heads for OPEC summit in Qatar

PDP in disarray ahead of Edo guber poll Eko Disco explains constant power outage

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Candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, at the entrance of Top Ville College, venue of the UTME Computer Based Test in Igbo-Olomu, Ikorodu, Lagos PHOTO:NAN State ...yesterday.

Economic restructuring needed to end joblessness, says Tinubu …bags honorary degree alongside Kutigi, Ekwueme, others

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‘Seizure of alcoholic products in Kano illegal ’ News Kogi denies destroying Lokoja roundabouts for spiritual cleansing P.43

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What ’s new Politics

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Ondo 2016 : Borofce, Akeredolu emerge frontrunners in APC

Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK February 28, 2016

Reps summon Adeosun, Udo-Udoma, Emeele

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Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, has warned members of the public to desist from physically attacking officials of the agency in the course of their lawful, official duties in the state.

Speaking with reporters on the issue, Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi, deplored a recent attack on the staff

of the agency. Specifically, he stated that “an attack on the agency ’s team was led by a security guard attached to Emglo Suites in Festac, Lagos. ” He noted that the armed guard on duty on that day descended on LASAA officials in their effort to remove an illegal banner within Emglo Suites premises.

Fashola charts new course for sustainable cities

Creativity inspires me –Vivien Ike Wellness

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Controlling threat of blood cancer

Blood cancer or Leukemia is a malignancy of cellular component in the blood and bone marrow.

It is mainly related to the blood cells such as White blood cells which include blood disorders in the blood cells and the symptoms are exposed in the immune system of the person which weak-

ens the immune system of the person resulting in the skin problems such as rashes, skin disorders. It has a treatment such as chemotherapy which aids in decreasing the abnormalities but it cannot cure it completely.

Blood is a part of the body and has different components such as red blood cells.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday called on African leaders to chart a new course for the continent in the development of its cities and towns.

Fashola, who spoke at the ongoing HABITAT III Africa Regional Conference meeting holding in Abuja, stated that the surest way

to make African cities and towns places of opportunity and prosperity was for the leaders to provide critical infrastructure.

The theme of the regional meeting is “Africa ’s Priorities for the New Urban Agenda ” and the aim is to chart a clear path towards a sustainable urban future for Africa and Africans.

INEC xes Edo, Ondo governorship elections Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states would hold on September 10 and November 26, respectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said yesterday. INEC ’s Deputy Director, Publicity and Voter Education, Mr. Nick Dazang, made the disclosure in Abuja. “When timetable for the elections is out, we will commence the processes for budgeting and implementation for the elections, ” Dazang said. He, however, said the timetable will be made public soon.

Dazang, who also spoke on the recent rerun elections, said besides Kogi Central and Imo

Union kicks against planned merger of aviation agencies National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, has warned management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, against the planned merger of Aeronautical Information Service, AIS, and Communications Departments. In order to convey its message to the management, leadership of the union yesterday picketed headquarters

of the agency at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Ikeja, Lagos.

However, after few hours of demonstration and picketing, the management called for a meeting with the union. At the meeting, Director of Operations, NAMA, Mr. Uzoma Fyneboy, led the management team that discussed the planned merger with the union.

Arms scam: Court to rule on Metuh ’s no-case submission Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will on March 9, decide on whether or not embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh, has a case to answer in respect of the charges of fraud and money laundering preferred against him by the Federal Government. Metuh and

his company, Destra Investment Limited, are standing trial for allegedly receiving N400m, part of the money meant for the procurement of arms, from the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in November 2014.

He had pleaded not guilty to the 7-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC.

The PDP spokesman, who said the opposition party leaders were plotting to unsettle the state, challenged the APC leadership “to come out open on the agenda of their various meetings which they had been holding outside the state whether it had not been on how to pull the state down in the name of politics ”.

The PDP maintained that in all the meetings, the business of the leaders of the opposition APC in the state had been the concoction of lies and setting grounds for Federal Government to cut allocation to the state and withhold any other right and privilege due to the state as well.

State, the exercises were peaceful and successful. He said, “The re-run elections we have had from January 27 have been peaceful except the challenge we had in Kogi, otherwise, generally it has been peaceful.

“Those of Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba and Niger states were peaceful. “The only place we had challenges was Kogi Central – Adavi Local Government where our office was burnt before the election. ” He, however, noted that the incident did not affect the election in the area. “By that time we had not taken sensitive materials to the office.

Sophia Dike EX-BEAUTY QUEEN

MON

Passion

LASAA warns against attack on ofcials

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ekiti State has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC of being behind the seizure of the balance of the bail-out requested by the state from the Federal Government. The PDP, which said that only N9.6 billion was released to Ekiti State out of N29 billion requested, accused the Federal Government of playing the script of the APC by financially crippling the PDPgoverned state. PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jackson Adebayo, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that “it is evident that Ekiti State is particularly marked for this financial punishment to prepare ground for the 2018 governorship election in the state ”.

As a youth corps member, who is serving in Zamfara State, what I normally do on Mondays is that I go to my place of primary assignment where I work. Mondays are very serious because important meetings are held and I wouldn ’t miss them.

TUE

incumbent governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whoever emerges as the People ’s Democratic Party, PDP, flag bearer may not pose serious threat to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

are; Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, and Director General, Budget Office of the Federation. The meeting is part of efforts toward addressing grey areas relating to alleged infractions and padding observed by various standing committees during interface with ministers and heads of Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

I don ’t report to the office today. I go for my community work or community development service.

SUN SAT FRI THU WED

The race to the Alagbaka seat of power in Akure, the Ondo State capital has begun in earnest, prompting serious internal politicking within different political parties in the state. Considering the abysmal performance of the

House of Representatives ’ Committee on Appropriations yesterday summoned Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and that of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, for a special session on the 2016 budget proposal. The committee also declared that today is the final day of budget reports collection from committees. Others invited by the Committee

APC stalled bail-out balance to cripple Ekiti —PDP

I go to work. I ’m given some serious and tasking assignments and I have never failed in my duties

Thursdays are the same as other days.

I go to work but somehow we close early. In the evening, I go out with a few friends to chill out and catch fun.

I have to do chores and prepare myself for the week ahead.

I go to church. I come home to rest and get prepared for the week. *By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Naira collapse:

Nigerians groan under economic hardship Nigerians have continued to bemoan the country’s economic downturn as the naira continues to lose value amid an acute shortage of dollars in the economy. Consequently, consumers, traders, small enterprises and manufacturers alike, have been feeling the brunt. PAUL OMO OBADAN writes on Nigeria’s economic recession that needs an urgent tap to awaken the sleeping giant.

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he continuous slide of the naira against the American dollar has begun to tell on the average Nigerian as there has been a considerable hike in the price of commodities. The populace is beginning to grow impatient with the change which they claim President Muhammadu Buhari’s present adminis-

tration has brought with it. With every day that passes, the naira hits a ‘record low’ against the dollar, and the impact on the average Nigerian has been compelling.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has been rationing forex to prospective importers in the past 16 months as part of ef-

‘DOLLAR SCARCITY HAS KILLED MANY BUSINESSES’ 4

forts aimed at stabilising the naira. CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele had also suspended the deposit and withdrawal of foreign currency by bank customers and discontinued the sale of foreign exchange to bureau de change operators in the country. These measures have not stopped the depreciation of the naira from getting worse.

Although the CBN left the official exchange rate unchanged at N197 to the dollar on its official interbank window, most Nigerians could not get foreign currency via official channels and were forced to opt for the black market, thus further eroding the value of the naira.

Though the CBN has continued to sell forex to intending importers in Nigeria, the tens of thousands of applications for forex by these importers have been kept on hold by the apex bank for months due to dollar scarcity.

The situation has serious economic implications. The price of food and other consumables are soaring, manufacturers are scaling down operations and many traders who import merchandise into the country have been grounded.

Sunday Mirror investigation reveal that prices of goods and services in the market have sky rocketed, while customers have refused to make purchases as sellers are indifferent about how to sell their wares.

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‘AGRIC REVOLUTION WILL REVAMP NIGERIA’S ECONOMY’ 5

The Big Read

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Dollar scarcity has killed many businesses’ The poor are getting poorer these days like never before.

The cost of pure water before was N70, but now it is sold at the rate of N150; it is too expensive and it is hard to make profit.

Market

Emefiele

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 The hike in price of commodities is gradually making a section of the Nigerian populace lose hope in the government. With the naira trading at N370 against the dollar as of Monday and currently trading at N301 at parallel market, many Nigerians are lamenting the astronomical leap in price of staple foods and other commodities. The cost of cheap items such as sachet water has increased from N70 to N150 a bag, while the ‘hungry man’s size’ of noodles has increased from N100 to N120. Rice, which is the staple food in Nigeria regardless of strata or demographics has been the worst hit due to two major factors – the ban on importation and the free fall of the naira. For instance, a ‘derica’ of rice used to sell at N150 but now sells N250; while a 50 kilogrammes bag of rice sells at N13,000 as opposed to the former price of N10,000.

Udenwa Uba, a trader at Sandgrouse Market, a retail market Lagos Island, told Sunday Mirror the reason for the price increase.

“Before we sold rice at N10, 000, but now we sell atN13, 000,” he said.

“Before, in a week we made more money, but now we only make 75 per cent of what we made before. “The ban of importation of rice is what is affecting the price; Nigeria cannot make rice that will feed the country. Nigeria cannot make rice that will reach us.

Government should open the borders for us.”

Nigeria’s main outdoor source of drinking water is ‘pure water’! This is the most accessible drinking water to the over 60 per cent of Nigerians living in the cities. The cost of a bag of sachet water use to be N70, but it now goes for N150. A sachet used to sell for N5 but now sells for N10 to N20.

At Mile 12, one of the market-friendly environments in Lagos, Sunday Mirror spoke with Sakirat Animasaun, a sachet water hawker, who almost wept explaining the economic pressure she faced. “The poor are getting poorer these days like never before.

The cost of pure water before was N70, but now it is sold at the rate of N150; it is too expensive and it is hard to make profit,” she said.

The price of palm oil has also increased. It used to be N250 but now it is sold at the rate of N300/350. Lydia Ochie, another trader at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, another huge retail market in Lagos, said: “Before, palm oil was N250, but now we are selling it at the rate of N300/N350. It is really affecting my family, school fees have increased. Government should come to our aid; that is my own.”

The price of the vegetable, probably the cheapest Nigerian staple, has also sincreased. “Before, we sold vegetable leaves for N10, N20; now if you don’t have N100, you can’t buy vegetable,” says Mary, a vendor at Ketu market. The importation of frozen chicken was banned by the federal government in 2015 and this affected the price of the chicken. A pack of frozen chicken used to be N6000, but now it is N7, 500. The price of turkey, which used to be N7, 500, is now N9000. A pack of fish used to go for N7000 or N8000 but now it goes for N12, 000.

At the Mandilas shoe market in Lagos Island, a shoe seller there lamented bitterly to Sunday mirror how there has been a lull in patronage. This, according to Ifeanyi – a dealer in male shoes- is because, “the prices are too high these days.

“An average pair of shoes that we used to buy for N800 is now about N1,200 from the manufacturers. How much am I expected to sell it?

“This administration has thrown us into serious hardship and we are very unhappy about it.”

The bulky shoe seller who did not mince words in addressing the issue of falling naira, stated that “we do not even know what the president is doing about this dollar. The price keeps going up everyday, and we the masses are the ones at the receiving end.

“We are suffering, and we need the president to come to our aid before people’s businesses fold up and stealing becomes the order

of the day.”

If the shoe dealer was blunt about the current situation in the country, then this sachet water hawker was in a different world.

Muriana, who spoke Sunday Mirror decried the level of untold hardship the common man has been thrown into. The teenager, who dropped out of secondary school to hawk on the streets, is unaware of the price of dollar in exchange with the naira, but she sure knows that the amount they used to buy a bag of sachet water has increased beyond the ‘ordinary’.

“Now, we sell three sachets for N20 and people hurl abusive words at us because they believe we have over inflated the price.

“But how do you expect me to sell cheaply when I did not buy at the rate I used to buy?

“I truly don’t know what is happening, but I am aware that the prices are unbearable. Therefore, I appeal to our leaders to do something about it. The masses are suffering,” the youngster offered.

Nnamdi, an Igbo trader in Lagos could not hide his feelings when Sunday mirror spoke to him. He lamented the present downturn of the Nigerian economy. “I have been in business for over 35 years and I must confess to you that this is the worst period of business,” he bemoaned.

“What is causing the fall of the naira against the dollar is something many of us are unaware of, but we need the president to handle this matter with dexterity otherwise, the suffering common man will revolt.

“We are tired of all these unsteady start to the President Buhariled administration!

“This is getting harder than we can handle,” he murmured.

Mrs. Olufunke Temedire, Chief Executive Officer, Exquisite Boutique, Ikeja also lamented that operators in the sector are also feeling the negative effects of the foreign exchange Imbroglio. “I buy my goods from Italy and China, and I sell mainly to retailers and others who buy for personal use.

There is a limit of the amount of money that the bank allows, you are not to spend more than $4000 per quarter, so basically, you have the money, but you can’t really buy much,” she stated.

To many Nigerians, the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as the nation’s President in May 29, last year was the tonic antidote to economic emancipation and speedy development.

Unfortunately, his slow coach approach towards a definite blue print in revamping the Nations economic has kept tongues wagging.

The Chief Executive Officer of a Lagos-based investment consulting firm, Financial Derivatives, Bismark Rewane, once said: “Investors are becoming more tentative and less committed and this is now affecting the level of the economic activity.”

With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts, the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us.

Alhaji Remi Bello, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, also added that high exchange rates is a major challenge currently facing many real sector operators, especially the medium and large firms.

According to him, the chamber has reviewed the policy and observed that although it was targeted at providing support for the real sector of the economy because of their strategic importance to the development process, job creation and inclusive growth, yet the sector is the first natural victim of the closure, particularly the few that had access to this window.

He identified the immediate implications on the sector as follows: “It has resulted in the escalation of production cost for firms that had access to this forex window. Such firms will experience cost increases of up to 20 percent. This would impact on sales performance, profit margins and ultimately capacity utilisation of manufacturing companies in the country.

“Import duty and other port charges which are computed as a percentage of import costs have also correspondingly increased.

This implies additional pressure on operating costs for erstwhile

beneficiaries of the CBN RDAS forex window. Firms funding requirements in naira will increase to reflect the new exchange rate and this has implications for cost of funds.

“Many firms, especially manufacturers with high foreign exchange exposure have been thrown into loss positions as a consequence of the depreciation of the naira over the last couple of months and the eventual closure of the RDAS window. “Exchange rate induced losses could trigger a new wave of Non-Performing Loans in the banking system and this has implications for financial system stability.

Muda Yusuf, director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry – an organisation with a large number of manufacturers as members – described the high exchange rate and scarcity of dollars in Nigeria as worrisome, saying it had killed many businesses, especially those that engaged in manufacturing.

“Many of them have closed shops and those who have yet to do so are operating far below their capacity,” Yusuf said. “Most companies in Nigeria depend on raw materials imported from abroad, but lack of foreign exchange has crippled them. A few that are operating have scaled down their activities, thereby affecting the level of their profitability and sustainability.”

Yusuf decried the fact that many manufacturers had also downsized, with many business owners finding it difficult to remain in operation.

“The scarcity of dollars has also led to a high cost of production, which invariably jacked up the prices of goods,” Yusuf added.

“This has also affected other local businesses that depended on manufacturers for survival.”

Mike Dada, managing director of PRM Africa, a Nigerianowned SME, lamented that the high naira-dollar exchange rate is scary and dangerous for businesses, and urged the CBN to do something about the country’s fiscal policies.

“This is a dangerous situation and I think we need to get our fiscal policies right,” Dada said. “The high naira-dollar exchange rate is really affecting business and the government should think outside the box and be innovative.”

President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria Dr Femi Egbesola said the situation had already started killing SMEs because of the increasingly hostile business environment. The Nigerian government had earlier placed an import restriction on some foreign goods to force traders to opt for locally manufactured products and help stabilize the naira.

Ogbulafor Obu, a trader in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, said the import restriction and exchange rate had prevented importers from doing business. A Lagos-based distributor of exotic confectioneries, Benedict Okere, complained that the situation had adversely affected his business.

Also, the hike in the price of food in the country has been attributed to the depreciation of the naira.

A survey by Sunday Mirror of some major markets in the country showed that prices of almost all food items skyrocketed a few weeks after last Christmas. The survey showed that the price of a 50kg of rice and a big bag of beans – which sold for N10,500 and N13,000 over the Christmas period – now sell for N12,000 and N17, 000 respectively.

For instance, Blessing Omorodion, a trader at the New Benin market in Benin, Edo State, said a carton of fish now sells for N12, 000 rather than N10, 000 and that a four-litre gallon of vegetable oil was N1, 200 butnow goes for N1, 500. She said a bag of salt that was N1, 500 over Christmas now sells for N2, 000.

The trader said the hike in food prices has crippled businesses as she and her colleagues no longer enjoy high patronage.

“The economic situation in Nigeria is worsening. Companies are sacking and salary earners are already groaning over the depreciation of the naira,” Blessing lamented.

This development has also increased calls from various quarters for the devaluation of the naira, but economist Olujimi Boyo and wealth creation agent Olumide Emmanuel disagree. They say

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, February 28, 2016

The Big Read

5

‘Agric revolution will revamp Nigeria’s economy’ Mr. Mudiaga Emmanuel Ibini is a public and policy affairs analyst. He sheds more light on the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian economy in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN. How can Nigeria revamp its ecinomy?

While some economic watchers are of the view that diversifying the economy is a major panacea to jumpstarting the economy, but other thought otherwise. Oil declining price It is noteworthy that crude oil is not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed, all aspects of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major source of revenue. The annual budget, which defines the direction that the country charts, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.

Crude oil accounts for about 95 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts. The reality of possible crippling budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face as the priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.

Diversifying the economy may just be the antidote needed to revamp the economy.

Nigerian economy is addicted to the oil sector and revenue from the industry. The Federal Government was dependent on the oil sector for most of its revenue, but that the economy was dominated by non-oil activities. He said, “Oil is just about N10 trillion, while non-oil is about N70 trillion out of the N80tn GDP. So, it is not a question of the non-oil sector becoming a driver, because it is already the driver of economic activities. It accounts for the bulk of production, employment and private spending. But the puzzle is why the government will be getting more revenue from N10 trillion (oil sector) than it is getting from N70 trillion (non-oil sector).

“Government generates about N3 trillion out of the N70 trillion non-oil activity and generates about N7 trillion out of the N10 trillion oil activity. So, they get the revenue from where it is cheap and easy to get. Because of the easy money from oil, the government has neglected useful trends for revenue collection from the non-oil sector. Prior to independence, all the government revenue came from the non-oil sector. But since the oil price shot up in the 1970s, government revenue has become dependent on oil income. So, the decline in oil price is a wakeup call to get revenue from non-oil sources. Also, government needs to transform its revenue. The government is already in a buoyant non-oil economy that it does not taxed.

The Federal Government should just wake up and tax the non-oil sector. The global oil glut and slump in oil prices has strained Nigeria’s oil dependent economy.

The government should look into different ways to diversify.

With the global food prices on the rise and Nigeria being a net importer of food, the country will be better served by reviving its agriculture sector, which was also Nigeria’s chief export earner before the discovery of oil.

The expansion of the country’s agricultural sector is capable of revamping the nation’s economy.

The Agricultural Industry has a lot of potential to increase the country’s earnings and provide jobs for the citizenry.

With the current low prices in oil, agriculture is inevitably the way forward for development.

Electricity access and machinery needed to improve efficiency, still remains unattainable for many farmers in Nigeria. But with just a little goodwill from the government, many here believe their production can sustain the West African region.

Agriculture used to be the mainstay of the nation’s economy in the early years of the nation’s independence and the country was economically stable before it was relegated to the background when oil was discovered with its increasing

Electricity access and machinery needed to improve efficiency, still remains unattainable for many farmers in

Nigeria. But with

just a little goodwill from the government, many here believe their production can Ogini

revenue.

However, events following the unpopular neglect have shown that it was misplaced because oil can not sustain the economy for long. In fact, from the global perspective, agriculture remains the best option through which the government of a nation can push for early economic recovery.

The future of Nigeria lies in agriculture when viewed against the myriad socio-economic challenges facing the nation. Agriculture is an industry that has a large pool of people with abundance of basic skills. Also, it is probably the biggest employer of labor that can adequately take care of the unemployment problem facing the nation.

In addition, agriculture satisfies more than 70 per cent of the nation’s food programme, offers employment to most of the rural and semi-urban population, serves as market for products from industries and in turn, provides raw materials for that sector. The other problem is that of funding. Because of the fact that agriculture is strategic to our national survival, no degree of official support by way of funding can be considered excessive. In fact, the problem has been that of inadequate funding and government investment.

In industrialized countries, agriculture receives tremendous backing from government but it is unfortunate that in Nigeria, funding is the major hurdle faced by farmers.

Funding does not mean giving money to applicants. A more viable way is through availability of inputs such as seedlings, fertilizer and extension services among others. This, in my view, is the most effective means to sustain agricultural productivity and economic expansion.

The next important area is storage and preservation. The government should think along this line because most of our products are seasonal. Lack of storage is a great impediment to the availability of food items throughout the year. With all these in place, the future of the country will be assured.

How can President Muhammadu Buhari turn around the economy of Nigeria?

In turning the economy around, Buhari needs a long time plan. Restriction on foreign exchange alone is not enough. There are some certain areas he can concentrate on which are as follows; The first sector I would like to talk about is power. This is a sector that is long overdue. I hope the new minister can break the jinx that has been in existence in that sector. Though it is going to be a long time project before it can be accomplished. A lot of manufacturing companies have folded up because of the cost running on diesel. SMEs cannot thrive either because a large chunk of their supposed profit has gone into generating electric-

West African region.

sustain the

ity themselves. We need honest and genuine drive to revive that sector because it will go a long way to improve our economy.

Next in line is on export. Nigeria as we know today is an import dependent economy. Our balance of trade is not in any way balanced, the amount of dollars we spend is way more than we earn.

Our over dependence on oil export is really affecting us with the global price of crude oil dropping and our foreign reserve also been depleted, the need to focus on export cannot be overemphasized.

We have the agricultural sector, mining/solid minerals. We need to really develop these sectors so that we can earn more FX. I have also noticed that why we don’t earn much even with what we do with these sectors is because we do not add value.

Value adding is another area we must look into when it comes to export.

It will help us earn more. What I mean is that for instance, rather than just plucking off cashew seeds and selling at the raw stage and then they bring it back to us as finished goods and sell at a higher rate, we can also process them, sell to ourselves and also export to some other countries and earn more FX. Government should do more in this area of value adding, get equipment that can process some of these minerals to get more from them before exporting, by doing this, we would earn more when we export.

Nigeria is richly blessed with so many natural resources and agricultural produce. Diversification of the nation’s monocultural economy is a way to arrest the depreciation of the Naira against other major currencies. Apart from diversification of the economy, fiscal discipline and proper economic planning are essential in strengthening the value of the Naira. As the government of the day has promised, it will be to our advantage if they can keep to their promise.

What can the government do to revamp the naira?

What the government can do to revamp the naira still boils down to ensuring that local production of goods and service is encouraged. Nigeria depends too much on imported goods; we import everything that is not good for our naira and our economy. The CBN tried out a policy by taking out some products and services not valid for forex in the Nigerian forex market, but what they failed to address is the other leg of it which is putting the basic infrastructures in place to encourage local production, until this is done the stability and strength of the naira against the dollar will still be in doubt.

‘Falling naira portends deepening poverty’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

that although it appears that devaluation of the naira is the ideal solution to the problem, they warned the federal government from taking such a step, saying it would not augur well for the country’s economy.

Economist, industrialist and manufacturer, Henry Boyo, says that depreciating Naira portends woe and deepening poverty for Nigeria.

“It is clear that depreciating naira portends woe and deepening poverty for our country, particularly with regard to industrial survival, employment, inflation and national debt,” says Boyo.

Stating further, Boyo emphasises that the fundamental nucleus of his advocacy has been the paradox of a depreciating Naira even

when there is increasing expansion of dollar supply.

“An example of such paradox is the relative stability of the Naira at N80=$1 between 1994–98, when our paltry $4bn dollar reserves provided imports cover for just four months in an international ambience with our nation’s pariah status engendered by self-serving military dictatorship; the relative strength and stability of the Naira in those years sharply contrasts with the weaker rate of about N120–N130 =$1 in 1996–98, when our $60b reserves provided imports cover for over 30 months,” Boyo said.

“This is not to say that Naira value would improve with lesser reserves, as indeed, became apparent when oil prices tumbled and our dollar reserves depleted in 1998. So, you will observe from the

above that under the current monetary framework, there is no refuge for the Naira, as it would depreciate in the face of ‘surplus’ dollars, while reduced Dollar income would similarly batter the value of the Naira; a case of heads we lose, tails we also lose!”

According to Boyo, a continually weakening Naira would wipe out the middle class and lead to job losses as recorded during the IMF imposed Structural Adjustment Programmes(SAP) “In spite of the above predicament, Nigerians are well aware of the impact of a continually weakening Naira; indeed, the Nigerian middleclass was virtually wiped out by the impact of Naira’s dwarfed value during Babangida’s IMF imposed Structural Adjustment years,” Boyo said.

NEWS

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Sunday, February 28 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Economic restructuring needed to end joblessness, says Tinubu …as he bags honorary degree alongside Kutigi, Ekwueme, others

Regina Otokpa ABUJA

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ormer governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday said the state of the nation was “difficult but encouraging” and required fundamental restructuring of the economy to end widespread joblessness.

Speaking during the15th -20th joint convocation of the University of Abuja, he stressed that the campaigning for the restructuring of the country should not be the constant “tinkering and patch-patch” for which the country has been known in the past.

Tinubu was conferred with honorary Doctor of Business Administration by the institution alongside former Vice-President in the Second Republic, Dr. Alex Ekwueme with honorary Doctor of Science and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Alhaji Idris Kutigi, who was conferred with honorary LLD. Also conferred with honorary degree was another former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Maryam Mukhtar, with Doctor of Letters, while Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, bagged a PhD in Law. According to Tinubu, the APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari “has the chance and the mission to better our society and forge a new model for our political economy”.

He added: “We have demonstrated the courage and determination to change a non-performing government through a democratic election. This electoral success has brought new challenges.

These challenges are numerous and we must brace and confront them.

“We dare not rest on the satisfaction of electoral victory alone. We must continue our strive toward democratic governance that can usher in a progressive era of broad prosperity, development, democracy and human dignity for our people. This is our preoccupation, our desire.

“If you ask me to describe the state of the nation, I would say it is a difficult but encouraging one, we are emerging from a period of great moral uncertainty where vice and virtue were too often indistinguishable and too often confused, one for the other.”

Tinubu expressed optimism that despite the 16 years of hopelessness foisted on the country by the previous regimes, there was still

hope for Nigeria, adding that the best way to rid the country of the mess was by restructuring both politically and economically.

“Even though the nation before stood half in the light of progress and half in the darkness of injustice, there is much hope because we now have a government committed to a new era of discipline and prosperity. The journey we have embarked upon will not be easy. It requires us all to make sacrifices and persevere until we achieve.

“Nigeria needs some fundamental restructuring both politically and economically.

Not the constant tinkering and patch-patch we often resort to. We must therefore begin with fundamentally restructuring the economy if we are to rid ourselves of joblessness “Nigeria stands in the corridor between greatness and failure, progress and collapse, hope and despair. Our fate depends on whether we summon the courage to take the bold steps and move in the direction. We must turn our present challenges into opportunities for the re-engineering of our nation’s economic challenges. The university and our educational system have a role to play here”, Tinubu stated.

Emphasising on the need for the country to return to the agricultural revolution to check rising costs and too little income accruing to farmers, he disclosed that, “Agriculture remains a key pillar in our development. We must return to the days when Nigeria had surplus and exported food.

“Now we import too much food for our own good and security. Our small farmers sink under the reality of rising costs and too little income from the crops they raise. Moreover, we annually lose arable land to desert encroachment.

“I believe the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has set its priorities right in this regard. Our farmers will once be proud again. We believe farmers need to earn a sufficient enough income that will bring prosperity back to their families. They must be encouraged and supported.

“As a progressive government, we have as one of our top priorities, the lifting of 20 per cent of Nigerians out of poverty within the first four years of our administration.

To happen, the state must be a catalyst for job creation and economic development that touches all the people not just

a narrow growth that benefits a small number. We shall do this by implementing a national industrial policy linked to a national infrastructural plan and a national employment strategy.”

President Buhari, represented by the Director, Tertiary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Abdullahi Hindatu, expressed concern about the poor academic staff in Ni-

gerian universities, saying they should be encouraged to obtain Ph.D before venturing into academics.

According to him, the country could boast of adequate facilities including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Needs Assessment Presidential Revitalisation Fund to make them more relevant in the society.

The President said the prevailing economic realities in

the country should also make the academics to develop cost effective solutions for the private and public sectors to move the country out of its predicaments.

The institution graduated over 25,000 students in various disciplines, spanning social sciences, arts, engineering education, among others.

With only eight First-Class degree holders within the six years period covering the

convocation, 2,324 persons bagged Second-Class Upper Division, 11,180 got SecondClass Lower Division while 6,647 bagged Third-Class and 836 students came out with Pass degrees.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Adikwu, advised the graduates not to waste time and resources looking for white-collar jobs as the harsh economy had eroded such prospects.

L-R: District 9110 Secretary, Rotarian Femi Adenekan, with Sir Mobolaji Johnson’s Overseas Associate, Rotarian Jan Hetherington, her husband, George, District 9110 Chief of Staff to the District Governor, Rotarian Otunba Segun Ogunye, and the District Governor, Rotarian Sir Bola Onabadejo when District 9110 Governor and his delegation paid a condolence visit to Sir Mobolaji Johnson family on the death of his wife, Dame Adefunmilayo Johnson at his Ilupeju, Lagos residence recently.

Conclude probe into death of Nigerian pilgrims, Buhari tells Saudis …heads for Qatar Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Saudi Arabian government to conclude investigation into the stampede at Muna last year in which about 274 Nigerians lost their lives.

He has also requested the Saudi authorities to look into the case of compensation for six Nigerians killed in the crane incident in the precincts of the Kaaba and 35 others from the stampede whose DNA profile is feared to be missing. In a statement issued yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public-

ity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari equally charged the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to seek a reduction of fees associated with the Umrah Visa. There were among the 17 issues tendered at a meeting between officials of Nigeria and the Saudi governments.

Nigeria appreciated the increase offered for Umrah pilgrimage but asked that the 76,000 seats maintained for the Hajj be similarly increased The request presented by Buhari followed the completion of talks with rulers of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom, Buhari has directed the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON to sit down with the Saudis to negotiate improved terms and conditions for our pilgrims performing the Umrah and the annual Hajj.

The meeting between officials of both countries was led by Nigeria’s Minister of State, Mrs Fatima Abba Ibrahim and the the Chairman of NAHCON, Abdullahi Muhammed on the Nigerian side while the Saudi side was led by their minister of Hajj Affairs, Dr Bandar bin Muhammad al-Hajjar.

Meanwhile, President Buhari and members of the delegation have since left Saudi Arabia for Qatar to attend the meeting of Organisation of

Eko Disco explains constant of outage

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he management of EKo Electricity Distribution Plc., EKEDP, yesterday said the power supply instability within its network was due to inadequate bulk electricity load allocated to the company from the national grid.

This is contained in a statement issued by the

Head of Corporate Communications of the company, Mr. Godwin Idemudia, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

He disclosed that the company had repeatedly given reasons for the current power rationing and intermittent outage be-

ing experienced in areas under its coverage in the past few weeks.

Idemudia said that the outages emanated from a drop in the national generation level as a result of incessant acts of vandalism on gas pipelines and transmission towers.

“The situation was not

Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, before returning to Nigeria on Monday.

NAN reports that the President departed for Doha, the Qatari capital from Jeddah International Airport at about 3 pm local time.

Before his departure, Buhari was received at the King Abdulaziz International Airport by a high delegation of Saudi officials led by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Mishaal Bin Majed Bin Abdulaziz. Others at the airport to bid farewell to the president included the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari, Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiola and the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh.

limited to Eko Electricity Distribution Company coverage areas alone since the problem has to do with low generation level.

“The situation has led to acute power rationing in all areas within the company’s operational territory,’’ he added.

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NEWS

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Insurgency: Military launches motorbike battalion Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

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he Nigeria Army has established a motorbike battalion to give teeth to its counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

The Army also released another list of 100 suspected members of the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, wanted for various acts of terrorism in the country, even as one of the major road leading to Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road closed to traffic for over

two years was flung open.

The Army had late last year published the first set of 100 suspected members of Boko Haram in the wanted list.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who launched the Motorbike Battalion of the Army at the 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa, Borno State yesterday said the decision for the introduction of the combat motorbike was to ensure that “our roads are safe”.

He said the combat motorbike would ensure

…reopens Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road a force multiplier effect and give the military an edge in the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North-East.

He said with the introduction of the combat motorbike “our troops will be able to pursue the Boko Haram anywhere”.

He added that the reach of the motorbike would be very important and ensure that ‘we can improve on our successes’.

On the reopened road,

Buratai said: “The road from Maiduguri through Damboa to Biu is now opened for motorists.”

He added that: “The safety on this road is in care of the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade. I do not want to hear any attack on this road, motorists plying this road must be safe.”

The COAS appealed to the public to come out with information that would assist in the arrest of terrorists, adding that many ter-

rorists in the first list of 100 wanted were identified and arrested.

He said the new list of 100 suspected terrorists was for the members of the public to identify and report their whereabouts so that they could be brought to justice.

His words: “The 100 Boko Haram members declared wanted have their faces on the posters.

The members of the public should look at the post-

ers very well and report appropriately.”

On the reopened Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, the Secretary of Borno State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Adamu Musa, expressed appreciation to the COAS for making it a reality.

He however called for between 20 and 30 checkpoints on the road in order to check against the threat of the terror sect.

UK exit from EU would be global economy ‘shock’ -G20 leaders

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inance ministers from the world’s leading economies have warned of a “shock” to the global economy if the UK leaves the EU.

The ministers gave their opinion in a statement released at the end of a two-day meeting of G20 nations in China.

Chancellor George Osborne, who is at the event, told the BBC the referendum issue was “deadly serious”.

But UKIP’s Nigel Farage said the G20 announcement was “no surprise” as it was “mates helping each other out”.

“I’m not surprised that big government gets together to support David Cameron,” he added.

“This is big banks, big business, big government all scratching each other’s backs. I don’t think that impresses voters.”

Officials travelling with Mr Osborne say the mention of the UK’s referendum in the G20 meeting’s final communiqué is unusual. Mr Osborne has denied he pushed for it.

The chancellor told the BBC: “The financial leaders of the world’s biggest countries have given their unanimous verdict and they say that a British exit from the EU would be a shock to the world economy.

“And if it’s a shock to the world economy imagine what it would do to Britain.”

He added: “This isn’t some adventurous journey into the unknown, with all the humour attached to it, this is deadly serious.”

Elsewhere, Prime Minister David Cameron in Northern Ireland as part of his UK tour to persuade voters that membership of a reformed EU is in their best interests.

Asked if he or his officials had asked for the warning to be included in the statement, the chancellor said: “We’ve got countries around the table like the United States of America, like the IMF, like the Chinese who frankly don’t do what anyone tells them to do.”

A senior official from the Treasury told the BBC the chancellor’s US counterpart had raised the issue during the meeting, as did others, including senior Chinese officials and Ms Lagarde.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew later urged UK voters to “consider the impact” of voting to leave, and said the White House believed it was in the UK’s “national security interests” to remain in the union.

CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn described the potential consequences of the UK leaving the EU as an “evident risk”.

“Those who wish to leave must put forward a clear economic case, explaining how being outside the EU will enhance jobs, growth and prosperity in the UK and across Europe.

“The majority - but not all - of CBI members want the UK to remain in a reformed EU,” she added.

Meanwhile, London Mayor Boris Johnson has clarified his position over the idea that a vote to leave the EU could force Brussels to give Britain a better deal over its membership and trigger a second referendum.

Mr. Johnson had previously suggested that only by voting to leave would the UK “get the change we need”.

But in The Times, Mr Johnson stated categorically: “Out is out”.

The UK will vote on whether to leave or remain in the EU on 23 June.

First Batch of 2016 candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), sitting for the Computer Based Test In Bwari Area Council In Abuja yesterday.

Tight security as UTME begins in Edo

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he 2016 University and Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) began yesterday across 19 centres in Edo, including Benin, the capital, amid tight security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited some of the centres in Benin, reports that men of the Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

were present at the centres visited.

NAN reports that the Police and the NSCDC jointly deployed a total of 167 officers to various centres across the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Abiodun Osifo and the NSCDC Spokesman, Mr. Efosa Ogbebor, who both spoke to NAN, said that they

provided 101 and 68 personnel respectively to ensure peaceful conduct of the examination.

They said that the personnel would be on ground throughout the six days the examination would last.

They said that unlike the hitches that followed the conduct of the Computer Based Test (CBT) UTME in 2015 that of 2016 would be devoid

of such hitches this year.

It would be recalled that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) began full CBT in 2015 following the success recorded in the pilot phase 2014.

The 2016 CBT would take place in all accredited centres across the federation and seven centres outside the country.

My alma mater, FGC Warri shaped my life –Ambode

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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday said his achievements in life can easily be attributed to the lessons he learned and gained at the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State.

The governor who spoke at the Golden Jubilee grand reunion of FGC, Warri, his alma mater, said all the knowledge and discipline impacted on him during his secondary school days in the College contributed largely to who

he is today, just as he urged his old school mates to come together and ensure the vision of the school is kept alive.

The governor who went down memory lane to recall some of his good old days said, “Indeed, my becoming a governor can be attributed to what I gained and learnt from this school.

We must come together, all of us to ensure that the vision of the establishment of the school must not die.

“So it is a great honour

to all of us to return here after decades and celebrate this 50th anniversary. We are benefiting from the vision planted years ago.”

“I want to assure the Principal that we are going to bring back the good old days of this school. I wish all the students well and pray that you all be better and more successful than all of us here today.

“I like to say a big welcome to seniors and juniors.

One great thing about this school is that no matter what

you become in life your senior remains your senior.”

Ambode also used the occasion to restate the commitment of his administration to revamp the educational system in Lagos, saying that it will go a long way to shape the future of the next generation.

He said his government would stop at nothing to ensure that students are exposed to quality education, which according to him would go a long way to determine how far they go in life.

8

News

February 28, 2016

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Labour opposes economic conference, supports Buhari on naira SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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he Organised Labour Movement is unanimously opposed to another money-gulping and dusts-gathering fresh national economic conference or summit or debate, purportedly aimed at finding the key to unlock the economy or fallen naira.

The position of the la-

bour movement was made known in a press release on the state of the national economy, released to the media by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN).

The statement was signed by the General Secretary of NUTGTWN, who holds also the offices of the Chairman of IndustriALL, SubSaharan Africa and General

Secretary of Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI), Comrade Issa Aremu, and who particularly expressed labour ’s support for President Muhammadu Buhari ’s refusal to devalue the Nigerian currency, naira, against all odds.

According to the media statement, labour appreciates Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka ’s advice to Federal Government

last week to immediately convene an emergency economic conference to brainstorm on the way out of present economic slide but would rather President Buhari implements similar past conferences ’ reports and policies that have been left to gather dust.

Aremu began, “According to Soyinka, who agreed that the economy is so bad, the conference became nec-

essary to enable experts diagnose the problems currently facing the country and make necessary recommendations for government to get the economy out of the woods.

“In as much as Soyinka ’s advice deserves to be reconsidered, Nigeria does not need to convene another conference, summit or debate, which report and recommendations will be consigned to gather dusts soon after. Nigeria is not a conference or debating society. ” Aremu declared further, “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic (as amended) envisages Nigeria as a functional pro-

ductive economy. Chapter Two of the Constitution, the Fundamental Objective Principles, highlights the basic needs that the government ought to provide.

It states that “The primary purpose of government shall be welfare of the people. ” Listing some past conference reports that were not implemented, Aremu said, “Some of the reports and recommendations that are presently gathering dusts include: the Abacha National Conference of 1995; Vision 2010; Vision 20 20:20; NEEDS; the 2013 National Industrialization Plan, each with different recommendations on the economy. ”

Labour opposes economic conference, supports Buhari on naira SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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L-R: Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Minister of State, Mr. Mustapha Baba-shehuri ; African Representative on the Youth Advisory Board Of United Nations Habitat, Margaret Koli and Executive Officer, Team HR Services Ltd., Rose Koffas, at the close of Habitat 3 Africa Regional Conference in Abuja at the weekend.

I have no magic wand to effect change alone, says President PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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resident Muhammadu Buhari said the much desired change from the path of corruption in high and low places requires the total commitment of all Nigerians as he does not have the magic wand to tackle it alone.

He also expressed optimism that Nigerian youths can make the nation greater and better than it is currently.

In his address at 25th Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger

State, Buhari noted that the people have to believe in, work for in order to actualise it.

Speaking through the Director of Science and Technology, Federal Ministry of Education, Sandy Gandy Chega, the President noted: “Our administration came to power on the promise of change, changing our society from the path of corruption in high and low places is a task we all must be committed to. It is not a magic wand that a single leader alone can use. ” Expressing belief in the Nigerian youth, he stated:

“Today may be rough and tough, but tomorrow will be better. I have hope because I see in you inventors, problem solvers and leaders that will one day make Nigeria greater than my government will make it. ” The President also reiterated the commitment of his administration to enter a win-win synergy between it, the universities and industries on the other hand in agriculture and solid minerals in order to revamp the economy, while calling on the private sector to join in strengthening research

and development in the area.

He then commanded FUT Minna for the pioneering role it played in setting of a full-fledged school of entrepreneurship studies among Nigerian public universities, while urging it to continue to ensure that the training is more practical than theoretical.

“I salute the vision of my predecessors for establishing and sustaining these specialised universities in Nigeria. Our administration recognises the importance of science and technology in national development. ”

he Organised Labour Movement is unanimously opposed to another money-gulping and dusts-gathering fresh national economic conference or summit or debate, purportedly aimed at finding the key to unlock the economy or fallen naira.

The position of the labour movement was made known in a press release on the state of the national economy, released to the media by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN).

The statement was signed by the General Secretary of NUTGTWN, who holds also the offices of the Chairman of IndustriALL, Sub-Saharan Africa and General Secretary of Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI), Comrade Issa Aremu, and who particularly expressed labour ’s support for President Muhammadu Buhari ’s refusal to devalue the Nigerian currency, nai-

ra, against all odds.

According to the media statement, labour appreciates Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka ’s advice to Federal Government last week to immediately convene an emergency economic conference to brainstorm on the way out of present economic slide but would rather President Buhari implements similar past conferences ’ reports and policies that have been left to gather dust.

Aremu began, “According to Soyinka, who agreed that the economy is so bad, the conference became necessary to enable experts diagnose the problems currently facing the country and make necessary recommendations for government to get the economy out of the woods.

“In as much as Soyinka ’s advice deserves to be reconsidered, Nigeria does not need to convene another conference, summit or debate, which report and recommendations will be consigned to gather dusts soon after. Nigeria is not a conference or debating society. ”

Respect internal democracy principle in appointing leaders, parties told

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olitical parties in Nigeria have been told to respect the principles of internal democracy in the appointment of their executives.

National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples ’ Alliance, Chief Peter Amah, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

Amah argued that it was necessary for parties

to uphold the principle of internal democracy, saying that any party that violated its constitution in appointing its leaders was doomed for failure.

He said it was important for party leaders to understand that parties should be governed by laws.

“The wisdom to select an executive member of a political party lies with its members.

``Only persons that are capable of mobilising people from far and near and bring resources for the growth of the party should make up the party ’s leadership.

Also speaking on the issue, the National Secretary of the People ’s Party of Nigeria, Mr Eyiowuawi Razak, said that selection of party officials ought to follow democratic tenets to deepen good gover-

nance in the country.

“Candidates for party leadership must be educated and versatile in a lot of governance issues.

“He or she must have human feelings to succeed.

“Above all, Nigeria must come first in whatever he or she wants to do, ” Razak said.

In his contribution, Mr Toyin Raheem, the Secretary General of the Campaign for Constitutional-

ism and Human Rights, told NAN that many party officials in Nigeria lacked leadership.

“An acceptable leader at the party level should be a person with the charisma to leader and carry everyone along in the affairs of the party.

“The person ’s integrity must not be in doubt and his or her personality should attract public accolade and not condemna-

tion.

“Psychologically, the leader should be able to absorb insult, especially those ones that are distractions to the progress of the party, ” Raheem said He attributed this to the prevailing economic crisis facing the country, adding that the nation ’s economic growth was crucial to resolving the issue of exchange rates and inflation.

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We did not borrow to pay salaries –A ’Ibom Commissioner for Finance P 37

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Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

February 28, 2016

NEVER HAD I HEARD THE WORDS, ‘BUDGET PADDING ’. OUR JOB WITH HIS TEAM.

THE MINISTER BECAME ALMOST HALF HIS SIZE DURING THE TIME, WORKING NIGHT AND DAY TO GET THE BUDGET READY, ONLY FOR SOME PEOPLE TO PAD IT

Ondo 2016

Borofce, Akeredolu emerge frontrunners in APC

FRANCIS SUBERU

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he race to the Alagbaka seat of power in Akure, the Ondo State capital has begun in earnest, prompting serious internal politicking within different political parties in the state. Considering the abysmal performance of the incumbent governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whoever emerges as the People ’s Democratic Party, PDP, flag bearer may not pose serious threat to the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag bearer. Hence, the race to grab APC ticket would probably be keener than the actual election.

National Assembly wades in to resolve crisis P 38

MINISTER OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING DID A GREAT

–PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Boroffice

Kogi House of Commotion:

Akeredolu

For equity and fairness, there appears to be a sort of an unwritten agreement in the state that power rotates among its three senatorial districts; that is, the Central Senatorial District comprising seven Local Governments that include, Akure North, Akure South, Ondo West, Ondo East, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Idanre and Ifedore Local Governments. The Ondo North Senatorial District with six Local Governments including Akoko NorthWest, Akoko North-East, Akoko SouthWest, Akoko South-East, Owo and Ose Local Governments and finally the Ondo South Senatorial District comprising five Local Governments, including Irele, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Odigbo and Ese-Odo Local

Governments.

Base on this arrangement, it is assumed that the next governor of Ondo Sate should come from Ondo North Senatorial District. As such, no less than five out of the seven aspirants who have shown interest in vying for APC ticket are from the district.

They are Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, a brilliant, blunt and highly focused lawyer from Owo Local Government. He was the one who flew the party ’s flag against the incumbent governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko in 2012. Although he lost the election, analysts believe that CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Briefly

Lagos council boss reiterates commitments to development

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hairman Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area, LCDA Mr Kazeem Afolabi, has reiterated his commitment to community development despite the dwindling economic situation in the country.

The chairman made this assertion during the 2016 budget retreat organised by the council recently in response to the directive by the Lagos State House of Assembly that all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the state prepare their budget for the year 2016.

Afolabi in his remark maintained that a good percentage of the budget would be earmarked for community development to serve as dividends of democracy, adding that the dwindling economy would not be an excuse to serving the people.

The administrative head, Mr. Yusuf Kehinde, in his welcome address said the retreat is an annual event in any administration as no meaningful spending can be done without budgeting.

The event he said began with stakeholders meeting with the aim of appropriating funds to all projects and programmes for 2016 fiscal year.

The council ’s head of budget planning and statistics, Mr Ojikutu Sikiru Adewale described the model for the 2016 budget as a “scientific approach of medium term expenditure framework ”, as against the model in previous years when vision 20:20 was still in force.

In his presentation, Mr Femi Lamina, a consultant from the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, charged government agencies and parastatals to ensure aggressive revenue drive to generate income to finance projects and programmes.

He explained further that every department would have to prove itself worthy of their budgetary allocation as the budget in the year ahead would be predicated on budget performance in the previous year.

Ambode

10

Politics

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

February 28, 2016

Ondo 2016: Borofce, Akeredolu emerge frontrunners in APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 should he and Olusola Oke, who equally gave Mimiko a run for his money, had agreed to stick together, Mimiko by now would have been a forgone issue; since the two of them put together had more votes than Dr. Mimiko who was declared winner of that election.

Another aspirant from Ondo North Senatorial District is Professor Ajayi Boroffice. The professor of Zoology is a serving Senator and one who not only has the grasps of his immediate constituency but he is currently serving in the senate for a second term. Perhaps his greatest strength is the claim that he has been anointed by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one of the APC national leaders and the South-West political colossus.

However, the Oka-Akoko born former Director General of National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, should be wary of Tinubu ’s support since Ondo people generally detest being controlled or ruled from outside their own. They will never succumb to the idea that a foreigner has come to impose his stooge on them. Other aspirants from the northern district include Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a renowned rights activist from Oke-Agbe Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government; Dr. Segun Abraham from Ikare Akoko in Akoko North-East and Bode Ayorinde from Owo Local Government.

There are two other aspirants, one from Ondo South Senatorial District, Chief Olusola Oke, a renowned grassroots politician and a hitherto PDP stalwart in the state who recently defected to APC. He is from Ilowo town in Ilaje Local Government Area. Lastly, we have Chief Tayo Alasoadura; also a serving senator from Iju-Itaogbolu in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

Weighty factors and calculations Politics worldwide is a game of numbers and for anyone to emerge the flag bearer of a given political party, he/she must have been voted for by his party men as whom they are ready to work with. Hence, one must have the needed political structure and loyalty that can take him through. In the case of Ondo APC, the aspirants will be battling for delegates ’ votes from 180 wards across the state. There are 18 Local Governments in Ondo State with each having 10 wards.

The APC arrangement is to have 12 delegates per ward. Hence, there are 2,160 delegates to elect the party ’s flag bearer.

While some politicians believe that winning votes from delegates is a matter of bargaining and marketing, saying delegates ’ votes are for the highest bidder; others believe that delegates ’ votes are won based on the loyalty they enjoy and their grasp on party structure. The school of thought that believes in buying delegates strives to purchase one delegate after the other until they have enough to win them the ticket. These two factors will come to play in Ondo election. Delegates with less integrity could be bought while others with their sense of responsibility and integrity intact will vote based on their loyalty to the party structure and

Aba ayom mi

Kek keme eke

WHILE SOME POLITICIANS BELIEVE THAT WINNING VOTES FROM DELEGATES IS A

MATTER OF BARGAINING AND MARKETING, SAYING DELEGATES ’ VOTES ARE FOR THE HIGHEST BIDDER; OTHERS BELIEVE THAT

DELEGATES ’ VOTES ARE WON BASED ON THE LOYALTY THEY ENJOY AND THEIR GRASP ON PARTY STRUCTURE leadership.

Rotimi Akeredolu has once won the party ’s ticket in 2012 and since then, he has continued to nurture and maintain the party structure across the state. He is not only keeping close contacts with the existing structures in all the local governments, his chamber handles all the election petitions and litigations of APC members in Ondo State free of charge. He was also the chairman of the committee that conducted APC ’s council and ward elections in February 2014 in the state. As such, he is seen to command the loyalty of the party leadership and structure.

Olusola Oke on his part is a popular politician in Ondo State. He has the grasp of the state ’s politics but he would not make much impact in the APC governorship primary. In fact, in spite of the noise, he has a very slim prospect among the other aspirants. The chief reason being that he recently defected from PDP to APC. Even though he came to APC, leading many defectors from PDP, he has no control of the already in place structure in any of the Local Governments in the state. He would have done better as an aspirant in PDP. He will not be relying on loyalty but marketing; just as his chance is limited to the number of delegates he is able to buy during the primary.

Senator Robert Boroffice has intimidating credentials, both in the academic, administrative and legislative domains.

As a serving senator for a second term, he has remained standing like a rock of Gibraltar, despite intimidation, especially during his first stint at the Senate, when he abandoned the LP, on which platform he went to the Senate, for the defunct ACN, due to irreconcilable differences between him and Mimiko. A lily-livered politician would have retraced his steps when he was confronted with efforts to remove him for changing political platform, but he refused to budge.

He also aspired to fly the ACN ’s flag in 2012, but stood down the party when Akeredolu was picked instead. And while other aspirants then left the party for the PDP and LP, he remained, campaigned and actually won his local government for the party.

Adegboyega inherited his father ’s political structure in Akoko South-West and he is one major Akeredolu loyalist. The probable situation in the local government is that delegates from Iwaro and Oke Oka will file behind Borroffice while Adegboyega will have delegates from Akungba and his environs in his pocket for Akeredolu. Aside from this local government, the professor of zoology would have to pay through his nose to have votes from delegates from other local governments in the state. Even with Tinubu ’s support, he is still very far from winning the ticket.

Tunji Aboyomi from Oke Agbe is a

Oke e

very bright rights activist but he lacks political structure that can take him beyond Oke-Agbe. He is not a born politician, though blunt and clear minded. Whatever delegates from his Akoko North-East give him is all he can bank on during the primary.

Dr. Segun Abraham is a water engineer and a business man from Ikare Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government. He was an aspirant during the then ACN gubernatorial primary in 2012 but he stepped down for Akeredolu. After the primary, he abandoned his structure only for him to return now when he no longer enjoys the needed loyalty. He may have to rely on what his money could do for him in the area of marketing during the primary.

Another aspirant in the calculation is Bode Ayorinde from Akeredolu ’s constituency. He used to be one of Akeredolu ’s loyalists and of a fact, he was the secretary to a group called Sunshine Coalition, one of the strategic groups that promoted Akeredolu ’s campaign during the 2012 gubernatorial election. He fell out with Akeredolu while contesting to represent Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. He is trying to team up with Isaac Kekemeke, the current APC chairman in Ondo State. Through Kekemeke ’s structure, Ayorinde plans to win votes from the delegates.

The calculation may not be totally out of place since Kekemeke enjoys the loyalty of 14 out of the 18 APC Council Chairmen in Ondo State. Through the councils leadership, Abraham hopes to win enough delegates to his side. However, party chairmen at the council level do not have sole control of delegates who come from different wards. Depending on interests and loyalty, delegates are more likely to follow their immediate leaders.

In all, analysts are of the view that APC gubernatorial ticket is a straight fight between Boroffice and Akeredolu. It is also a fight between political gladiators at the state, the region and the federal levels.

However, whoever emerges is almost sure to be the next governor of Ondo State.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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February 28, 2016

Man in the News Uche Secondus

More trouble for PDP bigwig AYO ESAN

I

t was another sad tale for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP top hierarchy when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last Wednesday arrested former acting National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus.

Those that had earlier been arrested within the top hierarchy of the main opposition party, the PDP include its former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Col Sambo Dasuki , former National Chairman, Haliru Bello and National Publicity Secretary , Chief Olisa Metuh among others.

Secondus, who is the deputy national chairman of the PDP was brought into the EFCC ’s office around 2pm last Wednesday for questioning.

He was the acting national chairman of the opposition party until penultimate week, when he handed over to the embattled new National Chairman, Alhaji Ali-Modu Sheriff.

Secondus arrest was said to have been an aftermath of a clue obtained from on-going investigation into the oil swap deals in the NNPC, with particular reference to some donations made by a major beneficiary of the oil deal to the party while he held forte as its acting national chairman.

He was accused of having received some exotic vehicles donated by Mr. Olajide Omokore, the alleged crony of the former minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, who is said to be presently battling an ailment in London.

As a result, the EFCC is probing the source of the funds used to purchase the vehicles, some of which were allegedly meant for the party ’s officials.

Omokore, whose company, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited, was rated as one of the highest beneficiaries of the former minister ’s contract approvals, has been in EFCC custody for over a week now.

However in its reaction to Seoncdus ’ arrest, the national working committee, NWC of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP condemned the arrest of Secondus by the EFCC. The party in a statement signed by its national legal adviser, Victor Kwom described the arrest as part of an orchestrated plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC - led federal government to clampdown on the main opposition party in the name of anti-corruption crusade.

Kwom further alleged that plan was in the offing by the Muhammadu Bu-

hari administration to arrest the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other leaders of the party on imaginary charges.

The statement reads in part: ” The party alerts the nation that the arrest and detention of its Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is part of the grand script by the APC-led Federal Government to decimate the opposition.

“We are also aware that plans have been perfected by the Federal Government to arrest and detain the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other leaders of

the party on imaginary charges.

“Indeed, intelligence available to the party shows that the Federal Government, using its various agencies, is bent on destroying any opposition to the ruling party as all indications show that the government is more interested in humiliating the PDP than fighting corruption.

Finally, we state that this war on the PDP and its leaders has indeed gone too far. It has now become a mockery of democratic practice. ” Also, Director, New Media of the PDP, Adeyanju Deji, reported Secondus ’s arrest through his Twitter handle saying that EFCC had asked Secondus to return some buses he received from a person he did not give his or her name.

He said: “Prince Uche Secondus, PDP

deputy national chairman has been arrested by Buhari ’s EFCC. Shameless & childish folks. “There is no war against corruption in this country. What we have is a war against the PDP & our members. “EFCC said Prince Uche Secondus received some buses from someone & must return it (sic) Can you imagine this rubbish. “Why don ’t you just arrest everyone in PDP? Do we look scared of you guys? ” Secondus joins the league of PDP stalwarts who have been arrested by the anti-graft agency. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, was granted bail by a court in Abuja recently after he had been in detention for about two weeks.

He was accused of receiving N400 million from a former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). Dasuki is currently standing trial over his roles in alleged diversion of $2.1billion meant for procurement of arms to fight the belligerent Boko Haram.

Dasuki has named prominent members of the PDP, including others who are sympathetic to the party in the alleged loot.

Prince Uche Secondus was born on March 22, 1955 in Andoni. He completed his elementary and secondary education in Rivers State. He further attended the London Chambers of Commerce Institute where he obtained a certificate in Commerce.

Secondus ’ desire to improve the lives of Riverians led to his entering politics during thSecond Republic in 1978. He served as Rivers State Youth Leader of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN) Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention, NRC (1993 – 1998) and a two-term Chairman of Rivers State PDP. While state party chair, he earned the sobriquet “Total Chairman ”, and headed an influential group in the National Executive Committee known as G.84.[1] In 2007, Secondus was the SouthSouth Coordinator for the PDP National Campaign Council that organized the campaigns for the party during that year ’s general elections. In 2008, at the People ’s Democratic Party Convention, he gained further promotion to National Organizing Secretary, holding office until 2012. Secondus is the pioneer Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Identity Management Commission NIMC. On September 1, 2013, he was elected Deputy National Chairman of the People ’s Democratic Party. He also briefly served as acting National Chairman of the party, following the resignation of Adamu Muazu in 2015.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES February 28, 2016

Controlling threat of blood cancer ODINAKA URUAKPA

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lood cancer or Leukemia is a malignancy of cellular component in the blood and bone marrow. It is mainly related to the blood cells such as White blood cells which include blood disorders in the blood cells and the symptoms are exposed in the immune system of the person which weakens the immune system of the person resulting in the skin problems such as rashes, skin disorders.

It has a treatment such as chemotherapy which aids in decreasing the abnormalities but it cannot cure it completely.

Blood is a part of the body and has different components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells, platelets are also called monocytes because it belongs to the myeloid group and other white blood cells belong to the lymphoid group. However, lymphoid cells are affected because the disease progresses quickly and it is most common among children.

It affects the production and function of the blood cells and starts in the bone marrow where the blood is produced.

Stem cells in the bone marrow mature and develop into the three types of blood cells. In most blood cancers, the normal blood cell development process is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. These abnormal blood cells, or cancerous cells, prevent the blood from performing many of its functions, like fighting off infections or preventing serious bleeding.

The three main types of blood cancers such as Leukemia which is a type of cancer found in the blood and bone marrow caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. The high numbers of abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection, and they impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluids from your body and produces immune cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in the lymph nodes and other tissues.

Over time, these cancerous cells impair your immune system. While myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, they are white blood cells that produce diseaseand infection-fighting antibodies in the body; also prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving the body ’s immune system weakened and susceptible to infection.

Blood cancer patient

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Blood cancer affects millions of people around the world and found out that blood cancer are found in the blood of people under the age of 40 as it becomes more common with age and appears in more than 10% of people over the age of 70.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, Dr Ola Areola, a medical practitioner with Divine Will Hospital Festac, Lagos explains more on blood cancer. It is an umbrella term for cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. It affects a large number of people. The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Leukemia cells have acquired mutations in their DNA that cause them to grow abnormally and lose functions of typical white blood cells. It is not clear what causes these mutations to occur.

Most cases of leukemia are not believed to be hereditary, but certain genetic mutations and conditions can be passed along to offspring that increase the

chances of developing leukemia. A condition known as Li-Fraumeni syndrome is characterized by an inherited mutation in a tumor suppressor gene known as TP53, and individuals with this condition have an increased risk of leukemia and other cancers. ” he explained, “Exposure to radiation is known to increase the risk of developing leukemia also exposure to benzene, used commonly in the chemical industry, increases the risk of leukemia. Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of developing the disease. Down syndrome and other medical conditions can increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Having risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely get leukemia, and most people with risk factors will not develop the disease. Likewise, not everyone who develops leukemia has an identifiable risk. ” medics revealed, “Signs and symptoms of leukemia includes, fevers, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes that are usually painless, Feelings of fatigue, tiredness, easy bleeding or bruising, causing bluish

or purplish patches on the skin or tiny red spots on the skin, or recurring nosebleeds, Frequent infections and weight loss that is otherwise unexplained, or loss of appetite.

On the treatment for leukemia, he said “it include chemotherapy radiation therapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. Combinations of these treatments may be used. Surgical removal of the spleen can be a part of treatment if the spleen is enlarged. Acute leukemia needs to be treated when it is diagnosed, with the goal of inducing a remission therapy may be given to prevent a relapse of the leukemia.

Chronic leukemia ’s are unlikely to be cured with treatment, but treatments are often able to control the cancer and manage symptoms. Some people with chronic leukemia may be candidates for stem cell transplantation, which does offer a chance for cure. A preventive treatment includes vaccines against the flu or pneumonia, blood or platelet transfusions, anti-nausea medications to treat or prevent infections ”.

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EDIFYING GOD

16

I am talking about building and developing the land especially Nigeria.

This cannot be done if we cannot build the moral of the people.

–Prof Kunle Macaulay

Sunday, February 28, 2016

The wisdom of the wise (1)

QUOTE

Avoid vengeance, says Oloruntimilehin 17

Building and developing the land for God 32

Existence of Angels: What Christians believe

14 & 15

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Cover

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t is commonly believed that God created a realm of personal beings other than mankind. One of such beings are the angels, who are regarded as a higher order of beings ranked between God and man; superior to man and inferior to God.

Angels are regarded as spirits beings who are messengers or servants of God. They are often shown dressed in white, with wings. There are many different depictions of angels in the world today.

People are fascinated by the idea of heavenly beings and it is not hard to find jewelry, art, or even garden decorations with tiny baby cherub or elegant beings with wings, as many perceive these creatures.

The fact that Angels is mentioned in several passages of scripture gives credence to the existence of these beings who one could claim were present at the time of creation of the world and everything therein, including man.

Since angels are regarded in Hebrews 1:14 as spirit beings that do not have physical bodies, it is assumed in many quarters that people become angels after death, and that angels also have the ability to become human. Angels are quite different from man, as man is different from the animals. Parts of scripture such as Matthew 8:29, describe angels as intelligent beings and emotional beings, as each angel is said to possess an individual personality and will.

Angels are generally regarded as messengers sent by God to deliver His Messages to people. They are said to take human form when need be, like in the case of the strange men who visited Abraham in the Old Testament, after being hosted by he (Abraham) and his family, they told Sarah to expect her own child same time, the next season. An angel also appeared to Abraham and told him not to kill Isaac (Genesis 22:11-12).

In Judges 13:13-14, Manoah and his wife were told by an angel of the son to be born to them. In Luke 1:8-19 Zacharias was told about his son by the Angel called Gabriel who also in Luke 1:26-38 gave Mary the angelic message of her being God’s choice to be the mother of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:18-24 Joseph had a message from an angel about Jesus, in Luke 2:8-12 Shepherds also had message brought to them by angels about Jesus.

Noteworthy is the case of the acclaimed favourite of God, Jacob (Genesis 32:24) chapter who wrestled a man perceived to be an angel at Peniel while he was returning to his people after living in Milan for several years with his in-law, Laban.

Angels are also regarded as guardians to humans. There is scriptural evidence that children, before and after they become believers, also have angels watching over them and these same angels communicate to God on their behalf. It is also believed people have specific angels assigned to them as their guardian angel.

There are supposedly good angels that are mobilized by God to come to the aid of believers as revealed in Hebrews 1:14.

There are also evil and fallen angels as revealed in Luke 8:31. The fallen angels are angels that have rebelled against God Almighty and have followed Satan formerly known as Lucifer who is acclaimed the most powerful being created

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Existence of Angels:

Angels

Angels are creatures believed to have being created by God in uncountable number surpassing the population of human. Angels, especially the good ones are believed to be present at creation of the world and used by God to carry out His activities. Angels are perceived to be everywhere as they guard and protect believers, but some Christians though believing in the past existence of these beings question the presence in the present times, as they argue that angels ceased existing with the coming of the Holy Spirit. ODINAKA URUAKPA brings the view of clerics on the existence of angels.

by God. These angels are perceived to be wicked spirits and seek to harass and cause the destruction and fall of believers (Ephesians 6:11-12, 1 Peter 5:8).

It is assumed that angels have much greater knowledge and understanding of God and humanity than humans.

It is believed that the good angels do many other things, including praising and worshiping God, rejoicing in God’s works and serving Him, as well as standing before God in His presence as revealed in Job 1:6, 2:1. They proclaim God’s judgments (Revelation 7:1, 8:2).

They minister to humans and sometimes bring answers to prayers (Acts 12:5-10, 8:26, 10:3). They watch Christians’ work and sufferings (1 Corinthians 4:9, 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage (Acts 27:23-24), and they care for believers when they die (Luke 16:22).

Confirming the existence of angels, Rev. Fr. Paschal Obioma, Director of Catholic Apostolate, Abbi, Delta State, explained that angels are spiritual supernatural beings whom God uses to reveal His intentions to man.

“The presence of angels is all over the scriptures, most of the messages given to people in the ancient days were delivered by angels. The message of the birth of John the Baptist was given to

Angels are also regarded as guardians to humans. There is scriptural evidence that children, before and after they become believers, also have angels watching over them and these same angels communicate to their behalf.

Zachariah by an angel. Even the message of the birth of Samson was delivered by an angel. The birth of Jesus was also announced by an angel. Jacob fought with spiritual beings that we could definitely call angels. Jesus told Philip that he would see the son of man standing and angels going up and down. So, we have evidence in the scriptures of the existence of angels”, he revealed.

On the habitation of these spiritual beings, Obioma said: “Angels are found everywhere; in heaven and on earth and even under the earth. Angels means messenger, so, we have good angels who inhabit heaven. Lucifer himself was an angel when he was created; he was an angel of light, but when he disobeyed God, he was thrown down. He (Lucifer) has his

God on

own angels i.e. messengers also. Angels are named according to the work they are assigned to do. We have the archangels; Michael, who is like God; Raphael, God healeth or the healing of God, and Gabriel, the strength of God. We have other names according to the message given to the particular messenger to deliver.”

Obioma claimed that there angels numbering in their millions surrounding the throne of God in their different levels.

“We have the cherubim, the seraphim, the dominions and so many other categories of angels. If you open the book of revelations or any of the books of the prophets, you will get certain things about the angels”, he revealed.

On the ability of angels in affecting people’s lives, he said: “Yes, angels have

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

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s: What Christians believe effect on people’s lives. That is why in the Catholic Church, we believe there are guardian angels. Each human being created by God is given an angel who guards his soul and directs him on what to do. So, those angels that work very closely with individual human beings are called guardian angels.”

On the invisible nature of angels and their supposed ability to take human form, Obioma said: “Though Angels are spiritual beings, but if they want to manifest to human beings, they would take human form so that the person they have been sent to can see them or hear them. They have the ability to take human or other forms; like the burning bush in the book of Exodus, it was an angel of God who took the form of burning flame without consuming the grasses.

Moses saw a sight of a flame burning, but the grasses were not burnt. It was just an angel; that was the form he took.”

According to Professor Macaulay, Director of studies, United Bible University, angels were spiritual beings that existed in the Old Testament era, adding that they ceased existing with the coming of the Holy Spirit.

“Well, angels existed, probably they exist now, I wouldn’t be able to say, but they existed sometime ago, during the time of Old Testament. They were ministering spirits and servants of God whom God used in carrying out His activities. Today, He (God) doesn’t use them; He uses the Holy Spirit now; angels are things of the past. Like I always tell people, this religious thing is a progressive thing. There are two things about God. We talk about the essence of God, and then we talk about the action of God. The action of God talks about what God does, what He will do or what He did in the past. God used the angels in the past, but today, He doesn’t use the angels anymore because He is directly with us now.

God is in us now. So, angels existed in the past; they were ministering as spiritual ministers at the time”, he claimed.

For those who still believe in the existence of angels in the present time, Macaulay claimed that if they studied the Bible historically, they would appreciate and understand that such beings existed only in the past.

“When Jesus Christ was alive, yes, He could talk about angels, even the apostles could talk about angels because it was a transitional period. It was a period between the time of the Old Testament and the New Testament. But when Jesus Christ went away, after His resurrection, His ascension, the Holy Spirit came back, all things concerning Judaism, which is the religion of the Jews, stopped; then, Christianity started with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to them and that they would be His witnesses. Jesus said ‘The Holy Spirit in you will teach you and direct you; you

would know all things.’ Everything is about the Holy Spirit, not about the angels anymore. So, it is because they don’t study these things historically and they don’t bother to find out when these things actually happened. Some people would say Jesus Christ said this or Jesus Christ said that, but when did He say it, and how and where? Who are the people there at that time? Definitely, like I said there were angels, but today, they are no more ministering”, he claimed.

On people’s claims of seeing angels in their dreams and their (angels) as guardians, Macaulay said: “You can’t stop people from explaining or expressing what they know. If you go to the book of Psalm, the Bible states, ‘I will be with you, I will guide you, I will provide for you, I will look after you, not I will send an angel to you or give you an angel that would be following you around.

We need to have enough knowledge and that’s why I keep telling people that all the ministers or those who want to minister the word of God, must also have the knowledge and the skill and ability to express and interpret the Bible to human situation of our time. Nobody has a guiding angel; God is our own angel now because He protects and does every other thing we need.”

On the appearance of angels to people in the New Testament such as Zachariah and Mary, mother of Jesus, the theologian said: “Like I said earlier, there were angels all over the whole place. Even when Elijah was running away from Ahab, and he got to a place he was so tired, an angel woke him up, gave him food since he still had a long way to go.

There were angels then, but not now.

What we have now is Holy Spirit. When Jesus was going, he announced the coming of the Holy Spirit. I will say that the angels ministered until the ascension of Jesus Christ and after that, they (angels) stopped ministering because the Holy Spirit came back to replace them. Jesus told his disciples that the father would give them Holy Spirit who would guide them, as they (Disciples) would be His witness. When the Holy Spirit arrived, He went into everybody and the Bible states, ‘the Holy Spirit I will give to you, He will be with you and he will be in you.

The Bible also states that we are the temple of the Lord which means God stays inside us. So, we don’t need an angel because the Holy Spirit is already guiding and directing. If a good Christian wants to do something that is bad, the spirit would tell him, ‘this is not right; this will not please God, so don’t do it, and that was the work of angels. As far as we are concerned as Christians, we don’t talk about angel anymore, we talk about Holy Spirit.”

In his submission, Pastor Peter Nwaru described angels as personal spiritual beings who have intelligence, emotions, and will. He added that this is the case for both the good and evil angels and de-

xxxxx

Angels possess intelligence; they show emotion and exercise will.

Angels are spirit beings without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities. mons.

“Angels possess intelligence; they show emotion and exercise will. Angels are spirit beings without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities.

Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means angels do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as an order of creatures higher than humans. Therefore, they innately possess greater knowledge.

Secondly, angels study the Bible and the world more thoroughly than humans do and gain knowledge from it as revealed in James 2:19 and Revelation 12:12. Thirdly, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances”, he submitted.

Nwaru claimed that though they have

personal will, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Angels are sent by God to help people, especially believers. The Bible in Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3 ascribes activities like praising God, worshipping God to angels. They rejoice in what God does, they serve God, they appear before Him. They are instruments of God’s judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ, they observe Christian order, work, and suffering, and they encourage in times of danger as well as care for the righteous at the time of death as stated in Luke 16:22”, he revealed.

On the nature of angels and their possible likeness to God, Nwaru said: “The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are. Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the holy angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s command.”

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From the

Pulpit Sunday, February 28, 2016

The wisdom of the wise (1) General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, admonishes Christians to live a blameless life. Excerpts: Proverbs 8:5, 14 says, “O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Verse 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength”.

T

he word of God teaches us to know the true God, and what He requires of man, and for what He has made man for, and above all, to know Jesus Christ whom He sent, and for what end He was sent, the necessity of His being sent, and the nature of that salvation which He bought for us by His own blood.

The ability to know the above spiritual truth and apply it for the betterment of your soul and the entire society is the wisdom that matters. And this is the wisdom that God wishes that everyone should have. By this wisdom there is every certainty that we can draw solid comfort both for now and eternity, for no attack made against it however fierce or subtle can ever weaken its force. So, as we live our lives, having this wisdom should be our chief property that will guarantee eternal happiness. It is a blessing that in this world of uncertainties, we have something sure such as true wisdom to rest upon. Thus, while we are passing through this temporal world, we should not be ignorant of the wisdom which is eternal and which will add value to our life.

Psalms 19: 7 says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” The practical effect of the Word of God is to turn the man to his Creator, and to holiness. Its purpose is to make the man to be restored to the place from which sin had removed him. The more closely we keep to the true wisdom in our life the more likely we are to be successful in this world and at the end make heaven at last.

We all should, remember that we are in the very last days. In fact we are in the end time, and many things are happening, many are forsaking the Lord, many have no more fear of God, many are living their life the way they like in isolation with the Almighty God. Many people do not think they will leave this world one day, and they are not preparing for it rather the world and its glory matters so much to them. Many people claim to be believers, yet the world is too fascinating to them. They love the world more than the commandment of God. This is why the Bible made it very clear that no matter what you are giving your life over to remember that wisdom of godliness with contentment is great gain. It is the best gain both for this world and that which is to come.

1Timothy 6:6-7 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

The wisdom of godliness directs us to know that the true and only way of worshipping and serving God is hinged upon holy contentment. If we have the wisdom that

we brought nothing into this world and shall carry nothing out, we should no longer be interested in acquiring beyond what we needed to make our journey here very convenient. We should know that the thing of this world, the glory of this world passes away. We must have the wisdom to discern that flesh and blood shall not enter the kingdom of God, that our body can never enter the heaven no matter how regular we observe our religious obligation. I want to let you know that no matter how beautiful what you possess are like, they cannot enter heaven.

1Corinthians 7:29-31 says, “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.”

I want to let you know, the condition you are into whether good or bad, the Lord want you to understand there is no more time remaining, so you should begin to detach yourself from whatsoever is distracting you from knowing there is no more time, for the glory of this world, the thing of this world will surely passed away.

So if you are in this world now and you are giving to these things of this world and these have captured your soul and have taken you away from the things of God and as a result you are thinking that you are wise, then, you are making a lot of mistake because the Bible said in Mark 8:36-37 says, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Nothing among what all you possess such as your spouse, children, money, property that you can give in exchange for your soul. I don’t know what you are given over to, I don’t know what you are attached to or what you are given yourself to, but remember there is nothing you can use to exchange your soul. All the glory of this world shall pass away; it shall vanish, so I implore you to put on the wisdom that matters.

THE WISDOM THAT MATTERS & DANGER OF WORLDLY WISDOM Every Chosen or every believer should have the right wisdom, the wisdom that matters, we should be wise to fear

God and depart from all evil, we should have understanding that there is no more time, that when the trumpet shall sound, what will matter is how prepared we are.

Proverb 3:7 says, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

I do not know the evil that is fascinating you in this world but the Lord is warning you to know today that if you want to make heaven or rapture, you must fear God and depart from evil.

Eccl 12:13-14 says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

God will bring all works to judgment and if you want to make heaven or want to be among those that will make rapture and you don’t have this wisdom and you don’t bother about the way you live your life, I want to let you know, when the trumpet shall sound you will miss it. If the trumpet sounds and it dawned on you that you didn’t make it, you will hear ‘depart from me he that walks iniquity, I never know you’. Then you will realize that the things of this world have an end. So, if you are living and giving yourself to the things of this world and think you are going to live forever here, you are wasting your time. Remember, what matters in this world are to fear God and keep His commandment. That is why the Bible says it is the whole duty of man and whatever you do of-course are not hidden from God whether good or bad God will bring all of them to judgment and if you miss heaven who will you blame. I want to let you know, nobody will enter heaven by chance. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people, people that are prepared for it, these are people that will make heaven at last. If you are living a carefree life, you are wasting your time.

Hebrew 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” And so, the wisdom that matters is that, we should maintain holiness inside and outside for without holiness you cannot see God. Many people are going to church in order to see God and make heaven at last. Many go to church so as to prepare their soul to enter the kingdom of God when we drop our body.

That is the true wisdom and anything other than that is non essential. We must know that Jesus is coming for the church without spot or wrinkle. So, if you claim to be a child of God you must ensure you maintain purity, love and righteousness on every side.

Matthew 5:6, 8-9 says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled…

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” If you want to make heaven you must Pastor Muoka be thirsty for

God’s righteousness, maintain purity of heart, love, and all godliness. There must be holiness inside and outside because the Lord is coming for the church without spot or wrinkle.

1Thess. 5:23 says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Lord is telling you today, that if you must enter heaven, your whole spirit, body and soul must be preserved blameless; there will be no iota of sins because He is coming for the church without wrinkle or spot.

Ephesians 5:26-27 says, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

That is the church Jesus is coming for, a church without spot or wrinkle, without any blemish, a holy church, and you are the church God is talking about, and the Lord is not coming for any believer that is not holy, He is coming for holy brethren, holy church so you need to search your life. If you must meet with God for ever, if you want to walk with God in this life, if you want God to answer your prayer, if you want to be in heaven, you should understand heaven is holy, Jesus is holy, Holy Spirit is holy, angels are holy and you can’t enter heaven without holiness, for heaven is a holy place for holy people. So if you want to make heaven you need to examine your life in line with what the Scripture says. This is because you cannot be in heaven, without holiness.

1Peter 1:15-16 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Beloved, God want you to live a holy life inside and outside that is why He said you should be holy in all manner of conversation, in every area of life, in thought, in words, in actions in your dressing be ye holy inside and outside.

Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” The point is that we should be holy without spot and wrinkle. So, if you are a Christian, you must maintain holiness because that is the wisdom that matters in order for you to dwell with the Lord. So, in order to have your prayers to be answered and make heaven at last, you must be holy.

1Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” If we must represent Him, if we must be with Him, I want you to understand we must maintain holiness in and out because without holiness we cannot be with Him, represnt him, dwell with Him, neither can we make rapture.

We should be wise to come closer to the Lord and serve Him for that is the wisdom that matters.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Avoid vengeance, says Oloruntimilehin

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, advises worshippers to avoid vengeance . Excerpts:

V

engeance is something that everybody knows about because people hear about it. For instance if a person owes a debt he or she must pay back. It is believed that if a person does evil, the person would be done evil in return.

All these instances are vengeance and they exist in this world. It is in this world that people avenge whatever they do. But I implore everybody to payback in goodness to those that have done evil to you or goodness to you. Do not pay evil for evil or an eye for an eye.

If a person wants to avenge the evil done to him or her, the revenge might be severe or worst than the one done to him or her. Then the person have sinned. My early days in my hometown a crippled native doctor was keeping a chief’s wife as a concubine.

This woman got pregnant and eventually delivered a crippled baby same as the crippled native doctor. Imagine what they thought was secret came out publicily. Everybody knew the relationship but nobody dared to reveal if even we ask the housewife who owns the pregnancy. Therefore there is nothing done in secret that God Almighty would not reveal in public.

That was vengeance, law of retributive justice. So brethren, you cannot sow okro and reap onion. It is what a person sows that he or she will reap. The book of Galatian 6:7-8 says “ Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.

A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal life”. What is making lot of people to suffer today is vengeance. The failure or refusal to take care of things that are not theirs brought about the suffering. The things that required quick approach but were not done quickly brought the problems some people are facing.

There are some people that labour hard and suffer for something. At the end they reap and gain that they labored and suffered for. let examine the story of a woman in the scripture called Dorcas. She was full in goodness and showing mercy to the poor. She felt sick and died. The people she had helped were crying because they wouldn’t have anybody like Dorcas to help them again. In sickness and death they took care of her they did not want her to die. Act. 9:36-42. The story of Dorcas should teach people particularly women to be doing good to other people’s children. Many women have destroyed the lives of other women’s children. It is pertinent to share with people the experiences gathered in the course of my spiritual consultation with people. A butcher man was maltreated by his wife even when he was blind. His wife was feeding him with impalatable and insultive meals. On a fateful day, one of the children mistakenly served the man his wife soup. The man was thankful that he was eat-

ing beef after several months. It came to hearing of the wife and she came and took the soup.

Sequel to the wife’s behavior, the man stopped eating and bathing despite several appeals and advice for him to have change of mind. Eventually he died in that situation.

Brethren the law of redistributive justice caught up with the woman and suffered till death. None of her children made it in live, and nobody took care of her till she died. I implore women not to maltreat their husbands to the extent of not giving them food even when they did not give their wives money for food. It is highly risky and dangerous to allow your husband be hungry. It is inevitable that there is nothing one does whether good or evil, he or she will reap it.

That is vengeance. Imagine the robber at Jesus’ right hand on the cross realized that two of them were reaping all their atrocities they committed when he said in the book of Luke 23:39-41 “…but the other criminal rebuked him, don’t you fear God he said since you are under the same sentence. We are punished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve…” The story of a woman in my ministry whom God revealed to me that her request would be granted in a church service but failed to attend the service because she was tired. She was expected to endure and attend the service because the Bible says in the book of Mark 13:13 “…he who endures to the end shall be saved”. Since then I have not seen the return of her

Missed opportunities (1)

T

he story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer’s beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, “Son, go stand out in that field and I’m going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.” The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull.

The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him.

Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate. The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face.

This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed, but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some opportunities will be easy to take advantage of while others will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available. Eric Roth posits: “Our lives are

defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.” (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay). H. Jackson Brown, Jr. agrees: “Nothing is more expensive than missed opportunity.” In twenty years time, you will be more disappointed by what you didn’t do than by what you did. May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!

It was a time of great peril for the Jewish people in slavery in Ancient Persia, modern day Iran. Ahasuerus was the powerful Persian king, Jewish Esther was his queen while Mordecai was Esther’s kinsman, uncle, and guardian. Chief Haman was the Jew hater - forerunner of Hitler, ISIS, Osama Bin Laden, and Boko Haram combined! Haman’s plan was to massacre the Jews. Those were the darkest days of God’s people.

While Esther was dilly-dallying, wondering whether or not to get involved, his uncle and guardian sent word from the Lord that reverberate over the centuries: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14). With those words, Esther was willing to get involved. She is now willing to lay all on the altar. She is now willing to surrender all, to do her part. She will be God’s person to spare her people. Esther seized the opportunity to save her people.

Let us note Esther’s faith in prayer. She looks to God, not to man. She has faith not only in her own prayers, but in those of others. She feels her need of the prayers of others. She is ready to share that which she

enjoins on others. She even influenced her pagan palace maidens to join in the observance of fasting and in offering prayer to the God of Israel. This was a remarkable thing. Note Esther’s decision to dare anything for the sake of others.

Great her decision of character! She will not let the opportunity for helping others pass, and then strive to atone for her neglect by useless regrets. How great her devotion (Esther 4-8)!

We are also living in dark days today. We have moral decay and hard drug invasion.

Many homes may be passing through dark days. People are experiencing dark days in their marriages, with the children, in the business or on the job. More have dark days with their health, fears of tomorrow. Many more have dark days emotionally with no peace in sight! Politically and economically, we are challenged. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer at the expense of the poor!

Our God delights to work in the dark. In the creation week, God spoke to the darkness: “Let there be light.” God always has His person of the hour, for such a time as this. There was Jochebed, the Mother of Moses, Moses, Gideon, David, others. We had Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, Ellen G. White, and numerous others who ceased their opportunities to bring about revival. In our generation, we had the likes of Mother Theresa who brought relieve to hurting thousands.

Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. Seize the moment. We always regret the opportunities missed more than the mistakes we have made. I have heard people lament: “Sometimes I want to back in time and punch myself in the face!” At the end of life, make sure there is nothing left undone, but to die. Don’t die with ideas and opportunities you left fallow. As Natalie Babbitt put it in Tuck Everlasting, “Don’t fear death, fear the un-lived life!” “You miss 100% of thresholds

response to request. Anyone that suffers in the ways of the Lord would not suffer in vain.

Imagine the sufferings of Job, he lost all his possessions including his children yet he did not deny God despite his wife advice and persuasion. In the end God paid back Job in multiple volts because he endured. Job:42:1216 “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” Men should not allow their wives to influence them leaving the presence of God i.e. they should not leave the church where they worship God due to their wives’ influence. Some women do so when they want to commence ungodly and adulterous behaviours.

There is also vengeance in the way people use their bodies during their early days which in turn affect their physical bodies when they are old. Brethren nobody escapes vengeance whether good or bad.

If you suffer for God, then he would pay you back.

Prophet Oloruntimilehin

you don’t take, said” Wayne Gretzky. “Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great.

Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them,” argued Orison Swett Marden.

Andy Stanley made the statement in his book Visioneering: “We don’t need to pray for more miracles, we just need to be more sensitive to the opportunities that God brings our way.” There are countless opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to influence the world around us.

If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.

Paul admonished: “Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people His message” (Col. 4:2-3a). Furthermore, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). You must be “making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” (Col 4:5). He lived up to Jesus’ instruction: “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work (John 9:4).

Let us watch out for missed opportunities!

•Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D., is the Babcock University Pastor in charge: Division of Spiritual Life. Get your copy of his newly released book: GOD’S FOOTPRINTS. For enquiries, contact:ojewolea@babcock.edu.ngor call/SMS 08058299434/08060376577.

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February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER All the Facts, All the Sides

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR OBIORA IFOH AG ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

Avoiding relapse into lawlessness in the Niger Delta

“

We are being oppressed, pushed to the wall on various fronts, which is why we have picked up the challenge to be the outlaws this government will have to contend with till daily production of oil is reduced to zero in the Niger Delta … ” This signature tune announcing the Niger Delta Avengers, the new face of economic terrorism in the oil rich region, might have set the stage for another unproductive confrontation between the Federal Government and some renegade militants in the region. This newspaper considers this new challenge a test of President Muhammadu Buhari ’s statesmanship. What the conundrum demands, we urge, is circumspection and not brinksmanship.

The resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta region began last month when oil installations were targets of concerted bomb attacks by some renegades. Blown up were major crude oil and gas pipelines to the Chevron Nigeria Limited ’s Tank Farm in Warri South West Local Government Area; the main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana and Abiteye to Escravos; the Olero to Escravos gas line; and the Nigeria Gas Company owned Escravos-Warri-Abuja-Lagos pipelines. The Forcados Terminal Pipeline has elongated the list of oil facility casualties in the region. However, unlike last month ’s acts, where no group claimed responsibility, the unveiling of Niger Delta Avengers would serve as a working clue for the nation ’s security workforce.

That Nigeria has had to confront this monster again at a time the lethality of Boko Haram-induced insurgency in the North East region of the country has seriously abated is very unfortunate. It is unfortunate because the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua invested heavily in the Amnesty Programme that has brought and sustained peace in the region. This high sacrifice made by the nation is now being rubbished by the prospect of a long drawn confrontation that will do us no good.

President Buhari should take measured and tempered steps to douse the

THERE ARE INDICATIONS OF A LATENT IMPLOSION IN THE REGION. THE PLANNED REDUCTION OF AMNESTY PROGRAMME APPROPRIATION IN THE

2016 BUDGET FROM N68 BILLION TO N20 BILLION HAD CREATED SOME DISQUIET IN THE REGION rising tension in the region.

At its peak in 2009, insurgency in the Niger Delta region reportedly cut Nigeria ’s oil output by over 50 percent and cost her about N4 billion daily in counter-insurgency operations.

The faithful implementation of the Yar ’Adua administration ’s New Deal by his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan, sufficiently pacified the region. The deal, which consumed yearly between N70 billion and N86 billion from 2010 to 2015 in the training of the militants locally and abroad and for taking care of monthly stipends of N65, 000, underscores the supreme sacrifice made by the Nigerian state in the region. Not to be forgotten is the establishment by the Federal Government of the Ministry of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for intermediation measures aimed at ameliorating the socioeconomic and environmental conditions of the region.

It will be a pity for the nation if President Buhari is not able to consolidate the gains of the amnesty programme, especially against the backdrop of the current effort by his administration to implement a Marshall Plan for the rebuilding of the North East region of the country, whose cost is put at over N2 trillion. Though the resurgence of militancy in the region coincid-

ed with the time Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, one of the ex-warlords, was embroiled in some brush with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption, the nation must avoid hasty conclusion that interprets the renewed hostility as efforts by Tompolo and his sympathisers to armtwist the Federal Government into mellowing the prosecution of the ongoing anti-corruption war as it affects the ex-warlord. It is instructive that Tompolo, has repeatedly distanced himself from the unsavoury development, describing his link to the criminality as a plan by his opponents to set him up for destruction. So, his case must be treated in isolation.

There are indications of a latent implosion in the region. The planned reduction of amnesty programme appropriation in the 2016 budget from N68 billion to N20 billion had created some disquiet in the region. One of the fallouts is the regrouping of some exmilitants that perceive themselves to be holding the short end of the stick.

Last September, Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), formerly Joint Task Force (JTF) in Delta State, stumbled on one of the camps of these renegades during one of their raids. Apart from the rumoured 2016 budget cut, most of the over 150, 000 trained ex-militants have remained unemployed after such expensive training locally and abroad.

And there is also the invidious interplay of politics.

Painstaking investigation of the ongoing brigandage in the region to sift the wheat from the chaffs is imperative. There is no doubt the attacks by some renegade militants in the region are a shot in the heart of the nation and a test of will for the Buhari administration, however, circumspection and not brinksmanship is what is needed now to arrest the challenge.

The burden would be too much for a nation already under the weight of a sagging economy to again contend with insurgency in its strategic region. But then, we support the call for decisive action against only the real culprits, if identified.

Reminiscences FEBRUARY 28 IN HISTORY 1975: UK - 30 killed by underground train A London underground train crashed into a brick wall at Moorgate during rush-hour killing the driver and at least 29 passengers in the city ’s financial district.

1922: Egypt gains independence from Britain Egypt gains independence after 40 years of British rule following. This followed seizing control of Egypt ’s government in 1882 over concerns for British interests including the Suez Canal.

1926: 2,000 new homes built in Texas A report on had revealed that about 2,000 new homes had been built in Abilene, Texas, United States since the 1920s.

1986: Swedish prime minister, Palme killed Olof Palme, the Swedish Prime Minister, is shot dead and his wife Lisbeth wounded in a street ambush in central Stockholm.

1991: Gulf war ends, Iraq accepts UN resolutions The gulf war is over following Iraq accepting all 12 resolutions made by the United Nations. The official death toll for the Gulf War is 50,000, Iraq soldiers, 148 American soldiers and 16 British soldiers.

1994: Serbian planes shot down Four Serbian planes were shot down by U.S. fighter planes acting as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to enforce UN resolutions enacted to bring about an end to the bloody conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

2001: Large earthquake hits U.S. An earthquake in the Nisqually Valley near Olympia, Washington State reaches for many miles around. The 6.8 quake was one of the largest in the state ’s history 2001: UK - 10 dead, 60 injured in rail crash A car veered off the M62 Motorway onto the railway line near Selby causing the Newcastle to London passenger train into a head on crash into a goods engine on the East Coast Main Line in North Yorkshire, with 10 dead and 60 injured in the crash.

2005: Anti-Syria demonstrations hit Lebanon A series of mass demonstrations in Beirut against Syrian involvement in Lebanon causes the Lebanon pro-Syria prime minister, Omar Karami, to resign.

2007: U.S. - McCain announces presidential ambition Republican Senator John McCain announces his presidential nomination on the David Letterman show. McCain, who had been attending a presidential exploratory committee, made the declaration on the Late Show with David Letterman.

PASSION

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

A Lifestyle Magazine

APPLAUSE

‘I’m empowering women with my drum’ >>21

Creativity inspires me –Vivien Ike >>20

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Passion

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Creativity inspires me –Vivien Ike Vivien Ike, the elder sister of the popular actress, Chika Ike, is also into acting. She chose to make a career in TV reality shows or showbiz. Just like her sister, she is beautiful and fashionable. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, she talks about her lifestyle and dress sense, among others.

You once said that to fulfil the purpose of life, there is a particular principle that must be in place. What is that principle?

It is godly principle or what I may call divine principle. That is the principle of having the fear of God. You have to be a bornagain Christian. You have to first seek the kingdom of God and everything else will be given to you.

Tell us about your background.

I grew up in a family where family values lie in teaching the golden rule and practising what we were taught. That golden rule, as my mum would say, is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. For me, that’s true religion. Added to that, pray without seizing and have faith in God. What’s with your NollyW e standa n d er with respect.

Tell us new called cooktion ers

healthy competition that celebrates family values, promotes the concept of love, friendship, and cooking. It employs blind tasting as a means of evaluating, promoting, strengthening and rekindling the bond between people. This healthy competition involves seven contestants and seven blind tasters.

These blind tasters could be family relations or friends of the contestants. They are assigned to cook while the blind tasters are to identify their contestant’s dish. If they fail, they send their contestants to the danger zone where each of them has to identify whatever is presented to them. They do this with their eyes closed and noses clamped. Any contestant that fails the test goes into the elimination room to face a celebrity judge and two other judges. There, they are judged based on the presentation and taste of their food. The contestant with the worst food is eliminated and the one that has the best food wins. The overall winner of the competition leaves with a cash prize of two million naira and a brand new car.

your relationship sister Chika of the wood fame? have an undering relationship How does ‘Blind Tasters’ stand out among other reality treat each oth- shows?

Blind Tasters already speaks for itself as its format has much love and been reviewed by top production companies. It is a show that celebrates family values, which includes social, political, religious and work values. All these strengthen the bonds about your families have and help kids make good choices. I am confireality show ‘Blind Tasters’ dent that Blind Tasters will appeal to a broad spectrum due to its varied content and entertainment value. For example, ing competia mother can be the contestant and her seven-year-old child Blind Tast- can be her blind taster. In three words, Blind Tasters cookis a ing competition is colourful, fun and rewarding! When I say Blind Tasters is rewarding, I am not just talking about financial reward but things that money can’t buy like fixing broken relationships, restoring peace, trust and unity between families and friends. For me, there are two relationships that really matter - our relationship with God and with the family.

How would this contribute to the economy?

Creativity is important

for economic growth and development. Due to this, my focus has always been to create wealth and in doing so, promote a creative economy. Everything in this world begins with a simple idea and this has created job opportunities and generated income, thus contributing to the development of countries.

Blind Tasters is no different in the sense that it is a brilliant idea that has the potential of doing the same thing - generate income and create job opportunities, which in essence will promote a creative economy and maximise developmental gains in this ever changing world of ours.

What inspires you in life?

Creativity inspires me because it breaks down walls and dissolves fear. It boosts your self-esteem and makes you begin to see yourself as a creative genius.

Who is your mentor?

Well, I am a perfectionist so I will go for Jesus, because he is perfect. But if you had to rephrase the question and ask me the ones I truly admire, I would not mince words when I say Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey. I love people that think differently and also those that are cheerful givers.

What is your favourite quote?

I have two favourite quotes from me. The first is that “your purpose begins and ends with God”. The other is, “I’d rather sweat and smile now than smile and sweat later”.

Tell us your long-term goals.

By His grace, my production company, Vivien Ike Productions Limited, will produce more shows, movies and documentaries in the future. My team and I strongly believe that greatness lives here and we are determined to prove it.

What is your most striking prayer point?

“Lord, give me the strength to do your will at all times.”

What lesson has life taught you?

Life has taught me to walk by faith and not by sight.

When you are down what do you do to get inspired?

As much as I love my ClorMel temperament, sometimes my melancholic side shows up when I am faced with difficult situations and I need that reassurance to keep fighting. To come out of that depressed state, I motivate myself with a Bible verse: Romans 8:28 - It’s actually my favourite verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and to them who are called according to his purpose.” That alone does it for me and in no time, I will bounce back.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Applause

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Tell us the qualities of your ideal man?

(Laughs) He has to have the fear of God and be in alignment with his purpose and mine.

What is your style?

I believe I fall under the classy-chic umbrella. It’s timeless, effortless and elegant!

Are you a fashionable person?

I consider myself a stylish person not a fashionable person and I will explain why. A fashionable person follows trends closely because he/she is concerned about keeping up with the latest fashion trend. A stylish person keeps an eye on fashion and only takes what he/she feels has that timeless appeal and is appropriate. For me, it has always been about the fit and not the trend because trends come and go, making it hard to keep up but I applaud those who can.

What fashion item forms a large part of your wardrobe?

Jumpsuits.

Who are the Nigerian fashionistas you admire?

Rita Dominic has a good sense of style.

What do you think is the general misconception some Nigerian ladies have about fashion?

Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it fits or will look good on you. We as women should not follow trends at all times but be independent and creative with our choices. Try getting something ordinary and make it extraordinary.

What movies have you starred in?

‘Monster Under My Skin’ and ‘Lost Trust’ produced by Chioma Okoye and directed by Ekenna Igwe. Also ‘Different Women’ produced by Lisa Onu and directed by Iyke Odife.

Which was the most challenging?

The character I played in ‘Lost Trust’. I was a mediator whose only plan was to cause havoc and destroy my friend’s home. I was thrilled about my first role, but then I put myself in the other character’s shoes and I became moody.

So to avoid falling deep into depression, I reminded myself it was just a character and it would never be me.

What thrills you about your roles?

That I get to play other people’s lives and learn from that experience.

How

do you cope with stardom?

If you are talking of the future, then the best way I would cope with it would be to remember where I came from, the reason why I am doing what I am doing, and that in achieving my dreams, I am making other people’s dreams come true.

You must have experienced some level of heartbreak in the past, what did you do to come out of the pain?

Heartbreak comes in different forms but the best way to deal with such is to learn from it and move on.

What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

What is your philosophy?

This is my personal quote: I would rather sweat and smile now than smile and sweat later!

21

‘I’m empowering women with my drum’ Adaeze Amos

S

omewhere in Ikeja, Lagos, she was having her hair weaved into Suku, a local Yoruba style. At the same time, she was busy teaching her students how to play the talking drum. The drum is something she is so good in and has even earned her a good name.

“Yes it has earned me a name indeed.

Today I’m widely known as Ayanbinrin, others refer to me as Mother-Drum of Africa (Iya-Ilu). I see myself as the female talking drummer, that’s the way I see myself but my real name is Oluwatosin Olakanye-Olayemi. I’m the Project Director Mother-Drum Arts. I studied Chemical and Polymer Engineering at the Lagos State University,” she said.

But you would wonder how she ended up being a drummer after studying a different course in the university?

“I decided to pick up drumming because I had always wanted to be a theatre arts person, though my parents never wanted it. They asked me to study Engineering because I was good in Mathematics. Thank God I ended up discovering myself and now I’m doing what I would have loved to do at the initial stage. And this is a welcome development in my family because I grew up in a family that really loved indigenous music.

“My dad loved King Sunny Ade, Pa Orlando Owoh and Haruna Ishola’s music. The love for such music actually led to the kind of music I’m doing now.

I grew up listening to the indigenous music. I hail from Ondo State. Also, my great-grand-paternal uncle used to be a drummer. It runs in the blood. My parents are glad I’m doing this now and sometimes I tell t h e m they wasted my time.

But I no long e r see it as a

waste of time because I still see myself doing what I would have loved to do. I thank God I didn’t end up an engineer, though that is what I am professionally,” she reminisced.

Amazingly, Oluwatosin’s drum has taken her almost round the globe.

“It has taken me far and wide…outside Nigeria, Africa, London, America, South Africa and Ghana. When I performed in Europe, they were so amazed.

They rushed, wanting to touch my drum and after my performance, a white woman told me to sell my drum to her. She was ready to buy it at any price. I said no, that was my identity, my culture and my art. In fact, I’m appreciated more in Europe,” she stressed.

She has been empowering women with her drums.

“I’m just trying to empower women.

I’m a pacesetter and ambassador of culture. The little way I can contribute in the society is to empower women. I see that some women want to learn but they don’t want a male tutor. I decided to come in and fill up the gap and give them the opportunity to be what they want to be in future. I teach students from different universities.

“I actually wanted more female students to come and let’s do this together.

We should encourage women. If the people up there can help one or two women, we would be empowered and not be slaves anymore.

“We would have a voice. Women should not just be baby-making factories and bed-warming machines. We have talents and things inside us that we can use to contribute to the development of our country and even to the whole world. I’m just giving a helping hand to girls, and women. I have a woman in my class who is 70 years old.

She wants to learn how to drum because she wants to be playing it in her church,” she disclosed. Oluwatosin said women should be empowered so that they wouldn’t be enslaved.

Are women actually enslaved, you may ask. “Women are built in so many ways. People believe that they are the weaker vessels. As much as that could be right, we are intellectuals, precious and have something inside us. We should not be neglected; we should have a voice, a contribution and be carried along in societal issues. As much as we respect the men as our heads, we should not be neglected as people that should be there to make babies. We should be given the opportunity to express ourselves,” she urged.

Is she happy to be a woman?

“Yes, I am. I’m proud to be a woman and if I would have to come back, I would like to be a woman. I’m proud to be African, a black and a Nigerian. Even though people imbibe other cultures, we should never neglect what is ours. If we don’t propagate what we have, nobody is going to do that for us,” she said, gesticulating.

What’s her dress sense?

“I try to blend African attire with the western one. The trend is moving, even culture is dynamic, so you must move with the trend. As much as I want to put on my jeans, I still want to have something African on me. I’m always having my ‘Suku’ hairdo. It’s my identity. You must see something African you would appreciate in me,” she emphasised.

Opinion

22

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Uncensored

Sheriff Folarin

E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)

T

he sudden rebound of the Naira in the parallel market last week points to the fact that Naira was not officially devalued in the first place. It had remained N197-N199 to a dollar. The crash in the Naira value for the past two or three months was seemingly an artificial creation of a financial cabal after all, who had stashed away the dollars to create scarcity and panic, and to inevitably lead to speculation and galloping value increase in the dollar vis-à-vis the Naira.

The prohibitive cost of buying the dollar with the Naira has been the main goal of this cartel, whose ultimate goal has been to make greater fortunes from the financial crisis they had created.

They were smart alecs. They understood the traditional pastime of Nigerians, which was to travel for a number of things- tourist visit, education tourism and business, which is known for involving importation of consumables, including toothpicks, matches, exotic drinks, clothes, shoes, and other wares for which Nigerians’ taste is high. The permutation of the cabal is that Nigerians would do anything to get dollars so as to meet up with their demands, particularly keeping the tens of millions of children in schools abroad and sustaining their import business. Like the past cases of hoarded petrol by the oil cabal, which often culminated in doubling or

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

Email: j.agwu@Ofrsc.gov.ng Tel: -8033026491, 8077690055

O

n Thursday the 18th of February, 2016 we were a year older. In fact we are now 28 years old. Between 2013 when we clogged 25 and 2016 when we are looking back at 28 years of our establishment, we have since chosen to reflect soberly on our mandate to rid the road of deaths and injuries rather than roll the red carpets, beat the African drums and click the glasses in celebration .We have modestly come to realize that beyond the accolades within and outside the shores of our land, lies hurdles that we are yet to conquer, These hurdles sometimes questions our relevance and challenges us to do more to meet the expectations of our publics and government.

For the records, I wish to recall that when we clocked 25 and even 27, we choose low profile celebrations; on our silver jubilee in 2013, we focused more on how to make Nigeria and Africa truly crash free in the next 25 years, rather than fanfares when the country is yet to hit the zero target set by the Corps, or the 50 per cent fatality reduction set by the United Nations. We held an International Conference, where a novelty was set with two unique sessions: a Presidential and legislative dialogue as platforms to truly engage all stake holders in addressing the crash trend

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari and the economic saboteurs tippling of its original or regular price, which we had often experienced; the major medium of global exchange, the dollar, was quick and big business to make immediate and huge returns.

But when President Buhari read the riot act about the non-devaluation of the Naira and insisted that it was not an official government policy to devalue for any reason, with the common man being who he wants to protect, the cabal understood that they could not stretch their luck any further.

Also, the threat of the oil magnate, Ifeanyi Ubah, who is likely to know the click of financial saboteurs, further intimidated the small group of financial czars, who sensed that their obnoxious game was up.

The twist and paradigm shift was the immediate rebound of the Naira. They, like kidnappers, had held government and ordinary citizens of the country to ransom.

Dollar’s galloping rate for two-three months terribly made a mess of the Naira in the parallel market, giving weaker currencies such as the CFA an edge.

Incredibly, CFA also became “hard” at a point because it is always in high demand by Nigerians doing business in neighbouring countries.

Most of the fairly-used automobiles, tyres, clothes, rice and some other foreign beverages are imported daily by Nigerian on big or small-scale basis from the Francophone countries to the west of Nigeria. Tens of thousands of Nigerians also school in neighbouring countries, while tens of thousands travel around the western coast of Africa for one reason or the other, on daily basis.

The downward slide of the Naira was

thus compounded by the scarcity of CFA, caused by the traders in the forex in the neighbouring countries, most of who are Nigerians or collaborators of the financial cabal in Nigeria. CFA became scarce artificially, so that the cost of getting it could also be doubled. Thus, rather than the official rates of sale, forex traders made thrice or four times the original gain on the price for a thousand CFA. Same had been with the Ghanaian Cedi. The effect was devastating on business men and women, students and regular travelers.

There is no doubt that Buhari’s government is contending with a powerful group of leeches, who are determined to hold country people to ransom just for the sake of their own fortunes, greed and avarice.

Such folk will do anything, including even inciting mutiny in the barracks or sponsoring Boko Haram, to keep government out of their way. The reality today is a manifestation of the rot that had eaten deeply into the system. This is what previous rulers had probably overlooked or were not aware of, setting up policies and programmes that were doomed to fail because of the sabotaging effect of the activities of the cabal. These cabals have been in the oil, power and education sectors.

They must have been in the sports, health, aviation and railway sectors.

Wherever things are not working according to plans, they must have been the ones behind these. Nothing works in Nigeria because the cabals work them out of function.

The counsel to President Buhari is that sometimes, he needs thieves to catch other thieves. Sometimes the devil might

be useful. In the case of Nigeria, this ostensibly odd theory is the workable approach. Some of the cabal fellows can be given the opportunity to walk over to the side of good, offered the olive branch and entrusted with the task of busting their former cronies in all the sectors they had held society bound.

Ubah seems to be moving away from what we used to know of Nigerian aristocrats. He has invested heavily in Nigeria, including sports, sponsoring one of the finest football clubs in the country.

He is now talking good and offering to help a national cause. Thus, Ubah seems trustworthy to be engaged to assist in exposing the financial saboteurs to help the fight against artificial devaluation of the Naira.

On a formidable economic and financial team, which has been the demand of the general public for some time, the Buhari administration should have an economic group in place that would be led by tested hands, such as Professor Charles Soludo (an economist of note and former Central Bank governor) and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (a former World Bank Vice-President). Either of the two, preferably Soludo, could also be made Minister of Finance, who should be given the task to get a new Central Bank governor.

The plague of corruption is still deeply etched in the fabrics of the apex bank. An urgent and comprehensive surgery appears desirable.

Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, writes from Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

FRSC at 28: the hurdles ahead in the country and in Africa.

Besides this, the breakaway sessions focused on the five pillars of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety- Road Safety Management, Safer Roads and Mobility, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Users and Postcrash response. After the one day jaw-jaw, a plan of action was reached. Without attempting to bore you with some of the decisions, permit me to roll out just a few which included the need for the introduction of speed limits,need for State Governments to collaborate with FRSC in establishment of State traffic agencies, the need to adopt the “Safe- System approach” in Road Safety such that bio-mechanical units of human body to surviving crash types up to certain impact speed is achieved and effective response management among others. Although not much has been achieved after three years of the 2013 conference on the plan of action, I am however delighted that one of the core decisions; the introduction of speed limiter is just about 30days away having received a Presidential approval for its implementation. My excitement is not just on the impact the campaign would have on road traffic crash management in the country but on the Presidential backing being enjoyed by the novel safety initiative in the country directing and approving that April 1, 2016 remains the enforcement date of speed limiter in vehicles in the country. I know that vendors have been approved. I also do know that stakeholders have fully been mobilized with their full buy in gotten for a successful take off and implementation.

Meanwhile, robust awareness commenced from January and should end in March as a strategy to reinforce years of education on the

safety merits of the campaign which has helped in reducing crashes and deaths in some African countries, including the examples of our own ABC Transport among others and multinationals such as Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Shell,for instance has over the years paid great priority to two critical areas which even the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Bank identifies as critical in redressing crash trend and fatalities-the areas are speed control through the installation of speed governors in all their vehicles and compulsory use of seat belt by both the front and rear seat passengers. While training and retraining is a given, other areas such as minimum safety standard of vehicles, recruiting qualified personnel whose welfare is not negotiable rank topmost. But while we await the April1 date, we must look at the initial hiccups experienced in other countries within the African Continent and Europe to ensure seamless takeoff. 2016 for me should be a defining year in our quest for checkmate rising trend of speed related road traffic crashes in the country. Over the years speed related crashes, dangerous driving and loss of control account for about 60percent of recorded road traffic crashes .This explains why the Federal Road Safety Corps throughout 2015 engaged its various stakeholders on the need for a smooth sail in a campaign whose successful implementation could see crashes pummeling down by at least 30percent at the onset It is over 13years of seat belt enforcement and the importance of seat belt as a safety device in the vehicle. Yet, a greater percentage of motorists still see seat belt usage as a fulfillment of the law; not an acknowledgment of its safety value and as such

merely strap when they cite a road safety patrol team. I written a lot this year on seat belt and will not stop recalling experiences of motorists. It is instructive that as we ponder on where we are going, that we look again at the WHO manual which recommends seat belt as one of the core indices for crash reduction and rejig our seat belt campaign to compliment the successes expected from speed limiter enforcement This is because a wholesome seat belt usage by both the front and rear seat passengers would give us as a country a greater mileage beyond our projections. .Sometime last year, I did a piece on the penalty point system which ran for about two weeks. Just a fortnight ago, I was privileged to travel out of town and had a very interesting discussion with a cab driver in the Uk who told me how careful he is as a driver because of the fear to attract penalty points that might bar him from driving and ultimately keep him out of work. I has similar experience when I went for a training program at the California Highway Academy where we saw what technology backbone does in traffic enforcement.

Even before this training, I have maintained that our strategies will fail to create the desired impact if our technology backbone is not fully deployed to the highway to ease and aid enforcement. This was the point the Corps Marshal made during a recent television discussion on the imperative of the penalty point system.

•Agwu, an Assistant Corps Marshal, is Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 7HQ of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday, February 28, 2016

23

U.S. HIV/AIDS partnership with Nigeria remains on track James F. Entwistle

T

here have been several inaccurate media reports lately concerning the U.S. government’s support to persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Nigeria. In particular, claims made in some February 25, 2016 articles that the United States is reducing HIV/AIDS funding due to Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act are flatly untrue.

This is what is true: U.S. funding decisions on international HIV/AIDS programs are not linked to other governments’ views on same sex marriage or other LGBTI issues. Since 2004, the American people have provided $4.2 billion in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care for millions of Nigerians through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), clearly a massive U.S. commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

Contrary to what is often reported, PEPFAR is committed to maintaining support for the more than 600,000 Nigerians it has placed on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Last year alone, more than 8.5 million Nigerians were tested and counseled for HIV, and 55,000 women were provided drugs to prevent transmission of the virus to their un-

born children with PEPFAR support.

The patients on ART are receiving care in 490 local government areas (LGAs) located throughout Nigeria. Countrywide, approximately 750,000 Nigerians receive ART. The burden of HIV is not spread evenly throughout the country. Surveillance data show that some parts of the country have higher rates of infection than others. Approximately 3.4 million Nigerians are infected with the virus.

More than 1 million of those are located in seven states where PEPFAR, in consultation with the Nigerian government, has chosen to scale up services.

According to the latest National AIDS Spending Assessment, 75 percent of the national HIV response program is funded by donors, predominantly PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. As contributions from these sources are finite and have not increased in recent years, the only way HIV treatment has continued to be increased is by finding efficiencies and reducing costs. We are learning how to do more with the same amount of money or even less. In 2017, the PEPFAR budget will shrink, but the U.S. government is committed to maintaining all PLHIV placed on treatment and to scaling up services in the highest

burden, highest HIV prevalent areas.

We have selected those areas, 32 LGAs in seven states, because we can reach the greatest number of PLHIV in the areas of highest concentration with the fewest dollars. That means our limited budget can place more people on lifesaving treatment by concentrating our efforts in a limited geographical area.

By having the right mix of resources and services, we can gain control of the HIV epidemic and halt the transmission of the virus.

Decisions concerning the PEPFAR program are based on the latest science, international standards, and best practices.

PEPFAR is increasing support for countries with the highest burden of disease and in which the host government is shouldering increased responsibility for responding to the epidemic.

The United States seeks to engage and encourage the Nigerian government to mobilize greater resources for the HIV response in a new era of accountability, transparency, and impact.

In no country, including Nigeria, are PEPFAR funding decisions related to a government’s position on issues related to gay and lesbian populations, as recently (and erroneously) reported in the press here in Nigeria.

Epidemic control is defined as the point at which the number of new HIV infections has decreased and falls below the number of AIDS-related deaths.

PEPFAR is committed to supporting the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) “90-90-90” goal of having 90 percent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 90 percent of those diagnosed on ART, and 90 percent of those on ART virally suppressed. Doing so, in a small number of prioritized geographic areas, will provide proof of concept which we hope will encourage the Nigerian government to invest more significantly—and in a more focused manner—in the domestic HIV response.

The articles I cited above do make a request that the U.S. government fully supports—that the Nigerian government put more resources into the HIV response. But we also advocate that any new resources brought to the table be spent in the geographic areas of greatest need and where they can have the most impact—that is, where the HIV burden is greatest and HIV prevalence is highest.

Continuing our historically strong bilateral partnership, we can look forward to reaching these goals together.

•Entwistle is the United States Ambassador to Nigeria

Fayose, Ubah and the Naira A zu Ishiekwene

E

kiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose who has made an impressive career from finding fault with Preisdent Muhammadu Buhari, however genuine or foolish, has been unusually quiet about something for which I thought he would have been justified to claim credit – the value of the naira.

In December, when the naira was still trading at N262 = $, Fayose predicted a difficult year for Nigerians in 2016 and ended his forecast by saying the naira would trade at 320 to the dollar sooner than later.

Apart from citing the declining price of oil, he didn’t say much else. But like a broken clock, which will be right at least once every day, Fayose is nearly on point, but appears unusually shy for credit.

In the odyssey of the naira, however, it seems the champion’s prize will go not to those who are predicting the worst outcome – and many were already predicting N400 = $1 last week – but to people like Ifeanyi Ubah who are betting their all to save the currency. The brain behind the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, a project that spared no expense for the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, appears to have finally seen the light. Ubah has now put himself, again at great personal cost, at the disposal of President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda.

In an unprecedented move since Sunday, Ubah has offered himself for appointment as special consultant on the revaluation on the naira, vowing not just to stop the slide, but to reverse it to N200 = $1 within one month.

In a widely circulated text message on Tuesday, he said, “I wish to thank you (Nigerians) for the support and encourage-

ment you have given me so far. It has been unprecedented. As at this evening, the dollar has dropped further to N310 as against N390 on Sunday evening before my interview with Channels.

“With God and our sincere efforts, even when we have not been fully consulted, the dollar can still be brought down to N200 and below. Let the discourse continue. Shun the dollar till it’s N200. Pray for Nigeria and let the dollar go down to N200 and below.”

As at Thursday, the naira had firmed up to N300 after surviving what appears to be the worst speculative attack so far in weeks. It had been reported only weeks earlier that commercial banks were harvesting millions of dollars in the difference between the official and parallel market rates, further weakening the naira.

Although the CBN did not comment, this abuse seemed unlikely since the bank not only publishes its weekly allocations to commercial banks, but also requires them to publish the list of beneficiaries, amount and purpose.

So why did the naira decline so sharply and what has Ubah got to do with the rally of the last few days? It has nothing to do with oil; if anything, the price of oil has moved up slightly in the last one week. It has nothing to do with effective demand.

And believe me, it has absolutely nothing to do with Ubah’s generous offer to bet N500billion worth of assets against the fall.

Here was the likely thing that happened. For sometime now, there has been speculation that the CBN was about to stop foreign exchange allocation for medical treatment and payment of school fees abroad. Nigerians spend about $2billion on medical tourism and tuition abroad yearly and the monthly forex demand on the CBN has gone up from N148billion in 2005 to N917billion in 2015. Rumours that

the CBN was about to crowd out more subsidised forex users from the official market was all that speculators needed to launch a fresh attack.

With the CBN’s restriction on 41 items still in place, further restrictions on medical bills and tuition was just the scent of blood the speculative sharks needed.

When the rumour broke in the second week of February the value of the naira declined about 12.3 percent from N307 the previous week to N345. Believing they had finally got the government on the ropes, speculators intensified hoarding, raising fears that the rate could go to N400 = $ by today.

The speculators have grown in numbers as the disparity between the official and black market rates have widened.

Displaced bureau de change traders, a growing number of smurfs largely comprising Nigerians abroad and even those at home with foreign bank accounts have joined in the latest round of speculative attack. They are betting that the worst is yet to come and are holding onto their dollar stock, confident that something is about to give.

So, what has Ubah got to do with it?

Nothing. The smart ex-TAN and owner of Capital Oil has information and probably needs access. It’s not his first try. In May when a strike led to nationwide fuel queues and threatened a bleak handover from Jonathan to Buhari, Ubah dramatically switched sides. He offered his tankers and his tank farm to ease the installation of the same man whose election he had invested everything to prevent.

He’s at it again, trading what he’s got.

In his line of business, which accounts for nearly 45 percent of the forex demand, he would probably need nothing less than $50m monthly and he knows that if prayers could purge the market of greed, the naira would be at par with the dollar

by now. If prayers could turn the tide, we won’t need a central bank or exchange rate mechanism. The man can get what he wants without being ridiculous.

The naira is firming up not because Ubah said so or because he appeared on two TV programmes during the week. It was simply because contrary to expectations that Buhari would finally yield to the pressure to devalue, he repeated for the umpteenth time in Egypt on Saturday that the naira will not be devalued. He’s obviously beginning to sound like a broken record, but the Venezuelan post-devaluation crisis has shown how tight the options are.

With poor reserves, a narrow income base and a world that has left us to drink our crude oil, all the government can hope to do now is to manage the demand side.

We can’t have it both ways.

A source close to the CBN said on Thursday, that, “Buhari’s statement over the weekend that his government was not going to devalue most likely pushed speculators to have a rethink and to start off-loading.” Ubah has a fairly good idea of how the market works and any forecast by him or offer of help is a matter of enlightened self-interest.

Let’s leave God out of this. It was in his name that former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and his fellow prayer warriors collected N4.6billion from the $2.1billion set aside to buy arms, which they probably converted to dollars in Aba, preparing the grounds for our present misery.

We’re paying the price for a rotten past. Ubah and his former principals should know that.

•Ishiekwene is the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview magazine and member of the board of the Paris-based Global Editors Network

24

Perfect Cut

African Look

Look splendid in native attires Adaeze Amos

A

frican attires make ladies look elegant. No wonder so many fashionable ladies opt for these native dresses for society weddings and Sunday worship. The fabrics have great allure and give you room to showcase your panache.

Check these two ladies on this page. They are our African ladies of the week. If you like, African fashionistas of the week. They look splendid!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Can you op

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Perfect Cut

pen your wardrobe proudly to friends?

Adaeze Amos

I

f a lady is tidy, careful and fashionable, the first thing you check is her wardrobe. The way and manner she arranges her stuff in her wardrobe shows who she truly is.

Can you proudly open your wardrobe to a dear friend? In a true lady’s closet, her clothes and personal stuffs ought to be well arranged in that even in darkness, she knows the drawer that contains her pants, bras, scarves and the like without quarreling with herself.

After reading this small piece and you are guilty of this, it then means it is time for readjustments.

Let your wardrobe be up to the standard you desire.

Actress Ebere Agu says her wardrobe is another place she pays adequate attention to. “It is proper to hung the dresses carefully and fold those that ought to be folded. By so doing you don’t need to iron all the time,” she said.

25

26

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Dude Style

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

‘I abhor tattoos as fashion statement’ Victor Oton aka Godpikin works as a Pidgin English presenter with an FM radio. In this interview with VICTOR UDOH, the Business Management graduate from University of Uyo speaks about his passion for broadcasting and his dress sense.

body. For me, I can never be caught dotting What makes me unique is my ability to a tattoo on my body; it is against my belief. keep my fans listening to my programme for hours. Another is my ability to introWho is your mentor? duce freestyle and comic content that is My mentor is Michael Ogolo, Jackson absent among my contemporaries.

Muller and God. I have so much respect for them, because they are good in what they How were you able to break into the piddo. They believe in bringing out the best in gin broadcast genre? whatever they do.

I was able to break into the pidgin market because of the experience I gathered Aside from being an OAP, what else do from people like Michael Ogolo, Jackson Muller, Osaze Obasewo and my ability to come up with different styles of pidgin.

What was your growing up like?

When I got to Abia State, I studied the It was not easy because I was confused person that was doing pidgin presentaat the initial stage of my life. I did not tion. I discovered that he was using one know what to do but I later discovered style of pidgin; based on that, I adopted that l loved listening to radio, especially different styles of in my presentation.

Samuel Olise Joku DBS. In my secondary school days, though I was in science What is your style signature? department, I knew radio and entertainMy style slogan is simple and precise. ment were part of me.

What is your philosophy?

How do you see the entertainment inMy philosophy is that ‘those who don’t dustry in the next five years? create the future have to manage the fuWith the way the entertainment in- ture they get. Those who create the future dustry is going, we will get to the top must enjoy the future they have created’. in the next five years, but government needs to assist entertainers. It should How was your experience the first day extend the hand of fellowship to us in you presented your show in pidgin? order to discover and raise more talents.

My first day on air presenting with Government, private institutions and Michael Ogolo was fantastic. I put in companies should endorse and assist ra- my best and my best was good. It was a dio presenters in eastern Nigeria. unique experience. It wasn’t easy then, but today I flow more in pidgin language How do you know an artiste with a spethan English. cial gift?

I can discover an artiste or brand that What is that fashion item you can never has discovered itself by looking at what be caught in? it likes doing.

I can’t be caught in indecent clothes.

When I see people dressed awkwardly, I What distinguishes you from your conabhor it a lot, especially when I see peotemporaries? ple donning tattoos everywhere on their Why did you choose to be an on-air personality, OAP? I chose it because I love jesting since I was born. I started presenting on radio in 2003 before I was admitted into the university in 2004. I started with Michael Ogolo on T-junction crew FM, radio Nigeria, Port Harcourt. Ogolo gave me the opportunity to present and meet a great man such as Jackson Muller among others. After my studies in the university, I went back to the radio.

you do?

I do spontaneous jokes to entertain my fans, and any other thing related to show business.

What is your advice to upcoming artistes?

My advice to the upcoming artistes is to be focused and determined. Be yourself in everything you do, and don’t look down on yourself. I want them to also try to be the best in whatsoever the lay their hands, and God Almighty will surely reward your efforts.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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February 28, 2016

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos

Tessy Oragwa

߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷

Dangers of applying bleaching creams when pregnant

n a m y m d e s I kis in public

W

hen they are pregnant, most light-skinned women darken up slightly due to hormonal changes and melanin deposits show-up on the face and central line from the belly button to pubic bone. This darkening up is known as melasma or pregnancy mask.

This of course is bound to happen and it does not warrant you using bleaching creams to lighten yourself up. The reason is that after pregnancy, the darkening will fade. So, desist from using bleaching creams while pregnant.

Medics have warned that this is dangerous. It may cause birth defects though it has not been conclusive. But surely, it is not health wise to use bleaching creams at this period of your life.

Remember that skin bleaching agents contain hydroquinone and hydroquinone, pregnancy category C ingredients. Category C means the ingredient has been proven to cause birth defects in animals, but not conclusively in humans. The effect on animals

includes stillbirth, deformities, and lower than average birth weight.

Common side effects of hydroquinone include skin irritation, edema, black and blue skin discoloration, and crusting of the skin. Lighter, more even skin may be a beauty choice, but not during pregnancy.

There are too many risks outweighing the rewards associated with hydroquinone in pregnant women. After birth, if skin discoloration continues, mums can start using skin bleaching creams as long as they are not breastfeeding.

Don ’t forget too that your method of delivery is not ascertained. If you must have a caesarean section because of complications, your abdominal skin should still be strong to withstand the rigours of surgery. It should not be too thin and fragile due to corrosive bleaching creams you have been using.

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efore I tell you the naughtiest thing I have ever done, I would like to say that my siblings and I were raised based on godly principles.

We dared not kiss a man in public; that was forbidden.

However, sometime last year when I was about travelling to Philadelphia, I was about boarding a plane and my man was there at the airport to see me off, I knew within me we were going to miss each other for the time I was going to be away. And I needed to prove this to him. So, what I did was

to kiss him so deeply or passionately that I never cared I was doing it in the public.

I never bothered if we were kissing on the street without minding who was watching. This to me is the naughtiest thing because I am not used to this and you know this is Africa where kissing in public is not common.

•Oragwa is a Nollywood actress who has featured in many movies.

-ADAEZE AMOS

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Movies & Music

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com

Olamide, Phyno rock as Guinness rolls out new drink

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op Nigerian acts, Olamide and Phyno, did what they are best known for, thrilling and entertaining guests as Guinness Nigeria Plc scored another hit with the introduction of a new product, Guinness Africa Special.

The new product, made from herbs, spices and ginger grown in Africa, is specifically designed to cater for the needs of young Africans.

Dubbed #TheSpecialOne, the drink was also recently launched in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu and Ibadan.

Speaking on the rationale behind the unique launch of Guinness Africa Special, Portfolio Marketing Manager, Guinness, Ms. Liz Ashdown, said the new product was created to satisfy the needs of young Nigerian consumers who constantly crave for something special and relevant to them.

“The level of acceptance this

Phyno

KACEE

new beer has received since its introduction a few weeks ago has been amazing. It is a product that says more about our vibrant youths than their usual lager, with a taste they love and at a price of only N200 they can afford,” she said.

Guinness Africa Special is the most recent innovation and is brewed in line with Diageo’s high quality standard from the heritage of Guinness stout with African herbs and fruits. Guinness Africa Special is a 5 percent ABV stout made with herbs and spices grown on African soil for a vibrant, refreshing taste that is alive with the African spirit and the distinct Guinness quality.”

Guinness Africa Special packaging is proudly African and the advertising has been developed by a young Nigerian graffiti artist Osa7. This beer proudly projects our vibrant young African spirit.

ic education us m in t en m st ve in s ud la n tio da un Fo MTN

E

Angelique

xecutive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, has described the performance of the MUSON alumni at the concert sponsored by the Foundation as a good justification for the MTN Nigeria’s investment in promoting music education through its partnership with the Music Society of Nigeria School of Music.

Ugboma gave the remark after witnessing for over two hours the melodious sound of string and wind instruments, classical music, opera and contemporary Nigerian tunes performed by the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s two-year scholarship programme at the Shell Hall of MUSON, recently.

According to her, the Foundation has sponsored over 200 students in its nine years of sponsoring the 2-year Diploma programme, and since then, the beneficiaries now under the aegis of MUSON alumni, have been organising the concert for the past four years.

“The concert has provided them with another opportunity, in addition to other milestones they have achieved, to showcase their talents which have been refined through the scholarship programme. Tonight’s performance has once again renewed the faith we had from the beginning in the talents of these students. We have no regrets to have contributed to their development because they have consistently shown outstanding performances,” Ugboma said.

Director of the MUSON School of Music, Mrs. Marion Akpata described the show as one that displays the true meaning of love as love goes beyond chocolates, cupcakes and flowers. She attributed this year’s pre-valentine concert to what is obtainable in other parts of the world. She praised the ingenuity of the music artistes for maintaining the high standard of the school, adding that the ultimate goal of the school was to bring back good music to the society.

“We are proud of our students who have come of age. They have become self-sufficient, improved on what we taught them and exceeded our expectations and yearly the alumni organize this concert to give back to the school building project. We are indeed grateful to the MTN Foundation for their continuous support and sponsorship in making this concert possible.”

The MTN Foundation music scholarship programme is implemented in partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and targets students with innate musical talent and helps them to develop these skills. The scholarship provides the beneficiaries an opportunity to acquire quality music education leading to the MUSON Diploma in Music.

In its nine years of existence, over 200 students have graduated from the programme while another 60 students are presently under going training.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Tosinbee’s official singles out

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is music prowess and sonorous voice continue to captivate his listening audience. Unequivocally, his unique style of gospel music largely consists that of RnB, Hip-Fuji, Jazz, Ewi (Traditional Yoruba Chant) injects a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian Gospel Arena.

Already his singles, ‘Olela’, ‘Mo mopewa’, and ‘Extreme Party’ are becoming the favourites in Christian circles and beyond – even in the secular world!

Gina

Gina Cephas drops new single, ‘Ife’ S

Qhue Concepts launches 2016 Miss Tourism

Q

Tosinbee

The song ‘Testimony’ sums up everything I have to say about God’s unwavering love towards me. The song was produced, mixed and mastered by award-winning producer, Ambassador Wole Oni (WOMP).

The Testimony album which is scheduled to be released in April, features collaborations from Efe Nathan, Nosa, Big Bob and Ayobamidele, all creatively put together a fantastic musical experience in a 14-track masterpiece.

tylish Gina Cephas, a musical diva, is at it again!

This brings to mind the popular saying ‘whatever that is worth doing, is worth doing well’.

That was exactly what this happily married woman whose husband has remained ever supportive of her Her most anticipated hit single entitled, ‘Ife’ was dropped.

‘Ife’ is a Yoruba word for love.This diva could be called a preacher of love “because love is divine, it’s biblical and it is one of the commandments of God. You need to listen to it and thank me later,” she quipped.

hue Concepts, organisers of Nigeria’s award-winning pageant, Miss Tourism Nigeria World, has launched the 2016 edition.

With the theme: ‘My Heritage,’ the show also marks the fifth anniversary of the international franchise and is packaged to celebrate Nigeria’s rich dynamism, cultural aesthetics and values.

The event organiser also called for applications from interested Nigerian females of between ages 17 and 28, who wish to become the next Miss Tourism Nigeria World.

“We are looking for the next Tourism and Ultimate Brand Ambassador. We are in hopes of finding that young Nigerian female who has spunk, charisma, attitude, and that selling point to be the next face to grace billboards and pages of

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magazines as well as exude ‘life’ across televisions around Africa and the world.

“An ambassador, who is fun, convivial, trendy; not just able to represent our sponsors and partners but most importantly, is a symbol of our rich heritage,” Qhue Concepts stated.

Queen Ifeoma

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart to host MTV movie awards

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opular, American actors, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart announced today that they will be hosting the “2016 MTV Movie Awards”.

This year’s show will be recorded at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California on Saturday 9 April and broadcast on MTV across Africa on MTV on Monday, April 11 at 9:30 p.m. (Red Carpet Show) and 10:00 p.m. (MTV Movie Awards). For the first time ever, MTV will take the programme entirely outdoors to capture the essence of movie making magic against a dramatic nighttime backdrop. Performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

“It’s an honour to be hosting the MTV Movie Awards with a guy who’s not only one of the funniest guys on the planet, but who’s often mistaken as my twin:

Kevin Hart,” said Dwayne Johnson. “We live for our fans and promise to make this an epic, historic unforgettable night for them.”

“I love hosting - it’s my thing,” said Kevin Hart. “Dwayne and I are the perfect team for the epic 25th anniversary show. It’s going to go down.”

“Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart define what it means to be modern movie stars,” said MTV Movie Awards Executive Producer Casey Patterson. “They have a direct and personal relationship with their fans, who love them for it and have made them two of the biggest entertainers in the world. They are bringing the action and comedy to the big 25th anniversary of the MTV Movie Awards, which makes me excited and frankly a little afraid. Double trouble!”

Kelvin Hart

Rock

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

February 21, 2016

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)

‘I regret marrying my mum ’s boyfriend ’ (2) This is the concluding part of Ignatius and Veronica ’s story started last week.

Paul, from Anambra, but lives in Adamawa, Jemita, Yola to be precise.

I ’m 30. I need a beautiful lady or a girlfriend. She has to be above 20.

08036423263.

Dayo, a civil servant, lives in Lagos. I ’m from oyo state, I ’m 44. I want a Muslim lady that is working, single, beautiful and ready to settle down for marriage. 08033086629.

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he reason she was shocked was because “I used to see him visit my mum, a widow, whose husband died when she was 50, then I was barely 12 and depended so much in my mum. She had nobody to help raise me and my younger sister who was five when papa died. So, while she struggled to raise us, he was her customer.

My younger sister and I used to call him Uncle Ignatius. He was always coming to patronize my mum because she used to run a canteen just opposite the place where he walked. He would come twice before the close of work and at times forgo his change for my mother, ” she recalled.

Even when he was transferred to Lagos to head a construction company as an engineer, he took Philomena and her two daughters along. “He rented an apartment for my mother and he was residing in the company ’s quarters but he was always with us.

He sponsored my education to the university level. I could remember when I wanted to collect money to buy JAMB form, I first went to his office and I was told he was on leave. I then headed to his house and saw Mama in his house cooking in his kitchen.

She had stayed out of house for three days and told me she was in the church getting prepared for women ’s celebration that used to come once in a year. I wasn ’t happy that I saw her there. When I asked why she hadn ’t visited us to see how my younger sister and I were fairing, she only said she knew we were alright. That she needed to be closer to Uncle Ignatius who had been helpful to us.

I understood her and didn ’t press her any further. I knew they were dating because the closeness was something else. Mum, a beautiful woman, tried to reciprocate his kind gestures and Uncle Ignatius who was happily sponsoring my younger sister and I in school didn ’t remember he was ripe to get married. He was in his late 30s until when I was in second year in the university, ” she recalled.

His choice of wife shocked Philomena and her two daughters. “When he proposed marriage to me was on my birthday.

In need of a serious relationship/marriage Ocholeche, lives in Abuja, 30. I ’m looking for a lady who is eager to settle down for marriage. No discrimination of ethnicity, religion and culture.

08177408866.

Alao, 38, single, lives in Lagos, needs a single Muslim girl below 30 for marriage. 08170141833.

Omotayo, 26, looking for a man for marriage. He has to be between 30-50.

08082629319.

God ’s Power, 30, needs a lady of 35-40 for a serious relationship.

09030145709.

Prince Iyke, 31, lives in Abuja, a script writer and movie producer, needs a lady between 28- 31, light skinned, tall and rich to boost my production.

08071231490.

Paul, 45, a business man, handsome and caring. I need a woman between age 27-48 for marriage. 07030809667

Toba, 40, a graduate and working. I need a fat Yoruba lady for a relationship that can lead to marriage 08060439348 Sam, 36 needs a caring and supportive lady who is 45 years and above.

08068553322.

Prince Olamide, 23, lives in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy for fun. 08187641034.

Jokotade, 20, lives in Oyo and a mother of one. She needs a 35-45 bouyant sugar daddy who resides either in Lagos, Idbadan or Oyo state. 08167622738.

A model

I was surprised the way he took it on himself to make me happy. He came over our house and mum a good cook had cooked. He brought drinks and cake. It was a small celebration of a sort but it was indeed important to me because the last birthday I had was the one that happened the same year my dad passed away.

So, I invited some of my friends who came and celebrated with me. We took some shots together and my favourite songs blasted through the speakers. When it was time for us to make a toast, it was Uncle Ignatius that made the toast. He first prayed for me and thanked God for giving my mum the strength to pull through all her challenges when Papa died.

He prayed so well that everybody was touched. I was shocked he could pray so well because you hardly see him in the church but he loved to read Bible and Christian journals from different authors and pastors a whole lot.

When everybody chorused amen, we clicked our wine glasses and drank happily, ” she reminisced.

When every guest had left, the house was tidied up and dishes washed, “Uncle Ignatius was still there. He ought to have gone home because it was getting late.

He never slept in our house before, not even for the first time.

So, we knew he would leave, no, matter how late it was. When

I was about going in to have my shower, he called me. My mum was seated including my younger sister.

That was when he brought out a small box that had a ring inside. I never knew what he was about doing, it never occurred to me. I was shocked when he knelt down and asked me to be his wife. That I was 22 and wasn ’t too young to do so.

And that we wouldn ’t get married almost immediately until I got to my third year in the university. I looked at him and saw how curious he was, how his heart pounded. I looked at my mum, she smiled and nodded meaning that I should accept him. I then looked at my kid sister, she covered her mouth with her two hands as she was fond of doing anytime she was embarrassed and giggled. I couldn ’t remove my gaze from Cecilia my kid sister until she said something. ‘Hey Big Sis, are you sure you are ripe for marriage now? If you agree to marry him, what happens to Mama? Well, if Mama is okay with this, then don ’t refuse Uncle Ignatius, he has been kind to us, ’ she said, still giggling.

At that, I stretched my left hand to him and he slipped his ring into my third finger. Mama and Cecilia clapped, ” she enthused.

Ignatius and Veronica got married a year after their engagement. “I was happy, my mother was happy including my younger sister. I continued calling him Uncle Ignatius though he said I should

NOTICE: Please note that we don ’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we ’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

be calling him a pet name, but I was used to that and he never objected. He too continued calling me Ada Philo as he was used to and I never objected as well. When we got married, we moved from the house he was staying to a bigger one and still took my mum along. My mum was residing in the boys quarters while my husband and I lived in the main house, a duplex. My younger sister was staying in the guest house but she wasn ’t always around. She was in a university, doing a pre degree course while I was doing my youth service. But I felt unsafe leaving my husband and my mum together while I was away. I feared because they had dated before but I still have little doubts if mum at 60 something could still be having sex. My younger sister had told me to send Mama back to village but ensure I make provisions for her there so that she would not lack anything. When I suggested this to Uncle Ignatius my husband, he refuted that idea vehemently. When I asked Mama to leave for village, she nearly cursed me that I wanted to send her to village where witches and wizards including enemies of progress would kill her. But I know I was trying to make my marriage work. Mama is the one that dictates what happens in my home and my husband listens to her. She insists that none of my husband ’s relatives visits us and over stays his/her welcome, and that includes my mother- in- law. And my husband did not frown at that. I still suspect something may still be happening between them. There was no need asking my mother about that because she even denied it at first when they were doing it secretly. But somehow, I doubt that at mid 60s, can she still be sexually active? I ’m beginning to regret marrying a man who respects, loves and cherishes my mum more than me his wife, ” she said.

Readers, what do you think?

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Bona

oreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face for he was afraid to look upon God” Moses turning aside to behold the burning bush, figuratively had the fire burning in him. The bush symbolically represented all Moses weakness, sins, failures, curses, enchantments, and or every grip of the powers of the goddess and gods of Egypt on him. Remember, when Moses ran away after killing an Egyptian who oppressed an Israelite, Pharaoh placed curses on him in the name of the gods and goddess of Egypt.

Those curses became a yoke and chains of bondage that tied down his destiny and life purpose. For forty years, the powers of the gods of Egypt held him captive and casted his honour to the dust.

He lived such disgraced life that he became a servant to his father in-law. What a life of shame and abject humiliation. For the period of this forty years, he was doing the same thing everyday.

Which was taking out his father in-law’s sheep every morning to grace grasses, and bringing them back in the evening. What a wretched life. His destiny was diverted, and God’s mandate in his life killed. Moses became a victim of circumstances.

He saw himself doing what he was not supposed to do. He knew he was at a wrong place, he was also not fulfilled but he did not know how to come out.

He accepted his situation by faith, believing that God would one day give him deliverance. In the process of time his deliverance actually came.

Dear child of God, I may not actually know the factors that generated your life challenges. However, looking at the life of Moses, we observe that his problems came from two sources: A) The meaning of his name - Moses as a

Territorial powers and their bondages (6) name, means drawn from the water. The name had a lot of negative influence in the life of Moses.

Anything drawn from the water came from the water. Powers resident in the river where Moses was drawn had an uninterrupted access in his life. They stole his original status, fame, glory and honour only to reduce him to an ordinary house boy. They killed his mandate and diverted his career. If not for the timely intervention of God. Moses would have died a frustrated man. Beloveth, what is the meaning of your name? The meaning of your name has either negative or positive impact on your mandate. Every living soul made by God on this earth has a mandate. Your mandate is what you were born to accomplish. Consequently, the meaning of the name you bear will either help you accomplish your mandate or deviate you out of your destiny. This is because the meaning of your name is what you are. There are satanic forces known as star hunters, which make use of meaning names to manipulate their victims. It is my advice that if the meaning of your name is not pleasant, prayerfully pick another name you are comfortable with the meaning to avoid having your destiny being manipulated because of the meaning.

B) Curses – The second source of Moses problem where curses pronounced on him by Pharaoh. Moses became a wanderer for forty years, wandering in the deserts of confusion. Doing the same thing everyday, without result. He liveda stereo-type kind of lifestyle without impact for over forty years. Child of God, how is your life progress? Have you noticed you have been doing the same type of business for years without achievement? Perhaps the same type of job for years without promotion, benefits or entitlement, then rise up and pray these prayer points violently; using this scripture: Isa. 59:19 “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

1.

My destiny shall not die in me by fire in the name of Jesus.

2.

Powers pricing my destiny to buy it receive Holy Ghost acid and be wasted, in the name

of Jesus.

3.

Powers operating from where I was born, hawking my destiny for sell receive blindness and be paralyzed in the name of Jesus.

4.

That satanic slave master, who have turned me to his slave in the spirit, I break out from you and command you to fall down and die in the name of Jesus.

5.

You spirit using the face of who I know to enslave me in the spirit, receive the rod of fire and die in the name of Jesus.

6.

Today I refuse to wander in the desert of confusion in the name of Jesus.

7.

My destiny thrown into the bush, today I recover it by fire in the name of Jesus 8.

My destiny buried in my father’s house, angels of God dig it out for me in the name of Jesus.

9.

Every curse operating in my life die by fire in the name of Jesus.

10. Every hindrance to my breakthrough scatter by fire in the name of Jesus.

SEVEN KEYS TO POSSESSING HOLY FIRE 1) You must turn aside Exo. 3:4 “ And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Heream I.” To turn aside, to see the great sight which Moses did was a symbol of answering altar call. Which means he repented and forsook his old ways of life which were not corresponding with the word of God. The Bible says, when God saw that he had turned aside to see, God called out of the midst of the burning bush. Repenting and forsaking of one’s old ways of life is the first vital key to possessing holy fire. Unfortunately, many Christians today claim to have repented but their characters are contrary to the faith they profess.

Such categories of people cannot possess holy fire. Moses actually turned aside to see. Which means he truly repented. When God saw his heart of repentance, God baptized him with fire. The fire is the Holy Spirit. The spirit of

power. In Matt. 3:11 “ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” 2) You must have violent / stubborn faith – It was only violent/stubborn faith, provoked by holy fire that can actually generate great violence in the kingdom of satan, demolishing the stronghold of the enemy forcing him to willingly submit, all he had taken away from you.

Testimonies – an uncommon favour received Towards the end of last year, the man of God directed all members of the church to buy a gift for a fellow member. He told us that as we extend hand of grace to a fellow member so shall God open for us the doors of uncommon favour, from men and women of the world. I made up my mind to obey the man of God instruction. That day, as I got to the church, I made up my mind to give my gift to any one my spirit led me to. When the time for the exchange of gifts came, my spirit led me to one elderly woman, who I have never seen before in the church. I quickly went to her and gave her my gift, she collected it and prayed for me. The man of God also prayed and asked angels of favour to accompany us home. When I got home, by evening time somebody called me and asked me to come over and check something. When I got there I saw a brand new generator valued at about sixty-five to seventy thousand naira. The person asked me whether I like it I said yes, he asked me to carry it without paying any money. Brethren, the prophecy of the servant of God have come true in my life. Today, I am an owner of giant power generator, praise the Lord!

Sis. Joy Address: Pastor Kingson I. Bona, General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries, No. 6, David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

Tel: 08023404926, 08075598531 Website: wwwchapelholiness.orgfacebook: pstbona@chapelholiness.org

News

Nigerians urged to eradicate violence …as RCCG prepares for Redeemer’s Day

Odinaka Uruakpa

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he pastor in charge of Region 11 and Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Women Affairs, Pastor (Mrs.) Oretayo Adetola has urged Nigerians to be partners in progress with the RCCG to eradicate evil, as well as stamp out violence and other atrocities committed by youths in the country.

Adetola gave this charge at a press conference to announce the 17th edition and first regional celebration of Christ the Redeemer’s Day, a three-day programme tagged “God: strength for all times” which will hold from March 10-12, 2016 at the Sports Arena of Region 11 Headquarters Complex.

While thanking God for growth, increase and enlargement, Adetola revealed that in the previous years, all Redeemer’s schools gathered together at the Redemption Camp to celebrate Christ the Redeemer’s Day with thanksgiving to God and sporting activities.

“We didn’t have the redeemer’s Day last year for the simple reason that all the children that came from all over the country were accommodated on camp. All of them

had to be fed on camp, and also looked after on camp; it is only by the grace of God that we didn’t record any causality. It was getting too big and with the prevailing condition in the country, it was getting a bit dangerous, therefore, we decided it should be decentralized.

That informs what we are doing this year, i.e. holding it at regional level. Regions in the Redeemed Christian Church of God consist of provinces, so a group of province will come together whatever their number to celebrate. Here in Region 11, we have 14 provinces and that will be a mammoth crowd because each province sometimes has up to 1000 parishes. You can imagine the spread; so, our mummy, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye decided, by the prompting of the Holy Ghost, to make the event a bit less cumbersome, and that was what gave rise to holding it on regional basis. This year, the purpose and standard of the celebration will be maintained as usual”, she assured.

She further assured that the region is poised to blaze the trail by putting up the best programme as it hosts all Redeemer’s schools in its jurisdiction in fulfillment of the vision of Christ the Redeemer’s School

Management to the benefit of the children and all who care about them.

The celebration shall be fun fair and fair play for the students as they play and compete with each other.

At the end of the program, we would have succeeded in building fellowship of love, discover and develop talents, build the confidence of our students going for competitions and giving thanks to God for continuously being our strength for all times”, she stated.

On the level of high moral decadence among Nigerian youths, even with some having good religious background, and measures to inculcate good morals in the Nigerian youth, Adetola said: “We need the media and other well meaning Nigerians to be our partners in progress in helping to eradicate evil in Nigeria, to help stamp out violence, atrocity. Moral decadence among the youth is all embracing; it is not peculiar to only those who grew in the streets.

We live in a funny world and as we are not an island on our own, we miss with other people. We are bound to be influenced by others; especially teenagers who fall into this group. Peer group influence is a terrible thing among our youths. They want to

belong, they want to be accepted and they will do anything under pressure.”

She further urged every adult Nigerian and all concerned, to join hands with the church to stamp out violence, crime and other forms of atrocities.

“It is not only the job of the church to train these children aright. Some of our great grand parents did not go to church, yet, they from the home they trained their children in morals, and they did it well.

They were committed to their primary responsibility to their family and people turned out fine. Our primary aim of calling this meeting is to appeal to everybody for all hands to be on deck to turn the country around.

This is not the job of one person; the job starts from the home, then probably to the church, the school and the society; we all are involved in molding good citizens for the country”, she submitted.

Those expected to grace the event include the Vice President, education and Chairperson, CRSM, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and a host of other dignitaries in the country.

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From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

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Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)

any people will agree with me that our dear country Nigeria has been politically and spiritually destroyed because we have refused to adhere to the wish of God as revealed in the Bible, hence, we have been suffering greatly and tragically. True Christians cannot deny that Christianity has been enjoying the presence of secularism that is divorced from transforming power of the Holy Spirit and what the church needs now is a radical reformation that will go to the root of our moral and spiritual maladies. Today, many Christian leaders can be accused of tailoring their messages to please their hearers and to their own advantage. While some of us believe that Christian profession is a valid means of communicating the truths of Jesus Christ to the world and notto please people or make money, some people take advantage of the economic situations in Nigeria to deceive many that prayer alone can provide employment and create wealth.

The Bible speaks to us today as the only voice of God and our failure to hear, understand and adhere strictly to its instructions leads to calamity. The presence of products of secular education in Christian leadership pushes out Holy Spirit from the church. So as the letter triumphs, the Spirit withdraws and textualism rules supreme. The effect of the error of textualism is deadly. It is unfortunate that the lifestyle of the unregenerated world is approved by some “born-again” Christian leaders and eagerly copied by Christians. Religious leaders have adopted the techniques of the advertisers;

Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

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ohn 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus died for mankind. He did not do it because we merit it but He did if for the love of God to us Romans 5:8. The devil’s access and ability to torture and disturb my and your life is revoked at redemption when you carry the mark of Jesus and come under the protecting power of His blood.

Our ability to access all the promises of God as contained in the scriptures is only made possible by that citizenship card of heaven. Membership card of God’s kingdom is the only guarantee to a life without struggles.

The simplest message every preached is that of John 3:16 and it remains the most powerful. A lot of people want access to the power of God; in fact, many pray that their struggles will be over, that their sicknesses be made whole and their many worries gone in a twinkling of an eye. However, we do not know that the greatest access to all the arsenals of war in heaven is to first and foremost embrace the love of God. God saw the struggles of man and in His

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Building and developing the land for God boasting, baiting and shameless exaggerating are now carried on as normal procedure in church work. The moral climate observed today in the church and spiritual environment is just like that of the Hollywood and Nollywood.

The present spiritual situation in Nigeria is disturbing. The military terminologies that make Christianity an army of Christ have been successfully silenced and replaced. Christian leaders in Nigeria are busy competing and proving to Nigerians that they can have all the benefits of the gospel without any inconvenience to their customary way of life. The modern idea is “Have Christianity and continue to live in sin”.

Christian leaders are interested in increasing the number of parishes under them. Churches can be found almost everywhere in Nigeria.

One fact we need to know is that God is not interested in churches that have no intention to own the Lordship of Jesus and come under obedience to his commandments. He is not interested in increasing church attendance unless Christians who amend their ways and live holy lives. Christians should be frankly told that God is not interested in fat offerings as encouraged by the modern Christian leaders for he called these “vain oblations”. He wants men and women to put away and stop evil, to seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless and plead for the widows. The Bible said, “To obey is better than sacrifice”. We must return to New Testament Christianity not in creed only but in complete manner of life.

I am talking about building and developing the land especially Nigeria. This cannot be done if we cannot build the moral of the people. I think a lot about what the Bible says about God and his plans for man; the present church and its messages that do not glorify God and Nigerians that are being deceived and manipulated both by our politicians and religious leaders.

My major concern is the way an average Nigerian thinks. What I observe is that the way Nigerians think is determined by the way they view and understand events around them. Many of us do not understand what politics is all about and the “holy” men and women we depend on to show us the way of God have designed their message to lead us to their hearts. We are shaped by influences that are ungodly.

This message is really not about where you come from but mainly about how you use your mind to see events around you, interpret them and use them for your own good and the betterment of others.

The French thinker, Blaise Pascal said, “Working hard to think clearly is the beginning of moral conduct”. I will not hesitate to say that with our experience in the hands of some politicians and some holy men and women who make money out of ignorance and poverty of the poor, many of us know where we are and how we got here. This is enough to help us interpret our reality and understand life. This is the time to confront the evil that is destroying Nigeria.

We all cry for a change and the promise of the present government is to bring about the expected change. What we have in our church today is not Christianity as practiced by the first century church but a combination of paganism, Eastern and occult spirituality. True Christianity has a message of change to proclaim to the world. The demand of the gospel is first of all to repent. When Jesus first began to preach, he said, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near’’. Mark 1:15. Our moral choices will determine where we are and how we want to live. It is essential to address the issues of people’s behaviour, morality and attitudes.

Our land is in shamble - nothing works – no electricity, no good road, no drinkable water, no

good education, no work for the youths and no care for widows, elderly and children. It is a very sad picture.

This reminds us of the story of a man called Nehemiah who was a cup-bearer in the royal palace of the Persian King. Bible called him a faithful man and a man of action. Nehemiah who received bad news from Jerusalem said, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace.

The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire.

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” Neh. 1:3-4. Nehemiah asked for permission from the King to go and rebuild the city.

Nehemiah was not without hindrances because he had many enemies who did all they could to hinder the work. Yes, there are many people who benefit from the ungovernable situation of Nigeria and the suffering of the people.

I call on all Nigerians both at home and abroad to join in this building project.

Let us pray and be patient with our government as they present their plans to us. Let us put away any selfish motive and work together to make Nigeria a better place for all to live. Do not let us continue to support the Christian leaders who boast of their wealth while their followers wallow in poverty and suffering. In every age, God chooses men and women through whom he speaks to the world at large. Many of them may not be prolific writers, motivational speakers or miracle performers but they have the message of God delivered undiluted.

ARE YOU ONE ?

•Prof Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies United Bible University, Lagos Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698: email : profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com Twitter : KunleMacaulay1

Salvation (2) the love of God infinite wisdom realized that the permanent way out of man’s numerous crises is complete ownership not byslavery but by son-ship through loveRomans 8:17. There are many proclamations, movements and religions, they claim among other things whole lot of doctrines and teachings but none is founded on the basis of sacrifice motivated by love.

Love, sir is the greatest concept the enemy of our soul does not understand and he tries to fight it with all his might. This I want to explain God is love which invariably means that anything or anyone that is anti-God or does not know God cannot have the capacity to love (Read 1 John 4 7-20). The Holy Spirit interprets the love and intents and mind of God to us, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the personality of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not given any man until salvation takes place. It can be concluded that any man who is not saved cannot understand or comprehend love because he/she lacks the Holy Spirit. Sir/Ma, could it be that the reason you have issues with Daddy or Mummy is because you don’t understand love? Ponder over this question this week and ask Jesus to help you.

Back to the topic at hand; the devil suffered the greatest defeat not when he was thrown out of heaven but when he miscalculated and misunderstood the intent and purpose of the coming of Jesus which was centered around sacrifice based on love (love motivated sacrifice). I pray that your heart is opened right now as we delve into this in Jesus name.

Amen.

The enemy is aware of the scriptures and

understand the laws of cause and effect; he knows that the soul that sins must die and also knows that God is a just God who cannot behold or tolerate sin. Through a personal experience he understands that anyone that rebels against God is cast out from His presence.

Remember that he rebelled against God and left his responsibility by wanting to become who he was not created to be. His desire to overthrow his creator got him thrown out of heaven. (Read the story of Lucifer in Isaiah 14 from verse 12) Armed with this personal experience of the law of cause and effect, rebellion, sin and death, he went to work in the Garden of Eden.

He had and still has no other weapon but to subtly cause rebellion. He therefore went to the garden to incite man to rebel and also become who God did not create him to be.

The scriptures make us to understand that he successfully tempted the woman then the man and the both ate from the tree God strictly forbade. Fast forward little and you will see that his calculations and strategies paid over because he got the response for cause and effect as hoped because God cursed them and threw them out of the garden to go laboring.

Moving quickly through the pages of scriptures we see many struggles and attempts by man to return to God and the subtlety of the devil in causing rebellion in any way he could (that one tool that worked). From Cain and Abel’s story, to Sodom and Gomorrah, to the Tower of Babel, down to Egypt, to slavery, to the wilderness experience of the children of Israel to their numerous Judges and Kings; rebellion kept on surfacing and they kept on

facing the wrath of God. The devil has nothing good to offer you sir, he incites you through subtle suggestions, temptations and attempts to rebel against God and aspire to be who God has not called you to be. His tactic has not changed. Man hence suffered over and over again and one could conclude that the devil was in a comfortable place. We shall continue on this exposition next week by the grace of God. I want you to do a thorough and honest appraisal right now and be the judge of yourself; your actions and behavior are they in tandem to the will of God or are you in a constant state of rebellion as inspired by the devil. Listen if you are not living according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit and the word of God then you are not tandem to the will of God. Knowing that the only goal of the devil is to make God angry with you and bring you suffering why don’t you make a turn today and now by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and savior. The process is simple Believe in your heart that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary paying the price for your sins and rose from the dead the third day to establish your victory •For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

Celebration Vineyard Briefly

Ileri Oluwa Bible church celebrate ‘s God’s faithfulnesss

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he stage is set for the 15th anniversary celebration thanksgiving service of Ileri Oluwa Bible Church also known as channel of victory.

Cleric urges Nigerians to establish good relationship with God

Ahead of the event, a seven-day power packed revival is billed to begin on February 29, 2016 starting 6pm daily.

The revival will end on Sunday march6 2016 at 10am with special thanks giving service at the church auditorium located at 3, market road, off Ikosi Road beside Ikosi/Isheri local council, Ketu, Lagos.

The programme which has as its theme “God’s faithfulness” will feature praises, salvation, breakthrough, healing, deliverance.

In a statement credited to the host Pastor, Rev, Dr (Mrs.) Ebunola Adeyomoye (JP), it stated that all attendees to this year’s celebration will praise the lord for the bountiful He will do in their lives, adding that Olorun Ileri Maadun will visit them.

Rhema Chapel breaks yoke of limitations

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he Sunday programme of Rhema Chapel tagged “Breaking the yoke of limitations” which began on February 21, 2016 will end today, February 28 at 11, Taiwo Street, beside Union Bank Ogudu road, Ojota, Lagos.

According to the host, Pastor Adekunle Adekoya, this year is the year of unlimited growth for participants powered by the Holy Spirit. He urged all to come and witness unlimitation in their life this year.

On hand to minister are Pastor Caleb Ayinla and other anointed men and women of God. The programme will feature display from His image voices, the sword of Excellence, Drama ministry, as well as drama, prophetic impartation, praise among others.

CandS church begins prayer and fasting

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he annual fasting and prayer session of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Ona Iwa Mimo Oke Ayo Atunbi Mose (Agboyi Parish) which held from January 29 to February 20, 2016 will continue from February 22 to March 11, 2016 tagged “Jesus will do my own”with vigil starting at 12midnight at 4, Oja-omo Street, off Agboyi road, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos.

The host minister, Senior Pro. Evang. (Dr.) S.T. Adeniyi (sanmosanmo Malaika) claimed that God wants everyone to receive blessing, healing, deliverance and breakthrough, as programme coordinato,r Ap.Pro.Muyiwa Komolafe, Evang. Lanre Teriba, Dare Melody and a host of others would be ministering.

Rev. C.V.C Okoro with wife

Juliet Umeh

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he General Overseer of House of Generals Int’l Church, Bishop C.N.C Onyeledo has revealed that the origin of man’s problem is his (man) disobedience to God, adding that for man to enjoy limitless love and life of elevation, he (man) must establish good relationship with God.

Onyeledo who gave this charge while delivering a sermon at the 30th birthday celebration of Rev Ephraim Valentine Okoro, General Overseer City of Signs and Wonders Assembly Inc. a.k.a. Power Chapel claimed that if humans must overcome their problems, they must identify where the problem is coming from.

“If you don’t know where a problem is coming from, you cannot know how to solve such problem and that is why problems persist. When you do not have good relationship with God, you cannot have good relationship with fellow human beings. If you are not born again, you will continue to live a perpetual life of limitation”, he claimed.

The Bishop identified three faculties which God has given to man namely intellect, emotions, and the will. He advised the congregation to always be mindful of what

they think in their minds because that also determines consequences.

In other to have perfect union with God, Onyeledo emphasized that man depending on his knowledge cannot know God unless with the interaction of God. He pointed out that the original plan of God was to continue to have fellowship with man, but when man disobeyed, man began to operate on limited love God. He added that ways a man knows that he is not in union with God are serving self, worshipping his wife as well as his appetite.”

While commending the celebrant, Onyeledo told the congregation that what Rev. Okoro needs now is their prayer because God has helped him, adding that to whom much is given, much is expected.

According Onyeledo, when people take up new positions, the responsibility of such position may weigh the person down to making frustrating statements, but he assured the man of God that his would not be like that, as he prayed for the celebrant to soar higher in his new era and enormous duty.

Rev. Okoro a.k.a Rev. C.V.C Okoro (celebrant) appreciating the crowd that graced the occasion said he was actually longing for a day like this, but never knew that God will honour him this way.

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His words: “My mother used to tell me when I was small, ’you this boy, I don’t know what you will become, its only God that knows.’ That has been the comment because my things have always been different. Right from birth, deaths pursed me from different angles; it didn’t get me because I have a divine assignment.”

The man of God who was full of gratitude to God for bringing him this far, gave a insight of his humble beginnings, his educational pursuit, his journey into ministry that has spanned over a decade and his marriage.

“I can’t say that I am surprised at where I am now, it took dogged obedience, prayers and fasting, hard work, honesty integrity. I lack words to fully articulate it, but I can summarize it all by saying it is by God’s Grace. All glory, honour, adoration and majesty must be unto Him alone. No man shall take God’s glory” Okoro claimed.

Going memory lane, the Reverend narrated the revelation he got before his ministry took off.

“In the vision, I witnessed the eclipse of the sun. I saw a bottomless well like of water with rainbow on the surface, dews like during harmattan with heavy midst that is so white without impairing visibility was all around. I beheld a golden tiara glittering like sun rays descending in the midst of the dew from Heaven to earth.

“I beheld the son of man descending. I started weeping with deep uncontrollable tears. I bowed my face for the glory was awesome, too great to behold, it was so real. I kept repeating, Lord, the church is not prepared yet. He said to me, ’Go and prepare the church’.”

The celebration could be described as a show of compassion, as the less privileged in the society were fully taken care of at the venue. The high point was when Rev Okoro handed the less privileged a cheque of N100, 000.

The pastor and his family donated a bus to the church, as well as a plot of land each to14 families whom he said stood by him against all odds for the past 10 years that the journey of the ministry began.

The event tagged “Grace and Glory” also marked the dedication of the celebrant’s fourth child, Chidera Praise attracted preachers from within and outside the country including Rev. Chukwuma Nzeribe, General Overseer of Shelter in the Storm Assembly, Enugu, Rev. Amb. Cosfinney Udoka N, senior pastor of House on the Rock Asaba among others.

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From the Pulpit

The voice of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

A

s we all know, nothing of value is free; everything of inestimable value is at a cost. Among the great cost of maximizing God’s agenda for our lives is the cost of prayer and fasting. When we pay the price of prayer and fasting, we become entitled to the great value inherent therein. Remember, the Bible records that when Jesus undertook a fasting expedition, He returned in the power of the Spirit and His fame spread abroad all the regions and beyond (Luke 4:121, 14, 37). This helps us to know that at the root of every glory, is a groaning in prayer and fasting. Though prayer and fasting is at a price, there are some amazing benefits that we draw from it as contained in Isaiah 58:6-14.

Whatare some of the Blessedness of Prayer and Fasting?

Fasting spiritually expedites answers to prayers: The Bible says: Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am... (Isaiah 58:9).

Fasting facilitates speedy answers to our prayers. This is why the devil wants to keep us from praying while fasting, so as to rob us of the treasures that await us in it. However, we must get smarter than the devil by engaging with all our hearts and might.

Prayer and fasting enhances access to

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani

A

Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

t least 60 per cent of married couples will experience infidelity at some point in their marriage. All kinds of reasons exist for this, where couples experience periods of sustained stress, exhaustion, or separation due to family needs or career obligations. Husbands and wives don’t feel satisfied with each other or deeply connected. People endure longstanding dullness or even deadness in their relationships.

Men and women wrestle with boredom, loneliness or unmet needs. Life feels tedious and hard, and a titillating experience beckons.

Causes of infidelity 1. Foundation:Within Christian circles, where strict monogamy is publicly lauded, our private sexual ethics have nonetheless become clouded.

Let’s consider the porn factor. Many have grown up in a culture where the average age for children to be first exposed to pornography has crept younger and younger (today it’s at age 11). By secondary school, 90 per cent of boys are regularly viewing porn.

Additionally, an internal poll among University students revealed one in five females says she is addicted to pornography. Therefore for married couples where one or both people bring into the relationship a past

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Unveiling the Blessedness of Prayer and Fasting! (2) divine guidance: It is written: The LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isaiah 58:11; See also Psalms 23:1).

Everyone who is guided by the Lord is guided into realms of unending abundance.It is also written: They thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out (Isaiah 48:21; See also Ezra 8:21-23).

• It empowers us for dominion: It is impossible to operate in the realm of power without prayer and fasting as a lifestyle.

Everyone who has ever operated in the realm of power subscribed to the demands of prayer and fasting. Even Christ had no identity until He returned from a forty-day prayer and fasting expedition.

David, in desperate need for power, said:O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power andthy glory… (Psalms 63:2-3; see alsoIsaiah 58:6;Luke4:14-37).

This means we cannot experience God’s power without a thirsty soul and a longing flesh.

• Access to outbreak of revelations: It is the light we encounter that sets the pace for the glory we enjoy. The Bible says: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon

thee(Isaiah 60:1).

Therefore, fasting period is not just a praying time, but a searching time. It is the time to identify materials that will help us in any area of challenge in our lives. There are things we would never get except we are looking for them in the time of prayer and fasting (2 Corinthians 4:4).

• Access to our high places: In concluding the benefits of fasting from verse 6 of Isaiah 58, God said: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

That means fasting paves the way forward for us. Nehemiah fasted and received favour. He was a man without identity but succeeded in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem in 52 days after he had prayed and fasted. This is a proof that fasting paves the way to our high places.

• It facilitates fulfilment of prophecy: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightiest war a good warfare (1 Timothy 1:18).

Every prophecy must be enforced before it can be realized and one way to enforce its fulfilment is through the weapon of prayer and fasting. Moreover, every prophecy is like an open door and the Bible says: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Therefore, we engage in prayer and fast-

ing to resist every adversary that may hinder the fulfilment of prophecy in our lives (1 Kings 18:42-44).

In conclusion, if all these blessings accrue to us in fasting, then, it is wisdom to maximally engage in same coupled with prayer, so we can begin to flow in the realm of glory the remaining days of our lives.

Therefore, as we engage the mystery of prayer and fasting, I se eGod opening new chapters of glory in our life in Jesus’ name!

Remain ever blessed!

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Born To Win, Satan Get Lost and Winning Prayer.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

• I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 014548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww. org

What lures people (Christians) into infidelity? experience with porn, sex often becomes something other than a beautiful thing. A struggle with porn kept the couple from having sex, only to either lead to estrangement within the marriage or to one person looking outside the marriage for sexual fulfillment in the arms of someone else or toward the continued use of porn. Meaning that we have to take cognisance of the root problem.

2. Lack of mentor:These are women who either didn’t grow up with a dad in the home or never had a healthy relationship with their father or stepfather. They’ve never had a male mentor, So there is a huge hole in most of these women’s hearts. A man comes along— many times an older man—and begins listening to them, and before they know it, they just cave.

Also one can say that about 50 percent of this married demographic are children of divorce. “They haven’t seen a model or a practice of healthy, lasting marriages set before them,” They believe that, “If it gets bad, you cut and run.” They also carry with them attachment injuries from a mom or dad who abandoned them or broke up the family. These injuries demonstrate themselves in a marriage in three ways— the spouse either becomes too clingy, too cautious (afraid to get too close because they might get hurt), or too chaotic (too restless to be tied down or commit longterm). Instead of learning to stoke the fires of healthy sexual tension (flirting, teasing, and enjoying the slow build-up that leads

to fulfilling sex), these couples are coming into marriage with a past mindset that said: Sex is about hopping into bed as soon as possible.

This might never happen again, so I better take advantage of it right now. So sex within marriage quickly becomes a chore.

3. Social media:- Social media has also flung open the door wide to the ease in which people can engage in emotional affairs. That old infatuations can be instantly triggered through connecting with past boyfriends or girlfriends.

“Those former experiences and feelings are still stored in the brain.” “A man might see a woman on Facebook that he liked in college. It doesn’t matter if she’s put on 80 pounds. It’s the memory she generates. He desires connection with her.”

4. An Unexpected Instinct:- A woman now 57, says the life she led with her husband after they first married in their midtwenties seemed picturesque. At that time, they both had great jobs, a beautiful home, and money for anything they desired. Yet she felt empty. “I didn’t really feel like I knew my husband,” she recalls. “I didn’t feel like I knew his heart. I was lonely and dying inside.”

She thought having children might be the answer, after which the couple had twin girls.

“I was okay for a little while; then that gnawing hole in my heart returned,” she says, When the twins were 16 months old, l traveled for work, then got connected with a male colleague whom l’d known for a long

time before. l and my colleague talked late into the night and he asked her to breakfast the next morning before the meeting concluded. “Of course I replied no,” she says. “But somehow I found myself at the table with him the following morning.

I felt really connected to him. I flew home on a Friday and found myself thinking over the weekend, I can’t wait to get back to the office on Monday to talk on the phone to this guy.” They began communicating regularly over the phone. A month later, the two met at a hotel and slept together.

While this lady’s actions were shocking to her, they fit a pattern of what often unfolds during an adulterous affair. “The vast majority of affairs—I’d say 95 per cent—occur without planning or intent,” Harley says.

Affairs usually start with a friendship.

You find yourself attracted to another person, not necessarily sexually. You just like the person. You get along really well. Then one thing leads to another and eventually you develop an attraction and the affair becomes sexual.

We have an instinct to sexually connect.

And our instincts will lead us into a whole lot of trouble if we don’t take extraordinary precautions.

•You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr. (Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213. Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Time to move to ‘the other side’ (2)

Miracle Arena with Bishop

I

Theo Ugochukwu

n part one of this topic, we discussed with relevant Bible references what “The Other Side” connotes. Different meanings were imputed into the phrase “the other side” as used by our Lord Jesus in Luke 8:22 to suit different aspirations and life conditions of man. In this part II, we shall brain storm on the requirements for moving or crossing over ‘to other side’.

Naturally, nothing happens without a cause. A common adage has it that “there is no smoke without fire”. Arguably, moving or crossing over to ‘the other side’ implies aspiring for a greener pasture or making ambitious moves to achieve a higher goal and attain a new height in life. It is such moves or acts that not only give life a meaning but also distinguish it. So such moves cannot just happen. There must be some activators and propelling forces behind them. Such activating and enabling forces include:1.

Putting God in the Picture: For any move to ‘the other side’, a brighter and better side of life to sail through God must be involved in the move right from onset. If God is involved from the very beginning in any aspiration and effort, it will surely yield the desired result and even exceeds it. In Luke 8:22-24 we see how the Disciples drew the attention of Jesus to their plight when the storm arose to sink the boat in which they were crossing over to ‘the other side’. When the disciples got Jesus involved in their situation, He took charge of it and calmed the raging storm. If they did not get Jesus involved …Therefore God also has highly exalted Him(Jesus) and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11) He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence. (Colossians 1:15-18) Jesus Christ holds the highest position in heaven and on earth; everything answer to His name and nothing can rebel against His order. When you have his power working in your favour no opposition can be able to hinder you for long. Devil will surely raise opposition to your progress but he is already defeated and your victory over him is sure.

In the book of Revelation chapter 12:1-17, the Bible told us about three different times that devil failed over his attempt to disrupt the programme of God. The storms of life may come against a man for various reasons, but no matter the reasons, you have a weapon to combat every storm that blows against you.

Jesus commanded the storm to cease and the sea was calm; you can command any storm in your life to cease and it will obey you but you have to do it in faith not in fear. A command issue in fear carry no power it is just an empty word.

Hardship is not the programme of God for his children, our God is a wonderful father that cares for his children and He wants His children to live in plenty not in lack and want

From the Pulpit 35

Sunday, February 28, 2016

the story would have been different. Moses also knew the need to get God involved in any challenge and journey of life. He made God follow the fleeing Israelites from Egypt by pillars of cloud in the day and pillars of fire in the night. Because God was involved in the journey, it was successful, despites all odds against it.

2.

Harkening to the Voice of God: If your efforts must pay off and your journey be safe, you must pay heed to the voice and word of God and follow His instructions and guidelines in all you do. When you do so, your efforts will yield results and your journeys will be hitch-free. Abraham listened to and moved from his father’s house to strange lands in obedience to God’s directions and he never regretted it. Note that Abraham’s journey from his land of birth to unknown lands symbolizes a movement from the low level of life to the higher level of life. It is that journey that Abraham embarked on in obedience to God’s instruction that made him the father of all Nations that he is known for today. Recall here also that the storm that arose to capsize the boat in which the Disciples were moving to ‘the other side’ failed because they acted on Jesus order. Definitely, you cannot be endangered by acting on God’s word.

3.

Walking with God: Walking with God implies being in partnership with God in all you do. Walking with God is much more than merely getting God involved.

When you walk with God in your journeys it means that you allow Him to take the lead in the journey. It means making God the compass of your journey. He is the

one that dictates your movements and activities. Genesis 5:24 tells us that “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him”. This means that Enoch followed strictly the footsteps of God and as a result he went to places and never encountered any disaster of death. Child of God, as you walk with God this year and beyond, you will never experience disaster of any kind in Jesus Name.

4. Having unwavering Faith: A hard look at the Bible reveals that virtually all Bible Heroes are men and women of unwavering faith. This goes to prove that any man who wants to stand out in life must be willing to take steps of faith.

Every dealing with God in any generation that yields results must be done by unwavering faith, otherwise God will not manifest. Note that The Lion of the Tribe of Judah manifested and intervened in the case of Daniel after he (Daniel) had demonstrated an extra ordinary faith. When God showed up in the den, Daniel was not only saved from being eaten up by Lions but he was also distinguished and made to move to a higher level of life – ‘The Other Side’. DO you want to move to ‘the other side’ of life like Daniel? Then you must move with an unwavering faith.

5.

Uncommon Courage: Men who want to stand out in life are known for their display of unusual guts. Show me men and women of great distinction in any sphere of life and I will show you people of great courage. In all fields of human endeavour, economic, political, academic or religious, those who usually

excel are people of rare courage. Moving to ‘the other side’ of life means taking risk. Unarguably, it takes courage to take risk. For instance, it was rare courage that propelled the lepers in the Book of Kings to move from the side of lack and hunger to the side of plenty and fullness. Also in Daniel 3:16-18, the three Hebrews Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego dared Nebuchadnezzar with uncommon guts.

And it was this demonstration of rare guts that earned them a place in the Book of record which means that their courage enlisted them in the eternal book or great people. No wonder the Book of Timothy declares. “I give you the spirit of boldness and not of fear… ”. Child of God do you want to move to the next level this year 2016, then you must overcome fear and move on with boldness. As you do so, nothing shall by any means and for any reason stop you in Jesus Name.

In the next and last edition of this topic, we shall discuss the implications of moving to “The Other Side”. Till then, remain connected with our messages and be blessed in Jesus Name.

•For more information, contact: Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos; Tel: 08033461482.

Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

The highest authority of good things necessary for life. When living becomes so difficult a child of God needs to seek the face of God to know the way out. The Lord said in Zechariah1:17, “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The LORD will again comfort Zion, And will again choose Jerusalem.” We can clearly see that the plan of our God cannot be that of hardship but of prosperity for His children.There are some examples of events and situations in the Bible where Devil tried to compete with the power of God but completely failed because the power of our God is superior to any other power that may ever exist in heaven on earth.

1.

Moses before Pharaoh: Moses and Aaron were sent by God to lead his people out of the land of slavery (Egypt) but Pharaoh the king of Egypt refused to let the people go until God showed him that his is nothing compare to the power of God. At the palace of Pharaoh, Aaron threw down the rod of God which turned to snake and the magicians of Egypt did the same; but the rod of Aaron which stood for the power of God swallowed all the other rods. This was a significant display of God’s power to show superiority to the power of darkness in every way.I want you to know that you are serving a mighty God whose power can swallow any power backing up the hardship and other unpleasant conditions you many ever find yourself. Just trust in this Highest Authority that has no equals. So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the LORD commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.(Exodus 7:9-12)

Opayinka

2 Natural Barrier: The crossing of the Red Sea and River Jordan by the children of Israel to the Promised Land showed that there is no barrier in life that can stop God. Every law of nature will be on suspension when God’s authority is in action. The Red Sea parted and River Jordan stopped flowing before the authority of God. What is the natural barrier between you and your miracle? It will bow when you invoke the authority of the Highest into the situation. It may be biological in the case of Mary- virgin conceived of a

child, or physical as in the case of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace; the power of God can handle all, it has no limitations.

3 Man-made Barrier: The opposition you are facing may be man-made barrier like going through some kind of unfavourable policy, difficult boss or some kind of opposition placed by man in one way or the other. This barrier can definitely bow to the authority of the Lord. Jericho was a land already given to the Israelites by God. The wall of Jericho was built to secure the city from intruder but because everything must bow to that authority, the very mighty wall of Jericho crumbled before the power of God. Friend, there is no barrier imposed by man that stand between you and your blessings if God was on your side. Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in…. So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.(Joshua 6:1 and 20) The name of Jesus is superior to any other name on earth and the authority in the name is the highest authority in heaven and on earth. Your life is secure in Him and you can safely trust in His name. Invoke the authority in the name of Jesus to crush any barrier that may appear between you and your blessings.

Bishop Joshua Kolawole Opayinka is the Presiding Bishop of Glorious Tabernacle International located behind Ondo State Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State. Share your testimonies and prayer points with me at: O8060297831 joshuakolawoleo@yahoo.com

36

From the Pulpit Priesthood House with Pastor Bola

F

Bello

or this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and should understand with their hear, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matt. 13:15). Fatty heart is an unprepared heart for truth.

These are the degeneration of people with poor response to the scriptural truth.

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They have a short down hearts, and desire their own messages rather than the designed programs of heaven. Such heart seeks for prosperity of flesh at the expense of the richness of soul. Self is the major motive for their seeking God not for their love for God. Also, their prayers are centered on their present need rather than communicating with God for relationship sakes. Each time they serve in any department in the Church, it is not consideration for necessity, but primarily for rewards, recognition and applauds. The merchandising of grace is from both the pulpit and the pews.

When a preacher preaches messages and draw attention to personal financial need, scripture is abused, ruined and tend towards “private interpretation”.

The inspiration of any scripture is given for teaching, instruction and reprove unto righteousness. Message that does not bring Church members to repentance is lacking in truth. This is the reason why true harvest has diminished in the Church today.

Harvest becomes rare, uncommon and not at hand because men are not being drawn to God’s demand but for the need of the flesh and soul. An uncultivated land is a land not fertile and wet for harvest.

When a branch of tree is not pruned, such cannot bring more fruits. The demand of heaven is for man to yield harvest to God. Not just in quantity but

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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Church as God designed it – The harvest and its season (7) also in quality. Therefore, people with heart, waxed gross, are those with poor response to the truth. They are always not comfortable with the truth. They designed what they hear and where they hear it. They are so choosy about their kind of fellowships and their kind of pastors. No matter how heaven acknowledge a servant, this is insignificant to them as far as such is not their kind of pastor that is famous and rich.

They therefore short down their hearts and ears to the message of such servant of God. This was the condition of the hearts of the Pharisees and we must be careful not to walk such path.

When a man is hungry, he is in dire need of food and he search everywhere for meat. Hunger in the kingdom is also the same. The multitudes that followed Christ were firstly hungry for the truth before they became hungry for food, and both needs were met. They ate physical and spiritual bread.

A fatty heart is not hungry for food again. He seems satisfy and thinks he require no more food apart from what makes him fat. Such soul would soon die with his fatty belly.

We cannot continue to look for food that satisfy soul and think we will be profitable for the kingdom of God. “Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind; for all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that ye have need of these things” (Lk. 12:29-30).

Agreeable the imperative is food, clothing and wellbeing. To be buoyed down with imperatives however, would bring a loss of appetite for spiritual necessity and eternal life. The most decent way of seeking for the imperative is to seek for the eternal things. This is a spiritual sense. The temporal cannot affect the eternal; it is the eternal that supplies the temporal assets, needs and satisfaction.

Those who are presently enjoying the harvest of things in the kingdom

are those who are not initially buoyed down with the need of temporal but eternal needs. King sons would not beg for bread or become anxious of where to live. What we need is wrapped in obedience to the instructions of Christ; when we seek for the kingdom expansion not just in numbers but in quality such things finds expression in our homes. A believer of Christ is another Christ in operation. Such operation is much more than what the Babylon can offer. He is a supernatural being whose operation is heavenly not earthly. If we are earthy in prayers, in seeking and in life styles we cannot be profitable to God and man.

There are profound statements of the Lord Jesus as a template for our operation. The present economic reality may drive believers to a mode of gentile attitude and nature.

Trusting on those inestimable Words of Christ would help us to overcome the reality of the world. In his own testimony to Jews about his person, Jesus declared thus; “And I seek not mine own glory; there is one that seeks and judge. Verily, Verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (Jn. 8:50-51). Jesus did not have regard for the taunts of the world.

It became so unreal to him and no consideration was given to any of such.

His reputation in God was more important than his reputation in man. He was full of God. His consciousness is on how to please God and complete the mandate given to him. No wonder, Jesus was a harvest. He moved with both the rich and the poor.

Everything supplied his needs. One of the reasons why most preachers put so much emphasis on giving is because they seek yours not you. Paul the apostle was very emphatic about his mission to the Corinthians; “…..for I seek not yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children” (11 Cor. 12:14).

Though this clarification is needful as people erroneously thought that Paul

was interested in their resources rather than their souls; it is also a point to note by the leaders of the Church that the souls, conviction of sins and conversion of souls should become our primary objective rather than asking members for giving of monies. It is true that financial prosperity is a response to financial giving but this should not become our major thrust. Our thrust is to teach men on godliness and righteousness. The things of the Babylon are not harvest to God. Entrust your needs, your honor and future unto God is a reality of life given to Christ, though it comes with the seeking of God’s interest rather than own interest. You build for God, he builds for you. You serve the Lord, he sends men to serve you, you are heavily burdened with the things of God, and he carries your own burden. This is harvest.

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way” (Mat. 13:24-25).

Gospel is a seed.

The field is the world. The tares are the representation of human imaginations, thought patterns that are raised against the word of God. The reality of this parable is encapsulated on our daily experience where doubts, situations and circumstances stop the growth of the words for harvest.

Attacks become more inevitable and unrelenting when a believer is making progress. Trusting God and having confidence in the grace of God, defeats the Satan. Every of his attack is to stop believer from being productive and having precious fruit. Our confidence should not be found in flesh but in the Holy Spirit. This is the design of the Church.

• Please worship with us at Power and Glory Tabernacle, FUTA, South Gate, Akure. You surely rejoice you do. Pastor Bola Bello – 08033704564

News

Canadian Bishops respond to call for extending assisted suicide to children

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resident of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Most Rev. Douglas Crosby today released a pastoral statement in regard to the remarkable conclusions of the Special Joint Committee of the Government of Canada on “Physician-Assisted Dying.”

Among the committee’s conclusions are recommendations for making assisted suicide available to adolescents and children who might be considered “mature minors.”

As well, the committee recommends that psychological suffering be included in criteria for eligibility and that all health-care practitioners must at minimum provide “effective referrals” to those who want to kill themselves. Bishop Douglas Crosby’s response noted the high rates of suicide among the First Nations and Inuit youth of Canada.

“Suicide is not part of health care,” he declared. “Killing the mentally and physically ill, whether young or aged, is contrary to caring for and loving one’s brother and sister.”

In February 2015, the Carter v Canada (AG) decision by the Supreme Court of Can-

ada ruled in favour of physician assisted suicide, mandating the Parliament to pass legislation to set the criteria. The deadline to pass the legislation was supposed to be earlier this month, but the Court extended it to June.

Here is the bishop’s full statement: Dear brothers and sisters, The Special Joint Committee of the Government of Canada on “Physician-Assisted Dying” this past February 25 released its report, Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centred Approach. The report, in part, recommends: That assisted suicide be available to those with psychiatric conditions (Recommendation 3) That psychological suffering be among the criteria making an individual eligible for assisted suicide (Recommendation 4) That within approximately three years assisted suicide be available for adolescents and possibly also children who can be considered “mature minors” (Recommendation 6) – That all health-care practitioners be obliged at the minimum to provide an “effec-

tive referral” for clients seeking assisted suicide (Recommendation 10) That all publicly funded health-care institutions in Canada provide assisted suicide (Recommendation 11) In addition, the report fails to show how palliative care and home care can provide true options for those tempted by suicide, nor does it call for a national plan to prevent suicides. Suicide rates are five to seven times higher for First Nations youth in Canada than for non-Aboriginal youth, while suicide rates among Inuit youth are among the highest in the world, at 11 times the national Canadian average.

The teaching of the Catholic Church and the stance of the Catholic Bishops of Canada are clear. Suicide is not part of health care. Killing the mentally and physically ill, whether young or aged, is contrary to caring for and loving one’s brother and sister. The dignity of the human person and the flourishing of the human community demand: 1) protection and respect for each human life from conception to natural death, and 2) freedom

of conscience and religion for each person as well as each institution. Social wellbeing, personal security and the common good – together with religious faith – involve safeguarding, not endangering, the lives of those suffer.

Related: Bishops Sent 5 Points to Government in October to Explain Church’s Position. The above recommendations and the thrust of the report completely fail to be “patient-centred” or to assist and support the dying and the vulnerable. To borrow from the words of Pope Francis, the report’s recommendations are the approach of a “throwaway” society. They do not reveal the face of God’s mercy.

Together with my brother Bishops, both Catholic and Orthodox, as well as with leaders from the Evangelical Protestant, Jewish and Muslim faith communities, and many of other faiths or of no faith, I urge you to inform your elected officials why euthanasia, assisted suicide and the above recommendations are completely unacceptable.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

February 28, 2016

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We did not borrow to pay salaries –A ’Ibom Commissioner for Finance With the continuous deep in the prices of oil, significantly affecting Federal allocations to all the states in the country, the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom, Mr. Akan Okon in this interview with our correspondent, JULIUS ONWUMA speaks about its effect on the implementation of the state ’s 2016 budget, the borrowings of the Governor Udom-led government, ongoing reforms to shore up the finances of the state, among other issues.

The state has a budget size of N426 billion and it is expected that out of this sum, over N200 billion is expected to be generated from internal revenue. Considering that Akwa Ibom is a purely civil service, how will you make this magic work?

What is actually expected from IGR is over N30 billion. The balance of the remaining money that we are expecting is from the federal allocation that is derivation which is not IGR. But from what is happening and the things we have put in place, I didn ’t expect that we will do better than that because now that the revenue that is coming from the federation account is coming down as a result of the dwindling price of oil in the international market, the focus is now on IGR. And I can tell you that for the first time in the history of this state, we have been able to receive IGR that is in excess of about N3 billion in one month. This is the sign and this is the direction that we are going.

We have tried as much as possible to block every leakage that is associated with the revenue collection system and ensure that the system is effective and efficient and we believe that when this is done all revenues that is accruable to government will be collected and put into government purse for development purposes.

With the freefall of oil prices, will it not affect the implementation of the 2016 budget of the state and if it does how will the state government go ahead to actualize it plans for the people?

Akwa Ibom state is very lucky to have a financial expert in the mould of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel at this particular point in time. This period that is associated with dwindling revenue to government, calls for good and sound financial managers to be able to put into use the immediate resources that are available.

Budgets are estimates and I think that with proper experience in financial management, the government will be able to prioritize its activities and carry them out; with a view of ensuring that those activities that will have direct and

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WE HAVE TRIED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO BLOCK EVERY LEAKAGE THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REVENUE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT AND WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN THIS IS DONE ALL REVENUES THAT IS ACCRUABLE TO GOVERNMENT WILL BE COLLECTED AND PUT INTO GOVERNMENT PURSE FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES

immediate impact on the lives of people of Akwa Ibom are pursued with whatever resources that available. And is the intention of the government to implement this budget the way it has been presented.

But as we speak that figure is a proposal by the government and the government is still undergoing some processes in the House of Assembly for approval.

I cannot say if that amount will be re-

duced or increased. But once that is done, we will communicate it. But it is the intention of government to ensure that the presented or approved by the House of Assembly will be implemented so that the people can derive democratic dividends from the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

We have seen in some publications that some states are thinking of borrowing

again, and I remember that sometime late last year, that the state government had to borrow from the federal government to pay salaries. The Akwa Ibom state government is embarking on so many projects in trying to industrialize the state, build roads and consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration; recently the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly approved loans of N10 billion, N1 billion.

Why is government still borrowing?

Akwa Ibom State Government is not among the states that borrowed money for the purposes of paying salaries.

We have at all times paid our salaries, based on resources that are available to government and the N10 billion infrastructural loan, which is called the Excess Crude Backed Loan. Sometime in June, 2015; it was the National Economic Council decision that the monies that is due to states in the Excess Crude Account instead of being shared should be held back and the states were advised to apply for it as a loan and you can only apply to what is your entitlement. Although, our entitlement is more than N10 billion; we applied for N10 billion in order to invest strictly on infrastructure. Like the various road constructions that are ongoing and the bridges. I believe that, that particular loan should not be an issue because it is backed up by our earnings from the Excess Crude Account and moreover, this loan is strictly for infrastructural development and in every society there is what is called infrastructural deficit. In other words, you cannot say in every society, that you have the entire infrastructure that you require. So, infrastructural development and provision is a continuous process. So, we don ’t believe that we have enough and that is why the government has embarked on the ones you see that are ongoing.

I have to be very open to you, the Government of Akwa Ibom state, under His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel is very responsive and I believe that even in life, people who are running their businesses; they use what they have to increase their turn over. So, if anybody is going to tell you that government will run without borrowing; I don ’t think that it is the right way to go because that is even why we have a loan in the first place.

So, for those strategic things; if the need arises, I can tell you that government will borrow responsibly, In order to provide democratic dividend for our people.

Considering the plethora of projects the government is embarking on, don ’t you think that time may not be enough to achieve some of these projects?

Yes, you are right and that is the notion about being responsible. That N10 billion like I said earlier is what we were entitled to borrow from the Excess Crude Backed Loan. I believe that once you have a government in place; a government that has the interest of his CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Politics

February 21, 2016

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Kogi House of Commotion: National Assembly wades in to resolve crisis WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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n bid to settle the lingering crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly, the Chairman of the 10-man House Representatives Fact Finding Committee, Hon. Pally Iriase has urged the warring factions in Kogi House of Assembly to respect the provisions of the constitution pending the time committee resolve the crisis amicably.

The Kogo legislative chamber has been enmeshed in leadership crisis since December last year shortly after the then ruling Party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP lost governorship election to All Progressive Congress APC. The problem started that when 17 members purportedly impeached the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Momoh Jimoh Lawal and elected Honourable Godwin Osiyi as new speaker. Lawal however insisted that the action was illegal and refused to vacate his seat.

With this action the battle line was drawn and all weapons in arsenals of the factions were used to the fullest as many of the members have continued to count theirs loses over the crisis. The attack on the Osiyi leadership at that material time worsened the already strained relationship.

The efforts by the immediate past governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada, to maintain peace was a ruse though the governor succeeded in presenting the budget proposal of 2016 fiscal year.

However, the crisis deepened when the new administration led by Alhaji Yahaya Bello, came on board with the house members appearing largely uncooperative in closing ranks to move the state forward.

As part efforts to ensure equitable distribution of political offices within the three senatorial districts, the political pundits are of the view that it has been the tradition to share the positions as it were and believe that both the Speaker and Governor could not be zoned to the same district as both hail from Okene, Kogi Central Senatorial district.

The state governor was said to have met with House of Assembly members recently and presented his position on the present scenario and possibly preferred an All Progressives Congress speaker. The arrangement which seemed to have been perfected with a view to keep Kogi State working under the present administration in the state was later frustrated by PDP members.

The PDP members in the House were however invited to the national headquarters of Party secretariat in Abuja where the then acting National Chairman warned the PDP members not to step down for the opposition party in the state.

It was gathered that the hierarchy of Peoples Democratic Party was able to reconcile Monoh Jimoh Lawal and Godwin Osiyi group, which later give the PDP members confidence of being the majority in the house .

It was another drama last penultimate week when five members of House allegedly claimed to have impeached the

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Im mmam m

AS PART OF EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS NOT INVOLVED IN RESOLVING THE CRISIS, THE GROUP OF FIVE MEMBERS HAD ON WEDNESDAY APPROACHED THE A LOKOJA FEDERAL HIGH COURT SEEKING INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION TO STOP THE COMMITTEE FOR INVESTIGATING THE CRISIS speaker for a second time which threw the House in disaray as 14 members pledged their support to lawal.

After the lawamkers however petitioned the leadership of House Representatives in Abuja over the lingering crisis in Kogi Assembly, the entire members of the lower chamber roundly condemned the action of five members for carrying out illegal impeachment.

The Leadership of House of Representatives now set a 10 man- House Committee on fact finding mission on Kogi Assembly crisis with a view to resolving the lingering crisis.

As part of efforts to ensure that National Assembly is not involved in resolving the crisis, the group of five members had on Wednesday approached the a Lokoja Federal High court seeking interlocutory injunction to stop the committee for investigating the crisis.

The Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Iriase, who spoke after a closed door meeting with Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at Government House in Lokoja, stated that

the committee was in the state to resolve the crisis amicable.

Iriase explained that Kogi State House of Assembly has been enmeshed leadership crisis for quiet some times, stating that the House of Representatives Committee on Assembly was in the state to meet with all the stakeholders with a view to resolving the lingering crisis to ensure the state move forward.

On whether the committee has received the an interlocutory injunction granted to the other faction of 5members , Iriase stated that the committee has not receive any injunction, stressing that the committee members would not take injunction from a television news bar and there is difference between filing papers seeking injunction and granting injunction.

He stated that if Federal High Court, Lokoja had granted such interlocutory injunction the committee would have been properly served. He promised that the committee will investigate and proffer solution as part the National Assembly constitutional responsibility.

The Chairman however assured that the committee will get to root of the matter and reunite the factions in the House for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.

Governor Bello stated that he received the House Representatives Fact Finding Committee with a view to reconcile the war torn House of Assembly.

He however absolved himself of any complicity in the ongoing leadership tussle rocking the House of Assembly, stressing he was not part of the crisis and they have been in the wrangling before he was inauguration which still continue after he came on board as the governor.

The governor however urged the members to sheath their swords, saying leadership is a mere nomenclature and that all members are equal.

Meanwhile a youth group, the All Progressive Congress, APC, Unity Forum has appealed to the embattled speaker, Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal not to scuttle the chance of the APC member, Alhaji Umar Imman, who was recently elected as speaker.

The President of the Group, Abubarka Mohammed explained that the indigenous youths of Lokoja commended the members for the decision to zone the speaker to West senatorial district.

He pointed that the youths are very happy that and in support of Honourable Umar Imman as the new speaker, appealed to the Momoh Jimoh Lawal group to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

Mohammed also affirmed the groups commitment and support the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, urging all other Kogites to support him to succeed.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

February 28, 2016

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We are committed to accountability –Okon vided a roadmap on what they want to achieve in 2016; highlighting what are the challenges they faced in the previous year with a view to taking corrective action this year, so that the government could be supported and every programme activity as it relates to this sector runs smoothly. I think that is one of the things I have brought to the table.

Talking about transparency; if you look at our investment income since I came here, it has been on the increase.

We have ensured that we bring in strictly professionals to manage our investments. With the level of expertise that has been put in place, it has afforded us the opportunity to increase our revenue in terms of investment income.

If you look at the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General office or even the Internal Revenue Service; if you enter there I don ’t think it is the same place that it used to be because I believe that for you to be able to function well; you must have a conducive environment to work and starting from this office that you have seen is looking very nice and convenient for people to work.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 people at heart and that government like the Government of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel will continue to do those things that will improve the lives of its citizens.

And I have also noted to you that you cannot a run government, strictly on your cash that is available to you. For instance, if you borrow to do infrastructure like roads that can last for 20 years; I don ’t think there is anything wrong in accessing funding from a long term source to match such project because it will depend solely on your allocation today. It ’s like you are spending money that is mend for today for a project that will last 20 years. So, what will happen to those people that will use the facility in 20 years time?

So, I believe it will not be out of place for government to access cheap funds for the purposes of developing infrastructure that is needed to move this state to the next level.

This government is a responsible government; the emphasis for this government is on building and sustaining accountability in governance and that has affected everything that the government is doing and that is what is even responsible for why you see a lot of investors coming into the state because the government is building a conducive environment for industries to thrive.

The budget has been said to be based on Medium Term Expenditure Framework, what does this mean and how will it help the implantation of the budget?

When you are talking about budget or planning, you can plan for short term, you can plan for medium term and you can plan for long term. For short term, it could be for 1 month or 6 months but medium is 1 to 3 years and long term is above that. So, in line with policy of the Federal Government; we have Medium Term Expenditure Framework which could be short term or long term. But for the purposes of budgeting, it is important for us to adhere to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework because every day, every year things change and if you now do your projection on a long term approach, it will be difficult to take advantage of the various changes that can happen between one to three years.

So, that is the reason why the emphasis on the budget is based on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

What special touch have you come with as Commissioner for Finance; what are the things you are doing differently from previous Commissioners of Finance that is helping to enhance?

I have told you how the revenue has gone up; it is not a stroke of luck, it is as a result of careful planning and hard work and it is on record that my coming here has instilled what is called Financial Sector Committee in the state; where you have all the agencies that are involved in financial matters in the state meet from time to time to brainstorm and articulate strategies on how the state government can be assisted in the implementation of the various government policies and programmes.

I am happy to tell you that the Com-

Oko on

THIS GOVERNMENT IS A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT; THE EMPHASIS FOR THIS GOVERNMENT IS ON BUILDING AND SUSTAINING ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNANCE AND THAT HAS AFFECTED EVERYTHING THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING mittee recently had a retreat at the Le ’ Meridien in which every department covering the office of the Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Internal

Revenue Service and the Budget Office each made presentation. This presentation involved the evaluation of their activities for the year 2015 and they pro-

You made a comment that government is blocking loopholes, curbing wastages.

We know that some companies pay tax while many don ’t; thereby cheating government and denying it of its rightful revenue. What are you doing to ensure that multinational companies like Mobil and others in the state pay tax?

That is what we are trying to do. We are gradually embarking on a lot of tax awareness campaign and we are going to strengthen the Internal Generated Revenue Service with a view to ensuring that they have the required change to be able to go out there and ensure that taxes that are due to the government are paid.

One thing I will like to let you know is that Akwa Ibom state belongs to all of us and we welcome suggestion, we welcome information that is volunteered by the good citizens of this state in respect of organizations or companies that are operating here in the state and are not paying taxes.

So, we are doing everything to ensure that everyone that is supposed to be in the tax net are brought into the tax net and we believe when this is done, it is going to significantly improve our revenue.

NEWS

Kwara Assembly passes N128bn budget WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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he Kwara State House of Assembly has passed the State appropriation bill of N128,109,791,414 as against N116,164, 643, 775 which the governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed earlier submitted to the House.

The figure represents an increase of N12 billion which was said to be at the instance of the House to give a latitude of good budget performance.

At the approving session which lasted about two hours, the House frowned at the continued using of the name, Kwara State University, KWASU instead of Abubakar Olusola Saraki University

which it said it had earlier passed into law.

The University got an appropriation of N1.86b with a proviso that the approved name should henceforth be used for the institution while the proposed N800million for Kwara Hospital Management Bureau was rejected because its establishment had not been backed by any law.

Announcing the passage, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ali Ahmad said the legislative house via its oversight functions would ensure a 70per cent implementation of the budget vis-vis capital projects.

Ali listed about fifteen road projects across Kwara State which he said “must

be constructed and completed before the end of the year ” asking that where the projects were not done or satisfactorily done, citizens of the project locations should petition the House.

Answering reporters ’ questions after the plenary, Rt. Hon Ahmad who holds Doctor of Philosohy Degree, PhD in Law blamed the operators of Nigerian constitution for the woes in governance.

According to him, “there is nothing wrong with the constitution of Nigeria.

Our problem is those operating it. I ’m not being sentimental about this. I don ’t know whether it is APC, my party or any other party, whoever it is. Give me to choose between APC and the constitution, I will choose the constitution ”.

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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU February 28, 2016

Man loses N130m factory to mystery re in Ibadan Akinwaare

The burnt factory

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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or the Osun State-born Taiwo Akinwaare, Wednesday, February 10, will be a day that he will never forget in a hurry in his life. It was a day all that he has toiled for in the last 21 years to make a living as a qualified mechanical engineer, fabricating machines and equipment for sale, went up in flames.

Akinwaare, 57, put his loss at about N130m.

According to the distraught man, the world appeared collapsing on him when he was called on the phone around 3p.m that unfaithful day and told that his factory, Morat Technical Company, located near Ladokun Feeds at Orita Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, had been engulfed in an inferno. Speaking in an emotional voice, he said within about two hours, the whole fortune he had gathered for years was gone as the whole equipment, machines, clothes, iphones, chemicals and other various items stocked in the factory had been burnt to ashes, no thanks to the late arrival of men of the Oyo State Fire Service.

Akinwaare is an HND holder of Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as well as a Post-graduate diploma holder from the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure.

He had also been trained in India by the Nigerian Machines Tools on ‘Machine Design and Fabrication ’. His factory had served as a Technology Incubation

Centre where numerous students on Industrial Attachment, civil servants who were preparing to retire, among others, had been trained in various technologies to reduce over dependence on white- collar jobs, thus making them self-reliant.

While speaking with Sunday Mirror at the factory after the unfortunate downturn, he said, “On that day, I was invited as a guest at the CBN entrepreneurship programme at Samonda in Ibadan here. I was coming from there when I was called and informed that my factory had been engulfed by fire.

“I was very close to Challenge area then, so I rushed down to the Fire Station at Molete close to Challenge area.

The place is just about a kilometre to where my factory is located. Unfortunately, when I reported, they told me that there was no vehicle allocated to them in their station. They however helped to call the fire station at the Government Secretariat, but the officials there also said that there was another fire outbreak somewhere and that the vehicle had gone there.

“Eventually, they called the fire station at Ife Road very close to the New Gbagi Market. The distance between the place and my factory is about 10 kilometres.

Before the vehicle could get to this place, the whole factory had been burnt to ashes. The machines, equipment and materials burnt in it are more than N130m ”, the sobbing engineer said.

Akinwaare who appealed for assistance from all stakeholders nationally

and internationally, stated that he had gathered all he lost to the fire through loans as he is from a poor background.

His words, “Presently, I am 57 years old. Age is not on my side, and I don ’t know where to start now. I have children in the University and I have other important things to do. I just don ’t know where to start and what to do and I don ’t want anything that will kill my morale. My call is service to humanity because how can we develop Nigeria and save her from being a dumping ground if not through technological advancement? ”.

Akinwaare who had been involved in series of mechanical and agro-allied machines fabrication for companies that include Cadbury Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Breweries, Associates Match Industry, Consolidated Breweries, Cocoa Processing Industries in Ondo, Akure, Ile Oluji and the biggest cocoa processing industry- Multitrex, reeling down an inventory of machines and equipment burnt in the inferno, said nobody could say for sure what really caused the fire. He said, “My boys were working inside the factory, but I thank God Almighty that the fire did not trap them there. There were some machines packed outside the factory with some materials. And you know this is harmattan period, maybe somebody was just going outside and dropped a stub of cigarette or so, we don ’t know.

Nobody can say precisely what caused the afternoon fire because it was the people outside that were shouting there fire! fire! before my workers could come out ”

Akinwaare however thanked God that no life was lost in the conflagration.

According to his inventory, among the materials and machines destroyed in the fire, included plastic materials, generators of various sizes and capacities, stringing machine costing about N3m, vetting machines, metre lathe machines (N18m), welding machines, grinding machines, candle making machines, 56 universal humbrellas, new compressor, planting and harrowing machine (N4m), cassava chipping machines, temperate controller, glazing rubber machines, electric motors of various capacities, among others.

Akinwaare said, “There were nine electric motors each costing about N500,000 and N300,000, gear motors, five late machines with the biggest of them costing about N38m. The rubber glazing machines for aluminium windows and doors that cost about N2.5m. We fabricated it and we had test run it in readiness for the owner to collect it. A nylon pelleting machine we imported for recycling processes costing N4m also went with the fire. There are still many I cannot remember to mention for now as I am emotionally unbalanced.

“Unfortunately, up till now, I have not got any phone call or assistance from anybody or from any quarter except sympathisers and friends who come to sympathize with me.

“At this juncture, I need government assistance. I am still ready to work for my country because I am hale and hearty. I want the government to come to my aid in whatever form. I don ’t have anybody in the government arena. I am therefore soliciting for assistance from every quarter, be it NGOs, governments and even international organizations.

“If the empowerment programmes and trainings we offer here which have been alleviating some people from joblessness were to stop, it would mean that setback has come to many people. If you go to India, what you first see at the entrance of their big cities is the signboard announcing that: “The wealth of this nation lies in skills of engineers ”. If people like me are encouraged, Nigeria can also be like India and we will be less dependent on foreign goods and oil for our nation ’s development ”.

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February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health Minister seeks stronger ties with FRSC OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Minister of State, Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has canvassed for stronger collaboration between the ministry, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the FRSC, and other emergency management institutions in the country.

Ehanire said that stronger ties among the organization would bring about effective management of

emergencies, saying Nigerians deserved a better emergency system.

He also canvassed for support for the present administration in order for the government to achieve the desired change in healthcare.

Media statement made available issued in Abuja by the Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem said that the minister stated this on Friday when he visited the corps.

The statement quoted the minister as saying that there was an urgent need for all relevant stakeholders in emergency management institutions to join hands in creating the needed synergy that could provide a world class platform for disaster management in the country.

He added that what FRSC has done was an indication of the possibilities that exist if all other stakeholders key into the initiative.

Osagie also disclosed that the Ministry of Health was working on strengthening the collaboration with other stakeholders such as Fire Service, Civil Defence and the Nigerian Air Force to achieve a holistic and efficient system of emergency management that could make it unnecessary for victims of emergencies to seek for assistance outside the country.

He commended the FRSC for laying a sound

foundation in matters of emergencies through its investment in technology, promising that with the current effort to build a primary health care in all the political wards across the country, the needs of the Corps ’ emergency centres and ambulance points across the areas in terms of training and provision of medicaments would be considered.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi lauded the Minister for the visit, espe-

cially for taking time to undergo facility tour to all the infrastructural facilities of the FRSC located at Gwagawalada, Kado and the national headquarters.

He particularly commended the Ministry of Health for the support it has continued to render to the Corps in performance of its statutory duties, especially with the interest shown by the Minister State, Health who has shown renewed commitment to strengthen the existing collaboration between FRSC and the Ministry.

Oshiomhole sacks EDSTMA boss, retires Perm Sec SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Plateau, Dr Illias Pede; Commissioner for Environment, Mr Abbas Abdullahi and General Manager, Plateau Environmental Protection Service Agency, Mr Christopher Longnas, during the monitoring of monthly Environmental Sanitation Day in PHOTO:NAN Jos yesterday.

Bauchi to train 10,000 women on skill acquisition –Commissioner EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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auchi State Government said, it will train about 10,000 women on skill acquisition in order to help them improve their living standard.

The Hon. Commissioner for Women affairs Hajia Sabe Hamma made the statement in an interview with newsmen said, the move is to reduce the burden of harsh economy on the women.

The training according to the commissioner will take place in phases apparently to carry along

women in all the 20 LGA ’s of the state.

Hamma noted that the current administration of APC under Governor Mohammed Abubakar has placed the plight of women top among its agenda and in tandem with the party change mantra.

It is against this background that Hamma reiterated that the Women Affairs Ministry is celebrating the International Women Day aimed to create wealth, awareness and improve living condition of women through the office of the First Lady, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar.

The commissioner

promise not to relent in the improvement of of girl child education in the state through advocacy and aggressive campaign to parents/guardian, traditional and religious leaders She lament that lack of literacy among the women is major impediment that has encouraged poverty attributing same to early marriage among young girls.

“We are going to involve the women in our renewed commitment and determination to restore the past glory of successful administration because we are lucky to have a listening

governor and his wife who are committed to the interest of indigent and less privileged in the state and that is why the ministry ’s doors are open to all sundry ”, Hamma said.

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has approved the compulsory retirement of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Mr Augustine Ebareko Akhuamhekhun, from Edo State Civil Service.

A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, dated February 19, 2016, explained that the retirement was with immediate effect.

The governor also approved the termination of the appointment of Mr Austin Evbakhavbokun as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) with immediate effect.

Evbakhavbokun is a retired Commissioner of Police.

The state government directed both the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities and the former Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Traffic Management Agency to hand over any government property in their possession to the most senior Director of the Ministry and to the most senior official of the Agency.

Motorists and commuters have applauded the governor ’s action as one that shows it is a listening government to the cries of the people, many of whom had complained bitterly about the lawless and extortionist activities of Evbakhavbokun ’s EDSTMA. It was the same allegation with the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, whose officials had running battles with street traders and artisans over walkway abuse.

Prison congestion: Committeee ffrees rre 19 inmates in Kaduna

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he Kaduna State Government has announced the release of 19 inmates of Birnin-Gwari Prisons, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest prisons in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna by Mr Barau Emmanuel, Techni-

cal Assistant on Media to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ruth Dyeris-Sijuwade.

It said that the prisoners were released after evaluation of their cases by the Committee on Prisons Decongestion, headed by the commissioner.

According to the statement, those released were

mainly first time offenders for non-capital offences and those held for offences not found in law.

“Members of the committee are of the opinion that such offenders are better given a second chance to change their ways and turn good citizens, instead of allowing them to be in jail with hardened criminals.

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Business

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday, February 28, 2016

N2.2trn divested from nation’s economy last year–NBS

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nvestor confidence in the nation’s economy has dropped drastically over the last year, with investors withdrawing more than N2.2 trillion from the economy in 2015.

According to statistics from Nigeria’s Data Bureau, NBS, as quoted

by Quartz Africa, investor confidence in Nigeria rose significantly between 2010 and 2013, only to take a little dive in 2014, and a drastic drop in 2015.

When Goodluck Jonathan was announced act-

ing president of the country in 2010, following the illness and subsequent death of Umaru Yar’Adua, investing interest in Nigeria rose by N1.17 trillion.

In Jonathan’s second year, and after a “successful” presidential election, investing interest rose by N396 billion to an approximate N1.6 trillion.

By 2013, investing interest in Nigeria had risen

by N2.65 trillion to N4.22 trillion. In 2014, towards the build-up of the 2015 general elections, which

predicted endless doom for Nigeria, some investors withdrew their monies from the Nigerian economy, leading to a drop from N4.22 trillion to N4.1 trillion.

In 2015, however, there was a drastic withdrawal of investing interest in Nigeria, and according to NBS, investing interest declined by N2.2 trillion in 2015.

Some investors blamed it on the uncertainties that surrounded the 2015 elections, while many oth-

ers blamed it on the lack of policy direction in the first five months of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) show that investors were voting their monies out of the economy prior to the election, but immediately after the relatively free and fair poll, they brought the monies back.

Then three months before the election, NSE lost 8.40 percent of its worth, only to regain 8.30 percent

L – R: Head, Primary Care Business Unit, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana, Gabriel Ogunyemi; Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharm. (Mrs) Titilope Owolabi; Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye and Managing Director, Sanofi Nigeria and Ghana, Mr. Abderrahmane Chakibi at the launch of Zentiva in Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday.

Air Cote d’Ivoire launches Abuja route, partners travel agents Olusegun Koiki

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ne of the foreign carriers operating into Nigeria, Air Cote d’Ivoire, has commenced direct flight from its base in Abidjan to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NNIA, Abuja.

The route became the airline’s second destination

in Nigeria and 12th destinations in its network across the West and Central African sub-region.

The airline currently operates scheduled flight operations to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos from Abidjan.

The airline also partnered with travel agents in Abuja for the sales of its

tickets to air travellers on the route.

The airline in its inaugural flight to Abuja said it had already deployed a brand new Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft configured with seven seats in Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats for the route.

Present at the occasion to lend their support and witness the commencement

of the flight were top members of the diplomatic corps including the Cote D’Ivoire Ambassador to Nigeria; Amb. Toure Nee Kone Maman, Senegalese Ambassador to Nigeria, Abubakar Samba and the representative of the D’Affaires of Rwanda in Nigeria, Protogene Marc Nsengiyaremye among many other dignitaries at the occasion.

Mother’s Day celebration creates excitement

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here is a palpable anxiety and excitement amongst the Nigerian populace over the forthcoming mother’s day celebration. Although an informal event, Mother’s day celebration will hold 6th March 2016 in Nigeria and simultaneously across the globe.

People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank

them for all their love and support. There is also a tradition of presenting gifts of flowers, cards, perfumes, jewelry, diamonds, chocolates, gourmet gifts, spa visits and short vacations to mothers on the Mother’s Day. On the 6th of March this year in Nigeria, many churches will hold special Mother’s Day services to express gratitude for moth-

ers.

On such days, mothers will be dressed gorgeously sometimes in uniformed attires and wrappers. Special prayers and thanksgiving sessions are organised for them – and they are usually in the company of their children and grandchildren.

Fortunately, Mother’s Day gifting has just been made easier with customized special lim-

ited edition packs of Peak Milk with messages such as ‘Love You’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Sweet Mother’. And the best part is that these products come at the same price. Since the Peak Milk innovative packs made a debut, the brand has succeeded in drawing more goodwill from consumers who want to celebrate with their mothers in a unique way.

in a single day after the election. By March 31, 2015 – while the election results were being collated – the NSE market capitalisation was at N10.718 trillion, but it rose to N11.62 tril-

lion after Buhari’s victory.

The bullish phenomenon was called ‘Bullhari’. As at December 31, 2015, the market cap was down from N11.62 trillion in April to N9.85 trillion.

How state govts can mobilise funding for industrial dev –BoI

N

igeria’s leading development finance institution, Bank of Industry, BoI, has listed strategies state governments can adopt to assist entrepreneurs in their domains asses funding from the bank to set up businesses.

BoI Managing Director, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, who spoke in Abuja during Leadership Summit on Industrialisation in the states, identified working with tested business development enterprises in the country as well as helping to guarantee the bank’s exposures to the entrepreneurs as some of the strategies that would help to mobilise appropriate funding for industrial development in the states.

While the theme of the two-day summit is:”Industrialisation in States: Developing, Harnessing and Sustaining Industrialisation Drive of the State Governments in Nigeria towards Ensuring Rapid Economic Development”, BoI spoke on topic entitled: “Developing appropriate Financial Framework for Rapid Industrialisation of the States-The BoI Perspective.”

He noted that de-risking the entrepreneurs would assist the bank to wave some collateral requirements while assessing proposals from potential business promoters, For instance, Olagunju cited the example of Taraba and Kaduna state governments who had undertaken to guarantee the bank’s exposure to their entrepreneurs.

He urged other states that have partnership arrangement with the BoI to explore the model, stressing that it would help to increase the number of loan beneficiaries from the bank.

Olagunju added that recent rating by both local and international rating agencies had put the bank in the best stead to mobilise suitable funds from domestic and international sources to promote businesses in Nigeria.

He added, “A lot of development banks abroad are will-

ing to help, especially during the present dispensation.

There is a DFI on ground that has been rated by the leading rating agencies of the world.

Fitch for example rated BoI AA+, Moodys rated us BA3 and Augusto of Nigeria rated us A+. With such financial institution on ground, a lot our development partners feel comfortable to give out grants for project in the states that can be domicile with the BoI. He, however, urge the people to change their attitude to credit, adding that prompt loan repayment usually enable the bank to expand its credit to SMEs. According to him, it is in a bid to promote industrialisation across the country that the bank entered into strategic partnership with 18 state governments with a view to creating matching funds to assist entrepreneurs in the affected states.

He noted, “BoI currently has a partnership with 18 states governments in a Matching Fund arrangement.

Through such partnership, we are able to make funding available to entrepreneurs in those states at single digit.

When it comes to preconditions, we are regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and we need to ensure that our exposures are properly secured.

“We have found out that many of the entrepreneurs are unable to meet some of the conditions for funding, not because they don’t want to, but because the lack capacity. In appreciation of this, some state governments have said that in addition to making money available, they will guarantee BOI’s exposure to their people. This places a burden of refund on them in any case of a default.

“This is a sort of comfort for us. When we appraise such loan proposals, we take that to consideration when they cannot meet collateral requirements. An example is Taraba, where the governor has guaranteed its side of the exposure.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

February 28, 2016

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Seizure of alcoholic products in Kano illegal, says lawyer A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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Kaduna-based constitutional lawyer and member of 2015 National Conference, Barr. Festus Okoye, yesterday condemned the Kano State Government for giving wide powers to Hisbah Board (Islamic police) describing their continual seizure of alcoholic products in unrestricted

areas in the state as illegal and unconstitutional.

Speaking in Kaduna, Okoye, who was also a member of electoral reform committee which produced credible elections in 2015 polls, said both the penal code and the 1999 Constitution recognised the diversity of the North and promulgated laws to suit this.

He warned that Hisbah has no right to intercept

any vehicle carrying alcoholic products on the highways even though some of the highways pass through restricted areas.

His words: “No vigilance group by any name has the right to intercept any vehicle carrying anything on a highway built and maintained by the Federal Government.

“They don ’t have that particular right. Secondly,

section 42 of the Constitution recognises the diversity of opinions, culture, diversity of values and based on that if you make a law that discriminates against any section of this country, that law is in conflict with that section. And what states that have paid attention to diversity have done is to make certain areas alcohol restricted zones. ’ ’ Okoye added: “In or-

der to make sure that the sanctity of some areas is intact, you cannot sell or drink places segregated and designated as alcohol restricted areas. Federal highways pass through some of these areas and nobody has the right to intercept these vehicles carrying anything containing alcohol because those federal roads are regulated by federal law and no state law is capable of regulat-

ing anything on the highway.

“So what Hisbah is doing is completely unconstitutional and illegal. ” It will be recalled that Hisbah within the last three months has seized and destroyed alcoholic products at unrestricted areas worth N300 million.

However, efforts to reach the Kano State coordinator of Hisbah failed.

El-Rufai creates 125,000 direct jobs in Kaduna in 9 months A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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L-R: President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Dr Abdul Alimi Bello; Representative of Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Bashir Shehu; Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, Vice-President, Nigera Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu and Vice-President of KADCCIMA, Hajiya Amuheeba Dankaka, at the opening ceremony of 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna yesterday.

Kogi denies destroying Lokoja roundabouts for spiritual cleansing WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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he Kogi State government has denied the rumours making the round that the state government has embarked on spiritual cleansing by destroying all roundabouts in Lokoja, the state capital. It said the move was meant for the beautification of the state capital insisting that it was not true as it was aimed at beautifying the capital city.

Rumour about the spiritual cleansing exercise had earlier gained ground when the Lugard Roundabout in front of the Government House

was removed overnight with Lugard statue, following the first hand information that charms, human heads were buried in all roundabouts in Lokoja and the governor ordered for destruction for spiritual reasons.

By yesterday morning virtually all the roundabouts in Lokoja had been uprooted giving credence to the rumours making the round in the town But the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. David Onoja, dismissed the rumour, saying the move was meant for the beautification of the state capital.

Onoja explained that the government wanted

to build befitting roundabouts to elevate the status of Lokoja as a state capital.

He pointed out that the state government had earlier removed all the billboards littered all over the city in readiness for the beautification of Lokoja.

“The government is planning to build gigantic roundabout and beautiful roundabouts that nobody will put posters on. Before now Lokoja looked like a glorified state capital. With the removal of billboards and posters, things are gradually taking shape. ” Reacting to the insinuation, the Chief Press

Secretary to Governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement pointed out that by the modal status of Lokoja as the gateway to the North, East and West, it is supposed to be an attractive state capital in order to meet the expectations of potential tourists.

“The administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello is poised to give the city a facelift by removing the substandard roundabouts within the city with the intention of replacing them with beautiful ones, befitting of its status.

This administration will not live with substandard structures that misrepresent our identity as a state, ” he stressed.

aduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday revealed that All Progressives Congress, APC, administration has created over 125,00 jobs thorough various ongoing interventions within less than one year in office.

El-Rufai, who stated this during his 6th town hall meeting in Saminaka, headquarters of Lere local government area, said the state school feeding programme created at least 85,000 jobs, including the vendors, their staff and supervisors.

He told the gathering that Dangote and Olam are in advanced discussions with his administration on integrated tomato agro-industrial projects around Galma Dam. The governor stressed that Olam had also decided to build the largest poultry and feed-mill facility in sub- Saharan Africa in the state, with the ground-breaking ceremony in April.

Said the governor: “The job impact of ongoing interventions is over 125,000 direct jobs in Kaduna State within less than one year of the APC being in

office. The estimates of these include: “School feeding programme, at least 85,000 jobs, including the vendors, their staff and supervisors.

School uniforms: 11,100 jobs, rehabilitation of schools:7,542 jobs, construction of toilets: 6,285 jobs, solar boreholes: 5,028 jobs, KASTELEA: 2,550 jobs, waste collection: 6,700 jobs, Science and Maths Teachers: 2,300 jobs. ” El-Rufai added: “Stallion group is to build a 10,000-hectare rice farm and mill in Southern Kaduna to reduce our dependence on imported rice.

Other rice farms and mill projects are being implemented by many firms to utilise our zero-interest loans around the CBN Rice Anchor Lending Programme. ” The governor, who was accompanied by the senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, and other top government officials on a police helicopter for aerial view of the security in that part of the state, said operations against cattle rustlers, kidnappers and other criminal gangs are continuing in the affected areas.

LG poll: Sokoto voters ’ll vote APC candidates, Dep Gov

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eputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, has expressed optimism that the electorate will massively vote for all APC candidates in the March local council election in the state.

Aliyu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto yesterday that the people of the state are

not clamouring for any political change. ``We (Sokoto people) are fully satisfied with the laudable policies and programmes initiated by the present administration at the federal and state levels, ” he said.

He assured that all the chairmanship candidates fielded by the party in the 23 local government areas

would win the poll along side with their councillors.

The deputy governor said that a blue print of development programmes had been mapped out for implementation for rapid growth of the entire council areas.

Aliyu explained that provision of good portable drinking water, health

care delivery, agriculture, road construction will be accorded priority attention in all the 23 local government areas.

He called on eligible voters in the state to come out en-mass and vote for APC candidates to entrench good democratic governance through the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure

that will enhance their wellbeing.

He said that the APCled administration will continue to implement policies and programmes that would better the lots of the governed irrespective of political differences. ``We are in the system to bring about a positive change through the pro-

vision of basic amenities that will enhance socioeconomic and political growth of our state and the country in general, ” he said.

He advised party supporters in the state not to sell their permanent voter cards as they remain their license to deepen good governance in the state.

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South

February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP in disarray ahead of Edo governorship election SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is apparently in disarray in Edo State ahead of the 2016 governorship poll even before intense campaign activity begins.

Sunday Mirror observation showed that members, chieftains and leaders of the foremost opposition party in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed state are now worried as a leadership crisis threatens to tear it into pieces amidst a denounced fake online portal: www.

pdpmembership.org/register, urging interested citizens to register as PDP members through electronic process, disclaimed on Friday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary.

Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally announced on Thursday that the Edo State Governorship election will be held on Saturday, September 10 and thereby paving the way for the beginning of open and intense campaign activities by aspirants seeking the party ’s tickets and by the party leaders, seeking majority

votes in the scheduled election, not much has been said or heard by PDP leaders in Edo State.

Party sources told our correspondent at the weekend that the PDP was ready to begin high level campaigns but was presently pegged back by the uncertain position of its Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and the other members of the state executive council, whose allegedly expired tenure is presently being challenged in court.

It willt be recalled that an Edo State High Court in Benin City last week in an order that disorganised

the embattled leaders, aspirants and followers of the party nationwide, restrained the leadership of Edo State PDP led by Chief Orbih from conducting the party ’s congresses earlier scheduled for last Thursday until the hearing of a substantive matter brought to challenge the legality of the state party leadership.

The court order resulted from the petition of a member of the party, Mr Ehi Osula, of Ward 12 in Oredo Local Government Area and other aggrieved party members, who approached the court urging it to declare as illegal, the

continued stay in office of the current leadership of the party, whose tenure allegedly expired legally on September 24, 2015.

While the Orbih PDP leadership had concluded plans and logistics to conduct congresses across 192 wards and 18 local government areas of Edo State from February 24, 2016, the court ruling which a party leader craved anonymity to describe as “shocking and unexpected ”, has totally thrown the party into a state of confusion, chaos and crisis that may eventually consume its ambition to return

‘FG ’s plan to islamise Nigeria ’ll fail ’, says Fayose DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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L-R: Marketing and Communication Lead, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Segun Olalandu; Supply Chain Lead, Accenture Nigeria, Mr Tunji Gomes; CEO Wildfusion, Mr Abas Idaresit; Business Group Director Application and Services; Microsoft, Ade Ajayi and Senior Manager Technology, Accenture Nigeria, Akintunde Sawyer, during the Master Class of 2016 Social Media Week in Lagos.

IWD: NDDC to inspire women in Niger Delta

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s part of activities designed to celebrate the 2016 annual International Women ’s Day (IWD), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women within the Niger-Delta Region of the country.

Celebrated globally every March 8, the day is marked out to mark women ’s achievements throughout history and across nations.

It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women ’s Rights and International Peace. It is a day to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

Highlighting women development as part of the objectives on the commis-

sion, the acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari noted that, “The NDDC facilitates all-round development of the Niger Delta and its people and the mandate for women development is an aspect that is equally given huge priority with the agency and must not be neglected ”.

“As part of the agenda for women development in 2016, the commission will mark the International Women ’s Day with activities that will help Inspire, and Celebrate women of the Niger Delta Region and their endeavours ”, she added.

Speaking on the rationale and objectives for the commission ’s celebration of the International Women ’s Day, the Director, Youth and Women Development at the commission, Mr. Ephraim Offiong

noted that, “Our primary objective is to consistently encourage and celebrate the achievements of women within the NigerDelta Region of Nigeria by stimulating awareness and building knowledge on gender and leadership inclusion.

“As part of our plans this year, we have identified major platforms to reach out to the women of the Niger Delta; one of which is a stage drama titled, Little Drops by Professor Yerima. This drama which takes a look at the Niger Delta from the perspective of women – the neglected innocent victims of the war of contradictions in the region, will be performed in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Calabar. We have also identified a few women and their contributions to the Niger Delta Region.

Seminitari, who recently took over leadership at the Commission said further: “We seek to use these platforms of celebrations to “Identify entry points for advancing the role of women in the Niger Delta Region and expand the network of champions and advocates within the Niger Delta and beyond ”.

“The development in the Niger Delta is incomplete without due recognition of the role of women in various capacity and the neglect of women in issues that directly affect them will undermine government and non-governmental efforts at the development of the region ”.

This is a call for the need to give women a chance; recognise their inputs and adequately involve them directly in policy issues that affect them, ” she disclosed.

to Edo State power again if not nipped in the bud now.

According to the claimant ’s counsel, Mr Matthew Edaghese, a chieftain of PDP himself, who asked the court to the restrain the Chief Orbih leadership from conducting any congress until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, an illegal leadership cannot determine the fate of legal party members and aspirants.

In his ruling, Justice Ikpomnwen, granted the claimant ’s injunction and adjourned further hearing to February 29, 2016.

kiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, alleged yesterday that the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government was making moves to islamise Nigeria.

This is as Fayose and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ali Modu Sherri, have said the PDP will recapture power in 2019.

Fayose and Sherrif spoke during an interdenominational thanksgiving service and victory celebration of the Governor Nyesom Wike ’s Supreme Court judegment held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Fayose disclosed that he had uncovered a plot to islamise Nigeria, saying “I want to reveal one secret here. They have started subtle moves to make Nigeria an Islamic State, but God will stop them.

“We believe in God. We also believe in Allah. But nobody can turn Nigeria into an Islamic State. We are a free people who are free to worship according to our individual faith. So, no one can force any religion on us.

“They tried it in 1984 and failed. I can assure you that they will fail again. I am not far away. I am in Ekiti. I am Ayo Fayose, Peter the Rock. If you hit me, you hit trouble. If I hit you, you will be in trouble, ” Fayose said.

Both politicians said the All Progressives Congress is in power by chance, saying, “We (Nigeria) are in a situation known as one

chance. The PDP will come back to power at the centre in 2019. ” The duo thanked the Supreme Court for validating Wike ’s mandate, adding that “the Supreme Court saved Rivers State and Nigeria by upholding Wike ’s victory.

“The justices of the Supreme Court will be proud of themselves if they are watching this event live.

We are proud of them ”.

Fayose declared that Rivers State would not return to Egypt, saying that APC deceived Nigerians to steal their (PDP) inheritance, stressing that, “they (APC) are here by chance, they will go by chance. ” In his speech, Wike aligned himself to the statements of Fayose and Sheriff, that apex court was courageous by delivering a judgement that saved the state and the country from crisis.

Wike said the APC-led federal government had hatched plans to arrest leaders of PDP, if Supreme Court had nullified his election.

He declared that only those in support of political armed robbery would kick against his declaration, adding that the state would resist attempts to rig the March 19, 2016, National and State Assembly rerun elections.

Wike also claimed that desperation for power was behind the killing of some indigenes of Ogoni through an ill-fated military operation last Monday and Tuesday.

He said his administration would stand firm to protect the Ogoni people.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Olayinka happy with U23 call-up

Sport

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sport

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KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Nigeria football calls for concern – Amiesimaka

Mertesacker eyeing United double PAGE 47

Oliseh

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s reactions continue to trail the resignation of Sunday Oliseh as Super Eagles’ handler, former Nigeria star Adokiye Amiesimaka claims the country’s football calls for transposition.

Oliseh gave up his job as coach of the three-time African champions after eight months in charge owing to lack of support from NFF and contractual failing.

In a no hold barred with Goal, the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner feels the exit of the former national team skipper is a pointer that there must be something fundamentally wrong Nigeria football.

“It’s no big deal. If you are not satisfied with your job for any reason and you think the wise course of action, you are at liberty to do so. In many instances, it is an honourable thing to do,” Amiesimaka told Goal.

“This calls for concern about our football. The problem is that we do the same thing over and over the same way and we expect different result.

“The NFF has always had perpetual problems with their coaches. There must be something fundamentally wrong.

“Why is it that they find faults in every coaches they employ on the faces of newspapers and it’s either he is resigning or being fired? There must be something wrong with this football governing body.

“The media have also failed to ask why the NFF are not properly incorporated. That means they can carry on the way they like and nothing to hold them accountable, meanwhile they are receiving public funds by the way of subvention and Nigerians are not questioning them.”

He continued: “These people like Amaju Pinnick and Christopher Green are my friends and we talk but the system is very wrong. They should be properly incorporated so as to know the extent to which they can do certain things.

“The way Fr. Tiko, Otto Gloria and Clemence Westerhoff left Nigeria was not pleasant and that shows there is something wrong with the way we do things in this part of the world. There is not coach they [NFF] have found pleasure with.”

He also lamented the Nigeria Football Federation’s powerlessness in paying their employees’ wages despite setting high targets for them.

“Going beyond this too, why is it that we are not paying our coaches and other workers? That has been the same old story,” he continued.

“Nonpayment of salaries of wages and bonuses, why? I have never heard that any member of the board of the NFF has never collected his allowances or estacodes but we keep hearing that they the players and the coaches are not paid.

“Meanwhile, we expect these players to win matches.

When you are given a responsibility and you are not backed up with moral or financial supports – while people expect you to get results and win the World Cup. “This is really a terrible situation and it will continue to be like this even in the next twenty years if we don’t get our acts together after all, that has been the case in the 70’s and the 80’s,” he concluded.

Amiesimaka

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Sport

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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IFEANYI Eduzor

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

WBC criticises AIBA

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Awoniyi

Osimhen, Iwobi, Awoniyi called up for Brazil U23 friendly

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he Dream Team VI trainers have called up 30 players to camp ahead of March’s international friendly against the South Americans ahead 2016 Olympics Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi top a star studded list of 30 players called up by acting coach Fatai Amoo for the international friendly with Brazil U23 next month.

Dream Team VI’s list includes

nine players from the domestic scene and 21 players based abroad.

Biggest absentees are Manchester city’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success of Granada and Gent’s Moses Simon.

Other expected invitees were Junior Ajayi of CS Sfaxien, Oghenekaro Etebo and team captain Azubuike Okechukwu of Yeni Malatyaspor among many others.

From the home-based group, Emmanuel Daniel, Yusuf Mohammed,

and Segun Oduduwa and Erhun Obanor will also make the camp, among many others.

The locally-based players are expected to resume camp on Sunday February 28 while the foreign-based players will join up later before the tie.

The international friendly will played in Brazil on March 24 as a preparatory game for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Nasarawa Poly ready for NIPOGA Games …as body gets new scribe Ifeanyi Eduzor

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ost of the 19th edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa State has vowed to surpass the record set by the immediate host of the championship, Federal Polytechnic Bida in terms of facilities and general organization of the Games.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Shetima Abdulkadri who led a powerful delegation to the NIPOGA general meeting held at Kwara State Poly-

technic to brief council members on his institution’s preparations ahead of the Games, noted that the institution was ready to host the best ever Games in the history of the body.

“We are putting logistics on ground to ensure we host the best ever Games. With our internally generated revenue, partnership with corporate organizations and education fund intervention, the school will put up a standard and befitting sporting facilities that will be of international standard’, he assured.

Mean while the NIPOGA technical committee headed by Coach Onigala

Ademola of Federal Polytechnic Offa has elected Akinbode Agboola of Federal Polytechnic Ede and Mallam.

Abdullahi Abubakar of Sokoto State Polytechnic, Sokoto as the new secretary general and assistant secretary general of the body respectively.

NIPOGA media coordinator Pastor Faith Udochukwu Emmanuel told Saturday Mirror, that their election was putting the right peg on the right hole as they will use their wealth of experience to take the body to the next level.

At the end of congress kwara state polytechnic Ilorin and Lagos state polytechnic submitted bids to host the 20th edition of NIPOGA games which comes up in 2018.

Olayinka happy with U23 call-up

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ent striker Peter Olayinka has welcomed his invitation

by Nigeria U23s, saying he is delighted now that he passed on a chance to play international football with Albania.

Olayinka is one of 21 foreign pros called up by Nigeria’s Olympic team

for a friendly against Rio Olympics hosts Brazil next month.

And the 20-year-old lanky striker said his patience to wait for his chance with Nigeria has begun to reap dividends.

“I feel so excited to get a call up to play for Nigeria U23 national team,” he celebrated.

NPFL: MFM falls in Ibadan

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FM FC head coach Fidelis llechukwu has said Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) were the far the better side in their matchday 3 clash.

The newly promoted side were

outclassed 0-3 by the Oluyole Warriors in Saturday’s Nigerian topflight matchday 3 clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan with forward Wasiu Jimoh scoring the three goals.

orld Boxing Council (WBC) has expressed concern over statement credited to Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur ( AIBA) that it is considering allowing professional boxers to take part in the forthcoming Olympic Games slated for Ro de Janeiro, Brazil In a statement by the boxing body signed by its president, Mauricio Sulaiman , it noted that boxing cannot be complete without separating amateur and professional boxing, for the most basic principle of safety, by avoiding such dangerous mismatches between experienced professional fighters and amateur boxers noting that

this is something AIBA is not able to understand, because it seems their leadership does not have a clue of what boxing really means and represents.

“AIBA’s priority appears to be the commercial and business aspects of the sport. Boxers are obligated to sign commercial contracts with AIBA and its affiliates, which positions AIBA in an undeniable and clear conflict of interest.

“By matching amateurs against professionals and eliminating headgear, AIBA is showing that it does not seem to care about the physical well being of the fighters or the correct practice of the sport around the world.

Jamie Cox (R) in action against Blas Miguel Martinez during their WBO clash

Cox targets multiple world titles

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BO European Super Middleweight Champion Jamie Cox says he wants to win multiple world titles after being handed a WBO title eliminator against a yet undecided opponent.

Cox, 29, has won all 20 of his fights to date, with 12 coming by knockout.

“Any of the four main bodies ; the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF ,any of those four I will target, and not just target, I want to win,” he said.

“I’ve been in the ring with the best fighters with 16-ounce gloves on in the di-

vision so I know what I can do.”

Cox, who won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games as an amateur, also said he has not had any indication who his next opponent will be.

“I’ll be leaving that with promoter Frank Warren and obviously Frank will have some news for me very shortly,” he added.

“At the end of the day all I have to do is prepare myself with my coach, my team and just be in the best possible shape I can to deliver the best possible performance.”

Takam, Parker for mandatory fight

Olayinka

Ilechukwu said his side have taken a bitter lesson from the encounter and will work assiduously hard to correct the lapses heading into the next clash against Sunshine Stars.

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ameroonian Carlos Takam (33-2-1) will face unbeaten Kiwi heavyweight prospect, Joseph Parker (18-0-0) in May in an IBF eliminator to determine who will face the winner of the Charles Martin and Anthony Joshua title fight in England on April 9.

The IBF have ordered the elimination bout and promoters for both sides now have several weeks

to negotiate details for the fight before it goes to a purse bid.

Under IBF rules if Martin retains the title the mandatory defence has to take place before January 16th, 2017. If Joshua wins he is required to make a mandatory defence of the title by January 9th, 2017 which is within nine months of beating Martin.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Euro Sport

Sunday, February 28, 2016

England may bid for 2030 World Cup

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ngland may consider a bid to host the 2030 World Cup with Gianni Infantino now elected Fifa president, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke says.

The FA backed Infantino in Friday’s election, in which he polled 115 votes to succeed fellow Swiss Sepp Blatter.

Dyke says Fifa has a leader “whom the FA can trust” after saying it became “impossible” to deal with Blatter.

“This is a new day, a new dawn. I think we will certainly try to win some tournaments,” Dyke said.

“The World Cup in 2026 will go to North America, but we will maybe go for 2030.”

Previous president Blatter quit in May amid allegations that led to a sixyear ban from football, which he is contesting.

Mertesacker eyeing United double

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Mourinho to United talk, a scandal –LvG

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Infantino: Sad times are over F

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal labelled continued reports linking Jose Mourinho to his job as “an absolute scandal”.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has been heavily touted as the next man to fill the United position, despite the under-fire Dutchman still being at the helm.

Van Gaal, who has guided his team to back-to-back wins in the FA Cup and Europa League, is furious about the constant speculation and urged his club not to react to the reports.

“He has said things a number of times with a lot of words, but he does not have to tell me anything - I find the whole thing ridiculous,” the Old Trafford boss told RTL7 about Mourinho.

IFA’s newly-elected president Gianni Infantino says one of his immediate ambitions is for the organisation to ‘regain its respect’ within the world of football.

The 45-year-old Swiss lawyer became the ninth leader of football’s world governing body on Friday when he was voted in as Sepp Blatter’s successor in Zurich.

Blatter had been president since 1998, culminating in a difficult few years for FIFA amid allegations of bribery and corruption which led to a number of top officials being arrested.

However, a new dawn for FIFA is now beckoning and Infantino wants to right the wrongs of recent years.

Looking ahead, he said: “We’re going to win back this respect through hard work, commitment and we’re going to make sure we can finally focus on this wonderful game that is football.

Zidane

Infantino

rsenal defender Per Mertesacker wants his team-mates to put their Champions League woes behind them on Sunday as they target a Premier League double over fierce rivals Manchester United The north London side were a class above United in their first meeting this season as they destroyed Louis van Gaal’s side 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunday’s encounter takes place at Old Trafford, but Mertersacker thinks United’s home-ground advantage will not count for much if Arsenal can recreate their performance from earlier in the season.

“I think we came out really strong, trusted in ourselves, nicked balls from them in their final third and then broke them down,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player.

“It was remarkable how we played and how we reacted.

“We were really active from the start, pressed them high and tried to get the ball as quickly as possible. It completely worked out. It will be a different game this time but I want to see the same effort from our side.

‘It’ will be tough for F Zidane and Ronaldo to match Barca’

ormer Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman thinks Zinedine Zidane is capable of being a successful head coach at the Santiago Bernabeu, but feels it will be tough to usurp Barcelona in the short-term.

Zidane replaced the sacked Rafael Benitez as head coach in January and is yet to suffer a defeat after eight matches in charge ahead of his side’s crucial home derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

McManaman backed the former World Cup winner to do well in his new role, but believes the combination of Barcelona’s continued improvement and the fact that Madrid’s key man Cristiano Ronaldo is ageing makes immediate success extremely difficult. He told Omnisport: “I think Zizou will be a wonderful coach, I really do, but the fact that he is chasing down this Barcelona side – it is going to be very, very difficult for them because the best player at Real by a long way is Ronaldo and he is 31 now.

N I G E R I A I N F I G U R E S - The sum CBN -The amount MTN grants as credit paid to Federal Govto the economy. ernment.

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Comment

E-mail: jimunahlive@gmail.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos

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with Jim Unah

t the last count, the Goodluck Jonathan administration established twelve (12) new Federal Universities. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), making the 13th that came up for mention recently was established earlier in Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s era as head of state.

The first nine (9) of them commenced full academic operations in 2011. By mid February this year or thereabouts, the old governing councils had been dissolved and new ones constituted, the new Vice Chancellors having been appointed almost simultaneously. I think there was an upgrade of three federal colleges of education to the status of universities of education. Perhaps, that’s how they became 12 from the original 9.

In the dying minutes of the mid February horse-trading that characterized the inauguration of the new governing councils and the appointment of 13 new Vice Chancellors, including that of the NOUN, I took active interest in the affairs of these new federal universities.

First, I looked at the organogram to

N150

The new Federal Universities (1) decipher the staff structure. While not providing statutorily for Vice Chancellors, since they were just in the first phase of operations, there appeared to be no essential difference between them and the old federal universities.

The same build up of teaching and nonteaching staff that you find in older universities appear to be in the offing.

Secondly, I looked at the course offerings of the new universities. I found practically nothing new. Courses in the syllabi of the older universities are just replicated as if nothing is wrong with the course structure of the older universities.

I see the new universities as just angling to take their market share from the unguided evident craze by Nigerians for university education. Why not?

Surveys conducted in the early days of the Jonathan administration revealed that between 75,000 and 100,000 Nigerians were registered for one degree programme or the other in Ghanaian universities alone.

If you add up the figures of Nigerian students in neighbouring Republic of Benin; those in UK, USA and European universities you might understand the haste of a concerned federal government headed by the first university graduate to occupy the Aso Rock Vila in multiplying the number of universities, private or public.

The dispensation might have rea-

soned that since virtually all Nigerian families are intent on producing graduates and since university education is rather expensive to procure overseas, the best service to the people would be to create more universities to absorb the large population of young school leavers; for continuous capacity building to equip them for proper adjustment in society, and for vital contribution to national development. It does not seem to occur to leaders and followers alike that no matter how much you multiply the number of universities, people would still find cause to travel elsewhere, overseas, for university education.

However, since the need of the populace for university education is addressed by the multiplication of universities, a national problem would seem to have been fairly, reasonably, attended to. But in all of this, some critical issues arising from the unwieldy bureaucracy of the old universities, and their allegedly non-attractive, non-competitive course offerings, appear to be glossed over.

The first five-year management teams of the new universities were in a hurry to kick-start academic programmes. So, they just went to the archive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to exhume some courses for their education-thirsty candidates to register and get down to academic business, or so it seems. Neither the NUC nor the Federal

Hiddink: Terry can be a good manager

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nterim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has backed captain John Terry for management when he is finished playing.

Terry’s Chelsea future is up in the air after the defender released a statement saying he had not been offered a new deal by the club and would begin to look at his options.

Chelsea responded that the lack of an offer so far did not mean the club would not make one before the end of the season.

But whatever his playing future might hold, Hiddink believes Terry has what it takes to manage at the highest level.

“I think he can be a good manager but first they must make this in-between period where they give a structure and a foundation,” he said.

“I did that at home [making notes] not during training sessions, that would perhaps be a little offensive.

“I don’t want to talk to him [about being a manager] now because maybe he thinks I’m pushing him out.”

Hiddink’s second stint as Chelsea boss is unlikely to become permanent, with reports suggesting the club are close to agreeing a deal with Italy coach

Antonio Conte.

But the Dutchman is hopeful that his time with the Chelsea players has allowed him to impart some new knowledge on them.

Ministry of Education gave any serious thought to which way the new federal universities should go.

Should the new universities continue to ape the older universities in teams of staff structure and course offerings?

Shouldn’t there be a change of direction and attitude towards staffing and course offerings? Do they want to reproduce another University of Lagos; another Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); another University of Nigeria, Nsukka, or whatever? Do the federal government, the regulators and all stakeholders in the education industry want the new universities merely to just trudge on, answer as universities and repeat both the virtues and failings of the older universities?

Shouldn’t the emergence of the new federal universities provide occasion for a rethink in a different direction; using them to plan ahead and correct the mistakes of the older universities and even break new grounds that the older universities are not able to do for structural and aging constraints? There are, indeed, serious constraints faced by the older universities that they can’t do much about.

But the new universities can be used to correct this and ensure that they do things differently, simplifying their processes and getting their operations to be fully technology-driven. A clue, indeed, exists!

EPL RESULTS

West Ham United 1 - 0 Sunderland Leicester City 1 - 0 Norwich Southampton 1 - 2 Chelsea Stoke City 2 - 1 Aston Villa Watford 0 - 0 Bournemouth W/Bromwich 3 - O Crystal Palace LA LIGA Result R. Madrid 0-1 A. Madrid

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