Nigerian Canadian News - February 2014 Edition

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Vol 9 | Issue 2 | February 2014 | “THE THIRD EYE OF THE COMMUNITY” | Tel: 416-318-3506 | publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca | www.nigeriancanadiannews.ca

MANY ‘SINS’ OF SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI

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Old sins, they say, have long shadows. This wise saying may have been responsible for the suspension yesterday, of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

A statement from the presidency, which announced his suspension, had accused him of “financial recklessness and misconduct, which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline.”

Lamido Sanusi

The statement adds: “Being also deeply concerned about farreaching irregularities under Mallam Sanusi’s watch, which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate; and being determined to urgently reposition the Central Bank of Nigeria

for greater efficiency, respect for due process and accountability, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Sanusi.”

Talking about the alleged financial recklessness, the first that readily comes to mind was the donation of N100 million to the victims of Boko Haram attacks in Kano State in early 2012. Reports quoted Sanusi as saying that the donation was part of CBN’s contribution to the state government to alleviate the suffering of direct victims of the violence and their families.

Reacting to the development, then, the National Publicity continued on p(17)

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EDITORIAL

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Tel: 416-318-3506 Editor In Chief Correspondent - Nigeria: Kola Olulana admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

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7

The Sanusi Saga The President seems bent on getting rid of all his opponents who have refused to tow his line. Some might not see that as the appropriate interpretation of the ongoing debacle in Nigeria today. But it is obvious that the Governor of the Central Bank has never hidden his dislike for the actions of the ministers and other aids of the President. He has in his vituperations only been a few paces from hitting directly at the President himself. It was obvious that he damned the consequences of his actions. And he got what that portends. And his reactions are predictable. He has gone to test his immunity at the courts. We await the interpretation of the powers that immunize him from the discipline of the President.

The case for and against the CBN Governor is the subject of a media war that began immediately his suspension was announced. It has not subsided and it has made the exit of Sanusi from the public arena as controversial as his entrance. Immediately he assumed office the unprecedented occurred when he sacked some Managing Directors of banks in a manner hitherto unparalleled in the history of banking in Nigeria. The question then was “Did the constitution arrogate so much pow-

er to a single man?” Now that he has been suspended by the President, Sanusi has also run to the courts to find out the limits of his powers.

What is not in doubt about Sanusi and his manner of dispatching his supervisory role as the CBN Governor is the politicizing of what hitherto was a purely non-partisan financial responsibility.

His penchant for political considerations was suspect from his assumption of office. His policies, though appearing to be popular have gradually brought to an end the period when bank jobs were a gateway to wealth.

The days when the best thing to happen to a graduate and even easily acquired skillful workers, such as drivers and bank messengers was to be employed by a bank disappeared with the emergence of Sanusi in the apex bank.

Sale and acquisition of properties became good business in the days of Soludo, the former CBN Governor.

And banking halls sprung all over Nigeria and outside our shores. It was an era of increased employment. So when the President struck, public opinion had become divided.

Sanusi was accused by his boss of impropriety. He was placed on suspension to prevent him from interfering with the probe of his office.

Issues were raised against the untidy manner of conducting the financial matters of the apex bank. The Government observed that ironically, it had become obvious that the CBN is not able to prepare its financial statement using applicable international Financial Reporting Standards (IFFS) whereas Deposit Money Banks that the CBN is supervising have complied with this national requirement since 2012. Sanusi was also accused of failing to remit fully the Pay-As- YouEarn (PAYE) deductions of its staff by computing them with the defunct Personal Income Tax Act 2004 instead of the Amended Act 2007. There were so many more accusations for which the Presidency found it necessary to probe the Governor.

Supporters of Sanusi who are against his suspension see his suspension as merely the elimination of an avowed opponent. Why a member of his team would be an opponent may however seem strange until one goes back to history to recall how Sanusi became the CBN Governor. He was not appointed by the present president but by his fellow descendant of the northern oligarchy. Both Sanusi and the former President Musa

Silver Star Medical Centre

Yar Adua come from the Uthman Dan Fodio line of Emirs, who were the first colonizers of the Muslim part of the North of Nigeria.

Sanusi is even reputed to be an heir to the throne of the Kano Emirate. Thus unable to elect his own choice of Governor, the President inherited a Governor that he could not sack except with the support of the Senate.

Sanusi thus became a power to reckon with by even the Presidency. And he was not economical with his criticism of the economic policies of the present administration.

Sanusi’s supporters claimed that his suspension is not unconnected with his accusation of the state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), of failing to remit $20 billion in revenues to government accounts.

They regard this action as Mr. Jonathan’s signal of his unwillingness to tackle the rampant corruption that is eating away at his country.

Yet the presidency claims they have had to suspend Sanusi because of “financial recklessness and misconduct” and “far-reaching irregularities” at the bank. But the decision came just days after Mr. Sanusi presented detailed evidence to a Senate committee investigating

alleged fraud and mismanagement at the NNPC. Most concluded that the suspension was politically motivated.

As usual, the last hope of the common man is the court. We wait to see the interpretation of the constitution that never seemed to have visualized the selection of a Governor as antagonistic to government as Sanusi.

Whether Sanusi’s criticisms were done in the interest of the common good or not, history will judge. We await the verdict of history. Remember, history will judge us all. It is what we shall be remembered for that shall be the final judge. This is the stand of Nigerian Canadian News. And that’s why we encourage you to continue to join hands with us by your patronage to build a community whose crave will be for a good reputation. We wish you a great reading as we march through the month of March.

It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered -Aeschylus-

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALT H I S W E A LT H , TA K E C A R E OF YO URS

Disclaimer: In no way are any of the suggestion herein meant to take the place of advice given by a licensed health care professional. Please always consult your doctor before commemcing any medical treatment.

Premature Ovarian Failure: Premature Menopause (POF) Approximately 1 in every 1000 women between the ages of 15-29 and 1 in every 100 women between the ages of 30-39 are affected by premature ovarian failure (POF) also called premature menopause. A woman can be affected by POF at any age or time in her life.

It can happen before or after she has had children or while she is still planning her family. No matter what season of life, it is overwhelming and many times there are questions that are left unanswered. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about POF. What is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

Premature ovarian failure is the loss of ovarian function in women under the age of 40. Women with POF do not ovulate (release an egg) each month. This loss of function can be due to a less than normal amount of follicles or a dysfunction in the ovaries.

How does ovulation work?

Before we begin to understand ovarian failure we need to understand ovulation. In brief, a female is born with about 2 million ovarian follicles. As she gets older and reaches puberty she will only have about 300,000-400,000 left. The body does not make anymore. These follicles are very important because they mature to be eggs that will be released during ovulation. Now 300,000 may sound like a lot, but not every follicle becomes a mature egg.

When your menstrual cycle begins, your estradiol (estrogen) levels are low.

Your hypothalamus (which is in charge of maintaining your hormone levels)

journey then begins all over again.

sends out a message to your pituitary gland which then sends out a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This FSH triggers a few of your follicles to develop into mature eggs. Remember only one follicle will be the lucky one to become a mature egg. As the follicles mature they send out another hormone, estrogen. Estrogen sends a message to the hypothalamus to stop producing FSH. If the follicles do not mature and produce estrogen to stop the production of FSH, FSH will continue to produce and rise to high levels. This is why women with POF are checked for high levels of FSH. Once the levels of estrogen are high enough, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland know that there is a mature egg. A lutenizing hormone (LH) is then released; this is referred to as your LH surge. Within 24-36 hours of the LH surge the mature egg is released and ready for fertilization.

During this period, progesterone has been thickening and preparing your uterine lining for implantation. If fertilization does not occur, then the egg dissolves and a few days later your hormone levels will decrease and your uterine lining will begin to shed. This is called menstruation (menstrual period) and brings us back to day 1 of your cycle. The

Is there a difference between Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) and Menopause?

Menopause usually occurs on average around age 51. Premature ovarian failure can occur at any age before 40, usually on average around age 27. When a woman experiences menopause, she no longer has follicles to produce into eggs and therefore no longer gets her menstrual period.

A woman with premature ovarian failure, or premature menopause, may still have follicles, but there may be a depletion or dysfunction of these. Therefore, she can still get her period; however, most of the time her period is irregular. Irregular periods are one of the signs for POF. Keep in mind that there may be other explanations for an irregular period. Always discuss any irregularity in your menstrual cycle with your healthcare provider.

What are the Symptoms for Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

• Irregular periods (different length of bleeding or change in flow) • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Decrease in sexual drive • Irritability • Painful sex • Thinning and drying of vagina Some women may continue to have normal periods and show no symptoms. Diagnosis may only be discovered when the FSH levels are measured and come back with elevated levels. Discuss any menstrual changes or symptoms with your healthcare provider before coming to any conclusion about POF.

Oregano oil: One of nature’s most powerful flu-fighters

By Gilean Watts | Shine On

The first thing to know about oregano oil is that it tastes absolutely awful. The second (and perhaps more helpful) thing to know is that it really, really works.

Natural health junkies swear by the stuff, and we’re seeing more mainstream experts begin to tout the oil’s abilities to fight colds and flu, along with a slew of other ailments, such as food poisoning and eczema.

Even Dr. Oz is a fan!

So, what is it exactly?

Essentially, oregano oil is a potent liquid extracted from the herb of the same name. It bears the same flavour as oregano sprigs, but because it’s highly con-

centrated, just one drop is strong enough to blow your head off (figuratively, we should mention).

What does it do?

As proponents of the oil claim, each spicy little

droplet contains antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties that can fight cold and flu bugs in your body, as well as provide a slight decongestant effect and sooth continued on p(50)

The Best Strollers of 2013 Graco, Chicco, and Peg Perego move to the top of the pack Strollers have changed a lot since the classic English pram. Today’s best strollers, according to parents, offer more flexibility and

are lightweight and easy to use. But they still have to be sturdy enough to protect your child. That’s why Consumer Reports tests

strollers for safety as well as maneuverability and easeof-use. Here are some of the standouts from this year’s tests.

Traditional strollers The Graco Modes Click Connect, $250, has superb maneuverability and was very easy to adjust, featuring one-touch brakes, an d it can be stored vertically when folded. It’s truly “three strollers in one,” allowing caregivers to use it in a car-seat carrier or in flat bassinet mode for a newborn or young baby, as well as in rear- or forwardfacing toddler mode. Its five-point harness is the safest type.

Combination strollers Though bulky, the Peg Perego Book Plus, $500, offers a sturdy feel, excellent maneuverability, and a smooth ride, even over uneven terrain. An infant enclosure allows babies to lie flat, and a reversible seat allows your toddler to face forward or toward you.

With its one-touch brakes, and an easy-to-push, adjustable handle, it was a cinch to use and it comes with a five-point harness.

It comes complete with the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30-30 infant car seat, which had very good crash protection in our tough car seat tests.

Travel systems The sturdy Chicco Cortina KeyFit 30 Travel System, $330, provides a smooth ride for children weighing up to 50 pounds. A comfortable and adjustable handle and one-touch brakes make it easy to handle. The top-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat is included, and the stroller also features the convenience of a pop-up bassinette-style enclosure for infants 6 months and under, with a five-point harness. If you prefer a jogger-type travel system, consider the Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Jogger Travel System, $325, a sturdy and easyto-maneuver model with three air-filled tires, which accepts an in fant car seat.

continued on p(50)

Graco Modes Click Connect stroller

Umbrella strollers The First Years Ignite, $60, a CR Best Buy, is lightweight and easy to open and fold. Its five-point harness and buckles are easy to

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Peg Perego Book Plus stroller

adjust. It weighs 15 pounds and is small when folded.

- consumerreports.org

Chicco Cortina KeyFit 30 travel system

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Stephen Harper won’t drop visa rule for Mexicans, source says Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not expected to lift visa requirements on Mexican travellers during his upcoming trip to the country, a senior government source told CBC News.

The visa rules, imposed in 2009 to curb bogus asylum claims, are considered a major irritant by the Mexican government.

“The restrictions have helped reduce bogus claims by approximately 85 per cent and there is no inten-

Prime Minister Stephen

tion of lifting the visa requirements on this trip,” the senior government source said.

Harper will join U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto for a continental summit in Toluca on Feb. 19. Dubbed as the Three Amigos Summit, it will be the first meeting of the trio since a brief gathering almost two years ago.

The summit is seen as an opportunity for Harper to expand trade relations and energy security.

CBC.CA

President Jonathan Declare Intention, Says He Will Run Again

Reports reaching Daily News And Analysis Of

Nigeria that President Goodluck Ebele Jona-

than Has Declared his intention to run for reelection in the 2015 general elections. The president in his own words stated “I will contest 2015 election for the sake of National unity and cohesion — Dr Goodluck Jonathan. more details coming shortly..

Detail soon

9

Oba of Lagos barred from high profile Lagos function attended by Buhari, VP Namadi Sambo, Sultan of Sokoto and Gov. Aregbesola It was like a scene from a movie when the paramount ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, was prevented from entering the venue of a high profile function in the state.

The event was the First Annual Conference of Ahlus Sunnah of Nigeria graced

by Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was the Special Guest of Honour; former military Head of State and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111; and the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was the Special Guest Lecturer A report in Sunday Mirror said that Oba Akiolu “had to return to his palace and refused to attend the conference.” The report quoted eyewitnesses as saying that “the royal father was visibly angered by the situation.”

The report said that Sultan Abubakar 111 later ten-

dered an apology to Oba Akiolu, blaming the embarrassing situation on a “protocol problem.”

According to the Sultan while delivering his address on the occasion, “First, I will like to offer on behalf of the organisers of this conference, especially the chairman, our apology to the Oba of Lagos, the owner of Lagos, for the little protocol problem he encountered why he was trying to come to this hall even before I came and he had to go back to the palace.

“If I had my way, I would

have gone back to the palace to bring him here because he is a very close brother with whom we shared so much together.

So I believe this conference is to personally meet the Kabiyesi (Oba of Lagos) and explain to him what really happened. But he didn’t take it too much as a bad thing because he is back to the palace.”

It is not clear if the apology was officially communicated to Oba Akiolu after the event.

Source News Express

CANADA: IMMIGRATION UPDATE Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship & Super Visa

Do you know that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has already received 5,000 complete applications since January 2, 2014 for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program? They are no longer accepting new applications until next year, 2015.

What are Your Options?

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People who do not need visitor visas to enter Canada can still use the parent and grandparent super visa to stay in Canada for up to two years instead of 6 months.

Requirements for the Sponsor: • The Sponsor must be the child or grandchild of the sponsored person; • Provide a written and signed promise of financial support for the parents or grandparents for their entire stay in Canada, and • Proof they have sufficient fund.

Requirements for the Sponsored Person: • The Parent or Grandparent must be the parent or grandparent of the sponsor; • Be admissible to Canada as a visitor; • Prove that they Canadian Medical Insurance Coverage for at least one year; and • Complete an Immigration Medical Examination.

NOTE: You may need to go for an interview with a visa officer 2. Prepare Your Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Application Early In addition to obtaining the Super Visa, you can start early to prepare your sponsorship application for 2015, gather all required documents in advance. This would ensure that your application is submitted on time once Citizenship and Immigration Canada starts accepting new applications.

Thank you for reading.

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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10

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

Minister Blaney meets with Muslim and Somali-Canadian Communities (January 23, 2014) – Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honorable Steven Blaney, met with Ottawa’s Somali and Muslim communities yesterday.

“I was pleased to meet with members of the Muslim and Somali-Canadian communities of Ottawa-Gatineau today, as part of our Government’s commitment to maintaining ongoing and productive dialogue with Canada’s diverse communities,” said Minister Blaney. “As Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, I look forward to every opportunity to discuss various issues related to countering crime and promoting the prosperity, safety and security of our communities.”

The meeting discussed is-

sues of concern to the communities.

“Today, we discussed a number of issues that represent key concerns of these communities, including youth and crime, employment, education, profiling and funding opportunities for community programming,” he stated. “We also considered our shared concern over the threat posed by terrorism.”

“By openly communicating, and by building partnerships and trust with communities, we ensure that we are all informed about the public

safety issues facing Canadian communities and that we can work together to build the resilience of our society to all forms of crime and violence,” the Minister added.

Community leaders welcomed the roundtable discussion.

“These issues facing our community and others are challenging and complex,” said Mr. Farah Aw-Osman, Executive Director of Canadian Friends of Somalia. “If we are to succeed in building the most resilient communities possible, this kind of dialogue with the Government of Canada is vital.”

“I look forward to continuing, and building on, this engagement going forward,” Aw-Osman, added.

Source:iqra.ca

Bianca accepts appointment as APGA’s new Leader Widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Iyom Bianca OdumeguOjukwu, has accepted her appointed as the new Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Bianca, who is Nigeria’s current Ambassador to Spain, announced as her husband’s successor by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Chief Maxi Okwu, who was recently recognised as APGA National Chairman by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The APGA leadership under Sir Victor Umeh, however, promptly dismissed the appointment, as “another exercise in futility.” Said

the Umeh camp, which earlier announced Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as the party’s new Leader: “We deplore in no uncertain terms Maxi Okwu’s latest attempt to drag the esteemed wife – Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, of our late National Leader - DIM Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, into his political schemes . . .

We restate again, that Her Excellency, Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave no such permission, and is

presently not entertaining same.”

Responding to Umeh’s claims, Mr. Stanley Chira, Acting National Publicity Secretary of APGA under Maxi Okwu, told News Express last night: “Victor Umeh does not know what he is talking about. We got Her Excellency, Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s consent before announcing the appointment. There is a written consent. You can quote me on that.”

News Express reports that Umeh and Okwu are basing their claims of APGA leadership on different court judgements and that the case is expected to drag up to the Supreme Court.

Nigeria’s driving licence acceptable in Europe, US –FRSC Nigeria’s upgraded driving licence is recognised in the US and Europe, the Federal Road Safety Commission confirmed.

The Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Chidi Nkwonta, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that three states in the US and seven countries in Europe accepted the licence.

According to him, the licence is recognised in Maryland, Washington DC and California in the US as well as Germany, Turkey, Switzer-

land, Poland, Spain, Austria and Sweden in Europe.

Nkwota said,”Maryland accepts Nigerian driving licence provided it verifies that it is genuine, same with Washington and California.

“We have seven countries already in Europe that accept the new driving licence, and we are working on other countries in Europe.”

The commander added that the FRSC was working hard to make sure that the licence was accepted in all states in the US.

He said the data base and identity of the holder of the licence could be accessed in those countries, and that genuineness of the licence could be ascertained.

Nkwonta said the licence contained a lot of security features that would make it difficult to produce fake copies.

“These countries know the processes of obtaining a driving licence in Nigeria and the security features the licence contains; once they confirm its genuineness, they accept

Toyota ready to pay $1 Billion to end U.S. criminal probe over car defects Federal prosecutors and Toyota Motor are close to a settlement on the government’s probe into sudden-acceleration claims and driver complaints that could total more than $1 billion, according to several published reports late Friday.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations, The Wall Street Journal and the Detroit News late Friday said the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York and the automaker are nearing a deal that would resolve the Justice Department’s four-year criminal investigation into whether Toyota misled federal regulators over safety defects in the accelerator pedals of some vehicles.

“Toyota continues to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this matter. In the nearly four years since this inquiry began, we’ve made fundamental changes to become a more responsive, customer-focused organization, and we’re committed to continued improvements,” company spokesman Ed Lewis

said in a statement, according to the Detroit News story.

Though a settlement is not yet certain, a deal could be announced in the next few weeks, the reports said, that would allow Toyota not to plead guilty to concealing its knowledge of the defects. The deal likely would include a deferred prosecution agreement that would put the automaker on probation for a number of years.

In February, Toyota agreed to pay $29 million to settle charges by 29 state attorneys general that it had prior knowledge of the safety defects. The settlement prevents the automaker from advertising the safety of vehicles with-

it,” he said.

He, however, told NAN that the holder would only be allowed to use the licence for a period of time in those

countries.

The sector commander said after the period, the authorities of the countries would issue their own driv-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

out sound engineering and scientific data to back such claims, the settlement agreement says.

In December 2012, Toyota also reached the largest-ever auto civil settlement in history, totaling more $1 billion.

Akio Toyoda.

Toyota also paid close to $70 million in fines after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had failed to recall millions of vehicles in a timely fashion.

In 2009-2010, the automaker recalled more than 14 million vehicles worldwide for pedal safety defect issues that first began surfacing in 2000. Prior to the recalls, there were more than 3,000 complaints and several dozen fatalities that were allegedly caused by the acceleration problems. NHTSA has confirmed a link in 5 of the deaths.

•Text courtesy USA TODAY. Photo shows Toyota Motors President/CEO Akio Toyoda.

Source News Express ing licence.

He therefore urged applicants to be determined to obtain the genuine driving licence.

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

How Ottawa’s ‘Wanted’ list jeopardized deportation hopes A high-profile arrest put one man in the spotlight, and now he risks torture back home—which means Canada can’t remove him By his own admission, Arshad Muhammad is a successful liar. A Sunni Muslim from Pakistan, he used a fake Italian passport to fly into Canada and file a refugee application. When his asylum claim was refused (because of his alleged membership in a terrorist organization), he assured the federal government he would go home—only to flee Montreal for Toronto and disappear. And, while living on the lam over the next eight years, Muhammad managed to elude authorities by working cashonly construction jobs and using yet another bogus name to register his cellphone. On paper, at least, he no longer existed.

Today, the 45-year-old is behind bars for one reason: a “Most Wanted” website launched in July 2011 by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), featuring the names and mug shots of 30 suspected war criminals who vanished before Ottawa could deport them.

Muhammad was among the first fugitives busted by the list, arrested just one day after his blurry photo appeared online. (He was shopping at a tile store in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga, Ont., ordering supplies for a bathroom renovation, when an offduty police officer recognized his face.)

At a press conference the next day, then-immigration minister Jason Kenney celebrated the arrest—more proof, he said, that the controversial website worked.

Within weeks, the Harper government expanded the headline-friendly initiative to include other non-citizen fugitives (including dangerous foreigners ordered out because they committed crimes in Canada), and, at last count, more than 40 wanted people have been found and expelled, thanks to tips from the public.

Yet, 2½ years after his cover was blown, Muhammad is still here—threatening, from his jail cell, to strike a major legal blow to the same program that flushed him out of hiding. His latest Federal Court case, now in the hands of a judge, accuses government officials of improperly meddling with his file in a desperate attempt to save the Conser-

vatives’ new program from an embarrassing scenario: that Muhammad would be allowed to stay in Canada because the feds posted his picture for the world to see.

At the heart of his court battle is a question that worried bureaucrats even before the list went live: By finally identifying its most wanted, did the government actually jeopardize its chances of deporting some of them? Except under extraordinary circumstances, Canadian law prohibits Ottawa from removing illegal residents who could face cruel and unusual punishment back home—and, after Muhammad’s highprofile arrest, an immigration officer found he would indeed be at risk if returned to Pakistan, where terrorists (real or accused) are routinely tortured.

That report, completed in October 2011, triggered a flurry of emails between staff at the Canada Border Services Agency, eventually leading to an unprecedented meeting between a director-general at CBSA and her counterpart at Citizenship and Immigration. In court documents, Muhammad’s lawyers have painted the meeting with a sinister brush, calling it a clear attempt by CBSA to pressure Immigration to overturn the report because it represented such a potentially devastating setback for the Wanted list. The website, of course, was designed to help find and deport the men in the mug shots— not create a loophole that would allow them to stay.

Despite all the arrests— and all the self-congratulatory press releases trumpeting each one—the Wanted web page has endured a difficult few months. In December, the federal privacy commissioner scolded Ottawa for its “potentially misleading” use of the term “war criminal,” considering that none of the men on the site has ever been charged with a war crime, let alone been convicted. (They were declared inadmissible to Canada, under a much lower burden of proof, by the Immigration and Refugee Board.) A few weeks later, Maclean’s managed to track down one of the missing men, calling into question just how hard authorities are searching for them.

Asked why the magazine had little trouble finding Dragan Djuric when the agency couldn’t, CBSA re-

sponded by promptly removing his photo from the site and saying it couldn’t “comment any further on its operations.”

But Muhammad’s case could prove the most damaging development yet.

His lawyers are alleging an “abuse of process” and requesting an indefinite stay Arshad Muhammad.

Canada Border Services Agency photo

of removal, which would allow him to remain in Canada after all. A ruling is expected any day. “Regardless of whether we win or lose, what the case shows, more than anything, is the extent to which they tried to protect the ‘Most Wanted’ program at the expense of fairness and the rule of the law,” says Lorne Waldman, his lead lawyer. “The story speaks for itself.”

When Muhammad first arrived in Canada in 1999 (armed with his fake passport), he told authorities he was connected to an Islamist group responsible for terrorist attacks in Pakistan, an admission that ultimately doomed his asylum claim. He now insists he lied about his links to the organization because an agent advised him to, promising it would bolster his chances of staying. (The name of the terror group is protected by a publication ban.) Whatever the truth, those details were not mentioned on the Wanted page; like all the fugitives, Muhammad’s profile included only his photo, date of birth, home country and last known city.

But, at that press conference after his capture, Jason Kenney disclosed Muhammad’s ties to Islamic terrorists and, when Pakistani media picked up the story, Muhammad claims his family in Faisalabad received repeated death threats. Still in custody pending his deportation, he then applied for a so-called Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), arguing that his new-found notoriety—compliments of the federal government— put him in severe danger.

(Again, Canada does not typically remove people to countries where they could face cruel or unusual punishment.)

Although the border agency is in charge of enforcement, it’s the immigration department that conducts the risk assessments.

The first step in the process is an “opinion” rendered

11

the Connection | mag

We Don’t Know How Many Nigerians Live Abroad- Says Chairman Of Nigerian Diaspora Affairs Chairperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives' Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa says there is no record of how many Nigerians are living in the diaspora. She said this situation makes it difficult for the legislators to effectively account for citizens who may need assistance abroad.

Speaking over the weekend on the subject of Nigerian students abroad facing different forms of persecution , Ms. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the difficulties of accurately putting in place measures to help these students. She spoke to Sahara TV's Adeola Fayehun.

Students in Belarus, Ukraine, Malaysia, Cyprus and other countries recently appeared on Sahara TV to speak about their experiences.

There have been recent reports of racially-motivated attacks, killings, imprisonment and exploitation of Nigerian students in various countries around the world.

Added to these, the students also complained about neglect from the Nigerian government.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

however said one of the many challenges the Nigerian government faces in trying to assist students is locating and documenting them because of a lack of accurate records of students studying abroad.

"We don't even know how many Nigerians we have abroad in the first place; we don't have a strong database" she said.

She further expressed dismay at the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has failed to be proactive in this area leading to the current situation. She said all the Ministry needs to do is to contact the universities for the information. "We asked the Ministry of Foreign affairs why is it so difficult to know the number of Nigerians abroad," she said.

by an immigration officer. In Muhammad’s case, the officer sided with him, concluding that the two labels now attached to his name—war criminal and terrorist—make it “more likely than not” he would be treated harshly by Pakistani authorities.

At the time, Glenda Lavergne was director general of border operations for CBSA. Told of the finding via email on Oct. 13, 2011, she replied: “This one is not going well . . .”

An officer’s opinion is not the final verdict; another immigration official (a minister’s delegate) considers the opinion and makes the ultimate decision. But

Lavergne was concerned enough about “the quality” of the initial opinion to convene a meeting with the delegate’s boss, the director general of Citizenship and Immigration’s case management branch. In a sworn affidavit, Lavergne insists she had no “intention to influence the process in any way,” but other border services employees have criticized the optics of the February 2012 meeting— especially since the delegate had yet to render her decision.

Reg Williams, now retired, was director of the CBSA’s Greater Toronto Enforcement Centre when Muhammad was appre-

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also suggested that the students themselves have a vital role to play in enabling the government to assist those in need.

"We are hoping that we get support from Nigerian students... We told them, if you think there are challenges please let us know", she continued.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa advised students to register their information at local embassies. She also indicated that the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs has done a lot to advocate on behalf of students studying abroad.

The House Committee on Diaspora Affairs was set up in 2009 to promote the exchange of ideas between Nigerians home and abroad.

The board collects and manages data on Nigerians in the diaspora from consulates, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Justice as well as from population censuses, employment agencies and statistics divisions of international organizations and international census bureau for domestic planning and uses.

Saharareporters

hended. In his own sworn affidavit, he says he was “taken aback” when he first learned of the “ill-advised” meeting. “I had never heard of officials at CBSA meeting with CIC to discuss a specific case when the [risk assessment] decision by the minister’s delegate in question was still pending,” he wrote. “At the time, I believed these meetings to be inappropriate, and I believe that to be true to this day.”

Another agency director provided even more damning testimony.

Cross-examined about the meeting, Susan Kramer said Lavergne specifically told her Immigration contnued on p(49)

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Niger Delta Oil Belongs To The North – Aliyu …Says North Must Take Over From Jonathan A former Minority leader in the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu Aliyu has warned Niger Deltans to stop laying claims to oil found on there land as it also belongs to the North, vowing that the North will fight to reclaim power from President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Aliyu who described President Jonathan as an “ungrateful President” said the President has showed more interest on issues affecting the Ijaws other than the entire Nigerians.

The former Rep member said unlike in 2011 when the North voted en masse for President Jonathan, he vowed that in 2015, the North will teach the President a political lesson as they would reject him at the poll en masse.

“We in the north will take over from Jonathan through the ballot box and not through the barrels of the gun as some elements threatened recently. By the grace of God, we shall take over from him,” Aliyu

boasted.

“We call on President Jonathan to dissociate himself from those who are beating the drums of war and to call them to order so as not to truncate the democratic governance in Nigeria, which all Nigerians fought for.

“We know that it is only the President of a country that can boast that nobody can arrest him and nothing happens. But now, some people are threatening the

law enforcement agencies and the National Assembly to dare arrest them and see what they will do without the President saying anything.

“As at today, we are all Nigerians and the President has the responsibility to treat us as Nigerians. But we are worried that he has kept mute over those planning genocide, hatred and destruction of lives and property because contnued on p(49)

MAS GLOBAL EXPRESS AND LOGISTICS (MAS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES INC.)

MO receives libel notice from national Muslim organization January 28, 2014) - The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has initiated a Notice of Libel against the Prime Minister’s Office for a “false, offensive and defamatory” statement made about NCCM by Jason MacDonald, the PMO’s Director of Communications, in an interview with Sun News on January 16th.

BothMacDonald and Prime Minister Stephen Harper are named as parties in the legal notice.

The PMO’s statement was issued in response to concerns NCCM raised in an earlier public letter to the Prime Minister.

Joined by allies at a news conference held today on Parliament Hill, NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee said in a statement: “Rather than responding to our legitimate concerns, the PMO’s Director of Communications attacked us and attempted to smear our name by claiming NCCM had ‘documented ties to a terrorist organization such as Hamas.’ Noth-

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ing could be further from the truth.

“NCCM will not let the PMO’s false statement stand. To say that our organization has illegal affiliations is deeply offensive to us and to Canadians of all faiths and backgrounds, and only serves to reinforce ugly stereotypes about Canadian Muslims.

“By maliciously attacking NCCM instead of addressing the substance of our legitimate concerns, the PMO is trying to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. It is undemocratic and goes against everything Canadians expect from a responsible government.”

Describing MacDonald’s remarks as a “bullying tactic”, NCCM said the PMO was promoting suspicion about Canadian Muslims and demanded the PMO “immediately, publicly and unreservedly retract its false statement and apologize”.

Several statements supporting NCCM were issued by prominent Canadian organizations including Amnesty International, the

B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims (CAJM), the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG), as well as from prominent Canadians such as Maher Arar.

Prominent human rights activist Dr. Monia Mazigh, the wife of Maher Arar, said: “I am very concerned by the troubling comments issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is an advocacy organization that represents Canadians Muslims with the media, public officials and other national institutions.

When I campaigned for my husband’s release, the NCCM stood by me and supported my plight. The PMO owes Canadians an explanation.”

Source: iqra.ca

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the Connection | mag

OPINION

If I were Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

By Frank Ofili

On Thursday, 20th February 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan suspended from office the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The President cited financial recklessness and misconduct as the reasons for the suspension. These charges were based on the reports of the little-known Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (a Federal Government agency) which looked into the books of the CBN. The suspension was the culmination of soured relationship between Aso Rock and Sanusi’s CBN. The details of what led to that soured relationship are well documented and need not be restated here. Suffice it to say that Aso Rock was miffed that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi made public a memo he reportedly sent to the President alerting him of a possible non-remittance of about $50 billion into the coffers of the Federation by the state-run oil octopus, the NNPC. Following inter-departmental accounts reconciliation, that figure was found to be not $50 billion but $10.8 billion. Sanusi accepted the figure at the time but later turned round to claim that the unremitted amount was $20.8 billion. This and the FRCN report fueled the controversy, thus prompting the President to demand Sanusi’s resignation.

Sanusi refused, saying that the President lacked the powers to either fire him or force his resignation.

The Senate has since commenced investigation into the matter of the unremitted $20.8 billion. However, while investigation was on-going in the Senate, the President suspended the CBN governor from office, three weeks after he sought approval from the Senate for his action. The suspension has attracted mixed reactions from the public. While some see the President’s action as proper,

Lamido Sanusi

others see it as ill-advised and a surreptitious move to, not only thwart the Senate investigation, but also to cover up governmentinduced corruption in the NNPC. No less a body than the House of Representatives has passed a resolution condemning the suspension and urging the president to rescind the decision. Similarly, Kano State Emirates Council has also rejected the suspension.

Sanusi has since gone to court to challenge his suspension. While the controversy rages on about the legality of the Sanusi’s suspension, it is worthwhile to look at the Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

13

developed countries 3. Sanusi also received accolades, local and international, for prudence, efficiency and transparency.

Some however would argue that those were bought with cash from CBN coffers.

4. He was also the only CBN governor to date who had the guts to tell the truth no matter what 5. Finally, he was the CBN governor to date who challenged a corrupt government and exposed what is potentially the heist of the century. Many say this is what is responsible for his suspension.

CRITICISMS AGAINST HIM Just as he has been variously commended for his achievements, he has also been condemned on the following grounds: 1. That he was the only CBN Governor to date who made public the contents of his confidential memo to the President. Some accused the man of being talkative and not exercising discretion, thus violating the age old banking ethics of confidentiality 2. He was also accused of HIS ACHIEVEMENTS being the CBN governor There is no doubt that the who couldn’t get his figures man Sanusi Lamido Sanusi right, judging from the way recorded some commend- the amount he alleged was able achievements as the unremitted to government helmsman of the Central purse changed from $50 Bank of Nigeria. Below are billion to $10 and now $20 some of them: billion 1. He brought a lasting 3.That he was also the remedy to the problem of only CBN Governor in this bank distress in Nigeria. country who donated state Bank chieftains who dipped money to opposition polittheir fingers into deposi- ical party while still serving tors’ funds were brought to the ruling government book, although some would 4.Sanusi was also the argue that his 2009 banking first bank chief who has industry sanitization how- an anonymous customer itzer was politically moti- with a credit balance of vated over N1billion, and with2. He was the CBN gover- out proper documentation, nor who introduced Nige- yet the bank did not deem ria to cashless economy, a it necessary to know the policy that de-emphasized customer in question cash-based transaction in 5. The only CBN goverfavour of e-payment sys- nor to date who wanted tem. Although still at its to print N5,000 currency inchoate stage, the cashless denomination in the hope policy aims to align Nige- that it would help him rian financial system with curb inflation. Though this contemporary practice in move was eventually suspended, it generated so much controversy at the time on grounds that it had the potential to under-mind www.nigeriancanadiannews.ca To advertise call: the cashless 416-318-3506 policy of the same bank. publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca 6. Finally admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

Thank you for reading

The Nigerian Canadian News, Canada

Doctor’s departure will leave B.C. town with no family practice, no ER LOGAN LAKE, B.C. - When Dr. Uzair Sheik turns out the lights at his rural British Columbia family practice at the end of this week, the town will be without a family doctor.

For five years, Sheik was the sole physician in Logan Lake, a mining town of 2,000 people located about 45 minutes southwest of Kamloops.

Acting Mayor Robin Smith says the Interior Health Authority has informed her that, as of

March 1, the emergency department at the health centre will remain closed because of his departure.

The local nurse practitioner will extend her hours in order to help, making her available for appointments five days a week.

And Smith says one doctor has show interest in moving to the community but there is no confirmation they will be filling the void.

A community meeting is planned for Monday night, and both health authority officials and local Liberal MLA Terry Lake are expected to at-

tend.

Sheik and his family will return to Africa. He says he’s sorry to leave, but notes that his role in Logan Lake was a challenge. He and his wife had to adjust to the smaller community, having left behind a large, extended family in Africa.

They also were challenged with substantially different weather conditions and a 12-hour time difference between B.C. and their home halfway across the world, which made phone calls home a once- or twice-a-month occurrence. (Kamloops This Week)

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was also criticized for introducing Islamic banking in a multi-religious but dubiously secular country like Nigeria.

Media reports about the suspension of the CBN governor have largely been on moral and sentimental grounds. Those who are in sympathy with Sanusi have opined that he is being victimized for blowing the whistle on the alleged un-

remitted $20.8 billion. Such reports have even redefined “unremitted funds” to mean “stolen” or “missing funds”. But Sanusi’s allegation was clear and umambiguous. He said $20.8 billion was unremitted, not stolen or missing, but trust Nigerian journalists. Sensationalism appears to be a virtue, especially where the Presidency did not help matters with its timing of the suspension order.

What many fail to understand is that there is a world of difference between morality and legality. What may be morally wrong and abhorrent may not necessarily be unlawful or illegal. Conversely, what is lawful or legal may not also be morally right.

Every employer/employee relationship has its inherent terms and conditions of service. An employee, continued on p(18)

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14

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PASSION This Time Around

By Pastor Iredele Odubiyi The doorbell jingled. All of them looked toward it as a lady stepped in.

Misan felt the lady looked familiar. Could it be Mary Adu, her roommate in Broome University - the lady who tested positive to HIV but later claimed she had been healed? When she got closer, Misan realized it was indeed Mary.

“Mary!” She called out.

The lady looked at her and screamed, “Misan!”

They hugged.

“Mary, how are you?”

Misan stepped back to consider her. “What have you come to do in Abuja?”

“We now live here. My husband was transferred down in January. When we came, I tried to contact you. I saw two of our school mates but they didn’t know your address. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine.” Misan answered, obviously glad to see Mary. “How did you know about this place?

This must be your first time here.”

“Yes it is. Is this your place?” Mary asked.

“Yes.” Misan tugged at Mary’s hand. “Come into my office.”

In the office, Mary saw the Bible on Misan’s table.

“Where do you worship?”

She told her.

“Really, are you now born again?” Mary asked.

“Yes.” Misan answered, laughing.

“That’s wonderful.”

They continued to chat excitedly.

“How is your husband?”

Misan asked.

“He’s fine. And yours?”

Mary asked, looking at Weyin’s picture.

“I’m not married yet but I have a daughter.”

“She’s very beautiful.”

Mary looked at the picture closely. “She is very fair.

Who does she take after?”

“Her father is SpanishAmerican.”

“Really?”

Mary exclaimed. “It seems you have a lot of story for me. What happened?”

Misan laughed. “It’s a long story.”

“Make it short.”

“We met when I traveled and that was it. It wasn’t planned. It was the issue that brought me to God.” They could hear the sound of the door opening.

A customer must have entered, Misan thought.

Misan got up and opened

Pastor Taiwo I.Odubiyi

the refrigerator. “What do I offer you?”

“Er - do you have orange drink?”

“Yes, I do.”

As Misan poured the drink for her friend, she asked, “How many kids do you have?” Misan asked.

“I have one, a boy. He’s four years old.”

“Is it John you married?”

“No, I didn’t marry John.

My husband is Mike. You will recognize him when you see him. He was also coming to see me then on campus.” She began to sip her drink.

“How does he look?” Misan asked.

“He wears glasses, tall -” “Dark?”

“Yes.” Misan nodded. “I think I remember him. Give me your address.”

They exchanged addresses and telephone numbers.

Then Mary got up. “It’s so good to see you again, Misan. Let me quickly fix my hair.”

Misan showed Mary the dresses and the other things she had in her store before they went to the salon.

A young lady under the dryer greeted Misan.

“Zainab, how are you?”

Misan asked the undergraduate who was one of the regulars in the salon.

“I’m fine. How is your business?”

“Great.”

“I asked of you last week when I came but was told you were not around.”

Zainab said.

“Yes. How is your mother?”

“She’s fine. She will be coming to fix her hair later today.”

“That’s good. We will expect her.” Misan said.

Ike came to Mary.

“She wants to fix her hair.”

Misan told Ike and then asked Mary, “Which style will you like to do?”

“I’ll just do side waves.”

“Please come.” The girl held a towel in her hand.

Mary sat down and Ike draped the towel round her

shoulders.

The door sounded again and a woman came in. Misan didn’t recognize her and thought she must be coming for the first time.

“Good morning.” They greeted her.

“Oh, good morning. I’d like to wash and set my hair.” The woman told them.

“Please sit down.” Pat said.

The woman did.

Pat came to her and checked her hair. “It doesn’t have so much undergrowth.” She commented.

“Which style do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.” The woman hissed. “My hair has been breaking and I don’t know what to do.”

Misan went to her and pulled the hair gently to see how healthy it was. “What kind of relaxer do you use?”

“I use anyone that’s available.”

“That is part of the problem. Some relaxers may not be suitable for your hair.

The relaxer should be tested to see if it’s suitable for your hair and if it is, you should stick to it.”

Pat added, “You will need to trim your hair.”

“Yes, you will need to trim it.” Misan said. “It is thin and weak at the end. Pat will apply some hair treatments to strengthen and repair it. They will also prevent breakage.” She looked at the woman for approval.

By the time Misan left for her house at 8PM with Weyin, she was exhausted. ********** Misan closed early on Thursday to be able to attend the singles meeting in the church at 6.30PM. She drove Weyin who had been in the shop with her since morning as she was on holidays to Mrs. Ikomi’s house before heading for the church. The meeting had been a blessing to her since she started attending and she hoped she would learn some things today that would answer some of the questions in her heart.

During the opening prayer, she prayed that God would use whoever would speak to talk to her.

It was Pastor Faith who came up to minister. She prayed and told them that the topic for the day was: How to know if you are wasting your time in a continued on p(49)

Share a problem with Auntie Agatha

They called me seed of evil and now they wants me Dear Agatha, My mother was the only parent I knew. My father abandoned her when she was pregnant of me. According to her, her parents also turned their back on her because of their Christian beliefs. She had to struggle with the help of a kind neighbour who offered her shelter to bring me up on her own.

After she had me, the neighbour who was childless took me away from her so that she could improve her lot in life. It was at this point her parents once again took her in.

Her parents refused to have anything to do with me insisting I was the seed of the devil. It was this neighbour who trained me despite the harassment she was constantly subjected to by my grandparents.

She kept telling my mother and I that I was a gift to her from God and that she didn’t care what my grandparents thought of her or me.

When my mother left for east in pursuit of better education, she didn’t make me feel her absence. Every month, she would take me with her to see my mother. It was a huge sacrifice but one she made with all happiness.

After her graduation, my mother met and married an Ibo man. She didn’t hide the fact that she had a child from the man. As a matter of fact she came to see my foster mother and me with her man. We also attended their wedding even though my grandparents refused to allow me into their sitting room during the introduction. We stayed outside all the same.

Her visits after her wedding became far-spaced when she got pregnant. But she kept calling and sending us money to feed. From what I gathered from my foster mother; the pregnancy was a difficult one so also was the birth of the child.

I was in my final year in secondary school when my mother died at childbirth.

The love and support of my foster mother helped a great deal during the dark period.

She left behind two sons.

Despite the death of my mother, my grandparents’ attitude towards me didn’t change. As a matter of fact, they said my mother’s death has something to do with me, that she died because of the sin she committed with my father.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Agathar Edo gatedo@yahoo.com agatha@gmail.com

Today through the grace of God and my foster mother, I am a medical doctor. I have reunited with my brothers who are also doing fine.

Now I am about to wed.

My grandparents whose other child died five years after my mother are now desperate to have me. They want to be part of my life, going to the extent of trying to accuse my foster mother of stealing their grandchild and poisoning my mind against them.

When that ploy failed to yield any result, they have since taken to begging my foster mother to help talk to me. Strangely, my brothers don’t like them and are solidly behind my decision not to invite them to my wedding.

But my foster mother is against my decision. She says I owe it to the memory of my mother to be polite to her parents even if they treated me badly. She wants me to forgive them and give them the honour of hosting the traditional wedding ceremony. I have told her, it would take place in the only home I have ever known throughout my life but she still persists that I invite them. I cannot bring myself to forgive or forget how they have treated me all these while.

Would they have come if I were a beggar? If my foster mother hadn’t taken me in, given me the best of education would they have acknowledged me as their granddaughter?

I don’t want to disobey my foster mother, but is it right to associate with people who never cared about me? Who from day one rejected me and at every opportunity called me the seed of a devil?

It doesn’t make sense to me. Please help me because I don’t know what to do.

Morenikeji.

Dear Morenikeji, Long before we were even

conceived, God has outlined the pattern, colours as well as texture of our lives.

We don’t have a choice in the matter of who our parents are, or the process that give birth to us. These things come from God. That you came through the woman that carried you in her womb or the seed of the man you don’t know, are part of His plans for you. They didn’t happen by chance. He knew your grandparents would reject you from the womb and that your mother would die early in life hence stationed a childless woman to foster and provide you with a home.

When He also created the woman, He knew she would not be able to have a child of her own, hence planned for you to come the way you did to give her complete control over you.

You wouldn’t have been able to stay with her if your grandparents had shown you love and accepted you whole-heartedly. If you had a father, he too may not have allowed the situation of his child staying with someone he considered a complete stranger.

Doubtless, God planned your destiny and that of this woman to function as mother and child.

This is why you must listen to her and forgive your grandparents and give them the honour of being present at your wedding. It is the least you can do for the memory of a woman who gave you life and showered you with love while she lived. Despite their attitude towards you, they gave birth to that woman who never for once displayed any regret or shame at having you when she did.

She was willing to put her life on hold to have you all alone when other young girls would have considered taking their own lives or terminating the pregnancy.

There is no contesting the fact that your grandparents were really off the mark in their attitude towards you but God knows best. Who knows if you had grown with them, their resentment of you may have prevented you from achieving the height of success you have attained now.

Would they have been able to fund your medical education? Would you continued on p(49)

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the Connection | mag

MEDITATION AND REFLECTION: Path to Enduring Happiness and Inner Peace To achieve enduring happiness, go inside of yourself! It is that simple. The Kingdom of God is indeed within you. Listen within your soul. You do so most profoundly through inner reflection and meditation. Thus you are resorting to an old age secret of the universe and the wisdom of sages.

By going within, you go back to your source of power and being. There you will encounter and given the opportunity to embrace the mysteries of life and our multi-dimensional worlds.

There you will find God! In the last article, we examined many paths to happiness. The article emphasized that from a fundamental or spiritual perspective, true happiness above all else is an inward, not an outward, experience. This view is supported by many studies in psychology, especially in the immensely popular studies on the psychology of personal achievement and evolution. And many religions have approached the subject somewhat differently, but in broad terms coming to the same point of truth. Some have meandered intentionally into allegorical disguise and doctrinal dressing of fundamental truth.

We resonate from the inside to the outside world. This conclusion makes much sense. As well, it shines a light upon knowledge rooted in proper understanding of fundamental laws, of natural laws and our innate human needs. This knowledge will, in practical terms, help us achieve inner peace and better relationships. It will prove useful in our quest to be happier, to become better, less anxious about life events and be more autonomous and purposeful.

If you really crave for these benefits, meditation is a task you must carry out daily, in silence and studiously on your own.

Over time, and correctly practiced, you will get results that will strengthen and surprise you. You can do this on your own or with some help. If you devote yourself to its discipline, you may be

able to achieve quickly many of its benefits such as self-growth, self-mastery and a deeper state of consciousness—just like a monastery priest, Zen or Buddhist monks.

There are indeed very concrete benefits for those who would apply themselves to the required personal devotion and discipline.

And there are helps you can get at minimal cost or freely on the internet. There are many forms of meditation and yoga as well as new technologies on meditation now available.

For technologies on meditation, you may want to consult, for example, Holosync (Centerpointe) or Equisync (EOC Institute).

And there are others. You can find them on the internet. We are no longer in the age of restricted knowledge. There may still be a cautionary note about presenting pearls to swine. In this age, however, there is a sincere and widespread desire to discover the secrets of the universe.

Mass consciousness is growing rapidly in many forms through especially the many tools of the internet age. No one can stop or restrict it.

You choose what you want to know, with or without intermediaries. And you will find the truth if you devote yourself to your search. Above all, you retain autonomy. The benefits are all yours to prove. It is experiential.

You prove or disprove everything and anything through your own experience. There is no requirement to belong to any anything, group or organization. It is not a religion, though religion surely has its place.

EOC (Equisinc) more comprehensively maps out more than 140 benefits of meditation in four broad areas of life—physical, mental, psychological and spiritual. For lack of space, I will mention only a few to awaken your interest.

Physical Benefits: Stress reduction, better sleep, slower aging, addiction reduction or avoidance, weight loss, longer life, better relaxation.

Emotional Benefits: Emotional stability, anxiety reduction, more responsible attitude, more tolerant of others, more productive, more affectionate, happier, more emotionally mature, better relationships.

Mental Benefits: Increased creativity, improved learning capacity and intelligence, improved memory, better sports performance, increased ability to overcome bad habits, better mental health.

Spiritual benefits: Peace of mind, self-understanding, more intuition, enlightenment, unity of mind, body and spirit, broader perspective, greater love for self and all, greater connection with God. For meditation anchored in yoga, know that there are many branches of yoga. There are also many websites that can help you.

Yogani (see, AYP free lessons in yoga on the website), who has written many books on meditation and teaches meditation systematically—I would add, comprehensive—provides clear insights on the benefits of meditation. Let’s see: On jettisoning Drug and Alcohol Abuse: “Meditation is about cultivating purity deep in the nervous system. . . This is not a moral lesson. It is common sense.

Most importantly, it is experiential. . . After beginning meditation . . . the peace, happiness and clarity we discover coming from within are quite different from the temporary chemical states we have previously engaged in . . . “ On Appreciating Nature: “To be able to appreciate the profound beauty of nature is the greatest joy in life. . . Regular meditation gradually cultivates our inherent ability to appreciate the beauty in life.”

About Meditation and World Problems: “Meditation is a source of peace, inner happiness, optimism and strength in your life . . . this is a formula for bettering your surroundings, and the world . . . We can induce peace and optimism in others by opening ourselves to the infinite with-

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95 EDDYSTONE AVENUE, UNIT 1 TORONTO, ONTARIO M3N 1A6 in [for which] Jesus said, "You are the light of the orld."

About nlightenment, Happiness and Deepening of Conscious-

ness, he states: “The ultimate destination is enlightenment. . . [This is] “a state of balanced contnued on p(49)

Canada Post targets super-mailbox thieves with bait mail Canada Post says it is expanding the use of so-called bait mail in hopes of stopping mail theft in problem areas, such as Surrey, B.C. The Crown corporation says problems with community mailboxes, also known as super mailboxes, are rare across the country, but acknowledges incidents of theft and vandalism are troubling in parts of B.C.'s Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.

Canada Post spokeswoman

Anik Losier said it's not clear why community mailbox theft is such a problem in B.C., but the Crown corporation is taking steps to reduce it, including replacing problem boxes with higher-security boxes and planting tracking devices in fake mail.

"The bait mail is intended to catch those who are doing criminal activities," Losier said. "We know that when they bring that mail with them, it enables our postal inspectors as well as police

to catch them."

Canada Post has had success with bait-mail stings in the past and plan to keep them going, planting more tracking letters to help apprehend thieves.

"We've been working very successfully with local police," Losier told CBC News. "There's been a number of arrests but that doesn't mean the problem is solved, so we'll continue to have bait mail."

Losier couldn't say how many bait-mail operations have been

run, or when they began, but a 2010 report from Surrey RCMP noted that the force instituted a successful bait mail sting with Canada Post in which 30 shortterm surveillance projects of problem hot spots netted 39 arrests.

Losier said that overall, incidents of theft or vandalism across the country represent a fraction of a percentage point of all the mail that moves, but half of those incidents are reported in the Lower Mainland area.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

The issue of mailbox security and mail theft is a growing concern for millions of Canadian living in urban areas, who will soon have their home delivery replaced with super mailboxes.

The union representing postal workers says the theft problems will persist — unless the company reconsiders its plan to replace home delivery with super mailboxes in all urban areas.

CBC.CA

16

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FAMILY Five signs the house you want to buy is a money pit The tight housing market has sparked the return of bidding wars and desperate buyers in certain cities and towns. While you may need to act fast to land your dream home, haste will make waste if you end up with a money pit. With that, here are five key warning signs to look for as you tour potential new homes. A qualified home inspector should also catch the red flags, but in a fast-movin g market, it pays to spot trouble early on so you don't squander time on dud properties.

Leaky roofs. Runaway water can wreak havoc on any home and a leaky roof is its quickest way in. If the home has an asphalt roof, look for cracked, curled, and missing shingles.

Gutters, downspouts, and leader pipes should also be in place to collect rainwater and channel it away from the house.

Foundation cracks.

Hairline cracks along a concrete foundation are probably the result of minor settling and not a huge cause for concern.

But cracks wider than 3/16 inch could mean serious trouble. A good trick of the trade: walk the foundation with a No. 2 pencil.

If the pencil can go into the crack up to the yellow paint on the pencil, that's a pretty wide crack that

could end up requiring the attention of an engineer.

Dangerous decks. Soft boards or loose rails are a sign of decaying deck structure, which can lead to serious injury—hazardous decks cause about 45,000 injuries each year.

Make sure railings are secure and at least three feet tall with no more than four inches between rails.

Mold and mildew. Let your nose do the sleuthing on this one. Musty odors and dank air are two indications that mold or mildew have infiltrated a home. In some cases, the spores and splotches will be visible around windows and under rugs. Houses in arid climates are vulnerable too, since hot air can drive even small amounts of water trapped in the structure to condense on colder interior surfaces, leading to mold.

Pest infestations. Piles of sawdust along base-

boards are a sign of carpenter ants. Regular termites also shed wings along windowsills, walls, and other entry points.

Rodents gravitate toward disorder and debris, such as leaf piles around the foundation. And look up for signs of birds, bees, or squirrels in soffits and attic vents.

Some buyers look for fixer-uppers to make over to their liking. It's easy to overlook a dated kitchen if you're prepared to take on some remodeling.

Our special report, "Get the kitchen you've always wanted," is packed with ideas that work for any budget. And in "Three magnificent kitchen makeovers," you'll barely recognize the original kitchens when you see the before and after photos.

- Daniel DiClerico

(NCNC) Winter temperatures are dreadful and make everyone scramble for cozy and warmth wherever they

can find it. A warm bed can be the perfect night hideout especially when the temperatures take a drastic drop. By choosing the right combination of beddings, you can

improper use of generators contributes to fatalities After being left in the dark by ice storms in the Northeast and Midwest this week, three Americans and five Canadians have died from carbon monoxide given off by gasoline-powered generators, according to The New York Times. The deaths occured in Maine, Vermont, and Michigan as well as eastern Canada. In at least one case, the generator was located in a garage. Here's how to stay safe during a power outage, with tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Carbon monoxide hazards • Never use a generator in an enclosed or partiallyenclosed space. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. Remember that you cannot smell or see CO. Even if you can't smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.

• Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, base-

ments, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partiallyenclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.

• Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.

Use battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup in your home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Test the CO alarms and replace dead batteries.

Electrical hazards • Keep the generator dry and do not use it in rain or wet conditions. To protect from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Dry your hands before touching the generator.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoorrated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or

tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as "backfeeding." This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.

For best results, use an appropriate power transfer switch, installed by a professional.

Fire hazards • Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Never store fuel for your generator in the home.

Gasoline, propane, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly-labeled, nonglass safety containers. Do not store them near a fuelburning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

-Consumerreports.org

Culled from: consumerreports.com

Winter Beddings: Staying Warm throughout the Cold Snap

By Thomas Mbaru

Carbon monoxide kills 8 During ice storms

be assured of a night that is warm enough to give you a quality and healthy sleep.

There are lots of ideas can help you achieve this.

Decide on Your Preferences Everyone has their own liking as far as beddings are concerned. While others may opt for heavy covers, some may want to experience the light feeling of down duvets. You need to first of all consider what it is that you would love to have for your beddings before going out to shop. In case you have a friend with whom you are sharing the bed, it would be great if you consulted them too so that you agree on the best cover for both of you.

The Room Temperature When choosing your beddings, you also need to factor in the temperature of the room. If you are living in an apartment, you may not have as much control over the room as opposed to someone who either lives in a bungalow or their own stand alone house. The latter would just use the thermostat to regulate the temperature. For your case, you need go with the variations in room temperature and stock the right beddings. You may find warm layered beddings among the right picks for winter.

Duvets and Down Comforter Sets In the event you dislike the heaviness of wool or do not have the resources to buy as many blankets as you would like to have, Duvets and down comforter sets can be an excellent choice.

They will give you the coziness that you need to fight off Mr. Jack Frost without piling

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

weight on you. It can also give you a good transition as move to spring, summer and fall. A quilted coverlet can give you the experience of cotton sheets while adding some slight weight over your beddings. Depending on the temperatures in your room you may find it helpful to add a blanket to keep you extra warm. The disadvantage of wool is that it can be irritating particularly to those who are sensitive to it.

Complement Your Bed-

dings with What You Wear What you wear to bed can be a wonderful source of extra warmth. Warm pyjamas in cold months can be particularly important when won in cold places that have no central heating system such as cabins. You can opt for flannel night gowns and warm socks to add onto your pyjamas wear.

This collection of beddings should give you at least the 8 recommended hours of sleep.

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University loses pioneer Vice-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has lost its foundation ViceChancellor, Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako.

Prof. Nwako left his imprint as the university’s pioneer VC and has been immortalised by the naming of the school’s digital library after him.

A notice of his death posted on some Yahoo! commu-

nities said his burial has been fixed for March 7, 2014 at his country home, Abagana.

The cause and day of his death were not given in the death notice which described the late Emeritus Professor of Surgery in the university known variously as NAU and UNIZIK as the doyen of the medical profession in Nigeria.

Culled from News Express

Many ‘sins’ of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi continued from p(1) Secretary of Ohanaeze, Mr. Ralph Ndigwe, demanded explanation from Sanusi on why CBN had not extended similar gestures to hundreds of Igbos who were victims of violent attacks by Boko Haram.

Ndigwe threatened that Ohanaeze would champion the removal of Sanusi as CBN governor should he fail to explain the rationale behind the donation to Kano victims only.

“We want Sanusi to tell us what CBN has done for hundreds of Igbos, who were victims of Boko Haram violent attacks in various parts of the North. If Sanusi fails to give us explanation for CBN’s selective donation of N100 million to victims of Kano attack, we will not hesitate to push for his removal from office as CBN governor,” the Ohanaeze spokesman stated.

Capitalisation of rescued banks The injection of hundreds of millions of naira into the rescued banks whose managing directors were removed by the apex bank shortly after Sanusi assumed duty as the CBN helmsman was another albatross on the man’s neck.

Critics described the action as unlawful as it was not approved by the National Assembly.

But Sanusi anchored his actions on the CBN Act. This forced the National Assembly to attempt to amend the Act in order to subjugate the powers of CBN governor to the National Assembly.

Legislators’ salaries Another sin of the Kano prince was his allegation that more than 25 per cent of the nation’s budget was expended on the legislators’ salaries and allowances. This pitted him

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

against the legislators, who later summoned him before a joint select committee of the Senate over his claim.

Sanusi had, during a lecture at the Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, in December 2010, alleged that the overheads consumed by the National Assembly was 25.41 per cent of the nation’s budget.

The senators had disputed this and put the figure at between 1 and 3.5 per cent.

According to Senator Iyiola Omisore, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, who presided over the hearing, Sanusi’s claim was “a deliberate attempt to mislead the nation.”

Waiving the budget document before the audience, the senator said the figure, which Sanusi quoted in his lecture as the Federal Government’s overhead in that year’s budget was false. The correct figure, the senator said, was N1.3 trillion.

This, he said, meant that the National Assembly’s overhead spending was N1.3 trillion, which translated to only 3.5 per cent of the Federal Government’s overhead expenditure, a far cry from the CBN governor’s 25 per cent.

Islamic Banking Sanusi also found himself in the eye of the storm when he decided to license Islamic banking in 2011.

This did not go down

well with Christian bodies in the country. The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, accused Sanusi of promoting Islamic banking with public funds, which he said, was beyond the CBN governor’s constitutional limits.

He also berated him for spreading the notion that non-interest banking was synonymous with the Islamic religion. He challenged the CBN governor to give account of funds spent on Islamic banking to Nigerians and return such money to public treasury.

He also asked the CBN to announce uniform guidelines for licensing non-interest banking system, as it is done in the educational sector, so as to avoid discrimination in the nation’s financial sector.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, later in June 2012 made a proclamation that any operation licence granted by the CBN to any Islamic commercial jurisprudence bank under non-interest financial services was “unlawful, illegal, ultra vires, null and void.”

N5,000 note Sanusi also incurred public wrath in 2011 when he decided to introduce N5,000 note under his currency restructuring exercise. Many Nigerians kicked against the plan, but following a barrage of public anger, disagreement and threats, the idea was set aside.’

Face-off with President The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the alleged heated argument between him and President Goodluck Jonathan over the suspicion that he, Sanusi, leaked his letter to Jonathan to the ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

In the said letter, the

17

the Connection | mag

Shola Olatoye to lead the New York City Housing Authority continued from p(1) significantly expanding New York City’s affordable housing stock.

The mayor appointed Shola Olatoye, a former executive of a nonprofit organization that invests in affordable housing, as chairwoman of the New York City Housing Authority, an agency that has struggled financially; and named Vicki L. Been, a housing scholar, to be the commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which enforces city codes and oversees programs to finance and develop affordable housing.

Mr. de Blasio also announced that Cecil House, who became the authority’s general manager under former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, would remain in his post. The New York City Housing Development Corporation, the city’s vehicle for financing development through bonds, subsidies and low-cost loans, will be led by Gary D. Rodney, a former executive of Omni New York LLC, a developer of affordable housing in the state.

The announcements were made at Abraham Lincoln Houses in Harlem, where Mr. de Blasio and other Democratic candidates spent a night during the campaign for mayor. Residents in the complex of 1,282 apartments in 14 buildings showed the candidates their moldy walls and broken cabinets, offering them a firsthand look at the disrepair of public housing buildings.

Mr. de Blasio has long promised to create and preserve housing that is affordable to low- and middleincome residents, a crucial aspect of his larger pledges to address economic inequality in the city. He has stressed that he wants the housing and planning agencies to work together to increase the number of affordable units in the city.

Mr. Bloomberg invested heavily in affordable housing, but Mr. de Blasio won office promising to do more.

He has said he would require major residential projects to include units for low- and moderate-income residents.

He has also said he would invest $1 billion of city pension funds in creating lower-rent units; legalize some base-

ment and cellar apartments; and close tax loopholes on vacant land to get more revenue to spur development.

Affordability advocates say the main challenge for the city will be to put into effect the details of these and other plans, and to allocate enough money to meet Mr. de Blasio’s target of preserving or building 200,000 affordable homes over 10 years. But the new housing officials themselves will face significant challenges, the advocates said, including a scarcity of city-owned land on which to build, and deep cuts in federal housing subsidies.

Finding new revenue for the authority’s current stock of some 178,000 units is also key to efforts to reduce the more than 50,000 people in the city’s homeless shelters.

Mr. de Blasio has said he intends to restore a policy of giving preference to people in shelters for public housing apartments and federal rental vouchers. Mr. Bloomberg took the preference away, believing it drew more people to the shelters.

Ms. Been, the director of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, a research center at New York University, is widely seen as expert on land use practices, urban policy and affordable housing.

Ms. Olatoye, who last worked as vice president at Enterprise Community Partners, which advocates affordable housing nationally, takes over an authority that, while covering more than 400,000 residents as the city’s largest landlord, faces crippling budget shortfalls.

The previous head of the authority, John B. Rhea, an

investment banker, was criticized for his lack of experience. His relationships with some tenant groups became contentious over the authority’s plan to lease to private developers land within eight housing projects for the construction of market-rate apartments.

Mr. de Blasio has also said that the specific plan had been abandoned but that he would be open to a landleasing plan if it had the support of public housing tenants. He and Ms. Olatoye, the daughter of a Nigerian immigrant whose last name Mr. de Blasio jovially enunciated, also spoke of the need to retrofit public housing buildings to make them energy-efficient. “It’s a total reset,” Mr. de Blasio said.

Some tenants and their advocates were guardedly hopeful. Lisa Wilson, a resident in Lincoln Houses whose mother, Katherine, hosted Mr. de Blasio during the candidates’ sleepover, said: “I’m pretty optimistic.

There are still neighbors trying to get painting and some repairs done.”

Denise Miranda, who works for the Urban Justice Center, which litigates on behalf of public housing tenants, said that the agency had been “plagued by disinvestment and government disinterest.” “Mayor de Blasio and Ms. Olatoye have their work cut out for them,” she said.

A version of this article appears in print on February 9, 2014, on page A26 of the New York edition with the headline: De Blasio Picks Champions of Lower-Cost Housing.

CBN governor was said to have accused the NNPC of not remitting $49.8 billion to the Federation Account.

Sanusi, who denied leak-

ing the letter to anyone, refused to resign and told the President during the heated telephone exchange, that he could only be re-

moved by two-thirds of the Senate, as required by law.

This was said to have infuriated the presidency.

-Sun

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Shola Olatoye

The New York Times

18

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Intercultural Dialogue Institute opens in Downtown Toronto

Fed study says education can combat low public confidence in justice system

OTTAWA - An internal Justice Department report says Canadians have little confidence in the courts and the prison system — and the best way to counter those perceptions is through education.

Opposition critics argue that message is at odds with the Conservative justice agenda, which they say simply exploits public misunderstanding of justice issues by enacting tough-oncrime measures that can be harmful.

The federal report summarizes a decade’s worth of opinion polls and research, some of it unpublished, that has consistently found high confidence in the police.

But research shows Canadians also see the courts as too slow to deliver justice, and judges as handing out sentences that are too lenient.

The research indicates the public believes victims are too often ignored in the justice system, and that prisons do a poor job of rehabilitating offenders.

The study, prepared for a policing symposium last month in Ottawa, was obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. “The public generally believes that sentences are too lenient and that the corrections system is not doing a great job of rehabilitating offenders,” says the 13-page report.

Author Charlotte Fraser, a Justice Department employee, notes that Canadi-

ans’ generally low levels of confidence in the justice system are similar to those of citizens in other western countries.

Such views have remained relatively stable over the last 10 years, even as crime rates have fallen.

“Canadians have less confidence that the CJS (criminal justice system) is helping victims of crime,” Fraser concludes.

“Canadians also have less confidence in some functions of the courts and corrections system, particularly sentencing practices, providing justice quickly, rehabilitating offenders and releasing the right offenders at the right time.”

The report links the poor opinion of Canadians to a “lack of understanding of the specific mandates of courts and corrections,” and says public education is the favoured approach to correcting misperceptions.

The Conservative government has made some elements of public opinion the cornerstone of its justice policy, imposing mandatory minimum sentences to remove discretion from judges, and promoting a victims’ charter of rights.

“It’s legislation by popular opinion on many complex justice issues,” says MP Francoise Boivin, the NDP’s justice critic.

“The way that the Conservatives have been acting on criminal justice bills, it’s been kind of catering to these impressions.”

Boivin, a lawyer who once practised criminal law, says the justice system can be improved, especially in its treatment of victims.

But Canadians also need to be better educated about the system rather than “just exacerbating their preconceived impressions.”

Media reports and the Conservatives’ own claims about criminal justice can distort reality, she said.

The Liberal justice critic said he was surprised that public opinion has remained static even as crime rates have fallen.

“The empirical evidence in terms of crime rates and rates of re-offence don’t justify the pessimism that appears to exist,” MP Sean Casey, a lawyer, said in an interview from Charlottetown.

The Conservative justice agenda, he said, is “playing on perceptions, stereotypes and fears as opposed to the evidence.”

The study notes the oftenreported phenomenon that much crime goes unreported, but says only about 15 per cent of Canadians decline to report crime because they lack faith in the justice system.

“The three primary reasons people report crimes are when they are serious in nature, involve substantial loss or physical injury, or when insurance payments require them to do so,” says the study, citing research on the failure to report many crimes.

A spokesman for Justice Canada, Andrew Gowing, said the report was “an opportunity to synthesize existing research on public confidence in the Canadian criminal justice system.”

“At this time, no further steps are planned.”

for whatever reason, chose to make public the contents of his memo to the President. He might be right, morally, in so far as his motive was to alert the nation on the possibility of revenue being diverted from the Federation Account. But morality is not legality or lawfulness. His action amounted to gross insubordination to the office of the President.

That is unacceptable. That office ought to be respected regardless of who is occupying it. It is not about Goodluck Jonathan, it is about respect for the authority of the office of the President of the Federal Republic Nigeria.

If that insubordination was allowed to succeed, it would have set a very dangerous precedence. The office and authority of the President

would be reduced, ridiculed, disrespected and insulted. As Nigerians we should not allow it.

What then should Sanusi Lamido Sanusi have done? In my opinion, the following options were available to him: 1. He could have honourably resigned his position as CBN governor when presented with a soft-landing by the President 2. After resigning his appointment, he could have petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney General of the Federation intimating them of the money that was diverted, or illegally with-held, by NNPC 3. If by chance the ICPC

and EFCC refuse to act presumably on the orders of the Presidency, Sanusi could have gone to court to procure an Order of Mandamus to compel them to investigate the matter. Instances of this approach abound. Chief Gani Fawehinmi obtained an order of mandamus against the Attorney General of Lagos State with respect to the right of private prosecution with regard to those he accused of killing Dele Giwa.

If I were in Sanusi’s shoes, the above is what I would have done. The bottom-line, then, is that Nigerians should learn to obey the laws of the land and follow due process regardless of their personal bias, prejudices and feelings about those in authority. I rest my case.

By Dean Beeby, The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press

Ribbon cutting at IDI opening with Hon. Michael Coteau (2nd from left)

(January 30, 2014) – A center has been opened in the heart of downtown Toronto to promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

The grand opening ceremony of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) Headquarters took place on Monday, January 27 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and featured a keynote speech

by Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Hon. Michael Coteau.

“I would like to congratulate the Intercultural Dialogue Institute for their work and for their commitment to really taking the steps towards building a global peace in Canada and across the world,” Hon. Michael Coteau told the gathering. “So I want to congratulate your organization on its ability to bring people together.

Intercultural Dialogue

Institute is a non-profit organization whose stated purpose is to ‘advance social cohesion through personal interaction by promoting respect and mutual understanding among people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue and partnership.’

“Those conversations are necessary for us to move forward in Ontario with an agenda based on opportunity for all,” Minister Coteau added.

“Congratulations on behalf of our government.”

The IDI Centre is located at 481 University Ave, Suite 711 at the St. Patrick subway stop on the University line in Toronto.

Dignitaries at the opening ceremony included politicians, civic and faith leaders who were treated to Turkish delicacies and an Art Exhibit.

IDI was founded in 2010 by Turkish Cana-

dians who are inspired by the teachings and example of popular Islamic reformist leader, Fethullah Gulen.

The organization currently has 11 chapters and regional office in major cities of five Canadian provinces.

IDI organizes a host of social, educational and cultural activities as well as programs for students and youth and intercultural exchange trips.

All of the rich programming and activities of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute aims “to promote enduring interfaith and intercultural cooperation, tolerance and dialogue,” according to the organization’s website.

“IDI aims to contribute to improvement of diversity, pluralism and multiculturalism throughout Canada.”

out in their respective letters of appointment.

Similarly Section 11 (2) of the same Act confers on the President the power to remove the Governor of the CBN provided the removal shall be supported by twothirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed. The key words in this provision are “…provided the removal shall be supported by…..”; which means the President can remove the CBN Governor before getting Senate approval. All he has to do after removing him is to ensure that he gets twothirds majority of the Senate to support the removal. This is where most people who question the President’s action get it wrong. In any case information available indi-

cates that the President did indeed apprise the Senate of his intention three weeks before he suspended the CBN Governor.

In terms of reporting relationship, Section 8(5) of the Act has this to say “the Governor shall, from time to time - (a) keep the President informed of the affairs of the Bank including a report on its budget; and (b) make a formal report and presentation on the activities of the Bank and the performance of the economy to the relevant Committees of the National Assembly”.

It follows, then, that whereas the law and the terms of his employment required Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to report to the President and the National Assembly, the man

Source:iqra.ca

continued from p(13) any employee is required to go about his job according to prescribed code of rules, regulations and laws of the land.

This is where I find problem with Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s style in his relationship with the Presidency.

No doubt, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was right in his handling of some issues as governor of CBN. He was also wrong in others. He is a human being after all, but the area I find unacceptable is his being insubordinate to the authority of the office of the president. Section 8 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 confers on the President the power to appoint the Governor and Deputy Governors of the CBN subject to confirmation by the Senate on such terms and conditions as may be set

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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19

the Connection | mag

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CAREER

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Top Seven Flexible and Satisfying Careers for Women

MANAGING OFFICE GOSSIPS, POLITICS (PART 2)

By Thomas Mbaru (NCNC) There is always the tussle between work and life balance. The centre point is not quite obvious and the scales end up tipping on one side more than the other. This is what prompted us to conduct a survey so as to identify those careers that give women a good working experience while at the same time gives them a decent life.

Personal Finance and Investment Advisory This is a career that has increasingly gained popularity with globalization of economies and liberalization of markets. This career tackles areas concerning investment and wealth management. The growth estimate of this industry is estimated to be 30% by 2018. In addition to the licenses, to operate in this field you need a business background. Finance and investment professionals also need to be members of industry associations related to their career such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. Approximately 35% of the women in this field are self-employed.

Pharmacy This is another career that women can derive satisfaction from. Titles under this career include pharmacy services director, clinical coordinator and pharmacy technicians. The compensation is excellent and the industry growth rate promising; by 2018, it is estimated to be 17%. You need to have a solid clinical pharmacy background and the necessary qualifications for you to be accepted in this career. There are also excellent entrepreneurial opportunities here.

Web Professional This is a technology ca-

reer that has attracted lots of women. Because of the flexibility in work arrangements, most women have used this career as their gateway into freelancing.

As opposed to the other careers, the growth forecast here is amazing 96% by 2018. A bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science is sufficient to grant you an entry into this career. Women can work as web masters, social media specialists, network administrators amongst many other positions. On average the earnings in this career are $71,094.

Physical and Occupational Therapy This career gives rise to positions like speech therapies, rehabilitation services director and so forth. The earnings are also good with most of the professionals here getting an average of $66,780. The industry growth rate is pegged at 28% by 2018. To make meaningful business here, you will need a masters or a clinical doctoral degree from a recognized institution. About 15-28% of the women here are self-employed.

Medical Career This is more of a traditional career but nevertheless one of the flexible ones with great self-employment opportunities.

Because of working in shifts, the medical career can be rewarding both money-wise and in giving you ample time to focus on your life. Under this profession you will find positions such as dental hygienists, physician assistants, certified nursing assistants and many more.

The 2018 industry growth forecast places this profession at between 22% and 36%. Depending on the sub specialization, you may need added qualifications but a degree in medicine or clinical stud-

ies can give you an excellent footing.

Writing Profession This is arguably one of the most flexible careers for women. It provides excellent freelancing opportunities while at the same time giving women decent earnings to make things work around them.

On average, the pay here is $53,070 while the top 10% in this profession earn about $106,630. What you need here are excellent web skills, research skills and networking. With a growth rate estimated at 15% by 2018, this profession is amongst the most watched.

Management Analyst In this profession there are positions such as human resource and information analysts, managementdevelopment consultants and information specialists. Many of the professionals in this field earn about $73,570.

With an industry forecasted growth rate of 24% by 2018, this is by far one of the most stable careers.

Some of the skills that you need to make it in this field include people management skills, business training and expertise, and professional qualifications with an MBA to top it up. Having a certified management consultant (CMC) qualification can help you in getting hired quickly. About 73% of professionals in this career are self employed or work in small companies.

The reason these careers rank high is because they have a promising future growth, they pay well and also give women the opportunity to become self employed. This is excellent in the sense that the women will have the flexibility they need to lead a satisfying life while discharging their professional duties.

POETRY CORNER DON’T be afraid of the year, Don’t be afraid to begin, Just open your mind and open your heart, Let love and hope enter in.

Don’t be afraid to let go,

Saying “Goodbye” to the past, Seek for a rainbow and search for a star And keep a few dreams, hold them fast.

Don’ be afraid to be glad,

on unwittingly.

By Frank Ofili In my last write on this subject I opined that “aproko” (gossip) and politicking are an inevitable occurrence of our everyday life. They are even more prevalent in organizations and workplaces as a natural consequence of everyday interaction. I opined that we should in fact expect them, and that it is cause for worry if they do not occur, for in the words of Tuface Idibia and MI, “if no one talks about you, then you are a nobody”.

I listed some negative consequences of gossip to include damaging interpersonal relationships, and injuring employee motivation and morale. I went further to suggest some steps to be taken in managing gossips if one does not want to get involved in them. The truth, and reality, however is that not getting involved in office gossip or politics can in fact be of great disservice to you and your career Office gossip and politics are not altogether bad. Since both are intertwined with human nature, it is fruitless trying to avoid them. There are some good lessons to learn from them if properly managed. Depending on your attitude to them, they can in fact be good for your career.

The trick is to know when and where to draw the line.

Office gossips can help us get ahead at work–if used carefully. In some cases it is not realistic not to participate in workplace gossip or politics because if you do not participate, people tend to avoid you and not include you in conversations. Also, knowing what goes on around you will not only help you align yourself to your organization, but also position you for recognition and advancement.

The bottom-line, then, is to know how to use office gossips and politics in a nondysfunctional way. Here is

By Frank Ofili

how to effectively handle office gossips and politics positively.

1. REMEMBER THAT NOT ALL GOSSIP IS BAD Mean-spirited, irrelevant gossip, like who is having an affair with who, is best ignored. However, paying attention to such things as your management’s likes and dislikes (e.g. sports they play, social or humanitarian activities they are involved in, or the age or birthday of their kids) can considerably endear you to them. You can also find out what habits they appreciate or what quirks drive them crazy and adjust your behavior accordingly.

2. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE It is always better to be the person receiving gossip rather than the one spreading it. You do not want to be labeled as someone who initiates or spreads gossip about the company or people within it, as this will hurt the company and your reputation. You can also watch for subtle clues like who is taking extended lunch hours or working extra hours. These could be signs that someone is about to give a notice of resignation having secured another appointment.

Also, the less you talk in any conversation, the less likely you are to make a mistake or contradict yourself, or commit a verbal indiscretion. Conversely, the more you listen the more likely you are to learn more from information divulged

3. ALWAYS VERIFY BEFORE YOU ACT Just because you hear rumors or spot a sign that someone is leaving the company, does not mean you have to take it hook, line and sinker. Always verify your information before you act. If you are friendly with the person, you might casually chat them up and see if they volunteer the information themselves. Or you might initiate a seemingly innocuous enquiry from the human resources unit about what opportunity there are for a switch to another department. You do not have to mention that you heard that so-and-so was leaving. You can just mention that you are interested in an opportunity in a specific area - conveniently, in the area in which that person just happened to be - so that you are in consideration when the next moves are announced.

4. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SHARE Sometimes, in order to initiate the gossip, you have to be willing to ante up with something. During such times, make sure that you are giving information that multiple sources have so it cannot be traced back to only you. Gossip is risky business, so do not share anything that violates your company’s confidentiality, or someone’s trust. And avoid spreading rumors about people’s personal lives.

5. NEVER PUT GOSSIP IN WRITING Since it is a characteristic of informal channel of communication, gossip spread via the formal channel such as emails, memos, letters etc. can come back to bite you, because you cannot deny it. Plus, you never know who might be reading or forwarding the correspondence.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE: Tears are not only for sorrow, Welcome the future and step through the yearLook for the sunshine tomorrow

w w w. n i g e r i a n c a n a d i a n n e w s . c a

-Iris Hesselden

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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REFLECTIONS ON RELATIONSHIPS

ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

How far can you go with infidelity?

My Husband Doesn’t Want Me to Wear Hijab

by JIDE ANIMASHAUN AND CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI

It’s a matter of perception By nature we men love to appreciate the finer things in life and we tend to have a way of going out to show appreciation if not outright acquisition of those things.

Men are visual animals while women are more into personality.

What our women assume is flirting on our part is just mere appreciation. Most men love to appreciate the finer things in life not because we want them or we really mean to acquire them but just to show that we are still alive and it can be very invigorating most times.

What most women don’t understand is that just because we appreciate pawns do not mean that we are ready to discard the queen.

Why should I want any new woman when I already have the most amazing woman to call my own?

Let’s be realistic here, once a man stares at a woman beyond a passing glance or says openly that a woman who’s not his partner is well dressed and looking good, he’s unconsciously or consciously started flirting. Even if it sounds different to you, it is still flirting and there’s no other way or angle to see it from.

Tolerating your partner flirting is a personal thing and also a reflection of how comfortable you are in your relationship with your partner. A lot of people think it is showing lack of respect to one’s partner but I don’t think so at all. It’s when the flirting is done so blatantly and with abandon without regards to your emotional connectivity that a problem will arise. Flirting is not about physical connectivity at all.

Most people assume that it’s all about touching and maybe even kissing someone who’s not your partner.

They believe that is flirting.

For me, flirting adds a little bit of passion to an already sizzling relationship I already share with my partner.

Flirting is fun and it should be shrouded in trust. People most times will tell you that flirting is immoral and a hard habit to break. They will tell you that it may even break your relationship with your part-

As-Salamu Aleikom, Thank you for the wonderful service and help you provide, Masha Allah.

ner.

They’ll also tell you that it’s a form of emotional infidelity and you shouldn’t indulge in it. For me, while I’ll not really in support of all the assertions listed, I’ll only say that if not properly handled, flirting may lead one into situations one never intended to fall into and may create misunderstandings and misconceptions that can lead to infidelity.

Before it is assumed that I’ve shot myself in the foot with the above statement, we have to look at the act itself. A person who wants to stray outside the relationship does not need to be a flirt.

The funny thing is that for most people, and this is a fact, infidelity comes when they are not satisfied with something in the relationship they have with their partners and not because they were flirting.

A flirt is not naturally looking for something new or something missing in his own relationship. We must look beyond cultural assumptions that a flirt is only looking for sex outside the relationship.

A relationship is not a prison and it should not be seen as such too. For me, flirting is all about subtlety. It should not be to beat boredom or to pass away time. It is more to help boost the image of the person that is being flirted with. It’s about making that particular person feel wanted without necessary being a person with ‘a wandering eye’.

Women also flirt too in different ways but they won’t call it flirting. Finally, I believe what matters is how you perceive what flirting is. If I talk, smile and laugh with a female, it’ll definitely be perceived as flirting by a third party.

On the other hand, if I do the same with a male friend, it’ll be assumed as just being friendly. The bottom line is that most people just do not want their partner interacting with members of the opposite sex that they perceive as being more sexy

or attractive than they are and this is more of a trust issue. My take is that I don’t mind because I do trust my partner explicitly.

It’s totally unacceptable There is no woman on planet earth who wants to share her man with other women, even if sharing just means sharing his attention and not his body. There are men who are naturally playful especially around women.

They love the reaction they get when they tease women and give them undue attention. These flirtatious men are popularly called ladies’ men. They have the “sex appeal” and they just know how to make women blush.

Our usual expectation is that once such a man singles out one woman as his one and only, he ought to tone down on his flirting and finally eliminate such tendencies. Unfortunately, this hardly happens.

Are you to sit and watch while your flirtatious partner continues in his “escapades”? Let us get a clearer picture of who the flirtatious partner is. He is the boyfriend/fiancé/ husband who takes to a party and abandons you once you get there just to move around and tease, chit-chat, and dance with fine ladies. He is the man who has more female friends than men; very close female friends with whom he sends valuable time with on the phone.

He is quick to “make new friends” with damsels – the single ones especially. The funny part of his playful nature is that he does not pretend to be single most times. When you’re not with him, he will not disclose your existence unless he has to, but when you are around him, he proudly introduces you to the babes.

This sort of calms you down and kills your right to complain about his attention towards the babes.

The excuse people usually make on behalf of flirtatious men is that they continued on p(50)

I am a European revert (I reverted 1 year and 4 months ago) living in the UK and married to a born Muslim for 6 years. My husband has always been very supportive of me practicing Islam, even though he isn’t very practicing (he believes, fasts, doesn’t drink alcohol etc., but doesn’t pray). However, there is one thing he does not want me to do: wearing hijab. He is happy for me to wear modest clothes, but not to wear the headscarf.

I have wanted to wear it ever since I reverted as I know I should, and I want to please Allah (SWT).

At first, his reason was that I should give my parents time to adjust and accept my conversion before I took this step.

After 7 months, I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to talk to my parents (against my husband’s will). They were not happy, but I got the feeling that they would accept it with time. I was really relieved and thought that I could finally start wearing the headscarf.

But my husband still stopped me from wearing it. I was shocked; I didn’t think he was opposed to the headscarf since most women in his family wear it (including his mother and sister). He said he was not opposed to it and would always support his mum and sister to wear it. He now tells me that he doesn’t know actually why he doesn’t want me to wear it. One reason, he says, is that he is concerned about my safety (although, his family lives in a politically much more dangerous situation than we do; they are Palestinians living in Israel). He actually would not object to me wearing it if we were living there.

I know what I need to do: start wearing the headscarf as my husband does not have the right to stop me. But I don’t know how to do it without causing too much damage around me. I know I will face problems at work and with my family, but I think I will cope with that. It is more difficult for me regarding my husband, since I see him every day and I love him very much and I don’t want to have a constant conflict with him. Do you have any advice on how I could go about it?

Jazaka Allahu Khairun.

As salamu Alaykum wa rahmatulllahi wa bara-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

katuh, Al hamdu Lillah, subhana Allah, Allah (SWT) has supported you in your life choices. As long as you maintain the relationship with Him, you will always be guided, in sha’Allah. Our life’s journey goes through stages, and so do the tests that challenge ones faith and relationship with Him. Only Allah (SWT) knows what lies before us, and as long as we are alert to His signs, we can know what it is that we have to learn to make us fulfill our true life’s potential. Al hamdu Lilllah, you have a good husband who has seen much in his life and has been challenged and tested by the trials and tribulations that he witnessed in his own country. Maybe Allah (SWT) has brought you to him to help him fulfill his life transaction with Allah.

If this is so, then you must continue as you have done so far and exercise patience and understanding with your husband’s reasoning. He is clearly not against hijab, but instead is concerned for your well-being.

One can appreciate your husband’s concerns in a country where Islamophobia is rife, especially against the visible signs of Islam which a hijab wearing Muslim is a representative. It is this representation that you require in your life to help fulfill your sense of being Muslim. As you strengthen your relationship with your husband, and you strengthen your relationship with Allah (SWT) and thus yourself, a balance must be maintained if those relationships are challenged by the socio-political environment in which you live. Do not exclude your husband from the process. Yes, I know this is not your intention, but it can be so easily done without realizing what is happening. It is important that you spend moments of deep sharing of feelings and thoughts so that you can understand one another and grow closer to one another. In this way, you will be both better placed to support each other’s life choices without growing apart. Through prayer (make regular du`aa’ for him) and consultation, he will become more able to support you in this choice, which is your right. {“And [as for] the believers, both men and women - they are friends and protectors of one another: they [all] enjoin

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the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong”} (Al-Baraat 9:71).

“By the One in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam [peace] amongst yourselves” (Muslim 2: 35). You also have to realize that in an environment where members of society are enslaved by their insecurities and react to anything that seemingly questions their identity, there can be an instinctual reaction to what they perceive as a threat, whether that threat is real or not. There will be men who react because they feel that their manhood is being threatened, and there will be women who react, because they are but products of the media hype that portrays, exploits the woman’s body as a commodity that does not belong to women themselves – in other words, you have to be aware of the body politics which contradicts the notion of freedom, democracy, women’ liberation and female empowerment.

The same salam that should be spread amongst Muslims should also be spread amongst non-Muslims, such as your colleagues. This will help them overcome any perception of threat. Be patient and understanding with them, and help them to see: they have nothing to worry about. It will not be easy, but with du`aa’s before you leave to go to work, you will have the inner tenacity to face hurts and insults, and to still smile from the heart which will bring out in you the Sunnah of smiling which, in turn, will help your colleagues to see that you are still human and that you still respect them. You will need your husband’s strength and support to help you through the difficulties that you may face, and in turn, in sha’Allah, your husband will begin to pray again.

It is through us as human beings that when we truly and genuinely love for the sake of Allah, we expedite His mercy. Equally, we must know that when we fail, there is nothing to prevent us from getting up, and trying again with renewed intention for this is the nature of the inner jihad (striving).

Consultant: Waa Irfan

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Warnings from the U.S. as Canada plans changes to voter ID rules

By Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press WASHINGTON - A participant in the bruising American battle over voting rights warns that Canada is treading on dangerous ground with its proposed electoral reforms.

One of the lawyers who helped strike down the voter ID law in Pennsylvania last month says legislation tabled by the Harper government will inevitably wind up depriving some people of their voting rights.

That’s why any change to voting requirements should be made with the strictest care, in the spirit of achieving more accurate election results, said Witold Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union for Pennsylvania.

That warning comes from a country where voting rights are an especially emotional subject, for obvious historical reasons.

Americans know the issue well. And the impact of ID rules has been studied extensively, re-emerging in recent years as a hotly debated partisan issue.

Multiple academic studies point to an impact on turnout, especially among specific demographic groups: the young, the poor, and minorities.

The measured statistical effect has ranged from a couple of percentage points to more than a dozen, depending on what the study’s measuring, what state it’s looking at and the state’s ID requirement.

The new rules envisioned in Ottawa are not nearly as cumbersome as the ones struck down in Pennsylvania, where the right to a ballot hinged on a document from the state Department of Transportation, and the ability to get that document required ID some voters simply couldn’t obtain.

The Canadian bill, on the other hand, would still allow 39 types of ID. With one medicare card, or a bank statement and a phone bill, someone could still vote.

The legislation would simply get rid of the practice where one voter can vouch for another one’s identity.

Still, Walczak said, Canadians need to ask themselves an important question: Will the number of cases of fraud prevented

actually be greater than the number of people prevented from voting?

Such changes are sure to deter some voters.

“They’re going to show up on election day — having every right to vote, meeting all of your constitutional requirements, but not knowing that they have to bring an ID,” Walczak said in an interview.

“They show up, they wait in line, they get to the front and hear, ‘Sorry, you can’t vote, you’ve gotta go home.’

And then that person says, ‘Ah, screw it, I don’t have time.’”

In Canada, chief electoral officer Marc Mayrand says the end of vouching would affect more than 100,000 voters. They come from different walks of life: young people who move around a lot, aboriginals with no formal papers proving their on-reserve address, and elderly people who have just moved into retirement homes.

The issue carries historical overtones in the U.S. After the Civil War and the end of slavery, AfricanAmericans actually did have the right to vote everywhere in the country. A number of black congressmen were even elected in the South.

But that right was gradually stolen, and suppressed for nearly a century, as different states adopted measures like poll taxes and literacy tests aimed at restricting the black vote. The 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by Lyndon Johnson, was an attempt to remedy that with federal oversight of states’ voting standards.

Parts of that law were struck down last year by the Supreme Court. Now, as it stands, 34 U.S. states already have some type of voter ID law, and the introduction of these laws has intensified since the Supreme Court ruling.

Using politically loaded language, in reference to the Jim Crow era, Attorney General Eric Holder has called these new voter ID laws a “poll tax.”

Here’s what some studies say about their impact: —Researchers at the universities of Washington, Mexico and Northern Arizona concluded that white voters in Indiana were 12 per cent more likely than blacks to have the proper ID, and Republicans were

15 per cent more likely to have it than Democrats.

—In a national study, researchers at the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis concluded that black youth were 22 per cent more likely than whites to be asked to show ID, and that 13 per cent more black youth said their lack of adequate ID kept them from voting.

—Statistics guru Nate Silver estimated in 2012 that voter ID laws would reduce turnout by 2.4 per cent in Pennsylvania and help Republicans by 1.2 per cent.

He predicted a similar pattern in Kansas, and lesser echoes in Idaho, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Utah.

Republicans have called these measures a question of fairness, and of protecting the integrity of the voting system. But one party official veered wildly offscript, and was fired after sharing his politically incorrect thoughts in public.

North Carolina Republican precinct captain Don Yelton conceded that there had only been one or two cases of fraud in his county of 60,000 voters — but, he said, the new rules would have another type of impact.

“The law is gonna kick the Democrats in the butt,” he told a comedian-interviewer from the Daily Show.

“If it hurts a bunch of college kids that’s too lazy to get up off their bump and go get a photo ID, so be it.

If it hurts the whites, so be it. If it hurts a bunch of lazy blacks that want the government to give them everything, so be it.”

The Canadian government will not say a word about the American debate.

In fact, multiple inquiries into whether it bothered consulting the U.S. data — or drew any inspiration from it — met with nonresponses.

Several phone calls and emails to minister Pierre Poilievre’s office, asking specifically about those American studies, produced a 429-word written reply that did not include a single reference to the U.S. “When drafting the legislation, the minister was very fortunate to have such a wealth of information from our electoral agency,” said an email from his office.

Tax relief will have to wait Canadians will have to wait until next year to find out if the Conservative government will keep a 2011 election promise on income splitting, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.

“Once we have a balanced budget and once we get a surplus we can have obviously the discussion about what we do next,” Harper said Thursday in the Stouffville, Ont., area north of Toronto.

Harper promised in 2011 that once the budget

was balanced, a Conservative government would let spouses with children under age 18 share up to $50,000 of income for tax purposes – allowing a higher earner to shift income to a spouse in a lower tax bracket.

The Conservatives argued at the time that income splitting was a matter of fairness, since the current system leaves a family with two earners paying less income tax than a family with one earner, even

if both families have equal incomes.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty publicly badmouthed income splitting on Wednesday, even though he’d confirmed in August it was “part of the government’s policy.”

Now, Harper won’t repeat his old promise, saying instead that he favours general tax relief.

Source:eedition. toronto.24hrs.ca

Jonathan appoints 12 new ministers (names and states of origin) President Goodluck Jonathan has sent the names of 12 ministerial nominees (two from Kano State) to the Senate for confirmation. The names, along with those names of the new Service Chiefs sent to the Senate for ratification, were read out to Senators today by Senate President David Mark.

Nigerians had been expecting cabinet shake-up but News Express two days ago authoritatively reported that Jonathan was not about to do any such until at least about a month’s time.

What the President has chosen to do, instead, is to fill the vacant positions created when he sacked 11 ministers late last year and the resignation of Dr Mohammed Pate, as Minister of State for Health last year.

The nominees are as follows: - Former National Security Adviser Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd), from Zamfara State - Former governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna - Incumbent Nigerian Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali, to represent Kano State - Hajia Jamilla Salik, also from Kano State - Former Nigerian Am-

bassador to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, to represent Lagos State - Hon. Mohammed Wakil, from Borno State - Alhaji Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan, from Osun State - Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi, from Akwa Ibom State - Mrs. Lawrencia Labaran Mallam, from Kaduna State - Dr. T.W. Dagogo, from Rivers State - Asabe Asmau Ahmed, from Niger State - Dr. Khaliru Haruna,

from Sokoto State.

The newly appointed Service Chiefs (who have already assumed office since yesterday, are as follows: - Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Defence Staff - Major General Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Army Staff - Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, Chief of Naval Staff - Air Vice Marshal Adeola Amosu, Chief of Air Staff.

That email referred to a report for Elections Canada that said there were irregularities in 25 per cent of cases involving vouching in the 2011 election. Irregularities do not necessarily equal fraud, the report notes.

“There is almost no evidence of fraud in U.S. elections,” said David Lublin, a political-science professor at American University.

He’s an expert in U.S. elections and Southern politics, and he also knows Cana-

dian politics well.

“The real question here should be, ‘What is the problem? And is the solution being proposed by the Conservative government appropriate to the problem?’

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Source News Express

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LADY ANNE RETIRES BUT IS DEFINITELY NOT TIRED (NCNC) The founder of the first store to deal in Nigerian fabric here in Canada, Anna Ilelaboye, popularly known as Lady Anne, has decided to retire from the business. Born on March 3, 1948, as Anna Ilelaboye, she is a Nigerian born entrepreneur best known for her long standing African Boutique "Lady Ann Superstore" both in Nigeria and here in Toronto, Canada since the 1980s. Starting with a small in home shop, she broke out shortly into her very first shop here in Canada in 1997 located at the intersection of Keele st/ Dundas st Toronto.

Mrs. Ilelaboye is married with children and grandchildren. This God fearing woman, who puts God first in her endeavors, initially majored in Biochemistry and Culinary Arts. She however found a stronger passion in the sales of men, women and children wear from many top designers. In 1997, Mrs. Ilelaboye started another business in Culinary by opening a fine restaurant, which she called the "Nigerian Restaurant". Many came from diverse areas of the city, even out of towners to dine and enjoyed choices from the menu. More than ten years later, Mrs. Ilelaboye found that the restaurant business had a short interference with her focus towards her boutique and decided it was time to sell the restaurant business.

However, our "Lady Ann" has decided to retire from the business. The community will surely miss her contribution to

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Anna Ilelaboye - Lady Anne the social life of the city and Canada as a whole, since her customers come from far and near Toronto. She had been a veritable link with home by bringing the best from Nigeria and combining them with the latest in Canada. We know we have not heard the last from Lady Anne. She is sure to be up to something that will still add to glamour and good taste in both Nigeria and Canada directly or through her wonderful children and grandchildren. We in Nigerian Canadian News wish her all the best in all her future endeavors.

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MBFC CANADA PRESENTS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR/DINNER WITH

DR. CHRISTOPHER KOLADE ON APRIL 19, 2014

Time: 4 - 9 pm Venue: Sheraton Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

Dr. Christopher Kolade

Mark your diary

Visit: www.mbfchrist.ca for registration.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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Happy 93rd Birthday to Mississauga’s Mayor Hazel McCallion p.50

Valentine Ball pgs.28-9

How far can you go with infidelity? pg.21

Taking Care of Your Wig p.34

Ethiopian Airline Review p.51

Lady Anne Retiring pg.23 VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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AMET TV 2

ND

ANNUA

By Ij Kanu (NCNC) February 16, 2014 presented a fabulous Valentine ball that was hosted by AMET TV, a division of Afromedia Communications. AMET TV is Canada’s first television network dedicated exclusively showcasing the best in African programming.

The theme of the sold out evening was “Hearts and Roses 2014” and was attended by couples from Toronto, the greater Toronto area as well as many international guests. The well-dressed crowd came out to enjoy the red carpet experience and celebrate the most romantic day in the year with other couples and friends.

Comedian Seyi Brown was the MC for the evening. He very quickly had the audience laughing till they cried with his outrageously funny jokes.

Robert Brunner, the vice president of Arik Air, a proud

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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AL VALENTINE BALL sponsor of AMET TV, gave a resounding speech about the growth and expansion of Arik Air and shared the Airlines plan’s to better serve Nigeria and Africa. Arik Air generously provided two economy roundtrip tickets from New York to Nigeria for the silent auction.

Eric Ampong, president of Eaden Myles was another proud event sponsor, and took the opportunity to display the new Eaden Myles Men’s collection, highlighting the best in this season’s suits and corporate wear.

Ever actively present was The Nigerian Canadian news, who, as another active sponsor, donated a free page section of the Nigerian Canadian newspaper to a randomly selected individual, to feature and promote his/her business or and industry profile.

The ball was brimming with music, food & drinks, red carpet photo shoots, dancing and everyone having a great time.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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OBITUARY With a heavy heart, we announce the passing to eternity of Mrs Nnenna Erinma Emordi of TFI GLOBAL

March 3rd,1964 - February 14th, 2014 Which took place on the 14th of February, 2014 in Enugu, Nigeria.

Burial plans will be announced later.

She is survived by her husband, two beautiful daughters, her parents and a brother.

MAY YOUR GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE. AMEN OMOTAYO OLAOGUN MORRISON 25 February 1988 – 8 February 2014 APPRECIATION We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all for standing with us through the difficult period of the home-going for our dear Omotayo.

Your prayers, visits, phone calls and words of encouragement and comfort have given us much strength. Your presence has been of immense comfort.

Thank you for honouring our beloved Omotayo.

We wish to thank the medical team of St. Jude’s Hospital, and the faculty, staff and students of Spartan Health Sciences University of St. Lucia for their care and support.

We very much appreciate the many expressions of love from the Nigerian-Canadian community and the Special Memorial Committee, the Jamaican-Canadian community, Yoruba Community Association, Osun State Descendants of

Canada, Redeemed Church of God Covenant Chapel, the Association of Nigerian-Canadian Imams of Greater Toronto Area, Toronto District School Board, staff and students of Elia Middle School, York University and AfriCan Theatre Ensemble.

Many thanks to the St. Lucian Consul-General in Toronto, the Honourable Mr. Michael & Mrs. Wilius, who attended the Visitation and also gave a letter of sympathy from the Government and people of St. Lucia.

With special thanks to Dr. Ola Kassim (Toronto) and to Mr. Paul & Mrs. Maria Elliott (St. Lucia).

May the good Lord bless you. We love you all.

- The Morrison & Olaogun Family

In Omotayo's Memory The Spartan Health Sciences University is sponsoring a Neurosurgical Wing named in Omotayo's honour at St. Jude’s Hospital in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, Contributions can be made to the In Trust Account:

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Omotayo Morrison/ St. Jude’s Hospital Scotia Bank Transit # 65862; Account # 0117722 7700 Bathurst St., Unit 18, Thornhill, ON L4J 7Y3, Canada.

E-transfer: omotayo.foundation@gmail.com

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BEAUTY

THE DOS & DON’TS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR WIG

BY VANITY STYLEZ Gone are the days where I would hear people say that they would never wear wigs because they were afraid to have that “obvious wig look”. Now it seems like getting a custom made wig is becoming the new craze. They look so nice and realistic and even better, save you time on sitting through a sew in.

As a wig specialist, the question I get asked the most is what are the correct and proper ways to take care of a custom made human hair wig. Well here you go.

Vanity Stylez presents your guide on the Dos and Don’ts of maintaining your custom made human hair wig.

Dos 1. Co-wash your wig every two weeks. This process would help your wig maintain its look and shine. Put the conditioner on your wig, lather and let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing it off.

2. Let your wigs air dry after you do your co-washing.

To dry, place it on a hanger and let it drip dry outside.

3. Apply a heat protectant before you put any heat on your wig. This helps prevent the hair from breaking and drying out. And we all know there’ s nothing worse than a dry wig.

4. Apply Argan oil on your wig if you want to add some shine to your hair. It will not weigh your hair down and will ensure that your hair is bouncy and has great movement.

5. Remember, flexi rods/bendy rollers are your best friend. Putting flexi rods on your wigs before you sleep will guarantee full and fabulous bouncy curls by the morning.

6. Try to get a mannequin head or something stable for your wig to sit on whenever your wig is not being worn. My mannequin never leaves the side of my bed and it’s a wigs perfect home.

7. Use Youtube as a guide if you want to also get a visual on how to do these things to keep your wigs looking fab.

Don’ts 1. Never apply heavy creams or oils on your wigs. These products will just weigh down your wig and will take any type of body out your wig which we definitely want to avoid.

2. Don’t shampoo or condition your wig while it’s on your head because it’s easier and better to hold it in your hand.

I hope these tips have been helpful in helping you get that ooh la la look. Remember your hair is your best accessory, so when your hair looks good you will feel good www.bellanaija.com

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS

HOTTEST GADGET IN 2014 With the technology migration moving towards mobility and more wearable devices being developed, trending technological concepts have revolutionized our thinking to expect a great and stylish smart watch product in 2014 that will compete with the likes of Sony’s Smartwatch 2 and Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The modern consumer is more interested with ease of access of apps and with minimal load to carry around and thus necessitating the advancement of smart wearable devices such as the Google glass. With a smartwatch, ease of accessing apps becomes at the comfort of the wrist with great examples of tech giants such as Nike’s FuelBand. This brings us to the hottest gadget to look out for in 2014 – the Apple iWatch iWatch With the Apple-like design concept of the iWatch already out in late 2013, most consumers are expecting the unveiling of the iWatch to be in late 2014. With an Apple iOS 7 concept design, the iWatch can be captivating especially to professionals on the move since access to apps is spontaneous and most apps that measure body movement and health can benefit greatly from this. Additionally accessing Email, Music, Social forums and most business,

leisure and games applications on the go makes it even easier for consumers to rethink having to carry their smart devices around when access is brought to a wrist away. There is also the possibility of inclusion of sensors and apps that can offer direction and maps since the device is more mobile than smartphones and other hand held devices.

There being rumors of Apple hiring medical tech experts, fuels the possibility of having smart watches with health related apps and great similarities with the Nikes’ FuelBand with measuring apps for different health features while wrapped on the wrist. There is also a likely inclusion of Bluetooth connection to enable connection to other devices such as the Bluetooth LE protocol used by other smartwatches. This means a low powered Bluetooth technology so as to reduce the possibility of having to always charge the smartwatch. Additionally the securing of trademarks in some countries such as Japan, Mexico and Russia by Apple last year puts a likely launch of the smartwatch in 2014. With a smartwatch there is the need of flexible display technology to cater for a wider display area around the wrist watch such as the G flex smartphone from LG. The iWatch could also be used as an accessory alongside Apple devices such

as tablets and iPhones to ease access of device apps while on the go, and still having the devices in their bags.

There are reports on the size of the screen being a 1.5 inch screen and the smartwatch running a full version of an iOS making it function as a standalone device. There is also a possibility of most traditional Apple apps to be included in the smartwatch since the device is running a full iOS version. With all these speculations on advancements in wearable devices, the tech war could shift from smartphones to wearable devices and also include other tech giants on board such as Google or LG besides the existing Sony and Samsung smart watches. The next question would be whether demand and shipment of smartwatches will shoot up with the launch of an Apple iWatch? But with the tech giants venturing into smartwatch market, most consumers will opt to try out the new wearable devices but may take some time to displace smartphones as the big money makers in technology device sales.

With analyst suggesting that the possible launch date of this device coming up in late second quarter of 2014, this seems to be the hottest gadget in 2014 so far.

Nigerian Canadian News

Are Printer Cheaper Than Ink? Printer ink has always been ridiculously expensive, but in today's recession buying replacement ink cartridges hits the pocketbook even harder than usual. Some out-of-thebox-thinking computer users are actually resorting to buying new printers each time they run out of ink rather than purchasing replacement cartridges or ink refill kits. As more and more printer manufacturers resort to the "give away the razor and sell the blades" marketing strategy, it would seem as though consumers are now fighting back with simply purchasing a new razor and skipping blade refills altogether.

It sounds good in theory, but is it really possible? A little bit of online surfing and some quick visits to the local Best Buy, Target, or Wal-Mart

should help to confirm or debunk this new-found urban myth. As of late, HewlettPackard was seen to be offering its Deskjet D1660 online for a mere $29.99, while replacement ink cartridge combo packs were going for $31.99. The Lexmark X2600 can be had for a low $44.00 at Wal-Mart, with its cartridge pack running at a close $39.98.

Last year Fry's Electronics was offering a Canon photo printer for $15 (after a $30 mail-in rebate). Rumors have been circulating on the Internet grapevine of another Canon printer promotion achieving even greater savings than these!

Hauling a new printer home from the store or waiting for a new printer to be shipped to you may sound inconvenient

to you, but is it really? You have to go to the store or wait for the mail for printer cartridges anyway. The only added burden would be lugging a new printer home rather than a couple of small cartridges, but think of all the time you save in not having to take care of your old printer.

The greatest bonus to buying a new printer, however, is not having to clean your old one.

Printers are the most likely component in your PC setup to fail. So rather than purchase expensive extended warranties or cumbersome cleaning supplies, just put the old printer in the box the new one came in and donate it to charity. As environmentally unsound as it may seem, at least you get a brand-spanking new printer and a tax write-off to boot!

How to tell if an SD card will work in your older camera Tempting newer cards with terabytes of storage may not be compatible

Two types of SDHC memory cards

Secure Digital memory card prices have plummeted over the last couple of years. You can get a 16GB SDHC memory card—which can store more than 2,800 JPEG images shot by a 16-megapixel camera—for less than $20. No more outof-memory messages as you’re about to shoot that Caribbean sunset or frolicking dolphins!

But hold on: It's possible that new high-capacity cards won't work with your older camera.

So before you go hog-wild buying gigs of memory, find out just what your camera can accept. Here's a glossary of SD memory-card types, and how to figure out what you can or shouldn't buy.

SDXC: price range, $60 to $600; maximum capacity, 2TB An SDXC card, the newest type, can store as much as 2 terabytes of memory, although there are none yet on the market with that much storage.

Since it has the largest capacity, this is also a good option if you shoot a lot of video, since video clips eat up storage space more quickly on your memory card than photos do.

SDHC: price range, $6 to $60; capacity range, 2GB to 32GB SDHC memory cards were introduced in 2006. It can store up to 32GB. SD: price range, less than $7; maximum capacity, 2GB This is the oldest type of card and has a maximum capacity of 2GB. If you see a card with greater capacity, then it's not an SD memory card, but an SDHC or SDXC .

How you can tell If you buy a new digital camera right now, it's almost a guarantee that you can use any one of these cards. (I'd still doublecheck, just to be certain.) For a camera that's not brand-new, check the box your camera came in, the user guide, or the manufacturer’s website. They should list the camera's compatible card formats. If you see the SDXC symbol, your camera should work with the two older formats too (SDHC and SD). If you see SDHC, it will also work with SD. And if you see only SD, that's all you can use.

—Terry Sullivan - Consumerreports.org

Digitizing Entertainment iROKO Patners founder Jason Njoku owns the world’s largest distributor of Nigerian movies. His booming digital domain is comprised of five brands, including online film distributor iROKOtv and the music streaming platform iROKING. Realizing he could improve the Nigerian video distribution business, Njoku

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

created what is commonly referred to as the Netflix of Nigeria introducing Nollywood to viewers across the world.

“We reached 560,000 registered users in less than seven months, says Njoku. “We have viewers in 178 different countries.”

-Black Enterprise

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BUSINESS African firms fail to make world’s 100 most sustainable companies list No African company made the list of the 100 most sustainable corporations in the world for this year.

The annual Global 100 list, compiled by media and research company Corporate Knights, is was released today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It ranks major public corporations using a wide range of factors, including relative energy and water consumption, carbon emissions, waste production and several corporate governance measures, such as the number of women on the board and CEO compensation relative to average employees.

The list, available at global100.org, has Westpac Banking Corp. of Australia as the top-ranked company in the world. Biogen Idec Inc., a U.S. biotech firm, is second, and Outotec Oyj of Finland, which makes mineral processing machinery, comes third.

The United States has the most companies on the list, at 18, while Canada came second with 13. Britain and France each have eight companies on the list. Several countries from Asia are also

on the list.

Environmental measures make up only about onethird of the sustainability criteria. On many others – such as safety performance, leadership diversity, employee turnover and innovation – some energy companies do very well.

Doug Morrow, Corporate Knights’ managing director, said: “Companies that are the most sustainable are the ones that are squeezing the most output out of every unit of input they bring in.”

Top 10 firms on the list: 1. Westpac Banking (Australia), banking 2. Biogen Idec (U.S.), biotech 3. Outotec (Finland),

industrial 4. Statoil (Norway), energy 5. Dassault Systèmes (France), software 6. Neste Oil (Finland), energy 7. Novo Nordisk (Denmark), health care 8. Adidas (Germany), clothing 9. Umicore (Belgium), materials 10. Schneider Electric (France), energy •Photo shows Lagos Central Business District in Africa’s second largest economy, Nigeria. The continent’s business managers have to work harder to make the global list.

Source News Express

Jumia is Africa’s main online shopping destination — Oscar Boré What is the Unique Selling Point of JUMIA ?

Oscar Boré: JUMIA is Africa’s number one online shopping destination where you can shop the widest selection of high quality products and have them shipped directly to your home or office at your convenience!

JUMIA offers free nationwide delivery, easy returns and has several convenient payment options to choose from. With affordable prices and great products, JUMIA lets every customer enjoy an awesome shopping experience with any order sent directly to your doorstep. In three words: Price, Assortment and Convenience!

Why are you in Uganda?

Oscar Boré: After successfully launching JUMIA in Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt and Ivory Coast in less than one and a half years we see the same potential in Uganda . We are eager

to expand our success story here in order to provide every citizen in Uganda with a secure, convenient and stress-free online shopping experience.

What impact do you think JUMIA will make in Uganda?

Oscar Boré: As we extend our services to a new market in Uganda, customers across the country can now shop amongst the widest assortment of high quality products at affordable prices – offering everything from fashion, consumer electronics, home appliances to beauty products.

Do you think the pricing policy of your company is beneficial to your customers?

Oscar Boré: We want to offer all Africans a variety of assortments with a high quality for best prices. JUMIA Uganda will have a mix of amazing deals sourced

Oscar Boré:

locally and great value for money items coming from Kenya.

Is it possible to see JUMIA as a “one shop” stop for electronic products?

Oscar Boré: Absolutely, we want to provide the widest assortment as possible.

Customers should be able to find low, middle and high price range of goods for Mobile, Laptop, Tablets, Camera, TVs, Home appliances and more. Moreover, JUMIA with its Market Place will enable selected suppliers to sell their entire assortment online.

National Mirror

Liberia: Billionnaire’s Beef - “Tell Us What You Need and We Will Produce It.” It was all smiles on the sixth floor of the Executive Mansion when Africa's first female president met Africa's richest man of 2013.

Her usual political talks were not the same when she met Nigeria's young businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

With an interest to expand his business empire in other parts of the region, Dangote, thinks Liberia is one of the places to do that.

So, he made this statement to president Sirleaf with the aim of hearing more from her.

"Tell us what you need and we will produce it."

His statement was in reference to investing in the country; but wanted to know what president Sirleaf needed most.

So both of them looked at ongoing arrangements for a cement plant which the billionaire's company, Dangote Cement Liberia Ltd., intends to commence building in Liberia shortly, as well as plans for a coal-based power plant that would greatly reduce the cost of, and access to, electricity in the country," the office of the president said in a statement over the weekend.

Dangote, a Nigerian, was

ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 43rd richest person in the world, and the richest man in Africa last year.

So, for Africa's first female president to meet with him, that was a cheerful encounter.

On the cement processing plant, Dangote informed the President that seven acres of land have been identified at the Freeport of Monrovia for its construction and a jetty. After a three-year delay, it was time to move ahead with the project, he said. To this end, he assured the President that the limestone needed for the cement - which Liberia does not produce would be brought in, and crushed and ground for the manufacture of cement locally.

The billionaire knows that power was important for his factory. On that, this was what he said; his proposed coal-burning power plant would produce some 20 megawatts of power, but his operations would require only 1.2 megawatts.

The excess could be sold to the government at no more than12 cents per kilowatt hour.

Dangote told president Sirleaf this: "Tell us what you need, and we will pro-

duce it."

He said of the powergeneration capacity of the plant, could be operational in 15 months. Approximately 30 acres of land are needed for such a facility, which includes huge boilers and cooling plants, along with access to a source of sweet water - where the water table is high.

Dangote pointed out that throughout Africa, the major issue is power. "No power, no growth," he declared.

Any economy will climb to double digits, once there is power at the right price, he said. With affordable power people will produce products locally, will gravitate to the private sector, leading to the creation of a middle class. He recommended coal-based power plants, noting that there is plenty of coal in South Africa, Mozambique and Guinea, and that with today's technology, emissions of coal dust is at zero level.

Excited by the comment, "tell us what you want and we will produce it, this was what president Sirleaf said: "it was time to go forward and fast-track the cement project." She assured Dangote that the land would be turned over by February 16. contnued on p(50)

Cash Store and Instaloans Denied Payday Lender Licences Ontario's Registrar of Payday Loans today issued a proposal to refuse recent applications for payday lender licences from Cash Store and Instaloans - both owned by The Cash Store Financial Services Inc. Separately, on February 12, the Superior Court of Justice issued a decision that the basic line of credit Cash Store and Instaloans has been offering is a payday loan and subject to Ontario’s Payday Loans Act and Regulations. Cash Store and Instaloans are prohibited from acting as a loan broker of the basic line of credit without a licence and they have been ordered to pay $50,000 in costs to the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services.

The Court’s decision resulted from an application filed on June 7, 2013 by the Ministry. As a result of the

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

decisions by the Registrar and Superior Court of Justice, Cash Store and Instaloans cannot offer payday loans or their basic line of credit product in Ontario.

In February 2013, the Ontario Registrar of Payday Loans issued proposals to revoke Cash Store’s and Instaloans’ licences. In the same month, Cash Store and Instaloans indicated they would no longer offer payday loans in Ontario, but would offer lines of credit instead. In July 2013, the companies did not renew their payday lender licences.

Under the Payday Loans Act, the Registrar may propose to refuse a licence if the applicant’s past conduct “affords reasonable grounds for belief that the applicant will not carry on business in accordance with law and with integrity and honesty.”

Past conduct the Registrar

alleges includes: • The November 2013 convictions of Cash Store and Instaloans operating as unlicensed payday lenders • Charging more than the Ontario maximum of $21 per $100 borrowed for a payday loan • Not providing consumers with their payday loans immediately Both Cash Store and Instaloans have the right to request a hearing before the Licence Appeal Tribunal to dispute the proposal.

Quick facts: More than 750 payday loan storefronts are located in the province.

Under the Payday Loans Act, a payday lender must provide a consumer with their loan immediately upon entering into the payday contract.

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Independence of African and Caribbean countries (NCNC) The Caribbean and African countries experienced colonial struggles from as early as the 15th century that saw European powers colonizing them. The European powers profited from these colonies with economic exploitation of resources such as gold and also slaves that helped the European countries during the world wars. For the Caribbean countries, most were colonized during the 15th century when European settlers made voyages and discovered new lands, but for most African countries, they were colonized during the 19th century.

St. Lucia St. Lucia is an island country in the Caribbean Sea that got independence from the British on February 22, 1979. Its first European settlers were French who named it Saint Lucia after the Saint Lucy of Syracuse around the 15th century. During this time, they signed treaties with the local Carib Indians and engaged in wars frequently with the British, leading to St. Lucia changing rule from British to French frequently. However these early settlements were not successful due to diseases and conflict with the native Carib Indians for both the French and the British. This island seemed attractive to both the French and the British due to the successful cultivation of sugarcane and the setting up of the sugar industry there. In the 16th Century the British merchant sea captain Nathaniel Uring was made deputy governor by the British Duke, John Montagu, who in turn was appointed by King George I of Great Britain, but was run off by the French before he established a settlement. The island’s rule was later handed back to the French by the British after the treaty of Paris and the French continued developing the land with sugar plantations.

In 1794, after the French Revolution, the French governor of the island declared all slaves to be free after execution of “Royalists” who had walked out of their sugar plantation jobs following the revolution. The British later on

took control of the island and slavery was re-introduced. There was frequent exchange of rule between the British and the French until 1814, when the British took control of it and it was considered a British colony. However in mid-twentieth century the colony was dissolved when St. Lucia joined the West Indies Federation and in 1967 it was obtained its own self internal government. St. Lucia got full independence in 1979 with John Compton of the United Workers Party being the first Prime Minister.

St. Lucia still remains a part of the Commonwealth realm with the Queen of England as the Head of State but executive power is with the office of the Prime Minister.

Sudan Sudan is an Arab state in northern Africa that gained independence from the British on January 1, 1956. Prior to it being a British colony in the 1870s, Sudan had been invaded and conquered by the Egyptian Ottoman rulers but Mahdi forces took over its rule following the European establishments against slave trade causing an economic crisis in northern Sudan. In the 1890s, British forces overthrew the Mahdi forces and took over rule after the Battle of Omdurman and a governor was appointed by the Egyptians with British consent and Sudan became a British colony. The British ruled Egypt and Sudan and in 1953, Egypt and the United Kingdom agreed to allow Sudan to have self-rule and the formation of the parliament in the following year led to Sudan gaining independence in 1956 under a provisional constitution. However Sudan has experienced continual civil strife largely due to religious affiliation and cultural differences. Later on Sudan had a second civil war broke out that led to the signing of the National Comprehensive Agreement in 2005 and the secession of Southern Sudan from a referendum in 2011.

Cameroon Cameroon is a West Af-

Other countries Other countries that gained independence during the months of January and February include Brunei and Czech Republic.

rican country that gained independence from French rule on January 1, 1960 after it had been colonized under Germans, British and French rule. The earliest inhabitants were considered to be pygmies (Baka) who still live in the forests in the south and east of Cameroon. From 1884, Cameroon was initially a German colony named Kamerun. The Germans initiated forced labour but were forced out after losing the World War I and the country was divided into a small British Cameroons, ruled from neighboring Nigeria by the British, and French Cameroons, which was a larger territory ruled as a French colony. Nigerian migrant workers who came to southern Cameroon helped end forced labor and political parties were formed such as Union Des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) that pushed for independence. The UPC was later outlawed in 1955 and its leader was assassinated.

The UPC still kept pushing for independence in French Cameroon.

Following the legislative elections of 1956, Cameroon became a State and the legislative assembly pushed for full independence from the French government. This ended with a resolve from the United Nations following a request from France to end trusteeship of Cameroon and grant its independence on January 1, 1960. With a part of Cameroon, British Cameroon still under British rule, the President Ahmadou Ahidjo outlawed all political parties except his and on October 1, 1961

the British Cameroon joined the French Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon.

This was after a vote in the divided British Cameroon where the predominantlyMuslim northern region chose to join Nigeria but the southern Christian region of British Cameroon chose to join the republic of Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon.

Dominican Republic Dominica Republic is a Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola shared between two countries. The left part of the island is the country of Haiti. It was initially a Spanish colony following the arrival of Christopher Columbus on December 5, 1492. His brother, Bartholomew Columbus later on built the city of Santo Domingo, which is the present capital city. The colony was later on taken over by French buccaneers and became a French colony from 1795 and SaintDomingue (now Haiti) slaves, revolted against the French and took over the island. An army sent

by Napoleon in 1802 crushed the rebellion but disease and revolts made the French to leave SaintDomingue and it became the independent Republic of Haiti. In 1808, Santo Domingo was restored under Spanish rule after defeat of the French rule there.

Santo Domingo later gained independence from Spanish rule on November 30, 1821. This was declared by Jose Nunez de Caceres, its former Lieutenant Governor. However nine weeks after its independence from Spanish

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

rule, Haitian forces invaded it in February 1822 led

by Jeanne-Pierre Boyer.

With Haitian rule, slave trade was abolished and most private property was nationalized. With a huge emigration of whites fleeing to Cuba and Puerto Rico, rebellions came up to overthrow Boyer from power. This was achieved in 1843 by both Dominican and Haitian people.

A society, La Trinitaria was formed by Juan Pablo Duarte in 1838 to push for the independence of Santo Domingo. As a resistance movement, it operated under secrecy but when the Haitian authorities came to know about it, they changed its name to La Filantropica but continued pushing for the independence from Haitian rule. The rebellion suffered greatly from Boyer’s replacement, after his overthrow in 1843, who imprisoned some members of the movement and expelled Duarte from the island.

The rebels decided to carry out an insurrection and on February 27 1844, they seized the Ozama Fortress in the capital and expelled the Haitian forces within two days and granted its independence from Haitian rule. Santana, one of the leaders of the rebellion, defended the republic from Haiti forces and was made ruler by his forces. He later jailed Duarte, Mella and Sanchez, who were part of the rebellion leadership to be president, after Duarte’s followers urged him to be president on his return to the island. Duarte had refused and gave conditions of a free election for him to be declared president.

Brunei Brunei is found on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia and gained independence from British rule on January 1, 1984. It was at first ruled by a Sultan but was later invaded by the Spanish on April 16, 1578. However their stay was short-lived following disease outbreaks of cholera and dysentery. Later in the 1880s, the British invaded it and land was given to a British army officer, James Brooke, by the Sultan but his dynasty annexed more land and after treaties and agreements, Brunei ended up being a British protectorate. In the 1940s, Japan attacked Brunei immediately after their attack on Pearl Harbor and entered into agreement with the sultan. It now was under Japanese rule. However the Japanese were also expelled after attacks by the Allies and Brunei was taken over by the British after World War II. A constitution was written in 1959 and on January 1, 1984, Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom Czech Republic The Czech Republic boasts the earliest settlements with arrival of Slavs in the 5th and 6th century. This was followed by Christian missionaries in the 9th century and the establishment of the Bohemia kingdom dynasties. Around 1918, after the collapse of the Habsburg Empire after World War I, Czech and Slovakia became an independent republic as Czechoslovakia. Later on the Germans occupied it under Adolf Hitler and from 1948 it became a Communist state. There were many emigrations and imprisonments of citizens accused of “antistate activities” for 41 years and in November 1989 a peaceful revolution, “Velvet Revolution” was done to return it to a liberal democracy.

This ended with a split of Czech and Slovakia and independence of Czech on January 1, 1993.

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STATE NEWS Senator Ojudu Uncovers fraudulent allocations in 2014 budget Senator Babafemi Ojudu, representing Ekiti Central senatorial district, may have uncovered a massive fraud in the 2014 Appropriation Bill presently before National Assembly.

The Executive Arm had last December submitted a budget proposal of N4.77 trillion separately before both chambers of the National Assembly but Mr. Ojudu, contributing to the debate on the piece of legislation at plenary yesterday, told his colleagues that he compared the 2014 budget with those of 2012 and 2013 only to discover that there was no significant difference between the 2014 budget and the two previous ones.

He accused the Budget Office of the Federal Ministry of Finance of lifting word for word, the two previous budgets without making any alteration. He noted that there was no creativity in the budgeting process, adding that the process goes on year in year out without any serious thoughts going into it.

Recalling the times when Nigeria used to have meaningful development plans, Senator Ojudu stated that the country’s budget was no longer aimed at solving the country’s problems but merely serves as a ruse to enrich the pockets of corrupt government officials.

According to the All Progres-

sives Congress, APC senator, development plans for Nigeria grounded to a halt in 1986 and ever since, he argued the country’s budget has emphasized recurrent expenditures which are easy to release and manipulate for personal purposes by civil servants.

He noted that in the 2014 budget, as in the 2012 and 2013 budgets, the recurrent allocation for computer software acquisition, local and foreign travels, welfare package, as well as local and foreign training amounted to billions of Naira.

Mr. Ojudu cited the example of the budgetary allocation for computer software, which is at N10 billion. He added that all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have allocations for computer software acquisition to the tune of at least N10 million, with the highest allocation of N580 million for the Office of th e Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The allocations, he indicated, are no different from those of 2012 and 2013.

Senator Ojudu faulted the allocation for Research and Development which cuts across all MDAs, including those with no research departments, wondering if they have suddenly turned into universities or research institutions. The

full research and development allocation stand at N45 billion. “These are not universities or research agencies. What are they researching? It is this wasteful budgeting that has shot up the recurrent expenditure to 75%. It is incumbent on us as lawmakers, if we are truly for the people, to remove all avenues of waste from this year’s budget. If we fail to do so, we would not have justified the reason for [their] electing us into the Senate”, Mr. Ojudu argued.

Not a few Nigerians have picked holes with the 2014 budget since it was made public but the Goodluck Jonathan administration has remained steadfastly committed to it, with the president only just last week calling on the National Assembly to ensure its speedy passage.

Source: Information Nigeria

Osun, Canada: Taking economic partnership to higher level

By Gbenga Faturoti - Osogbo Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Canada has been cordial over a long period of time and Nigeria has been a recipient of aid from Canada. However, state governments in Nigeria have also keyed into this cordial relations to partner Canada in different areas to better their areas.

However, Canada has reiterated her resolve to partner with Osun State in education, solid waste management, fire services, economic development and good governance.

The partnership agreement was renewed recently during the visit of a delegation from Osun State to City of Victoria BC, Canada. The Osun State delegation comprised management of state Waste Management Agency, State Fire Services and local government councils.

The delegation on arrival first vis-

ited Mayor Dean Fortin of City of Victoria BC, Canada where he assured of relationship between Canada and Osun State on those areas of interest.

Fortin expressed his gratitude and readiness at the partnership initiative, adding that Osun is the first from Nigeria to partner with any jurisdiction in Canada.

He declared that through the relationship, the two countries would lay a good foundation for greater working relationship and good example for others. He said further that Canada would be looking forward towards the signing of agreement on the ties between the nations.

According to him, “I am very happy to work with your state. This is because your state is the first to partner with any jurisdiction in Canada and we hope to lay a very good example from this relationship. I look forward to signing ceremony sometimes later either here

or in your state.”

In his remarks, the facilitator of the relationship, Samuel Olaitan Olawale of Etcetera Interactions International Limited, noted that bringing the two jurisdictions together was remarkable achievement for him.

He expressed hope that the relationship will be sustained and of mutual benefit to the State of Osun and city of Victoria.

The delegation later visited Solid Waste Management site at 417 Garbally Road, Victoria where the Manager, Mr. Terry Snow, expresses interest of his staff to give expertise support to the staff of the Osun State Waste Management Agency (OWMA).

On the fire service, the two cities agreed on training, technical and equipment support to Osun State Fire Service.

On education, the delegates visited University of Victoria where the Associate Vice President of

Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Ojikutu, Arrested For Fraud The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police arrested a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, and she will appear in court tomorrow in connection with fraudulently obtaining N130million from one Cajethan Okekearu.

Mrs. Ojikutu was declared wanted on June 19, 2013, but she went to court to halt police investigations, a suit that was thrown out by a judge a few weeks ago.

The SFU police spokesperson Ngozi Isintume-Agu said in a statement that Alhaja Ojikutu, 67, who was picked up at her Lagos Island residence, allegedly connived with one Samson Adebisi Ojikutu Jnr, her son, to commit the offence. Samson is currently in the United States.

According to the statement, the former deputy governor and her son “were parties to the sale of the land and both signed the agreement given to the Complainant and obtained the sum of N130 million from him.”

The police said the suspect admitted the crime but explained it as a genuine mistake of plot identification. She then refunded the sum of N50 million to the complainant and promised to refund the balance as soon as she had disposed of two other properties she had put up for sale.

The statement further said Mrs. Ojikutu has confessed that she injected the complainant’s money into her business.

“She equally made an undertaking and payment plan which was drawn from September, 2012 and was to terminate by November 2012, but she defaulted due to lack of fund.”

The police further said the deal unraveled when Okekearu, on the verge of completion of development of the land, was accosted by the bona fide owner of the property and it was established that the land that the suspect had sold actually belonged to one Mr. Afolabi.

“It was also discovered that the Plot 24 Block 4, which actually the School (International) looks forward to collaboration between the University of Victoria (UVIC) and Osun State University (UNIOSUN).

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Dr. Taiwo Olaiya, the Executive Secretary of Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State described the trip as remarkable achievement in complementing the efforts of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led administration in moving the state forward.

He commended Mayor Dean Fortin and his council for their

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Former Lagos Deputy Gov. Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

belonged to Late Samson Adebisi Ojikutu Snr, the suspect’s husband who died in 2008 was sold by him in 1995 and the suspect was a life witness and appended her signature to the sale of the land. A financial institution (name withheld) which was in possession of the CofO after payment was fully made also tendered the original CofO which the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State had earlier declared missing and even sworn an affidavit to.”

The statement recalled that Alhaja Ojikutu had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, SFU, and the complainants, asking the court to restrain the police from further investigations and violations of her fundamental rights.

“The ruling by Justice Obadina (Mrs) on 17th December 2013, dismissed the Suit for lack of merit, that the Nigeria Police has the power to prosecute the Applicants, Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu and her son, Sampson Adebisi Ojikutu (Jnr) since the Police investigation revealed that there is prima-facie case of obtaining by false pretences against them and added that the court will not interfere or restrain the Police in carrying out their statutory function,” the statement said.

The former deputy governor will be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday morning.

Saharareporters hand of friendship saying that we are looking forward to fruitful partnerships between the two cities.

The delegation team also included Lewis Olawale Oladuntoye , Vice President, Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America, Kehinde Hassan Morenikeji, the Executive Secretary of Boripe Local Government, Samuel Olawale Olaitan, the facilitator of the mission, Dr. Taiwo Olaiya; Executive Secretary, Ife Central Local Government, Akinremi Azeez Akinleye, Executive Secretary Isokan Local Government Council of Osun State.

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Niger Govt To Spend N2.4b To Construct New Stadium The Niger State Government is to spend N2.4 billion on the construction of a new stadium in Minna, the state Commissioner for Sports, Mr Daniel Shashere, said on Friday.

Shashere told newsmen in Minna after the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council that the stadium would restore the lost glory of the state in sports activities.

He said that the stadium complex was scaled down from its original scope to a compact one that would include the construction of its main bowl.

The commissioner explained that the main bowl was expected to have a

10,000 seat capacity, with the ability of expanding it to accommodate 15, 000.

He said that construction of the stadium would begin in March with a 12 monthduration for its completion.

“This will ensure the completion of the project within the life span of this administration,” he said.

Shashere said the sum of N1.2 billion had been set aside in a special account for the project while the balance would be got from the 2014 budget of the ministry and other sources.

He said the design drawing and other requirements for the take off of the construction work had been

completed.

According to him, the government decided to limit its focus to the construction of the main bowl of the stadium due to lack of fund.

“The plan to give Niger State a befitting stadium has been on the drawing board for over three years.

“But technical problems stalled the project which was expected to have cost over N12bn, including a 100 bed hotel rooms, practice pitches and facilities for indoor games,” he said.

Shashere expressed gratitude to the Maikunkele community for providing the land for the project.

(NAN)

Bama massacre the peak of barbarism and lawlessness —JNI The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has described Wednesday morning’s dastardly attack on the border town of Bama in Borno State the peak of barbarism and lawlessness, warning that the country is gradually slipping into anarchy.

The umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims said in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said it “received with shock and bewilderment the cruel and rattled attacks on innocent people of Bama.”

“However, more devastating and painful was the attack on Shehu of Bama’s Palace, which was reported to have claimed about fourty (40) lives, including the son of the Shehu of Bama, senior counsellors/aids of Bama Emirate Council and properties worth over millions of naira destroyed after setting a substantial part of the palace on fire,” JNI said.

According to the statement: “It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after the

JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu

unfortunate Konduga, Izge (Gwoza), Madagali massacres which should have been the last in such attacks at these times, a more diabolical attack would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Bama in Borno State, and would continue unabated for a number of hours. Indeed this is the peak of barbarism and lawlessness.

“Regrettably, while we are in mourning period praying to Allah (SWT) fervently for consolation and waiting to see the measures that government will take for us to be overwhelmed, yet another catastrophic attack in Bama was reported. This sends a very negative impression to the discerning mind about the state of affairs vis-a-vis security in Nigeria. This act

cannot be seen happening in any developed part of the world.

“JNI lament this sorry state of violence and insecurity in the strongest terms, for the nation seems to be gradually sliding into lawlessness leading to multiple losses of innocent lives. However, JNI sends its condolences to the Government and good people of Borno State as well as to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, CON, over the unfortunate recurring attacks in Bama, on his family and the palace in Bama, Borno State.

JNI reiterates its several calls that rules of engagement should be professionally employed by the Joint Task Force and other security agencies in curbing insurgencies in Nigeria so as to reduce collateral damages recorded in such types of upheavals. The Federal Government must be seen doing something positive beyond lip assurances.”

Source News Express

Lagos State govt bans use of Mini-skirt, other attires Lagos State Government has banned all forms of dresses that expose breasts, coves and other sensitive parts of the female body, saying “they are indecent.”

This was contained in a circular issued by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Jo-

sephine Williams to entire Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, dated February 7, 2014.

Vanguard gathered that the decision was taken as a result of worsening cases of indecent dressing among the state government fe-

male public servants.

The circular however urged all Directors of Finance and Administration, DFAs, to immediately move against indecent dressing.

The circular, with the reference number CIR/ HOS/14/Vol.1/022, said

39

Kano Govt Offers Free Surgery For 6,000 Patients-Commissioner Kano State Government says it is offering free medical surgeries to 6,000 patients in the state.

Dr Abubakar Labaran, the Commissioner for Health, said this on Friday while inspecting facilities at Sheikh Jidda General Hospital in Fagge area of Kano metropolis, where the surgeries would be conducted.

He said that programme was being put together under the Kwankwasiyya Medical Mission, adding that different surgical ail-

ments would be handled during the exercise.

He said that the exercise, which would last for two weeks, would be conducted and supervised by the ministry of health.

The commissioner said that the programme was part of effort to assist the less-privileged persons suffering from Hernia, Hydrocile, Fibroid, Lipoma, among other ailments.

Labaran expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations by the medi-

cal team for the exercise and urged people in the state to take advantage of the opportunity He said that the screening of patients for the surgeries had already commenced. (NAN)

Supreme Court Validates Wada’s Election As Kogi Governor Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada (rtd.) has been declared by the Supreme Court as the duly elected Governor of the state — on account that his nomination as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state’s December 2011 governorship election remains valid.

Jibrin Echocho, who won the initial primaries of the party before a second primary won by Wada was conducted, had been challenging Wada’s emergence as candidate and subsequent election as Governor.

After the justices of the Supreme Court dismissed Echocho’s appeal and declared Wada’s nomination legal, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi hailed the judgement, praising the Judiciary for again fulfilling its role as the last

hope of the common man.

Echocho was winner of the first primaries conducted by PDP in 2011, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was forced to postpone the election in Kogi (and four other states), after a Federal High Court in Abuja held that the tenure of the five governors could not elapse on 29th May 2011, since they won their re-run elections.

When INEC eventually

similar directive was issued through the HOS in 2005 in a circular number 113 mandating public servants to dress properly and decently to the office and official functions portray the good image of the state government.

The government in the circular warned that it would begin to take drastic and punitive measures against recalcitrant public servants who flout the directive.

The circular added “It has however been observed with grave concern that some officers have not been complying with this directive. The noticeable non-compliance of some officers to this directive

should henceforth stop as the extant civil service rules and regulations on proper and indecent dressing still subsist and will be applied accordingly on flouters”.

The HOS listed what is contained in the new dress code for female workers and that skirts that are above the knee should not be worn by public servants.

Williams explained that if female public servants must wear trousers, such trousers should neither be tight nor revealing any sensitive part of their body and must be worn with a jacket.

She also said that gowns to be worn by female public servants must be of knee level, moderate slit, not sleeveless and not body

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada

announced a new date for the election, PDP conducted fresh primaries in September 2011, and Wada emerged the winner. He then went on to defeat the candidate of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), former Governor Abubakar Audu, to emerge Governor of the state.

However, ever since the Supreme Court subsequently overruled the Federal High Court and ruled that the tenure of the governors indeed expired in May 2011, Echocho has been going from one rung of the court to another, arguing for the nullification of the primaries won by Wada and demanding an order setting aside Wada’s swearing-in and another directing INEC to conduct a fresh election. saharareporters.com clinging, adding that if native attires must be worn, they must be worn completely.

The government also reeled out dress code for male public civil servants, administrative officers must wear suit and tie as professionals.

The junior and clerical staff they said should wear shirts and trousers and French suit while complete native wear is allowed for all cadres of public servants.

Williams affirmed that,”As a matter of necessity, all Directors of Finance and Administration are hereby enjoined to ensure that officers within their purview adhere strictly to moderate and decent dressing”.

40

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BOOKS - EDITOR’S PICK A Family Affair

Weeping Cherry

Checkmate - The Baddest Chick

All That I Need (Grayson Friends)

We Should Do This More Often: A Parents’ Guide to Romance, Passion, and Other PreChild Activities You Vaguely Recall

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

By Nisa Santiago

By Kemi Santos-Omanukwe

When fifteen year old Meredith Hart decided it would be best to disobey her mother by taking a school trip to Ireland, she never imagined what the repercussions were going to be. A good grounding would have been foreseeable but nothing that would mean paying with her life, uncovering her hidden family history, delving into the sea world, only a few story books had told her about. She confronts her conflicting nightmares and tries to live her life, love a Merman and save what she now knows of her family.

The Best American Crime Reporting 2008 [Kindle Edition

Her dream of studying dance at Juilliard is within reach, but Olivia Dawson turns down the opportunity, choosing instead to stay with her ailing mother in the Houston projects where they barely make ends meet. Lorraine Dawson is Olivia’s whole world, and now Olivia insists on being there for her. But when Lorraine learns Olivia is sacrificing college for her sake, her heartache triggers a series of shattering events that results in Olivia discovering her father, a man she was told had died years ago. But he is alive and well—and he’s the powerful CEO of one of the country’s richest corporations.

The Power of TEN BILLION DREAMS

by Francis Ray

LOVE COMES WITH NO GUARANTEE Lance Saxton is a self-made man who enjoys every moment of his success. Running an auction house allows him to manage his own time and travel the world on a moment’s notice--so why rush to settle down? The question answers itself...until he crosses paths with a beautiful, spirited travel writer who makes him secondguess his sense of independence-and leaves him wanting more.

The Baddest Chick Motto: Your time at the top is short-lived. Enjoy it while you can. Kola, the reigning Queen of New York, has Harlem on lock and is making paper hand over fist. If the stresses of hustling hard weren’t enough, the love of her life is mixed up with a Brooklyn chick, a bounty has been put on her head for a hit she didn’t sanction, and her sister’s ex-man, Chico, is trying to rock her to sleep.

Children’s Book Folk Tales Every Child Should Know

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

By Hamilton Wright Mabie

by Jon Meacham

Jonathan Kellerman (Author), Otto Penzler (Author), Thomas H. Cook (Author) Thieves, liars, killers, and conspirators—it’s a criminal world out there, and someone has got to write about it. An eclectic collection of the year’s best reportage, The Best American Crime Reporting 2008 brings together the murderers and the master­ minds, the mysteries and missteps that make for brilliant stories, told by the aces of the truecrime genre. This latest addition to the highly acclaimed series features guest editor Jonathan Kellerman, bestselling author of more than twenty crime novels, most recently Compulsion and the forthcoming Bones.

Ralph S. Marston, Jr.

The world is changing at an everquickening pace. What’s the most powerful and effective way to keep up and to thrive in such a world?

Ralph Marston, author of the longrunning Daily Motivator website, devotes this book to an answer that might surprise you. His answer is to dream great big, meaningful, authentic dreams and to follow those dreams with passion and persistence. In every direction there are problems, on a personal level, a community level, on a national level and on a global scale. The best way to move successfully through the many problems is not some onesize-fits-all solution, but rather ten

In this magnificent biography, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of American Lion and Franklin and Winston brings vividly to life an extraordinary man and his remarkable times. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power gives us Jefferson the politician and president, a great and complex human being forever engaged in the wars of his era. Philosophers think; politicians maneuver. Jefferson’s genius was that he was both and could do both, often simultaneously. Such is the art of power.

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of vol-

by Lorilee Craker Because 18 Years Is a Long Time to Wait In a recent poll taken by Parents magazine, 87 percent of moms admitted they don’t make love as often as they did before having kids, while one-third confessed their love life has taken a “major nosedive.”

Experts say a whopping majority of moms suffer from low libido, and many of the reasons aren’t biological. So how can you get your mojo back and start to love making love again? Get the scoop on these and other extremely hot–and often hilarious–topics, including: • Timing that works for everyone (we’re not talking the next decade) • Keeping the ankle biters in their beds when you desperately need them out of yours • Why you need to make the effort (if not for your marriage, at least for your sanity) • Reclaiming your sexual self (she’s not gone forever, but is probably sleeping every chance she gets) Lorilee Craker explores the factors that put a dent in your “lust life” and offers plenty of fun ideas for stoking the home fires again.

unteers. You may find it for free on the web.

Nigerian Canadian News If satisfied, tell others!

If not please, tell us.

billion unique, creative, personally meaningful solutions: The Power of Ten Billion Dreams.

SOURCE: AMAZON.COM

416-318-3506

publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

Distinctly Ahead

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE TORONTO & MISSISSAUGA PUBLIC LIBRARIES VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

41

YOUTH CORNER Your children need your presence more than your presents” - Jesse Jackson Winter, Winter go away

Winning will make you famous.

Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced

to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

Jonas’ world is perfect.

Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns

A Taste Of Your Own Medicine: When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.

prehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.

Beat A Dead Horse: To force an issue that has already ended.

A Dime A Dozen: Anything that is common and easy to get.

Apple of My Eye: Someone who is cher ished above all others.

Blue Moon: A rare event or occur ance.

Against The Clock: Rushed and short on time.

Back Seat Driver: People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.

Dark Horse: One who was previously unknown and is now prominent.

All Greek to me: Meaningless and incom-

Source: idiomsite.com

DID YOU KNOW? Although a cow has no upper front teeth, it grazes up to 8 hours a day, taking in about 45 kg (100 lb) of feed and the equivalent of a bath tub full of water. Cows also are one of the main contributors to the hole in the ozone layer.

Largest body parts

Quote:

1. Skin – 15% of your body weight, weighing about 21 pounds, covering about 22 sq feet/2sq meter 2. Skeleton (206 bones) – about 14% of body weight, average 20 pounds/9kg 3. Liver – average 3.5 pounds/1.5 kg

4. Brains – average 3 pounds/1,4 kg 5. Sartorius muscle in the thigh 6. Lungs – 8 oz/234 g Approximately 70% of your body consists of water.

Source:didyouknow.org/animals

“Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower” Old Indian Proverb

To Kill a Mockingbird

twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

If you like idioms, here are some of my favourites

born in the month of Feb., especially my mom. Happy birthday MUMMY. Please enjoy the materials for this month. Thanks for your support.

Please go and discover, break new grounds, be unique and believe in yourself.

To reach me dima_62@hotmail.com

by Harper Lee

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view .. until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Tomboy Scout Finch comes

of age in a small Alabama town during a crisis in 1935.

She admires her father Atticus, how he deals with issues of racism, injustice, intolerance and bigotry, his courage and his love. www.goodreads.com

What’s the name of Fidel Castro’s wife?

See answers below

Synonym for Drunk Happy Rich Empty Careless

See answers below

Luster

Killjoy Seeker Whodunit Tomfoolery

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

lackadaisical stoned devoid affluent upbeat

Matching Words Quester

Mystery Sheen Folly Spoilsport

ANSWERS:

What’s the name of Fidel Castro’s wife?

Mirta Diaz Balart

by Suzanne Collins

would say “Better things no dey finish”. At work, be the best staff.

Anyhow, focus not only on academics, but get involved in other meaningful activities in school. Life is not all about school work, you also need to mingle and network. Good friends are good for now and the future. Be wise!

Shout out to all the people

Answers to matching words: Luster/Sheen Killjoy/Spoilsport Seeker/Quester Whodunit/Mystery Tomfoolery/Folly

The Hunger Games

happy to see you but at the same time, na so so errand you go dey run. Politely tell them because if you don’t, and you fail, they would threaten to withdraw you from school; you guys know what I mean.

If you’ve taken time off school to work, please save your money; don’t buy every color of shoe & bag out there. As my mom

Answers to Synonym Drunk/Stoned Happy/Upbeat Rich/Affluent Empty/Devoid Careless/ Lackadaisical

This year’s winter don refuse to pack up; please dress appropriately. This is not the time to do iyanga for dressing.

February is also when students are given the opportunity to take time off from the classrooms and catch up with their reading. If you go home during this period, please sneak to the library. Your parents would be

42

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AFRICA & WORLD NEWS

Somalia: Kenya President Says Will Not Allow Radicalization in Places of Worship Kenya’s president said he would not allow places of worship to be used to radicalize young people, in the wake of a police raid on a mosque in the port of Mombasa that triggered renewed clashes with Muslim protesters on Friday.

Armed officers swooped on the Masjid Mussa mosque over the weekend, saying they had a tip-off youths were being trained there for militant attacks.

Police fired teargas and rubber bullets at youths who threw stones and looted shops on Friday, said witnesses, in the city’s fourth significant outbreak of violence since the raid.

“Under no circumstance will we allow places of worship, like I said, be it a Hindu temple, a Muslim mosque, be it a Christian church, to be used as a place to radicalize and to threaten the lives of Kenyans,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He did not refer directly to the latest violence. But his comments underlined tensions in a country still

President Uhuru Kenyatta

reeling from an attack by Somali Islamists on a Nairobi shopping mall that killed at least 67 people in September.

The government has vowed to break up militant networks in a bid to end attacks by Somali Islamist militants and their sympathizers bent on punishing Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight al Shabaab rebels.

Kenyatta also launched the latest in a series of initiatives to tighten security, vowing to raise the number of police officers and giving other services targets to improve their operations.

DIVIDE Abel Mutisia, a shop

keeper in Mombasa’s run-down Kisauni area, said 20 young men whose faces were hidden by headscarves threw knives at him as he was closing down his store.

“They beat me up briefly and snatched 20,000 shillings ($230) which I had sold,” Mutisia said.

The violence has exposed deep-seated grievances by swathes of the Muslim community on the coast, especially youths, who say the mainly Christian government in Nairobi is persecuting them.

Kenyan Muslim leaders on Friday said a divide had grown between many youths and mainstream Muslim leadership but blamed heavy-handed tactics by the police for their radicalization.

“The actions by our security forces which include persistent police harassments and detentions, renditions and extra-judicial killings have alienated the youth and driven them to adopt radical ideas,” Muslim leaders said in a statement read out by continued om p(49)

Vietnam gets first taste of Big Mac Four decades after the Vietnam war ended, US fast-food giant McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in the communist country Saturday, aiming to lure a rising middle class away from rice and noodles.

The arrival of one of the most potent symbols of US capitalism in southern Ho Chi Minh City - known as Saigon when American troops dramatically withdrew in 1975 - is the result of a partnership with the son-in-law of Vietnam’s powerful Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

McDonald’s is following US rivals Burger King, KFC and coffee giant Starbucks into Vietnam - a country many Americans associate more with an unpopular war than a newly wealthy middle class.

But with its 90 millionstrong population and average per capita income of more than $1,500, “Viet-

nam is on the radar now” for US franchises, said Sean Ngo, managing director of consulting firm Vietnam Franchises Ltd. Critics say that Vietnam’s rapid economic growth since “Doi Moi” reforms opened up the country in the early 1990s masks rising inequality and inefficiencies in an economy still dominated by state-owned enterprises.

But signs of the country’s rising affluence were on display Saturday as hundreds of people queued at the McDonald’s store on Ho Chi

Minh City’s Dien Bien Phu street - named after the battle that forced the French to withdraw from their former colony Vietnam.

“I like fast-food. I don’t like Vietnamese food. I don’t like fish sauce,” Nguyen Hoang Long, 25, told AFP as he devoured a Big Mac meal, referring to the pungent condiment made from fermented fish and sea salt that is used liberally in local cooking.

A Big Mac costs about $2.85 at the new outlet, while a bowl of continued om p(43)

Africa: A Look At Africa’s Anti-Gay Laws

BY DENIS NZIOKA ANALYSIS African countries ‘dealing’ with gays the best way they know how - further criminalization A trend is forming from African nations - which already criminalize same sex acts, albeit, through laws inherited from colonial masters - to further put in place legislation that amplify, further criminalize and increase punishment for same sex acts When India’s Supreme Court - in a surprising ruling - upheld a 150 year old ban on same sex acts among consensual adults, the world reacted with shock at how, in just under four years - it was in 2009 that the High Court decriminalized consensual same sex acts - the law can change easily against homosexual persons.

Unfortunately, as the world - and by large, the global LGBTI, and to some extent, the sex work community - focused on the ruling, there is a worrying trend in the African continent as countries formulate new laws or amplify existing ones to further criminalize same sex persons.

In five countries around the world, same sex sexual conduct carries the death penalty while across the Commonwealth - with most African countries being members - penalties for homosexuality include jail sentences, flogging or death. According to the Human Dignity Trust (HDT), half a dozen Commonwealth countries specify life imprisonment.

38 African countries criminalize homosexuality . This criminalization stems from imported British laws in place in the late nineteenth century that, at that time, outlawed homosexual acts. Despite a 1967 Sexual Offences Act in England and Wales that repealed its own legislation and until the 1980s before Scotland and Northern Ireland did the same, these laws originally imposed during colonial times remain largely in place in these African, even in a post-independence era.

Of these 38, 10 have tak-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

en the extraordinary step of targeting LGBTI persons by strengthening existing sexual offences laws, or formulating ‘moral’ Bills that outlaw all forms nonheterosexual conduct or create anti-homosexuality specific laws. Here are some of them.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) The DRC has joined the league of African nations proposing for ‘preserve African cultural values’ by outlawing non-heterosexual practices from pornography to zoophilia to homosexuality. Recently, the National Assembly Member Steve Mbikayi, sponsored a Bill in Parliament which, he insists is meant to avoid “moral depravity” and protect the Congolese youth from “western morals.” The bill is necessary in order to “preserve African values,” which, he insists, “have never tolerated romantic relationships between persons of the same sex.” The bill ‘complements’ a 2010 proposed legislation, Sexual Practices Against Nature Bill, that was presented before Parliament aiming to criminalise homosexuality and zoophilia as sexual practices ‘against nature.’

Section 2 of the proposed Bill singles out zoophilia (sex with animals) and homosexuality as sexual practices against nature. It also criminalises any activities that directly or indirectly aim to promoting the rights LGBTI persons, therefore, in accordance with section 174h3 of the Bill, “all publications, posters, pamphlets, (or) films highlighting or likely to arouse or encourage sexual practices against nature are forbidden within the territory of the DRC (Section 174h3)” and “all associations that promote or defend sexual relations against nature are forbidden within the territory of the DRC.” NIGERIA In May 2013, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a Law that further criminalised homosexuality by punishing those who try to enter same-sex marriages with a possible 14

years prison term. The bill, Prohibition of Same Sex Act, which passed through the Senate - Nigeria’s highest chamber - in December 2011 also punishes those “witnessing” or “abetting” same sex relationships with custodial sentences of at least eight years, and groups that advocate for LGBT rights were also penalised by the new bill. The bill - which was awaiting President Jonathan’s Goodluck signature to make it into law - re-emerged this December when reports said the Nigerian Senate ‘unanimously’ passed a harmonised Conference Committee report banning same sex marriage in Nigeria. It is also reported pressure is mounting on Goodluck to sign the Bill with Senate President, David Mark calling on him to sign the Bill into law. “We have been under series of attack from different quarters. I think we believe in this Bill. The earlier we sign it into law, the better.

We (Nigeria) have many shortcomings, we don’t one to add this one (same sex marriage) to it,” Mark is reported to have said.

ZIMBABWE Since 1995, the Zimbabwe government has carried out campaigns against both homosexual men and women. However, in 2006, the Government - under President Robert Mugabe whose own anti-gay public speeches are described as fiery and explicit (at one point, he called for the beheading of gays) - passed laws that criminalize any actions perceived as homosexual. It is now a criminal offense for two people of the same sex to hold hands, hug, or kiss. The “sexual deviancy” law is one of 15 additions to Zimbabwe’s Criminal Code. The sections involving gays and lesbians are part of an overhaul of the country’s sodomy laws. Before then, laws against sodomy were limited to sexual activity, and the revised law now states that sodomy is any “act involving contact between two males that would be regarded by a reasonable person as an indecent act.” In the run-up to the last elections, there was concern from LGBTI

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

Berlusconi in court for bribery Italy’s former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi faces his latest trial starting on Tuesday in Naples for allegedly bribing a senator to join his party’s ranks, even as he attempts to retain a leading political role.

The billionaire tycoon, who lost his parliamentary immunity when he was ejected from the Senate last year over a tax fraud conviction, is not expected at the hearing and is not obliged to attend under Italian law.

The 77-year-old is accused of giving 3-million euros ($4.1-million) in 2006 to Sergio De Gregorio, then a senator from the anti-corruption Italy of Values party, to join his People of Freedom party and help undermine the centre-left government in power at the time.

A former Berlusconi aide, Valter Lavitola, is also on trial for being the alleged intermediary for the bribe. The trial is in Naples as it was the seat occupied by De Gregorio, who is collaborating with investigators.

The two first hearings in the trial on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be largely procedural.

Among the issues on the table will be a request from Senate speaker Pietro Grasso to be considered a plaintiff in the trial - a move that has proved hugely controversial among Berlusconi’s supporters.

A new judge is also due to be named as the current one has declared a conflict

of interests -- she is married to a prosecutor who worked in another trial in which Berlusconi was convicted for having sex with an underage 17-year-old prostitute and abuse of office.

The list of witnesses for the trial includes former prime minister and former European Commission president Romano Prodi, as well as two former senators expected to say they were offered bribe money by Berlusconi.

De Gregorio has told investigators that he received two million euros in cash and one millions euros for his political movement “Italians in the World”.

Berlusconi’s lawyers Michele Cerabona and Niccolo Ghedini are expected to argue that corrupting the senator would have been impossible since every lawmaker can vote freely, whatever their party affiliation.

Berlusconi this year will also be appealing his prostitution and abuse of power convictions, as well as one for leaking a confidential police wiretap in an attempt to damage a centre-left political rival.

The three-time former prime minister was forced out of parliament for the first time in his 20-year political career in November following a tax fraud conviction.

While Berlusconi does not have to go to prison because of his age, a court in April will decide whether he has to do a year of community service or

house arrest for that crime and he has lost his parliamentary immunity.

The ban from parliament has not prevented Berlusconi from seeking to remain a powerful force, however.

While some of his former proteges have switched to the New Centre-Right party in a ruling coalition with Prime Minister Enrico Letta, Berlusconi is rallying support for his re-founded Forza Italia (Go Italy) party.

He is unrepentant despite his frequent run-ins with the justice system, dismissing charges against him as politically motivated, and he still enjoys the support of six or seven million Italians according to polls.

Berlusconi has vowed a robust campaign ahead of the European elections in May and on Saturday he declared that the euro was “a foreign currency” for Italians.

In a phone-call to supporters this weekend, he got confused about where he was calling and joked that it must be the fault of “some left-wing secretary”.

But after 20 years of “Berlusconism” and a twoyear economic crisis, there are indications that the attention in Italy is shifting away from Berlusconi.

The main political interest now is on the centreleft - the rivalry between Letta and the ambitious new head of the Democratic Party, 39-year-old Matteo Renzi.

activists that following the re-election of Mugabe, who pledged during campaign rallies to impose tighter anti-gay legislation and called for gays to be jailed or beheaded, things might turn worse. Mugabe in his campaigns had been promising tougher measures against LGBTI people, including long prison sentences, and at one point called for beheading gays.

“deport and evoke permits” of foreigners - with the authorities “even availing themselves over weekends” to enforce the crackdown.

The policy was an HIV survey of MSM, female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID) in the country and these provisions were part of the recommendations of the policy. Despite the Botswana Government refuting this, Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/ AIDS (BONELA), said the government did the ‘totally unexpected and deviated from the study findings by taking punitive, discriminatory, homophobic and xenophobic measures.’

However, the most surprising thing is that the Employment Act of Botswana has prohibited employment discrimination

on the basis of sexual orientation since 2010 even though same-sex sexual acts remain illegal.

BOTSWANA In November 2013, the Botswana Government was harshly criticized by human rights, sex workers rights and LGBTI groups after a new national policy draft HIV “Strategies to Address Key Populations” was said to provide for the police and immigration authorities to “arrest” local MSM and sex workers and

AFP

MALAWI In November 2012, it was reported that President Joyce Banda had suspended all laws that criminalized homosexuality. This was after Malawi’s justice minister said the government would review antigay legislation “in view of the sentiments from the general public and in response to public opinion regarding certain laws.”

Surprising, the government later denied issuing the statement thus the laws that criminalise same sex acts remain in place.

LIBERIA Lawmakers in Liberia introduced two bills in 2012

43

Liberia: Chief Attacks Church in Liberia

BY WINSTON W. PARLEY

A traditional chief of River Gee County, James Pah Sayee, has launched an attack against the Church in Liberia, claiming that the Church has caused lots of problems and damaged the country’s cultural practices.

Speaking recently during a forum held in Monrovia, Chief Sayee said, though cultural practices were created by God and existed prior to the coming of Western missionaries in Liberia, Churches here forbid their members from partaking in cultural activities on grounds that they are Christians.

He alleged that the Church only teaches the doctrine of the Bible and whenever a Church-goer was found into any other cultural practices,

Church authorities would have them punished for mixing Godly and worldly activities.

He argued that at the Liberia Bible Society between 11th and 12th Streets in Monrovia last week that the Church’s stance against allowing their members to participate in cultural activities has over the years scared away others from being part of their culture and caused problems for traditional people.

“The church business brought lot of problems.

Now, I’m a member of the Assembly of God; they only teach me the doctrine of the Bible and if a Church member practices other culture, they are punished in the Church,” he claimed.

According to him, when God created the world, he created culture, saying, even

the white race has a culture.

But concluding his argument, Chief Sayee said the traditional people’s problem with the church in Liberia was to have people come here to damage the Liberian culture.

“When God created the world, he created culture; even the white man has culture. But people come here to damage our culture that’s why we have problem with,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts to get comment from authorities of the Liberian Council of Churches or LCC failed, as its president’s mobile phone number rang endlessly, while other pastors that were contacted preferred speaking on the matter subsequently.

Allafrica.com

continued from p(42) Vietnam gets first taste of Big Mac traditional pho noodle soup can be bought on most street corners for around $1.50. The arrival of McDonald’s marks a full turnaround for the fortunes of US brands in former wartime foe Vietnam.

Iconic brands such as Coca-Cola were available in US-allied South Vietnam

until the end of the war, but the companies pulled out after the communist victory which paved the way for the unification of the country in 1975.

McDonald’s local partner, Henry Nguyen, stood outside the store Saturday directing traffic - mostly motorbikes and the odd cy-

clo - into the drive-thru.

Also known as Nguyen Bao Hoang, he once flipped burgers for McDonald’s while growing up in the United States, where his family fled at the end of the war. He returned to his native country more than a decade ago.

AFP

that would strengthen existing anti-gay provisions in the criminal code. One of the bill, prohibiting and criminalizing same-sex marriages, was unanimously passed in the Senate but has yet to be taken up by the House of Representatives. Another bill in the House of Representatives is much broader, and includes a provision banning the “promotion” of gay sex. The bill has yet to be voted on.

CAMEROON Often said to be the only country in the world that ‘actively’ persecutes homosexual people, Cameroon occupies a unique place as the only country that has arrested more real or perceived gay persons than any other African nation.

In addition to sustained media outings - of as many people as 50 - the justice system has jailed persons suspected of same sex acts.

Further, a national association has now decided to mark the 21 of August as a national anti-gay, promising a homophobic parade through the streets of the capital in a bid to push for enactment of stricter anti-gay laws. Several human rights and LGBT

groups criticized plans by Cameroon to increase the penalties for consensual same-sex sexual acts under the law to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 2 million francs CFA (£2660 GBP or $ 4104 USD).

Uganda’s Anti Homosexuality Bill was a private member’s bill by MP David Bahati in 2009 causing worldwide condemnation. Provision of the bill include the death penalty for same sex acts in certain circumstances. People who are caught or suspected of homosexual activity would be forced to undergo HIV tests; Ugandans who engage in same-sex sexual relations outside Uganda will likewise fall under the jurisdiction of this law, and may be extradited and charged with a felony.

It also provided anyone who is aware of a person who is gay to report them within 24 hours lest they face imprisonment. After much international pressure, the Bill was shelved and is awaiting a committee report that some optimists say may have ‘watered it down.’ It has been reported that the members of the Ugandan Parliament are looking to hold debate behind closed doors due to what one legislator said was the ‘sensitive nature of the bill.’

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

GAMBIA Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh said in 2008 that laws “stricter than those in Iran” against homosexuals would soon be introduced and vowed to “cut off the head” of any homosexual caught in the country. He further gave homosexuals 24 hours to leave the country. “Those who promote homosexuality want to put an end to human existence,” he told a gathering of world leaders.

“It is becoming an epidemic and we Muslims and Africans will fight to end this behavior.” Jammeh even went further and ordered the director of the Gambia Immigration Department to “weed bad elements in society.” He further advised army chiefs to monitor the activities of their men and deal with soldiers practicing lesbianism in the military.

UGANDA

Denis Nzioka is a LGBTI rights activist based in Nairobi, Kenya

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Africa’s most influential 2013 Cover The list made news a few days back; now is time to have a look at the cover of the magazine. Well, just in case you missed out on the list, here are some names that made the list.

Idris Elba, Actor – Sierra Leone/ Ghana A much sought-after film and television actor, Elba was born in London to a Sierra Leonean father and Ghanaian mother. He has taken both Hollywood and TV acting by storm, in hits such as The Wire and Luther. But film critics believe his lead character in the recently released the film adaption of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk To Freedom, – which has already been awarded the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Los Angeles Britannia Humanitarian Award – could be the- game changing role of his career.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adich ie, Author – Nigeria Adichie is unstoppable.

2013 has been yet another good year for this daughter of Nigerian soil with two major accomplishments to

file under her name: the release, to unprecedented acclaim, of her much anticipated novel Americanah and the release of the movie adaptation of her novel Half of a Yellow Sun, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. Yes, it has been a good year, but Adichie does not look like a lady who will be slowing down in 2014. As someone who is not afraaid to confront the difficult subjects of race, gender and politics, and is a proud African, who continues to campaign against the one-story narrative about Africa, we can’t wait to see what she will do next.

Alek Wek, Super model – South Sudan The influential fashion

magazine I:D has dubbed her “Model of the Decade”.

The US’s Peoplemagazine listed her as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People”. But the Sudanese model’s influence extends far beyond the fashion world and societal concepts of beauty. As a former refugee, Alek knows what it is like to be forced to flee one’s home. Hence, she is a passionate advocate for refugee rights. She is a world- acclaimed role model who transcends her industry.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Actor – Nigeria/UK Chiwetel Ejiofor has the lead role in two of 2013’s biggest films – 12 Years A Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, and the film ad-

aptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s awardwinning novel, Half of A Yellow Sun, directed by Biyi Bandele. His portrayal of former South African president Thabo Mbeki in the new Channel 4 drama Endgame was also another stellar performance. Prior to the theatre release of both films, Ejiofor won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Patrice Lumumba in A Season in The Congo, a theatre production about the first democratically elected leader of the DRCongo at The Young Vic theatre in London. Born to Nigerian parents in the UK, the award-winning actor is garnering an Oscar buzz for his mesmerising performance in 12 Years A Slave. The roles he has taken on this year prove once again what an African A-list, Oscar-deserving actor he is. Will 2014 be his year?

David Adjaye, Ar chitect – Ghana/UK David Adjaye is a Ghanaian-British whose architectural firm won the contract to design and build the US Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington DC, which is due to be unveiled in two years. Adjaye admits this is one of the most important commissions of his

career. At the young age of 45, he has accomplished what most in his career can only dream of. His firm has also been shortlisted in a competition to build the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa. Adjaye is one of a handful of African architects with global renown, transcending his profession to become a global commentator on architecture, design and politics.

DJ Sbu, Produc er – South Africa Sbusiso Leope, popularly known as DJ Sbu, is not only a media personality and businessman but through his music and his engagement with the South African youth he has become a cult figure and is considered an epitome of South African popular culture. Despite his harsh upbringing in the deprived township of Tembisa, he has overcome his obstacles and is today helping shape positive youth culture. He hosts the Sound Revival show on Metro radio and appears on the most popular TV game show in the country – Friends Like These. He co-owns the record label TS Records with TK Nciza, and the current South African premier music sensation Zahara is signed to their label. Sbu has truly inspired many, particularly the youth this past year.

He gives three talks a week to disadvantaged schools around South Africa and helps offer bursaries and mentorship.

Don Jazzy, Mu sic Producer – Nigeria One cannot talk about contemporary Nigerian music without a mention of Don Jazzy, described as Africa’s number one beat maker. Founder and CEO of Mavin Records, Michael Collins Ajereh, 31, is better known as Don Jazzy and is an award-winning record producer and singer-songwriter. Before he set up Mavin Records, he was head to Mo’ Hit Records, which at its height was home to some of Nigeria’s most successful artists, like D’Banj. He has produced hit songs for some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s music industry including; D’Banj, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID and continued on p(45)

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s Husband Creates Tourist Center in Badagry The pilot husband of Nollywood actress, Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde, Captain Mathew Ekeinde recently opened an entertainment and tourist center in Badagry called “Aquatic Jungle Entertainment”. The center has planes as part of its tourist and entertainment attractions.

The center has facilities for recreation and entertainment ranging from modern zoo, indoor and outdoor aquarium, and a 5 star hotel that gives room for boat ride. The center has two airplanes and is expecting five more before the end of next year.

“Most times when our children visit airports, they only stand by the aircraft to take photographs but here, we give them the chance to go inside the aircraft to experience how an aircraft takes off

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s Husband Creates Tourist Center in Badagry

and lands. It’s going to be a center for entertainment and learning” Captain Ekeinde said He also said the center offers one of the best services, promising that Nigerians will have value for their money, “If you can

afford to travel to TINAPA, Ghana, Dubai and other western world, nowhere is too far for you to relax. Moreover we offer services better than some of these places” he added.

Source:dna-nigeria.com

5 years after first listing, Whitney Houston’s mansion is now nearly half-price In 2009, pop queen Whitney Houston first listed the New Jersey mansion where she married Bobby Brown in 1992, and where Bravo’s reality series “Being Bobby Brown” was shot. Yet five years later, and two years since the singer’s death, the house has floated on and off the market but still hasn’t sold. Fairly unflagging interest has come from everyone except, of course, qualified buyers.

Now the 12,600-squarefoot spread is back on the market, this time asking $1.5 million—60 percent

of its initial $2.5 million ask. The listing boasts lots of wooded property, a tennis court and a pool.

Photos reveal an interior with vertical louvre blinds sweeping across the circu-

lar perimeter, glass blocks in the bathroom, and a custom built-in bed on a taupe carpet platform.

Source: homes.yahoo. com/photos

Where is NAFDAC? Who approved this killer cream?

Where is the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)?

Who approved Whitenicious, the controversial bleaching cream with cancer-causing chemicals, for sale in Nigeria?

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

These are the questions begging for answers as controversial singer Dencia continues to talk tough despite the international outrage that has greeted her aggressive marketing of Whitenicious in Nigeria at a time

of growing worry over the alarming rate of cancer deaths in the country, especially among the womenfolk. Below is a story in today’s edition of Britain’s Daily Mail focusing on Dencia and continued on p(45)

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 continued from p(44) Where is nafdac? Who approved this killer cream?

her determination to continue selling her killer product to unsuspecting Nigerian women: “A Nigerian and Cameroonian pop star who launched a skin cream called Whitenicious has defended her product after critics branded it an ‘abomination’ for promoting skin-bleaching.

“In an interview with Ebony, Dencia claims that the skincare cream is intended to remove dark spots, and that it is out of her control if customers use it to whiten their entire skin.

“Defending her own drastically altered appearance since she started using Whitenicious, the singer asserts: ‘I was never that dark in real life... And guess what? I don’t even care because [critics] are bringing me business.’

“According to the product website, Whitenicious – which bears the slogan, ‘Say goodbye to pigmentation and spots forever’ – effectively lightens skin in

just seven days.

“Skin bleaching is a growing trend in Dencia’s native West Africa, and critics are angered that it appears she is promoting it with her product.

“Specifically, the pop star has been criticized for using her own changing skin tone as a marketing technique.

Pictures of Dencia taken in 2011 show her with much darker pigmentation compared to the Whitenicious campaign where she appears several shades lighter.

‘When you take that picture and you put a picture of Dencia darker, this is what you’re telling people – the product really works. And guess what? People really want to buy it. It’s what it is.

I don’t really care,’ the singer admitted.

“Still, she refutes the idea that she is glorifying lighter skin, claiming it is for removing dark spots only and that she came up with the name because it’s symbolic for ‘fresh beginnings’ and

‘purification’. “ ‘These girls are not trying to bleach their skin,’ she says of her customers.

‘They’re just trying to get rid of these little things that is making them feel uncomfortable, you know? [sic]’ “In another attempt at justification, Dencia explains that the majority of her customers are African-Americans, not Africans, ‘because the White man doesn’t even like the light Africans.

They like the Black Africans.’

“She then elaborates by saying: ‘Look at all the Africans that are successful in the world.

They are as Black as Alek Wek. And if I was as Black as Alek Wek, I would never ever use anything on my skin.’

“Ultimately, Dencia admits than Whitenicious can indeed be used to bleach skin, but that most women wouldn’t use it this way because of its luxury price point. “ ‘I don’t see anybody spending all that money

to bleach their entire skin,’ she says of her product, which costs $60 for a small pot and $160 for a large one. ‘I don’t see that happening.’

“Without skipping a beat, though, she proceeds to contradict herself by asserting that if a customer were to bleach her entire skin, it would be beyond her control. “ ‘Do I have customers who come and buy stuff for over $2,000? Yes, I do. Do I ask them what they want to do with it?

No, I don’t,’ she says. “ ‘Do I know what they want to do with it? No, I don’t care because it’s their money, it’s how they want to spend it.’

“Finally, when Dencia is warned that skinlightening cream has been proven to cause cancer, she counters: ‘But guess what? The air you breathe outside causes you cancer. Everything in the world causes cancer.’

“When Dencia launched Whitenicious in January and saw it sell out within 24 hours,

generation of African artists. El Anatsui is one of the most exciting contemporary visual artists on the international art scene today. His work transcends boundaries and he has received widespread international acclaim for his sculptural experiments.

His iconic “bottle-top installations” have provoked international attention with institutions queuing up to acquire these monumental work for their art space. Over time, his work, which is mostly compromised of large external installations, has been installed and exhibited in some of the world’s most prestigious art institutions.

Kenyans [which] highlights the risks associated with unprotected sex” and the impact of HIV/ Aids. Her role as Ayira catapulted Nyong’o to the attention of audiences in Kenya, and across Africa.

geous actress and mother of four’s meteoric rise in 2013 – a year which saw her become the first African celebrity to reach 1 million likes on Facebook, and named as one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine for their annual Time 100 list. Her debut reality show, Omotola: The Real Me, made headlines as the most popular TV series across Africa. But that was not all! It fixated her millions of fans, revealing fascinating insights into one of Africa’s most recognised faces. She is also increasingly becoming a social activist in her own right, although a vocal critic of the current African political dispensation.

Despite her popularity, she has no political ambitions. Yet.

45

I DON’T GIVE A DAMN, says controversial singer selling poison to Nigerian women in the name of bleaching cream

critics took to Twitter to voice their outrage that she would promote a phenomenon that has come to symbolize selfhatred among darkskinned women.

“One person posted a tweet directed at her, writing: ‘This #whitenicious cream of yours is

an abomination and creating more insecurities among women all over the world.’

“And another said: ‘When Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream…” The dream was not to become white.’ ”

African rhythms in creating a marvellous blend of R&B, Hip Hop and Dancehall songs.” Hit after hit, the twin brothers have become apt at giving audiences songs that cut across age, gender and geographical boundaries.

They are arguably Nigeria’s biggest musical export in the last few years, and have collaborated with some of the world’s biggest hip-hop artists, like Akon.

Today, Diawara is using her music to expose the cultural prejudices faced by women across Africa and the world.

Her self-titled debut album, Fatou was released to international acclaim.

She has toured Europe and the US and earlier this year organised renowned musicians across Mali to do a Peace song for the nation during the days it was under threat from militants.

Trevor Noah, Comedian – South Africa Trevor Noah grew up in Soweto, and has used his life experiences to build a career as a comedian of note, possibly being Africa’s most internationally popular comedian. Noah started working on stage and television in South Africa, but has since spread his wings, selling out tours in Europe and the US.

NoViolet Bulawayo, Author – Zimbabwe NoViolet Bulawayo won the Caine Prize for African writing in 2012, and this year has been shortlisted for the coveted Man Booker Prize for her novel We Need New Names.

This makes her the first black African woman and the first Zimbabwean to be accorded this honour.

With accolades from far and wide for the beautifully written We Need New Names, not only will she continue to play an important role in African writing, there is no doubt that a new star of African female writing is truly born. The one-to-watch.

Source News Express

continued from p(44)

Wande Coal.

Dr Precious Moloi-Mot sepe, Fash ion – South Africa A businesswoman and humanitarian, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe has redefined the African fashion landscape with the yearly showcases produced by African Fashion International (AFI), the company behind Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in South Africa. A medical doctor by profession and a fashion connoisseur by passion, she transitioned into the fashion world when she realised that the fashion and clothing industry can play an important role in entrepreneurship. She has since gone on to place the African fashion industry on a global platform through AFI. She also heads the Motsepe Family Foundation, which focuses on projects that positively impact on people’s health, education and the nurturing of young talent.

El Anatsui, Artist – Ghana He is revered by critics and art lovers on both sides of the Atlantic, and an inspiration to a young

Lupita Nyong’o, Actress – Kenya Lupita Nyong’o’s breakout role as Patsey – a brutally abused plantation worker – in 12 Years A Slave, has earned her an Oscar buzz for her first feature film. She recently won the New Hollywood Award at the annual Hollywod Film Awards. Prior to 12 Years A Slave, she starred in the groundbreaking MTV Base series Shuga, about “the lives of sexually active young

Omar Sy, Actor – Senegal Omar Sy, half Senegalese and half Mauritian, has been described as France’s first black superstar, making waves by starring in the highly acclaimed and highest grossing French film in decades, The Intouchables.

He received the Caesar Award, the French equivalent of an Oscar, for the role. This has catapulted Sy to global recognition and he will feature in the upcoming X-Men - Days of Future Past movie. 2014 looks good for this young, gifted and African talent.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Actress – Nigeria To her global fans, Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde embodies true African beauty beyond measure. But there is more to the Nigerian sex bomb popular known as Omosexy. The gor-

P Square, Musicians Nigeria Peter and Paul Okoyo have defined and set a benchmark for a new generation of Nigerian and African artists to follow with their energetic and infectious sound.

According to the MTV Africa Website, their music is “Afrocentric in that it combines western and

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Fatoumata Diawaraa, Musician – Mali The multi-talented Malian singer-songwriter is truly a non-conformist; she defied tradition and escaped Mali as a teenager when under pressure from her family to get married.

Culled AFRICA

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RELIGIOUS NEWS Why MUSLIMS DON’T CELEBRATE Valentine’s Day Muslims have been warned against joining the rest of the world in celebrating Valentine’s Day or Val’s Day as it is unIslamic.

Award-winning journalist and Muslim scholar Haroon Balogun issued the warning in an article entitled ‘Why Muslims don’t recognise Val’s day’. Below are excerpts of the article which appeared in today’s edition of Vanguard newspaper: The Prophet saw what the world would look like thousands of years after his death. He was accurate in his prophecy. A world where women will murder shame and expose their treasure to every Dick and Harry; a world where men would take the position of women and shamelessly turn the order of nature in marital relationship upside down and inside out.

He warned the ummah against these developments that Muslims should distinct themselves from these ways and never in any way imitate or follow their path.

Unfortunately, the path and customs of the kuffaar are now being packaged in such a way that is enticing.

Nowadays, a new dimension has spread among the Muslim youths – males and females alike on the issue of Valentine’s Day. Some rationalising it as another way of showing love which they further submit that does not contradict the dictates of Islam. Care must be exercised and we must have a clear understanding of this issue so that we don’t undermine the belief (‘aqeedah) which we tend to uphold. But how did this day become recognised?

The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the pagan Romans, when paganism was the prevalent in Rome more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, it was an expression of “spiritual love”; although they later changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine, a martyr, who had advocated love and peace. He was persecuted by the Gothic leader Claudius, c. 296 CE. The crux of the persecution was that, according to records, after Christianity had become widespread, the Roman em-

peror Claudius II decreed in the third century CE that soldiers should not get married, because marriage would distract them from the wars they used to fight.

This decree was opposed by Saint Valentine, who started to perform marriages for the soldiers in secret.

When the emperor found out about that, he threw him in jail and sentenced him to execution. In prison, he (Saint Valentine) fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, but this was a secret because, according to Christian laws, priests and monks were forbidden to marry or fall in love. But he was still regarded highly by the Christians because of his steadfastness in adhering to Christianity when the emperor offered to pardon him if he dumped his religious ideals and worshipped the Roman gods.

He offered him a juicy position in Rome and also become his son-in-law. But Valentine declined and so, he was executed on 14 February 270 CE, on the eve of February 15, the festival of Lupercalis.

So this day was named for this saint. This was how the day was designated as Valentine’s Day. This is what translated into exchanging of red roses, boxes of gifts to wives, and friends which are an expression of love, the “spiritual love”. In some places, parties are held and sexual acts becomes the order.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.”

La tattabi’unna Sanan man kaana qablakum.

Why Muslims should desist from such act is contained in the Quran and the hadiths. The fact that it is not our ways and Islam had been perfected for the ummah, we don’t need any other thing to become a good Muslim other than what is contained in the Quran and hadiths.

Allah says: “And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment” (Q 3:105) The Prophet said: “Who-

ever imitates a people is one of them.” This hadith further explains what allah says in Q5 vrs 51 which says: “And if any amongst you takes them as Awliyaa’, then surely, he is one of them.”

Allah has forbidden imitation of the kuffaar; He has described it as hateful and has warned against the consequences of that, in many aayahs. We also cannot follow our whims and caprices.

Most of these warnings are handed down to us in the Quran so as not to vitiate our religion. This was why he sent the prophets and the scriptures to guide us. The main evergreen lesson on Islam is the verse: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”

Allah has made Islam cover all human interests at all times and in all places and for all people. There is no area of life that the religion has not touched.

So, one wonders what any Muslim would be looking for in the ways of the kuffaar.

If you take to their ways and ideals, you are not only becoming part of them, you have also expressed a complex of inferiority, weakness and defeatism.

Love in Islam is more general and more comprehensive; it is not restricted only to a love between man and woman. A man who sincerely loves his wife does not need this holiday to remind him of his love.

He expresses his love for his wife at all times.

Again, if you love Allah and His Messengers, you will have love for good and righteous people and the society will be better. Let us not be swayed by the propagation of the Val’s ideal of love especially as it is done today. Even in the Western world where this ideal is prominent, it has not helped the society. The incessant break-up of marriages, indiscipline, gay issues and other social disorders are good examples.

In essence, Val’s day does not have any positive impact on the society, rather it encourages permissiveness and immorality.

Source News Express

Authorities Close Down Churches in Aceh, Indonesia

By Jeremy Reynalds NEW DELHI, INDIA -- At the prompting of Islamic extremists, authorities in Indonesia’s Aceh Province have forbidden nine churches to worship, saying they are “illegal.”

According to a story by Morning Star News, Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, deputy mayor of Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh Province, called pastors of nine churches and five Buddhist monasteries for a meeting on Oct. 15, said Veryanto Sitohang, head of rights group United North Sumatra Alliance.

Representatives from five of the nine churches

attended the meeting.

Morning Star News reported they were forced to sign an “agreement” saying they would stop all activities because they did not have official permits.

Those permits are obtainable only by meeting very difficult requirements from local governments, Sitohang told Morning Star News. The other four churches will also be told to sign the agreement soon, he added.

Sitohang said that the Aceh official told the church leaders that if they did not sign the agreement, the government would not be responsible for their security.

“The agreement was

projected as a measure to protect the safety of the religious minorities,” Morning Star News reported Sitohang said.

All nine churches were registered with Indonesia’s Department of Religion, Sitohang said. However, officials in Aceh also require local licensing that is difficult to obtain and selectively enforced, thus providing a pretext for local Islamists to close down churches.

Morning Star News reported that even compliance with local regulations does not guarantee that a church will be allowed to function. However, authorities and extremist groups also cite 1979 and

Open heavens daily devotional GLORIOUS E XPECTATION Memory Verse: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

- 1 Peter 5: 10 Read: 2 Kings 7: 1-10 1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lordwould make windows in heaven, might this thing be?

And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria,

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

behold, there was no man there.

6 For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

7 Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.

9 Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.

10 So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were.

We should not cease trusting God in the place of prayer for desirable changes

in the state of affairs of our country as we seek to do His will in all things. In the case of Samaria, God brought about a change within 24 hours at the peak of their national predicament of insecurity that resulted in acute want. By the mouth of His servant, God pronounced great abundance upon the land. This pronouncement brought to an end both the insecurity and the famine of the land (2 Kings V: 1 & 18). So will Boko Haram and its activities be brought to a sudden end in Nigeria in Jesus’ Name. On the other hand, being expectant does not imply sitting down and doing nothing; in the case of Samaria, it took the rising up of four lepers, who decided to go to the camp of the Syrians, only to discover that the Syrians had fled their camp, leaving all their supplies behind.

There is always a place of action to your faith, just as the Bible in James 2: 17 says: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Are you in need of a good job? You have got to take the right step of action. Do you want your business to be more competitive? Diligently get to know what action to take and take it.

ACTION POINT: Praise God for His mercy over Nigeria. Pray for the forgiveness of sins for Nigeria and that God will grant her political leaders the fear of God and the wisdom to run country.

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 2001 agreements between Muslims and Christians stipulating that only one church be built in each district. Those agreements were cited when Aceh Singkil closed down churches in May. Morning Star News reported the Aceh official said on Oct. 15 that the nine churches should take their congregations to the four “official” churches in the city for Sunday services.

“But this is not feasible, because these congregations come from different backgrounds,” said Sitohang. Morning Star News said on Oct. 12, a prominent Muslim cleric, Teungku Usman Kuta Krueng, a.k.a. Abu Kuta Krueng, asked the mayor of Banda Aceh to stop the activities of “illegal” churches and Buddhist monasteries, according to the local newspaper Serambi Indonesia. The cleric had been briefed about the churches and monasteries by the extremist Islamic Defenders Front (locally known as the FPI).

After Monday’s meeting, Morning Star News reported, the Aceh division of the FPI said its members would keep an eye on all the “illegal” churches to prevent them from violating the “agreement.”

The closed churches had been operating for years.

“The religious atmosphere in the city is tense, and we do not know where we will go on Sunday for worship,” a pastor speaking on condition of anonymity told Morning Star News. “We are confused.

The government must provide us with some solution.”

Aceh is a special region that has the highest proportion of Muslims in Indonesia and is partially governed by sharia (Islamic law). Gubernatorial Regulation No. 25/2007 makes it extremely difficult for non-Muslim groups to get permits for building a new house of worship. A petition must be signed by at least 150 worshipers who must provide copies of their identity cards. It must also be supported by 120 other local residents.

Morning Star News said among the churches closed were the Surabaya Pentecostal Church (Gereja Pentakosta Pusat Surabaya); Bethel Church of Indonesia (Gereja Bethel Indonesia); the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia

(Gereja Pentakosta di Indonesia); the Christian Congregation of Indonesia (Jemaat Kristen Indonesia); the Holy Christian Church of Indonesia (Gereja Kristen Kudus Indonesia); the Victory of Faith Church of Indonesia (Gereja Kemenangan Iman Indonesia); and the Tabernacle of David Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Kemah Daud).

About 98 percent of the population in the city of Banda Aceh is Muslim.

Aceh Province has 4.4 million Muslims, a little over 50,000 Protestants and about 3,300 Catholics, according to the Central Statistics Agency.

In May, Morning Star News reported, 17 churches in Aceh’s Singkil Regency were closed down by the local administration. These closures were ordered by Regent Razali A.R. in a letter signed on April 30, which asked members of the congregations themselves to tear down the church buildings. The order came following a protest by members of the FPI at the regency office the same day.

Morning Star News said Aceh turned more intolerant after the election of a hard-line Islamic governor in April. The FPI has said authorities in all areas in Aceh should close down “illegal” churches.

Morning Star News said closures of and attacks on churches are not uncommon in other parts of Indonesia either. The Gereja Kristen Indonesia (the GKI Yasmin Church) in the city of Bogor and the Philadelphia Batak Christian Protestant Church in Bekasi, both near Jakarta in West Java Province, remain sealed by their respective authorities for months despite Supreme Court orders in their favor.

Morning Star News said with about 210 million Muslims, Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. While the majority of the Muslims are from the Shafi’i school of the Islamic jurisdiction, which is considered fairly moderate, Salafi and Muslim Brotherhood approaches to Islam took root in 1942 during the Indonesian War of Independence from the Dutch Empire.

Morning Star News is currently at the website of International Christian Response (ICR), http:// christianresponse.org/index.php?page=news.

47

BOOKS - EDITOR’S PICK A Wish and a Prayer: A Blessings Novel

More Than I Can Bear: Always Divas Series Book Two

By Beverly Jenkins

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Bestselling author Beverly Jenkins takes readers back to Henry Adams—a small town originally founded by freed slaves—for a delightful fourth visit with A Wish and a Prayer. Time spent in this close-knit community of lovable eccentrics is always quality time, and this trip promises to be especially memorable, with a pig on trial and new love blossoming. Loaded with heart and wit, Jenkins’s A Wish and a Prayer is like coming home—a welcome return that readers of Kimberla Lawson Roby and Angela Benson and African American romance fans will certainly want to experience.

Some would say that God will not put on a person more than they can bear, but Paige begs to differ, because she is truly on the edge. One more unexpected and unpleasant occurrence and she'll be free falling.

As if physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual abuse from her husband doesn't weigh heavily enough on her, Paige learns that her best friend and sister in Christ slept with her husband. Thank God for Norman, one of Paige's co-workers. He is there to catch her fall before she hits the ground. But will Norman be there when Paige receives news that may not only push her off the edge, but cause her to jump willingly?

Merry Ex-Mas

Lead Me Home (Winds of Change)

The Quest for Meaning

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In "The Quest for Meaning", Tariq Ramadan, philosopher and Islamic scholar, invites the reader to join him on a journey to the deep ocean of religious, secular, and indigenous spiritual traditions to explore the most pressing contemporary issues.

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Up To No Good

By Victoria Christopher Murray

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Six years ago, Sheridan, Kendall, and Asia each had an "ex" in their lives. From a broken marriage, to the shattered bond of trust, to the destruction of a bright future, all three deeply felt the loss of their men. To help cope with the pain, their pastor organized a support group for the trio, which blossomed into a strong sisterhood. Although it has taken years, they have slowly rebuilt their lives. But now, their exes are back--at Christmas! ……

Shiloh Griffin has no identity outside of her roles as pastor's wife and mom. Some days that is enough. But not always. Particularly when she is partnered with the always confident, always gracious Jade Smith on a church ministry project. Rather than shying away from God in her nervousness, Shiloh clings to Him, seeking every day to redeem herself. When an opportunity arises for her to teach music at a local high school, she thinks maybe it's just the thing to give her more significance.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

By Carl Weber The Black family has a few issues to work out. The father, James, is finally ready to put his player days behind him and settle down, but his lover is the same age as his daughter, Jamie, who has problems of her own, as she tries to discover the mystery woman who has been stalking her man. Meanwhile, James's son Darnel catches his fiance in bed with his best friend…..

JOEL OSTEEN

Ultimate Principles Of Success & Wisdom, Best Teachings On Inspirational Wisdom And Spirituality Joel has spent each week delivering God’s message in the hopes of encouraging people and enriching their faith in God. The secret to Joel’s success can be found in his core message: That Lord is a God that desires to bless those who are faithfully to Him. It is Joel’s deepest desires to be a living example of God’s goodness and mercy and to inspire people to become all that God wants them to be.

Prayer in Islam

By Mustafa Umar

There has been an urgent need for a simple and concise guide which teaches the basics of prayer for Muslims. This book has been designed for people who don't know how to pray yet or those who aren't sure whether they learned correctly or not. In this book you will learn the prayers by reading clear and simple descriptions of what to do along with pictures to make sure you understood correctly. One of the unique features of this book is that it doesn't limit itself to teaching the rituals behind the prayer only. Rather, there is an entire chapter dedicated to learning the meanings behind each statement and ac tion in the prayer.

48

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

SPORTS Canada retains gold medal record at Winter Olympics Mark set in Vancouver will stand after Sochi Olympics

(NAN) World soccer governing body, FIFA, on Friday, announced that each of its 207 member associations would receive “one-off bonus payment’’ of 300,000 dollars under its Financial Assistance Programme (FAP).

In addition, each of the six confederations would also collect 2.5 million dollars, FIFA said on its website, fifa. com.

FIFA’s Executive Committee said the decision to pay the bonus was made possible following “the outstanding success of the 2010 FIFA

Brandon Hicks The Canadian Olympic team may not have hit the medal count they were hoping for in Sochi, but they can be secure in the knowledge that a record they set in Vancouver will live on.

Canada’s record-setting number of gold medals won in Vancouver wasn’t broken at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Host nation Russia came up short, finishing with 13 gold medals, one back of Canada’s record-setting haul of 14 won in Vancouver.

Russia’s 13 golds matches the mark set by Norway in 2002 and the Soviet Union in 1976.

The United States’ record number total medals won, set in Vancouver as well, will also stand. The Americans took 37 medals in 2010, breaking Germany’s mark of 36 set by Germany in 2002.

Again, it was the host nation that came the closest to setting the mark, as Russia finished with 33 medals, winning 11 silver and nine bronze to go along with its 13 golds.

The Russian Olympic team won the medal race outright, placing first in overall medals and gold medals won.

Before the Games, Canada was projected to win around 11 to 13 gold medals and 30 total. The

Canadian team fell short in both marks but still finished third in the gold medal race, taking 10 gold, 10 silver, and five bronze from Sochi.

Norway was second with 11 gold, five silver and 10 bronze.

Canada’s 25 medals total was fourth overall, behind Norway (26), the United States (28), and Russia (33).

CBC.CA

Yaya Toure: Man City star is African Player of the Year Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Footballer of the Year.

It is a third straight title for Toure, who also won December’s BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

He was up against fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba, of Galatasaray, and Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi. “What I am doing now, I am doing very well and I am very happy about that,” Toure said after receiving his award.

But he acknowledged that it had been a difficult choice for the national team coaches and technical directors who take part in the vote. “”It was quite tight - because it there were good opponents in front of me.

Obi Mikel was doing well - and Drogba as well, so

FIFA doles out $300,000 bonus to associations

I was thinking maybe I would lose it. I am lucky today, I am very proud of myself,” he said.

Toure, 30, emulates Abedi Pele and Samuel Eto’o with a hat-trick of wins.

Ghanaian Abedi Pele won three in a row between 1991-93 while Cameroonian Eto’o took the award from 2003-05.

Toure may not have won a major trophy for club and country last year but his class has shone through at both domestic level and for the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

He was honoured at a ceremony in Lagos, Nige-

ria, on Thursday.

Toure’s form also led to him being the only African to be included on the 23-man shortlist for Fifa’s World Player of the Year.

His closest rival for the Caf award was Mikel, 26, who helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and also featured in Chelsea’s Europa League win.

Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigerian star to win the prestigious award in 1999.

Ex-Chelsea favourite Drogba, 35, was runner-up in 2012 but won the Caf

World Cup in South Africa.”

It said the tournament in South Africa led to “a very good financial result for FIFA for the entire 20072010 period.”

The world soccer body also gave each member association 250,000 dollars bonus under the same programme last year.

The FAP was designed to motivate and empower national associations and confederations to organise development programmes and strengthen football and its administration.

“It has served member-

associations in a variety of ways according to their needs, including infrastructure development, grassroots football development, organisation of youth tournaments, development of women’s football and technical development since 1998,” FIFA said.

Mamelodi Sundowns agree deal for Nigeria’s Ejike Uzoenyi South African side Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international winger Ejike Uzoenyi.

The 24-year-old emerged as the Most Valuable Player at the recent 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

He has signed a four-year deal with The Brazilians from Enugu Rangers in Nigeria.

Uzoenyi is to be loaned straight back to Enugu Rangers, before linking up with the Tshwane side in June.

“Joining a club like Sundowns is a great deal for me because their ambitions to conquer Africa are in line with my career objectives as a player,” he told the club’s official website.

“The other thing that made me join the club is that Coach Pitso had a chat with me before I joined and we had a discussion about his plans for me.

award in 2006 and 2009.

Nigerians were disappointed that Mikel missed out - but elsewhere the country had an excellent night.

The man who led the Super Eagles to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations crown , Stephen Keshi, was named coach of the year - and his team got national team of the year for that triumph in South Africa.

And Kelechi Iheanacho, who starred for Nigeria’s U17 team when they won the World Cup in United Arab Emirates, scoring 6

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

“I feel that I’m ready for the challenge.”

A member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa last year, Uzoenyi’s career has witnessed a renaissance.

Keen to prove himself in Europe, the player opted for a loan move to French side Rennes last season.

But the left winger could not break into the squad and was unable to tie down a permanent deal at Rennes at the end of a torrid six months.

Loss of form and injury cost him a place in the na-

tional team and he was overlooked by coach Stephen Keshi during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers last year.

His career took a positive twist at the CHAN where his four goals and performance helped debutants Nigeria finish in third place in South Africa .

“It has been a tough period in my career but finally I have a reason to smile again,” he told BBC Sport.

goals, won the most promising talent award.

His team won youth team of the year.

Egyptian great Mohamed Aboutrika was the African-based player of the year for an unprecedented fourth time - taking the crown just weeks after calling time on his illustrious career.

His club, the Cairo giants Al Ahly, were named club of the year after they won their eighth African Champions League title, despite having precious little domestic football in

Egypt for the last two years.

Aboutrika said: “It is great to conclude your career with such an honour.

I personally cherish this as it comes in what have been very difficult circumstances for Al Ahly and Egyptian football in general for long time now.

“This is the last honour I will get as a player and I hope that in the following career that I will choose that I will also be distinct and to be useful for my country and Al Ahly.”

“I never stopped believing in myself, the coach gave me another chance and I didn’t disappoint because God was on my side.”

BBC Sport

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 continued from p(11) counterpart, Michel Dupuis, that a positive risk assessment “could have a serious impact” on the Wanted list, including the prospect it “could no longer be used.”

Kramer also described the meeting as “odd,” saying she would never have organized it herself. “If you want an independent decision,” she testified, “then I think we need to be careful not to give the impression that it’s not independent.”

Amazingly, Kramer also said she felt “comfortable,” after the meeting, that CBSA would receive the ruling it wanted. “It’s hard for me to explain it,” she testified. “It’s because we don’t normally meet with an independent decision-maker ahead of the decision, and I guess that particular action left me feeling confident. It would be something like if the litigator’s boss went and talked to the Chief Justice of the Federal Court. I can’t imagine the litigator not feeling somewhat confident from that action.”

In the end, CBSA did receive the decision it desired.

Two weeks after the meeting, a minister’s delegate overruled the preliminary opinion, concluding that Muhammad is “unlikely” to be tortured if deported.

continued from p(12) Although that finding was later declared “unreasonable and contradictory” by a Federal Court judge, a second delegate assigned to reassess the file reached the same conclusion as the first: Muhammad’s removal should go ahead.

It was only last May— when Muhammad’s lawyers first learned about the now-infamous meeting— that they filed yet another appeal in Federal Court.

In their submissions, government lawyers insist that no one from the Canada Border Services Agency attempted to influence Muhammad’s risk assessment and, even if they did try, there is no evidence they succeeded. As Dupuis from Immigration testified, he allows the minister’s delegates under his authority to reach their own conclusions. He doesn’t discuss their cases with them, and neither delegate had any knowledge of the February 2012 meeting, or CBSA’s worries about how Muhammad’s case could affect the Wanted list. “The substance of the meeting itself should not be given the nefarious characterization attributed to it by the applicant,” government lawyers wrote. “Ms. Lavergne, hav-

ing concerns with the risk opinion, merely expressed her concerns to Mr. Dupuis.”

But even that, Muhammad’s lawyer argues, constitutes “direct interference in the decision-making process” and “an abuse of process that would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.” The overriding goal, Waldman charges, was to save the government’s new pet project from negative publicity. “To interfere in the decision-making process in a situation where the issue at stake was the risk of torture faced by the applicant because of ‘political’ concerns is clearly an improper motivation” and “calls for the most serious sanction from the Court,” he wrote.

If a judge agrees, Muhammad’s removal will certainly be postponed— again. In the best-case scenario, he will be released from his Toronto detention cell and stuck in immigration limbo for years to come: ordered deported, but illegal to deport.

He may complete that bathroom renovation after all.

Source:Macleans.ca

continued from p(14) They called me seed of evil and...

have been able to endure their bitterness at close range? Who knows they, through their attitude, may have pushed you into a life-style, which would have effectively terminated your God given destiny.

A lot of people we today brand failures, urchins, armed robbers, drug addicts were not created by God to be any of these.

They too came with the same promising future you came with but got derailed by the situations they found themselves in. Many of them were meant by God to be doctors like you, captains of industry, successful politicians, money bags but never got close to any of these dreams, the environment they found themselves in were hostile to such lofty dreams.

Had you grown with them, the level of hatred your grandparents displayed for you would have driven you into the waiting hands of any man, making the same mistake your mother made. That God gave you another home to enable you grow up into who He desires you to be should make you forget whatever wrong these two must have done to you.

49

Inability to forgive them places you under unnecessary spiritual constraints.

It is pointless trying to do God’s work for Him. You had no hand in what you are today so why now being the one to insist on doing things your own way?

You got to where you are through the mercy of God so why not extend the same mercy to these old people who have little time to live? Why do you want to contribute more to their misery? Burying all their children in their lifetime is more than any parent can bear. Although they appear to be normal but everything inside of them has stopped beating. What you see are empty shells.

Only your forgiveness as well as showing them love can put some flesh on the hollow of the emptiness they are now facing.

They made their choice to be bitter and resentful of you; you also have it in your hands to make the choice of being happy and free of guilt in your life.

Look at them; in all honesty, do you want to end up like them? Unfortunately, if you refuse to forgive them, you risk ending up like them because

their inability to forgive their daughter and show you love brought them to this end. If you also refuse to forgive them and show them love now that they desperately need it, you are also like them in more ways than you realise.

Take your brothers and go to them. Judgement is for the Lord. Together with your brothers, fill their hearts and lives with love. It doesn’t make you less of your foster mother’s child, or less appreciative of her role in your life.

Going to them would only serve as the icing on the cake as well as showcase the good work she did for you. She must have a pure heart to have done all she did for you and your mother despite the attitude of your grandparents. If you refuse to listen to her, you would be failing in your responsibility towards her as a loving and respectful child.

As a mother, she has given you a commission to go and make peace with them. Obey her so as to continue to enjoy her blessings as well as the mercies of God. Good luck.

of their selfish interest.

Reminded that Chief Edwin Clark had corrected the impression created by Dokubo’s statement that there would be war if Jonathan loses in 2015, Aliyu flayed up, describing the Ijaw leader as one of the problems of Nigeria.

According to him, Clark has not done as much as he has been doing to bring about peace and unity in Nigeria.

Turning to the threat by militants that they would stop their oil resources from flowing to all parts of Nigeria in the event that Jonathan loses out in 2015, Aliyu stated that the oil resources of Nigeria belonged to all Nigerians and not an exclusive preserve of the Ijaw or any ethnic group.

He said, “We in the north believe that the oil in Bayelsa or Delta belong to us in Jigawa or any other state in

the north. We shall therefore do anything humanly possible to defend that our oil in Bayelsa or anywhere else in this country.

“As long as we remain as Nigerians, we shall stake claim to the oil resources just as other Nigerians are benefitting from the mineral resources found in Jigawa or Sokoto State.

tality. They say officers came under fire as they burst into the mosque, where they seized laptops, DVDs and black banners emblazoned with jihadi slogans.

Kenyan security officials say the Masjid Mussa mosque is a hotbed of militant activity, in particular recruitment of disgruntled young Kenyan Muslims into local Islamist

networks and al Shabaab in Somalia.

Police on Thursday released 21 minors but said they plan to charge 104 people arrested since Sunday with being members of a terrorist group and some with possession of dangerous weapons, robbery and incitement to violence.

“People don’t link their choices to their experiences or upbringing because they don’t realize they can affect their decisions positively or negatively. And sadly, a person will continue in that way, making wrong decisions unless something happens to break the cycle.

For example, a girl who has been introduced to sex at an early age may end up believing that what happened to her is normal and she may grow up sleeping with every Tom, Dick and Harry. Why? She has been influenced

by her upbringing and experience. Or worse still, a person who feels there is no love at home may go out to look for love in the wrong places, where there is no true love.”

This statement made Misan sit up straight.

To be continued.

This story is from the novel, This Time Around To order this book and others by the same author, Taiwo Iredele Odubiyi

nipresent . . . we find our own self to be the essence of all things. This is the experience of unity, union, enlightenment. The world does not disappear. It becomes transparent. . . Our motives [become] different than before . . . our interest is for the whole of humanity, and for the whole of life. . .”

To achieve any or possibly all of these benefits, you have to do the work yourself. No one can do it for you, because it requires, like all process of development, personal devotion and discipline. But, as you can see, the benefits are indeed so many. Yes, indeed, you can here on earth re-create your own Eden!

It is your responsibility to be happy! Those who drink the ordinary water of

life will always thirst again.

But those who drink of the water of the Spirit⎯living water⎯the inner Spirit, will never again thirst. Look inside yourself. There you will find God. There resides your inner wisdom, all knowledge and all you can be.

In reality, no individual search for meaning has ever been satisfactorily accomplished without drawing from the inside! When a person draws from the resources within himself, he is surrendering to a power greater than himself. That power becomes his self-affirming power and source of happiness.

Source: Daily News & Analysis of Nigeria

continued from p(42)

Kenyan senator Billow Kerrow in Nairobi’s Jamia mosque.

“We strongly urge the government and in particular the security apparatus to put to an end these unfair policies which create resentment among Muslims and drive young men to conduct activities which are an affront to the rule of law.”

Kenyan police deny bru-

Allafrica.com

continued from p(14)

relationship.

Then she began, “Before I start on the topic, I have to say this - many people make wrong decisions in their relationships or choose people who are obviously wrong for them. What I have found out is that the reason for this is their upbringing or the experiences they had while growing up. Your experiences can affect the way you think while the way you think affects what you do and your decisions.”

Misan nodded, listening carefully to the woman.

Call: 1-410-5196888 1-410-8187482 Website: www.pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

continued from p(15) union between our two natures: pure bliss consciousness, and our sensory involvement on this physical earth. That is the definition of yoga, and the destination of all religion. “The evolution of experiences is a complex and personal journey, but has a certain pattern to it. There are three identifiable stages: First comes the rise of silence from regular meditation . . . a steady state of peace, happiness and bliss . . . an inner stability that is not shaken by any outer experience. Second comes the rise of ecstatic experience in the body and surroundings.

It comes from an awakening of the life force in the body and a gradual refinement of sensory perception. Third, as our attention comes to reside naturally in the om-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

Dr, Sam Ifejika, Author and freelance writer. www.cosmojunction.com www.politicalspitfire.com

50

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506

HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY TO MISSISSAUGA’S MAYOR HAZEL MCCALLION continued from p(27) (NCNC) As she celebrates her 93rd birthday, Hazel McCallion is the longest serving elected leader and mayor in Canada, having served as Mayor of Mississauga for a record 36 years. She was born in Port Daniel in Quebec on February 14 1921 and went to Quebec High School and also attended a business secretarial school in Quebec, Montreal. She however didn’t go to university since her parents couldn’t afford it but she worked for the Canadian Kellogg company and was transferred to Toronto in 1942. She began her political career in 1967 and got married to Sam McCallion in 1951and got three children. Her husband however died in 1997 of

Alzheimer disease.

Now in her twelfth term as mayor, McCallion started her career in Streetsville as a member of the Streetsville Planning Board. She was then was elected as Chair of the Board in 1966 and later served two terms as Councillor for the region of Peel and also served in different federal and provincial committees before she was elected mayor in 1978. By the time she became mayor, the City of Mississauga had been established in 1974 and with just a few months in office, she was able to handle great challenges such as the 1979 Mississauga train derailment. During this emergency 200,000 residents were evacuated and there were no deaths or serious injuries. As the

city has grown, Mayor McCallion has been reelected to the mayoral office with little competition such that she doesn’t campaign during election periods.

Having a firm Christian faith, McCallion has been able to carry out charity work even for less privileged such as the campaign for children afflicted with HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa and has been recognized by international NGOs for her charity work. She also attends the Trinity Anglican Church. Among the many awards that she has been given, McCallion has been a woman leader in the political arena and has been chosen in the American Women of the Year in the “Who’s Who of American Women” and she is also a

continued from p(8) Oregano oil: One of nature’s most...

irritated throats.

How does it work?

Oregano itself boasts the essential oils carvacrol and thymol – they’re what give the herb its signature scent – and these two compounds have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes them ideal for fighting bacteria and viruses in the body when ingested, as well as tackling common skin irritations when applied topically. These properties are signifantly more effective in oil than the herb because it’s superconcentrated.

How should you use it?

For a stuffed-up nose or tickled throat, Dr. Oz rec-

ommends adding a few drops of oregano oil to a bowl of hot water, then holding your head over the bowl to inhale the vapours – for maximum effect (and if you can stand it!) drape a towel over your head while you do this to trap in the steam.

Hardcore oregano oil enthusiasts are known to take a few drops of the oil straight under their tongue, but we recommend diluting it in a teaspoon of olive oil or a cup of herbal tea to make it a little more palatable. You can also try adding a few drops to a steam vapourizer while you sleep.

While there is no conclusive evidence that oregano oil is harmful, pregnant

women should avoid it, as some doctors believe it can lead to miscarriages. The jury’s still out on whether oregano oil is safe for kids, so if you do decide to try it on your little ones, be sure to dilute it well.

Where can you find it?

Most natural health food stores carry oregano oil -look for diluted versions if you’re nervous about the intense flavour. You can also find it in capsule forms, but if you’re looking to steam or vapourize it, opt for the liquid version.

Oregano oil might be one of the most natural potent flu-fighters, but few can stand the taste.

(Thinkstock)

continued from p(8)

What are my options if I have Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

Options for women who have POF and are seeking to have children include: using donor eggs, fertility treatments or seeking to adopt a child. Doctors may also try a variety of fertility treatments such as: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Estradiol and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) Human menopausal gondotropins ( h M G ) D a n a z o l Non e of these treatments have been proven to be effective in restoring fertility,

but they are often still used. However, 8% of women with POF who have conceived were using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Even though there is no absolute treatment, HRT has been one aid in helping women achieve pregnancy.

What causes Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?

Unfortunately, for most women the cause is unknown. There are, however, some causes that may be identified which include: • Autoimmune disorder • Genetics • The end of a treatment for cancer

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Member of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. She has also been voted as the second most popular mayor in the world thanks to her leadership role.

Her supporters fondly call her “Hurricane Hazel” for her no-nonsense approach to politics and in her tenure since 1978 she has managed to ensure a clean record with her city being one of the few cities in Canada to run debt

free. She also governs her city with a business model in mind. In 1992 McCallion was able to bring together 30 mayors of the Great Toronto Area (GTA) and established the GTA Committee, enabling them to work together for economic profit and to voice concern on key issues affecting their cities.

With her success and popularity, several institutions have been named in her honor including the Hazel McCallion Senior Public School and the University of Toronto Mississauga Library. At her 90th birthday celebrations, held at the Mississauga Convention Centre, the president and CEO of Sheridan College, Jeff Zabudsky announced the naming of the college’s new Mississauga campus in honour of McCallion

With her love for hockey, she has supported hockey developments in her city and also played for a professional women’s hockey team while in school. Now that she is celebrating her 93rd birthday, many expect her to have retired from active politics, but she feels young and ready to take on the city challenges ahead with never a dull moment in her career. With the city electing a new mayor in October, and her forthcoming retirement in December, she is still carrying on with her responsibilities and looking to serve her people even better and with no focus on retirement. As she works hard in serving her people and playing a lead role for women in politics, we wish her a happy birthday and good health.

continued from p(21) are just extroverts and their playful disposition towards other women should not be interpreted as cheating.

In fact, one school of thought opines that women with healthy self esteems usually don’t have problems with flirtatious men; they don’t see the other women as threats. Well, although there is some wisdom to learn from the women with healthy self esteems, I believe that a flirtatious partner ought not to be tolerated for life. If a man truly loves a woman and wants to show her some commitment, he should be able to place her on a pedestal that no other woman can match.

A man’s value for his woman must compel him to love and cherish her romantically to the exclusion of all others. No one says a man should not relate with

other women. The simple point is that he ought not to flirt with other women in the name of being friendly.

It is amazing how men expect their women to tolerate their crazy excesses, but will never ever tolerate the women’s excesses.

A man will be quick to accuse his woman of cheating on him if she extends a warm smile, handshake or hug towards another man, or receives frequent calls and texts/blackberry messages from him.

However, the “friendly” man is free to wink at, hug, peck and whisper into the ears of other women just as friendly gestures with no strings attached. To me, this is intolerable and a woman who knows her worth should not condone such.

A woman who tolerates a flirtatious partner and fails

to compel him to cut his wings will pay the price in due course. This is because such playful men end up cheating on their partners, even if they had no intentions of doing so from the onset.

Tolerating a flirtatious partner is equivalent to inviting heartbreak in to your life. The truth is that the seemingly hard women or women with “healthy” self esteems always end up having their fingers burned.

So, for those of you who think you can handle your flirtatious partner, think again! It is just a matter of time and you will realize that such tolerance only acts as fuel to a man’s natural tendency to cheat. If a man truly loves you, he had better kill all flirting games.

So should you tolerate a flirtatious brother? Absolutely not!!!!

country would need, she said, the experts would need to study ongoing systems as well as those coming on stream. She invited Dangote to send his engineers to study the feasibility of building the coal-based power plant.

Among other topics discussed at the meeting were: the need for a Schengentype visa in Africa, to facilitate travel between countries, particularly for business people; Liberia's harmonization of tariffs in keeping with ECOWAS protocols; and the production of basic commodities such as rice, sugar and other consumables.

Accompanying Dangote were: Mrs. Medina Wesseh, the International Law Group's Legal Consultant; and Mr. Bairappa Kashinath, Chief Engineer.

President Sirleaf 's team included: Dr. Edward B. McClain, Jr., Minister of State for Presidential Affairs; Mr. Michael Wotorson, Chairman of the National Investment Commission; and Ms. Ciatta Bishop, outgoing Executive Director of the NIC, who will shortly assume her new position as Director-General of the National Bureau of Concessions.

Mississauga’s Mayor Hazel McCallion

continued from p(36) She did not give the location of the land.

Concerning electricity, she spoke of the 54 cents Liberians pay per kilowatt hour, and said that three heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plants will soon come on stream. She pointed out that the hydro represents the best form of power generation for Liberia, because of the abundance of rainfall and the many rivers. She said other sources would be needed in the dry season.

This, she said, could be addressed through an upstream dam producing some 1,000 megawatts of power. To determine exactly how much power the

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

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51

TRAVEL

MY JOURNEY TO AKANU IBIAM INT. AIRPORT ENUGU: A REVIEW OF ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE FLIGHT SERVICES

By Paul Oranika

T

his past holiday season I lost a dear cousin Engineer Castro G. Oranika (May His Soul Rest in Peace).He was flown to California for treatment from Nigeria. Unfortunately he passed away here in the United States and funeral arrangements were being made in our beloved hometown Abatete (many of us call it Abanna) in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State.

This report is dedicated to the memory of Castro G. Within the little time I had left, I began planning my journey back to Nigeria because I knew I had to be a part of my cousin’s funeral. The other thing I knew for sure is that I must travel on Ethiopian Airlines since it is the only international airline which flies directly to Enugu in South Eastern Nigeria from Dulles airport in Washington D.C. with a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Many of the South-Easterners residing in the Diaspora welcomed the upgrading of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, thanks to the petition originated by Prof. Umez in the United States. President Jonathan, Princess Oduah, Governor Chime, Senator Ekwerenmadu and many others helped to make the airport a reality.

Folks I take pride in signing the petition as well. Princess Oduah the Aviation Minister was very instrumental in actualizing the international status for the Akanu Ibiam airport, and for this she would be remembered for breaking the de facto economic strangulation of the South East imposed since the end of the Biafra war. Since this accomplishment, she has been ferociously attacked by those who may hold ulterior motives. Are these attacks related to her progressive work in the Aviation ministry by ensuring that all political zones in the Country have airport facilities to help alleviate travel problems for citizens?

I don’t fully have the answer to this question but I can tell you that previous Nigerian leaders had no desire to build an international airport in the South-East. Some hold the view that the South East is not entitled to an international airport despite the fact that an overwhelming per-

centage of the Nigerian travelers come from the SouthEast. Folks, all politics are local; it took a president from the East and an Aviation Minister from the South-East for this project to be accomplished.

So my search for Ethiopian Airlines flight to Enugu began. I went online to the Ethiopian Airlines website and checked prices for the Dulles-Addis AbabaEnugu round trip ticket and the price quoted was about $1900. I checked other airlines and the quotes vary but range from $1800-$2200.

Mind you this was in December which is a high season for air travel. I decided to check the discount travel agencies around, and my favorite is CheapoAir.com. I found Dulles-Addis Ababa-Enugu round trip ticket for $1777, the lowest price so far; so I quickly booked that schedule and paid for the ticket and obtained my confirmation number.

The next problem was that the Dulles-Addis Ababa flight departs at 10.15am and checking in starts at 7am.

Mind you that I live in Atlanta so I had to find ways to be in Washington D.C. about 7-8am on Dec 8, the flight date. Few airlines have early morning flights to Dulles that would arrive at about 8-9 am but the prices are too high. Some of the tickets are priced between $400-500 one way and $700 for a round trip for few tickets still available.

“What are my options?” I asked myself.

I made plans to rent a car one way and drop off at Dulles airport before departure. This plan worked and the rental cost was $160 plus $65 gas cost for a total of $225. I drove to Washington D.C. and planned to be at the airport at 6am on Dec 8. I made it to the airport at 6.45 am and dropped the car rental and proceeded to the Ethiopian airlines counter. The checking in process was smooth and the trip was about to commence. Unfortunately Mother Nature had different plans and it soon began snowing and our flight was delayed for about 2 ½ hours.

The captain soon announced that the plane was heading to the De-icing area for the aircraft to be de-iced.

That process took about 30 minutes and we were cleared

for takeoff. At that point my concern was meeting the next flight schedule from Addis Ababa to Enugu because the layover time at Addis Ababa was about 2 ½ hours.

The flight soon took off from Dulles. It was a brand new Boeing 777 aircraft with passenger capacity of 321. Once on board I gathered so much information about the size, magnitude and services of Ethiopian Airlines.

The airline has about 62 airplanes, including 5 of the state of art Dreamliner 787, 9 Boeing 777-200ER, 12, Boeing 767-300ER, 7 Boeing 757-200ER, 14 Boeing 737200ER, 13 Bombardier Q400, and many others. Ethiopian Airlines flies to most major cities in all continents. Folks, it dawned on me how incredibly lucky to be able to fly out of Enugu to almost all of the world’s major cities.

The food served was excellent, including rice with beef, rice with chicken, Jollof rice, Pasta and much more served by young and beautiful Ethiopian flight attendants, highly mannered and very professional. From Washington DC to Addis Ababa (about 13 ½ hours flight) we were served 4 major meals. Heineken, White and Red Wine were served upon request; no limits. In fact there was a sort of open bar at the back where all sorts of soft drinks, apple juice, orange juice, pine apple juices and others were placed, and all one has to do is just go there and help yourself. Folks I have traveled extensively on the Trans Atlantic to African schedule and have used most major airlines in the world.

None of these airlines offer better services than Ethiopian airlines in my humble opinion and folks don’t take my word for it, fly them and make your own conclusions.

The 777 plane offers personalized movie choices, and there were American films, Asian Films and African film choices. Overwhelming

majority of the African movies offered were Nollywood movies. Among the Nollywood movie choices, there were two Igbo language films, and you bet I watched the two Igbo language films, and felt at home and very relaxed.

I had few hours of nap as well. Soon the captain announced he was beginning a descent to Addis Ababa. As we landed, my concern had shifted to the connecting flight to Enugu since we were already 2 ½ hours late which was equal to the layover time at Addis Ababa. Folks if you had any doubts on the efficiency of this airline what happened next will clear any doubts on your mind. If we miss the next flight to Enugu, several non desirable options remain, which include flying on the next available flight to Lagos or Abuja or waiting for 24 hours or more for the next flight to Enugu.

As soon as we landed and disembarked from the aircraft there were Ethiopian staff workers all armed with walkie-talkies and soon three buses pulled up. One was for Lagos, the second one for Abuja and the third one was for Enugu. At that point I realized that the late departure from Washington had affected all the Nigerian departures. The staff quickly loaded us into the Enugu bus and within few minutes we were on board the Enugu bound flight. From landing to take off at Addis Ababa took no more than 15 minutes.

The flight to Akanu Ibiam Airport had commenced. It was a Boeing 737 with passenger capacity of 125. Inside the plane was a very jubilant group of passengers with smiling faces connecting from all over the world. Behind our seat I overheard one passenger say “Igbo Kwenu” and few guys replied “Ya” and everybody began laughing.

One passenger said for the rest of his life he would never again set foot in Lagos. The

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2014

guy sat across from me on the isle so I asked him what was responsible for the extreme position he took. He told me that he had no freedom in his travelling plans. That every time he travels in and out of Nigeria he was forced against his will to travel either through Lagos or Abuja. He told me he now has options and feels like he was liberated or set free.

Other passenger conversations focused on how Ethiopia, a very small country with limited resources was able to put together this first class operation while Nigeria with its abundant resources could not manage an airline company. The flight to Enugu was full, no single seat was empty.

Food services were excellent and were consistent with the previous flight services from Washington D.C. Over 90% of the passengers were South Easterners. One passenger was heading to Bayelsa via Port Harcourt and another passenger was heading to Benue State. 3 passengers were possibly Europeans and another passenger looked Chinese.

The pilot soon announced he was descending towards Enugu; a very incredible panoramic view of the city and its mountains was unfolding.

About twenty minutes later the Ethiopian airlines Boeing 737 roared to the ground on a very smooth landing as happy and jubilant passengers applauded. A brand new fire truck, which looked like a New York fire truck pulled to about 100 ft making its presence known. I said to myself this is good wow!! This is new for a Nigerian airport.

As we exited the airplane I knew it was a historical day for me being my first landing at Akanu Ibiam International airport from an international flight. It was about 12.30 pm on this glorious day with bright sunshine and a somewhat cool Harmattan temperature synonymous with the season when our flight landed just about 4 ½ hours from take off at Addis Ababa.

I began thinking what may have been the plight of my two checked baggage, understanding that in many airlines’ companies, particularly those in the United States it would be very difficult for your baggage to make the connecting flight within 15 minutes short interval. But folks I was pleasantly sur-

prised to find my two baggage on the conveyor belt at Enugu. If this is not one more indication of better service on the part of the Ethiopian airlines crew and staff, I don’t know what is.

My younger brother Ebele was waiting for me as I emerged from the airport and 12 minutes later I arrived at my elder sister’s house at Trans Ekulu Layout Enugu marking an end to this relaxing and pleasant journey. My hometown Abatete is just 45 minutes away!! What a great experience it was for me.

The return trip back to the States was very pleasant as well. It took 45 minutes to drive from home to the airport and two hours later we took off to Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines management recognizes the promises of the Enugu connection, and brought a Boeing 757, a much bigger airplane for the return trip, thus dismissing the widely circulated rumors that the airport could only handle small aircraft. Again the 757 was full with about 175 passengers aboard.

Folks, South-Easterners have embraced this whole idea by putting their money where their mouth is. They are replacing the stopovers at Lagos and Abuja with Addis Ababa; my questions to some people on the Enugu flight on where they were coming from shows that some of the passengers connecting flights at Addis Ababa were travelling from Asia, Russia, Australia, Europe, North America including the United States and Canada, South America, Israel and South Africa.

Next week I shall complete part two of this report focusing on services at Akanu Ibiam airport, which I can describe right now as work in progress. Much has been accomplished and much work remains to be done. Don’t miss the second part of my report.

•Paul Okechukwu Oranika, who originally published this article on igboworldforum@ yahoogroups.com, is an author of many books, the most recent being Stock Market Trading: Beginner’s Guide for Profitable investing. He can be reached by e-mail at oranika@ aol.com or oranika@yahoo. com. Photo shows the Akanu Ibiam International Airport terminal.

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