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Vol 9 | Issue 1 | January 2014 | “THE THIRD EYE OF THE COMMUNITY” | Tel: 416-318-3506 | publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca | www.nigeriancanadiannews.ca

BBC WORLD TV’S KOMLA DUMOR DIES

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BBC TV presenter Komla Dumor has died suddenly at his home in London at the age of 41, it has been announced.

Ghana-born Dumor was a pre-

senter for BBC World News and its Focus on Africa programme.

One of Ghana's best-known journalists, he joined the BBC as a radio broadcaster in 2007 after

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Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama said on Twitter that his country had lost one of its continued on p(11)

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ABACHA FAMILY PUTS 65 POSH CARS UP FOR SALE The family of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, has put up for sale 65 mainly posh cars, according Abacha Ibrahim, who says he is acting on behalf of the family.

A message sent to News Express

by Ibrahim said the vehicles are being offered for sale under the ABACHA FAMILY PROGRESS YEARLY AUCTION. He described it as a “LIFE TIME OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SALES OF AUCTIONS OF VEHICLE AND TRUCKS.” Ibrahim said the announcement

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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

EDITORIAL

THE NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS Publisher

Ngozi Ugoh admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

ncnewsoffice@gmail.com www.nigeriancanadiannews.ca

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

> Editor/Foriegn Correspondent – Ghana: Solomon Aremu

> Youth: Dinma Ugoh

admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

> Advertising Executive: Ogo Anozie admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

Cross Roads This last year has been a great one for Nigerian-Canadian News. In spite of challenges we built up our medium to be an authoritative source for Nigerian-Candanian news. As each day goes by our coverage and readership grow along. Our content and quality also improve. Gradually we are building a reputation that would be unrivalled in terms of reportage of AfroCanadian news. We have only greatness ahead of us.

In this edition, we bring to you so many developments that have taken place since our last edition. As the year 2013 rolled by Nigeria’s Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, presented the 2014 budget to both Chambers of the National Assembly. Not satisfied with the provisions in the Budget, the House of Representatives Finance Committee summoned her and presented 50 knotty questions for her

to answer before the Budget would be considered. Top on the questions was the House’s request to know what Okonjo-Iweala’s reaction was to the November 12, 2013 statement credited to the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, that over 100 million Nigerians are today living in absolute destitution. Okonjo-Iweala has since reportedly submitted a 100-page answer. It will be interesting to know what happens next.

As we await the National Assembly to do justice to the Budget, President Good Jonathan assented to a Bill prescribing long jail terms for gay marriage, public displays of same-sex relationships and belonging to gay groups. This has sparked off international condemnation with the US stating that it is a curtailment of the rights of the people to association. President Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said that the president

>

admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

Contributors Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi (USA) Richard Meseko Akadu Frank Ofili - Nigeria Agathar Edo Dima Ugoh

To have the best year you’ve ever had, live each of its days as the best person you’ve ever been. This year will be what you make it, and you can make it great.

Many challenges will come your way, and unex-

pected interruptions will push you off track. Yet you can make the choice to persevere, to innovate, to thrive and to prosper no matter what.

Life is not easy and life is not fair. Nonetheless,

Graphics & Layout Mevlana Media Solutions Inc. computertrusting@gmail.com

By Rahul Gupta

>

AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER Tel:

416-318-3506 E-mail: ncnewsoffice@gmail.com www.nigeriancanadiannews.ca

*Member Of The National Ethnic Press & Media Council Of Canada, Inc. The Nigerian Canadian News and The African Canadian News are published monthly by The Nigerian Canadian Business & Resources Directory.

Views expressed in newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

All rights reserved. No part of the newspapers may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher.

of Nigeria. Ibori was friend to Mohammd Abacha, the late son of the equally late General Sani Abacha.

AND NOW THIS Africa lost a gem as Ghana-born BBC TV presenter Komla Dumor was reported to have died of cardiac arrest at his home in London.

Dumo, 41, was one of Africa’s best known global journalists and was featured in New African magazine’s November 2013 list of 100 most influential Africans.

And finally, embattled first ever premier of Newfoundland, Kathy Dunderdale, has announced her retirement following loss of confidence of her members, a slide in the polls and intense criticism against the way she handled the most recent weather crisis.

Dunderdale was first elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature in 2003.

After serving in various posts

in the Danny Williams cabinet, she took over the party’s leadership in 2010 and led the party to victory in the 2011 general election. In December 2012, she was the most popular premier in the country with an approval rating of 71.4 per cent. In the latest Angus Reid popular premier survey, she was the least popular premier with a rating of just 24 per cent. Read up details of what happened to her in just one year.

Thank you for your continuous support. Happy reading.

Until we hear from you again, we wish you love, peace, God’s blessing, good health and long life in 2014.

If your happiness depends on what somebody else does you do have a pretty big problem.

you can live each day with grace, integrity, purpose, love, compassion and richness.

The decisions you make in each small moment will determine how this year unfolds for you. Decide

right now to make the most of that amazing opportunity.

All sorts of outside factors will have an impact on your life this year. Yet the overall quality of your life will be determined by the way you

choose to be.

Choose to be your authentic best, in each moment and in every situation. And create the very best year ever.

— Ralph Marston

GO Transit fares to increase

>

Tel: 647-499-6008

signed the bill because it was consistent with the attitudes of most people towards homosexuality in the west African nation. According to Abati “More than 90 percent of Nigerians are opposed to samesex marriage. So, the law is in line with our cultural and religious beliefs as a people”.

Also in this edition, the family of late Head of State of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha, has reportedly put up for sale 65 posh cars belonging to the Abacha family. According to a statement by a member the Abacha family the vehicles are being offered for sale under the ABACHA FAMILY PROGRESS YEARLY AUCTION ……..”

The news was also reported that James Ibori, former Governor of oil-rich Delta State, who is serving a jail term in the UK for money laundering, was part of a prisoner exchange deal being negotiated between the UK government and the Federal Government

The very best year ever

Classified: Peter Ikechukwu

>

7

GO Transit fares are going up as of following approval from Metrolinx’s board of directors.

The board voted unanimously Thursday, Dec. 5, to endorse a three-tiered fare increase which will add an average of five per cent more to single adult fares.

The price of paper ticket fares was hit with the highest average raise, six per cent, while Presto card users will be able to offset the increase somewhat through ride discounts applied for frequent use.

The fare increase will vary by distance, with the shortest increase, 35 cents, affecting travel to 24 stations mostly within the Greater Toronto Area.

Trips that now cost between $6 and $8 will see a hike of 45 cents, while longer trips outside of the GTA will rise by 55 cents.

Riders using Presto will receive higher discounts the more rides taken compared to paper ticket purchasers who get no rebates.

GO estimates 80 per cent of its

ridership has a Presto membership.

With the discounts applied, GO users can expect to pay an average of 31 cents more per ride in 2014, a necessary cost, said Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig, if the regional transit provider is to continue to improve service.

“This fare increase is largely about how we can continue to expand service,” said McCuaig following the meeting.

“There is a direct link between this increase and better service.”

GO will raise $21 million from the fare hikes which will go to announced service improvements such as increasing the amount of 12-car trains in use, adding bus trips along various routes and maintaining rail service every 30 minutes along the Lakeshore lines.

Unlike the TTC, GO isn’t as reliant on fare revenue funding its operations thanks to an operating subsidy from the province, expected to rise by $25 million next year. GO currently relies on fares to cover 70-80 per cent of operating expenses, compared to 94 per cent for the TTC.

In contrast the TTC, which has also approved fare hikes for next year, receives no provincial subsidy despite making up 75 per cent of all public transit ridership in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The TTC does receive an annual city subsidy, expected to be

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

$428 million for 2014.

Metrolinx also announced it is proceeding on a plan to integrate GO and TTC fares, with an announcement expected sometime in 2014.

Source: insidetoronto.ca

8

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

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.

Male ‘pill’ on the way?

A contraceptive pill for men has moved one step closer after Australian researchers successfully made male mice infertile, according to a study published on Tuesday.

Monash University scientists genetically modified mice to block two proteins found on the smooth muscle cells which are essential for sperm to travel through the animal’s reproductive organs.

The result was that even though the mice had sex normally and were otherwise healthy, they were infertile, researcher Sabatino Ventura from Melbourne’s Monash University said.

“We’ve shown that simultaneously disrupting the two proteins that control the transport of sperm during ejaculation causes complete male infertility,” Ventura said.

“But without affecting the long-term viability of sperm or the sexual or general health of males.

The sperm is effectively there, but the muscle is just not receiving the chemical message to move it.”

Ventura, who collaborated with researchers from the University of Melbourne and Britain’s University of Leicester on the study, now wants to replicate the genetic process chemically, and believes a male contraceptive pill could be possible in about 10 years.

“The next step is to look at developing an oral male contraceptive drug, which is effective, safe, and readily reversible,” he said.

The findings, published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, show that the absence of two proteins in mice caused infertility, without affecting the long-term viability of the sperm, sexual behaviour, or the health of the animals.

Previous attempts to develop a male contraceptive

pill have focused on hormones or producing dysfunctional sperm - methods which can interfere with male sexual activity and cause long-term and potentially irreversible effects on fertility.

Ventura said because his approach was nonhormonal and did not impact on the development of sperm, a drug which switched off the two proteins should not have any long-term side effects and could be reversed once the man stopped taking it.

“It would block the transport of sperm and then if you’re a young guy and you get to the stage where you wanted to start fathering children, you stop taking it and everything should be okay,” he told broadcaster ABC. “It would be like an oral medication probably taken daily just like the female contraceptive pill.”

AFP

Eat, sleep and press garlic, and tomorrow you’ll be healthy (NC) With cold and flu season upon us, you probably think you’ve heard all the prevention tips out there, but here are a few that are less well known. Check out these 10 tips to be a healthy, happy and more knowledgeable person during this year’s cold and flu season.

1. Did you know garlic has antibacterial properties or that thyme is an age-old remedy for coughs? Add both to chicken soup for even more healing powers.

2. Cold and flu season may not be the best time to be watching your figure. Cutting calories can make it harder to recover once you are sick.

3. Hit the snooze button

a few times. Getting more than seven hours of sleep each night can help fight off colds.

4. The office can be a hotspot for germs. Be mindful of doorknobs, elevator buttons, conference tables, keyboards and kitchen areas.

5. Eating green veggies, like broccoli and spinach, add helpful antioxidants to your diet and keep you immune system healthy.

6. When a fever strikes, cool down faster by putting a wet towel around your shoulders instead of on your forehead.

7. Not all liquid is hydrating – stick to water, herbal tea and fruit juice when you’re sick.

8. It’s important to distinguish between a cold or the flu - The flu bug hits suddenly bringing with it fever, headache, aches and exhaustion while a cold can appear gradually bring sinus congestion and sore throat.

9. Get prepared by using a cold and flu prediction tool like achoo by Kleenex. It can tell you when you are mostly likely to be at risk and other ways to prepare yourself.

Check it out at my-achoo. com 10. Crack a smile – smiling can boost your mood and your immune system!

Congratulations! You are now 10 tips smarter about cold and flu season. Go forth and impress your friends.

Get to know your vitamins (NC) It’s easy to remember important vitamins by simply thinking of your ABCs. To ensure you and your family are getting enough of them in a balanced diet,nutritionist Louelle Levenberg outlines the key benefits of vitamin supplements from A to E: Vitamin A Vitamin A helps maintain bones, teeth, skin and vision and also supports a healthy immune system.

Food sources of vitamin A include liver, dairy products and fish—but did you know that the body also converts carotenoids from plant foods into vitamin A? Carotenoids are found in high quantities in dark green, yellow, orange and red vegetables and fruit.

Vitamin B Important B vitamins include Thiamin (B1), Niacin (B3), Riboflavin (B2), Folate, B6 and B12. They work to make red blood cells, form DNA,keep the nervous system healthy and even help the body use energy from food. B-vitamins are found in all four food groups, so be sure to eat a variety of foods from Canada’s Food Guide.

Vitamin C Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is important for the growth and repair of bones, teeth, skin and other tissues and can increase the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant foods. Well-known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also helps prevent

cell damage and supports immune health. Vegetables and fruit are the best sources of vitamin C; some foods, like peppers, broccoli, cabbage, guava, papaya and oranges, provide higher levels of vitamin C. Vitamin D It’s important to get enough Vitamin D because it helps the body absorb and use calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth. It can also help protect against infections by keeping your immune system healthy. Food sources of Vitamin D include milk, yogurt, eggs and fish.

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that helps protects cell damage by free radicals and also helps support healthy immune functions. Vitamin E is found in foods that contain healthy fats like nuts, seeds and cold pressed vegetable oils, and also in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.

“When you lack key vitamins and nutrients, feel stressed, or are sleep-de-

prived, your immune system can suffer, increasing your susceptibility to illness and fatigue,” says Levenberg. “If you can’t always eat healthily, you may want to add a supplement.” She suggests a spectrum multivitamin to top up vitamins A through E and other key nutrients. “Everyone has different nutritional needs depending on age, health or dietary needs,” she explains, “so it’s important to choose a supplement that is right for you.”

“A helpful online source for information is the vitamin finder at www. lifebrandvitamins.ca,” Levenberg points out. “If you would like to make it easier to take vitamin supplements, take a look at new formats the like latest vitamin D offering from Life Brand that comes in a chewable tablet.” Other formulas, such as vitamin C, are available in blueberry and citrus flavours. For kids, Levenberg recommends Life Brand vitamin D drops and gummy multivitamins.

Shake Off Hangover With Banana Milkshake CHIKA OKEKE Banana milkshake is an excellent drink that contains both vitamins and protein. A combination of banana and milk helps strengthen the bones. Since banana are rich in potassium, it shields the body from stroke. This nutritious drink is also good for infants, but with little ginger and sugar. Treat your body with banana milkshake today and get the abundant benefits.

Ingredients 6 medium size banana, sliced I liquid milk 1tsp vanilla flavour

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

1/3 tsp blended ginger ½ cup sugar 3 cups water Preparation Peel the banana and slice into small pieces.

Put in the blender, add 2 cups of water and grind until it becomes liquid.

Heat one cup of water in a pot and sugar. Boil until the sugar completely dissolves in the water.

Mix the sweetened water with the banana while adding milk, ginger and vanilla flavour.

Boil for additional 2 minutes and allow cooling.

Pour in a coriander to re-

move the shaft.

Pour in a mug and refrigerate.

Serve chilled with your preferred snacks but consume within 3 days to avoid sour taste.

Why you should drink banana milkshake According to healthonlinezine.com, the mixture of banana milkshake with honey is a good medicine for hangover as it helps rehydrate the system.

It is very useful for those who are allergic to certain foods, because it contains amino-acids that are not continued on p(51)

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Illegal parking fines set to increase

Parking illegally in Toronto is about to get much more expensive.

New rules coming into effect next week will hike the fine for parking in no-stopping zones during rush hour from $60 to $150.

The hefty fines, which will be enforced from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, will help deter “curb hogs,” or drivers who

park in curb lanes during peak travel times, said Councillor Josh Matlow.

Those curb hogs include delivery drivers who hop out of trucks and vans to deliver packages to office buildings.

But they also include commuters.

“There’s also a problem with individuals who think that putting their blinkers on to go grab a coffee in the middle of

rush hour is more important than the 100 people behind them who are going to be late for work,” Matlow said.

Matlow wanted the fine to be bumped to $500.

Delivery companies budget for tickets, Matlow said, and average commuters are willing to take the risk if the penalty is small.

“If it’s a larger fine, even if they don’t think about

anybody else, they’ll think about their own pocketbook,” he said.

The new regulations, passed by city council in 2012 but delayed by the need for provincial approval, will also allow the city to tow illegally parked vehicles whose owners have three or more unpaid and undisputed parking tickets.

That’s good news for Khan Shahid, who works for SSR Towing. The new rules will mean more business for towtruck drivers, he said.

But Shahid also believes the new rules will help control congestion in Toronto.

“If everybody’s scared their car’s going to get towed, they’re going to be careful about these things,” he said. “It’s a very good thing the city is doing.”

Traffic congestion is a big issue for Torontonians, and it affects everything from quality of life to the economy, Matlow said.

“This is an issue I think people really want city hall to take action on, and it focuses on abusers, and it’s shown to work,” he said.

But the councillor recognizes that some people will be less than impressed by the new

9

rules. Those people have nothing to worry about, he said — as long as they don’t break them.

“I never understand the argument from people who don’t want any penalization for breaking the rules,” Matlow said.

“That’s just not logical to me, especially when it’s having a direct impact on people who are sharing the roads.”

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, chair of the city’s infrastructure and public work’s committee, will speak about the new regulations in a news conference Tuesday.

Metro News

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CANADA – VISA & IMMIGRATION HUMANITARIAN & COMPASSIONATE APPLICATIONS, H & C • What is H & C Application?

• When is it appropriate to make this type of application?

• How long does the application take to process?

• What happens if my H & C application is approved?

• What happens if my H & C application is refused?

• Contact us if you need help!

Leonard Nweze What is H & C Application?

Immigration & Citizenship Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, or “H & Cs”, are for people who Consultant need an exemption from one or more requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations in order to apply for permanent residence within Canada. For example, people who do not have legal status in Canada but who have made Canada their home; people who live in Canada without the proper paperwork; someone who has resided in Canada for many years, and has strong family and/or economic ties in Canada; dependent family members who were originally not declared in immigration when their parents immigrated has some of the factors listed above.

When is it appropriate to make this type of application?

You can submit a H & C application at any time if you believe you have compelling reasons that require consideration. However, please note that H & C cases are discretionary, that is, the immigration officer assessing the case can refuse or approve the case based on their own assessment.

Therefore it is extremely important to prepare a very strong submission letter and attach persuasive supporting documentation in support of the Humanitarian and Compassionate Application. The detailed submission letter must outline all the H & C factors of the applicant and should explain why the immigration officer assessing the case should approve the application.

How long does the application take to process?

Applications can take up to 15-24 months to process, and could be longer depending on the case. An interview may be required, as well as a request for additional documentation.

What happens if my H & C application is approved?

If your H & C application is approved, you will be asked to undergo immigration medical exams and obtain police clearances. Once the medicals and police clearances are passed, you would be invited to pick up your Canadian Permanent Residence Card (PR Card).

What happens if my H & C application is refused?

If your H & C application is refused, then it is essential to act fast! You have only 15 days to appeal the refusal to the Federal Court of Canada. Appealing to the Federal Court e means that you have to show the judge that the immigration officer who refused your case made some errors in law and/or fact. This is not an easy job. However, success is indeed possible.

Immigration officers sometimes make mistakes.

Contact us if you need help!

A Humanitarian and Compassionate application is not easy. It involves deep knowledge of the immigration law to present a strong and compelling case to convince the officer to approve your request.

Please contact me if you have any questions or need assistance with your Humanitarian and Compassionate application. Thank you for reading!

Ph: 416-890-0485, 1-888-712-3765 Leonard Nweze,

www.canadachoiceimmigration.com, leo@canadachoiceimmigration.com

DOCUMENT NOTARIZATION, CANADIAN VISA, IMMIGRATION & CITIZENSHIP • Admission to Canadian Schools + Study Visas • Business Visas, Visitor & Work Visas; • We do all kinds of applications for Canadian visas / immigration applications; • We prepare applicants for visa Interview & also provide various Consular Services

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Immigration & Citizenship Consultant, ICCRC#: R416639 Cell: 1-416-890-0485 • Fax: 1-888-712-3765 Email: Leo@canadachoiceimmigration.com www.canadachoiceimmigration.com Office Locations: North American Centre 5700 Yonge Street, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K2

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

1177 Finch Ave West, Unit 27 Toronto, Ontario M3J 2E9

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Community LISTING

AkwaCross Community Association Meeting: Every Second Saturday of the month Venue: Carmine Stefano Community Centre Address: 3100 Weston Road (Weston Rd. & Sheppard Ave intersection) Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm Contact: Nsa Archibong - 416 242 6062 Email: archibongn@yahoo.ca Akwa Ibom Diaspora Network, AIDN 92 Charleswood Circle, Brampton, ON, Canada Contact person: John Edem (Zonal VP-Canada).

905-494-1540 Email: johnedem18@yahoo.com Ekiti-Kete Canada Meetings: 2nd Sunday of every month Time: 3pm- 6pm Venue: Etobocoke Civic Centre, 399 The West-Mall, Etobicoke, Ontario.

Contacts: Olaniyan Olumuyiwa- (647) 823-5135 (President) Bola Akintade - (647) 833-7930 (PRO) Itsekiri Association of Canada (IAC) Meeting: First Sunday every month.

Time: 3pm - 6pm Venue: Rotated.

President: 647-981-2796 Secretary: 905-409-1575 PRO: 905-391-2266 Itsekiri Canada: 647-692-0745 National Association of Sea Dogs Meeting: Every Second Sunday Venue: Not fixed Contact: Nosayaba Aikhionbare Tel: 416-893-1306 Email: -skimo@nas-int.org NDI-IMO CANADA Meeting:Every last Saturday of the month Place of the Meeting:Carmine Stefano CC, 3100 Weston Room 126 Contact: Name:Ike Ejesi-President Dike Nyerere: P.R.O-647-927-4501

Nigerian Professionals and Business Network {NPBN.Org} Quarterly Business Breakfast With the Leaders.

Sheraton Airport Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.

President: Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Contact Phone: 1.877.819.8790 x 202 Email: Toronto-GTA@npbn.org Website: www.NPBN.Org

The dreaded armed robber they couldn’t deport

Orlu General Assembly, Toronto Canada (Ndi Oga) Contact: 647 704 8372 Email: ndiogaintorontocanada@gmail.com Admin. Office: 38 Hemlsdale Crescent, Etobicoke, ON. M9V 3X9 Meetings: Every 2ND Saturday Of The Month Except December

Why Giwa cannot be forced to leave the UK

Osun State Descendants in Canada (OSDIC) Meeting every FIRST Sunday of the month at 4.00pm Etobicoke Civic Center, 399 The West Mall Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 2Y2.

Contacts: General Secretary: Kemi Amusan 647 686 1886.

President: Ayo Alabi 416 910 6324.

Osun a gbe wa o!!!!! Kajola!!!

Owo Community Association Meeting: Every last Sunday of the month President - Mr. Abayomi Olayinka - 416-722-9439 Secretary - Mr. Kehinde Abiodun - 416-721-8178 Prestigious Ladies Club of (Nig) Canada Meeting date: Every 2nd Saturday of every month Contacts: Lady Nancy Bardi - Secretary – 905-782-6882 Lady Anike Ashaka – V.P. – 416-707-4283 Lady Ngozi Ugoh – President – 416-318-3506 The Queens of Nigerian - Canadian Community Meeting: every last Saturday of the month.

Venue: Not fixed • Time: 5pm to 7pm Contact: Funmi Olumade - Tel: 416-802-0468 Email: funmiolumade@gmail.com Urhobo Progress Union of Canada ( UPU) Contact: Gabriel Oyiborhoro Phone numbers: 416-606-9780 Tel: 416-802-0468 Email: funmiolumade@gmail.com To have your organization listed for free contact: admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca or publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca Please, this should not be more than six (6) lines.

Its Glitz and Glamour as Bisoye Obasanjo and Chigozie Nwenyi Tie the Knot

It was pomp and color as Bisoye, the son of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chigozie were united in a holy matrimony in Ebonyi State.

The bride’s love for traditional attire was clearly

evident as she adorned a colorful traditional dress and a stylish headgear to complement her gorgeous look. Her friends on the other hand wore beautiful and eye-catching Aso-Ebi styles in navy blue and fucshia \pink.

A violent gang leader is back on the streets after deportation attempts failed.

Joland Giwa, 24, who once led an 80-strong gang that was involved in stabbings, shootings and murder, has been in the UK since 1999.

He is thought to be an orphan from Nigeria or Sierra Leone, but efforts to deport him after a 27-month sentence for two robberies failed because neither country would accept him.

A High Court judge said in October that Giwa, who led the DSN gang in Croydon, South London, and is also known as Dexter, should be freed if he was not deported within three months.

He is now thought to be in a bail hostel in Wales.

Giwa, who lived in south London, and is also known as “Dexter,” led a campaign of terror for several years in Croydon, South London.

In 2007, his DSN gang

It is clear from their union that true love surpasses tribal and class boundaries and we take this opportunity to wish them a beautiful life together. Let Chigozie be a true source of blessings to the union.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

Joland Giwa

was behind a surge in violence on the streets of Croydon which saw stabbings, shootings and murder, police say.

Officers linked Giwa to at least 99 incidents of criminal or anti-social behaviour.

In a YouTube video, he boasted about stabbing a man “in the f****** head” and he bragged about his crimes on Facebook during his jail term.

The Home Office said efforts to have Giwa removed would continue and that he would be

tagged and “subject to rigorous monitoring”.

A spokeswoman said: “We vigorously opposed this individual’s application for bail and we are very disappointed by the court’s decision.

“He will be subject to rigorous monitoring, including an electronic tag, and we are continuing to fight for his removal from the UK.” •Credit (except headline): Daily Mirror. Photo shows Joland Giwa.

Source News Express

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the Connection | mag

Prisoners transfer: Nbori and other criminals to complete jail terms in Nigeria Convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, and other Nigerians serving prison terms in the United Kingdom may soon be transferred to Nigeria to complete their sentence following an agreement on prisoners transfer signed between the Federal Government and the UK government.

The British government has also promised to give the country £1m (about N260mm) to assist in comprehensive reformation of the Nigerian Prisons for the comfort of the inmates.

UK Minister of Justice, Mr. Jeremy Wright, said this while answering questions from journalists when he visited visited the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, in

Jame Ibori

Abuja to finalise the process of prisoner exchange between Britain and Nigeria.

Wright stated that under the agreement, several Nigerians in British prisons would be repatriated to complete their jail terms in the country.

He stressed the importance of respecting the agreement by the two countries, adding that there was the need for the prisons in Nigeria to

be improved on considerably.

Wright, who led a five-man delegation said, though the prisoners were paying for the crimes they might have committed, conditions in detention centres, where they were staying, should be made humane and accommodating enough for them.

He thanked the Federal Government and the Minister of Interior for making it possible for the two countries to finalise the agreement which would lead to the mutual exchange of prisoners, assuring that every effort would be made to foster the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK. “We believe that the

continued from p(1) Kathy Dumderdale... months of caucus defections, a slide in the polls and intense criticism of how she handled the most recent weather crisis, Newfoundland Premier Kathy Dunderdale has called it quits.

Cutting her Florida vacation short, Dunderdale returned to the legislature on Wednesday morning to explain her decision to her Tory caucus.

She then delivered a prepared statement to the media.

"Ancient Hebrew scriptures teach us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. I have discovered that this also applies to public service.

Just as you know when it's time to step up, you also know when it is time to step back and that time for me is now," Dunderdale said noting that she will officially step down as of this Friday.

"As the first woman to serve as premier, I hope I have stoked the fire of imagination of young girls in our province and have inspired them to consider running for public office."

Dunderdale was first elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature in 2003. After serving in various posts in the Danny Williams cabinet, she took over the party's leadership in 2010 and led the party to victory in the 2011 general election.

In December 2012, she was the most popular premier in the country with an approval rating of 71.4 per cent; in the latest Angus Reid popular premier survey, she was the least popular premier with a rating of just 24 per cent.

What happened in just one year?

Dunderdale's fall from grace began in late 2012, when MHA Tom Osborne left the Tories to sit as an Independent citing concerns about Dunderdale's leadership.

That, coupled with some unpopular policy choices — such as a Bill 29, which tightened Access to Information rules — led to a decline in the polls, culminating in a November 2013 byelection loss in a traditionally Tory-stronghold.

Dunderdale's tipping point, however, may have come earlier this week when Tory MHA Paul Lane crossed the floor to the Liberals complaining about the way the premier handled the rolling power blackouts during the province's recent extreme weather conditions.

"While I was out and about in my district visiting warming centres, checking on seniors, regularly conversing with our mayor, speaking to people and answering questions as best I could, and updating people via social media, the premier was, once again, nowhere to

agreement today is a positive step in furthering our mutual relationship and partnership with Nigeria for prisoner exchange.

Under the agreement Nigerians in UK prisons will be repatriated to Nigeria to complete their terms,” he said.

Moro promised to do everything within his powers to ensure that the agreement on prisoner exchange becomes operative before the end of the year, since the agreement had been signed.

Earlier, Nigeria and the UK had signed the Prisoner Transfer Agreement in Abuja.

There are no fewer than 500 Nigerians serving jail terms in the UK against one Briton serving a jail term in Nigeria.

Despite the huge disparity, the UK Minister of Justice, Wright said the agreement was good for both countries.

“This is a good agreement for both Nigeria and Uk. It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and friendship. It is also an opportunity to ensure that the prisoners which come from either country will serve their sentences in their own countries that is better for their rehabilitation,” he said.

Wright signed the agreement at a ceremony coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammad Adoke (SAN) signed for Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, who earlier received Wright in her office, said experts from both countries would work out the modalities on the implementation of the agreement which is expected to come into force before the end of the year.

“After the signing ceremony, experts from both countries will now sit down to bring the modalities for implementation. After which the two countries will go back to ratify and then it will come into force,” she said.

Adoke said the Federal Government, by signing the agreement “remained irrevocably committed to the welfare of Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom.”

continued from p(1) BBC WORLD..... be found," Lane told reporters, according to CBC News.

"To make matters worse, two or three days later, when the premier finally decided to speak to the people, instead of demonstrating empathy for all those negatively impacted by the blackouts, the focus of the news conference centred around whether or not the situation, by definition, was a crisis."

Before Dunderdale's press conference on Wednesday, former cabinet minister Paul Oram told CBC News that Dunderdale's main problem was her communication style.

"Kathy's biggest issue has always been that the communications part of her mandate has never been received well," Oram said.

"You can be the best leader in the world but the reality is that if the people are not accepting you as leader, and you just can't resonate with the people, then you can’t be leader of the party and leader of the province."

Finance Minister Tom Marshall will replace Dunderdale in an interim roll.

As per the province's Elections Act, a general election must be called within one year of the swearing-in of a new premier.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press) http://ca.news.yahoo.com

finest ambas sadors.

BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks called Dumor a leading light of African journalism who would be deeply missed.

“One of the emerging African faces of global broadcasting” New African magazine November 2013 He was "committed to telling the story of Africa as it really is," Mr Horrocks said in a statement.

"Africa's energy and enthusiasm seemed to shine through every story Komla told".

"Komla's many friends and colleagues across Africa and the world will be as devastated as we are by this shocking news."

The BBC understands he had suffered a heart attack.

Komla Dumor featured in New African maga-

zine's November 2013 list of 100 most influential Africans. It said he had "established himself as one of the emerging African faces of global broadcasting", who had "considerable influence on how the continent is covered" James Harding, BBC Director of News and Current Affairs, spoke of Komla Dumor's "singular role in transforming the coverage of Africa". "He brought a depth of understanding, a great deal of courage, a joyous charm and boundless charisma to his work," Mr Harding said.

Komla Dumor had a wide-ranging career as an interviewer and presenter Komla Dumor was born on 3 October 1972 in Accra, Ghana.

He graduated with a BA

in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Ghana, and a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.

He won the Ghana Journalist of the Year award in 2003 and joined the BBC four years later.

From then until 2009 he hosted Network Africa for BBC World Service radio, before joining The World Toda y programme.

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House of Reps’ 50 Knotty Questions For Okonjo-Iweala The Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, appeared before the House of Representatives Finance Committee, headed by Dr.Abdulmumin Jibrin, after she presented the 2014 budget to both chambers of the National Assembly. She was presented with 50 questions on the economy to answer.

After explaining that her health was not sound, the committee chairman gave her two weeks to answer the questions in writing.

She, however, explained that she could cope but the chairman insisted she should go and take care of her health.

Below are the 50 questions: 1. What should you consider as the major economic achievements of this government in the 2013 fiscal year and why?

In your explanation, we will need facts and figures in demonstrating such achievements.

2. You have been credited with many announcements regarding Nigeria’s economy as one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. If the economy is one of the fast growing economies, what is exactly growing the economy? What role does government play in the said economic growth, especially given that as high as 80 percent of the country’s total annual budget spending still goes into recurrent expenditure?

3.Since your arrival as minister of finance in 2011, you have publicly announced the need to reduce the recurrent expenditure so that more money would be made available to capital spending which is critical to growing and diversifying the country’s economy.

How far has government succeeded in making these necessary cuts; and where exactly have these

cuts been made in this effort to reduce recurrent expenditure? In other words, based on real amount spent on capital expenditure, how much reduction was made in 2011 against 2010, in 2012 against 2011 and in 2013 against 2012?

4. You are known to be celebrating a single-digit GDP growth. But speaking recently at a breakfast dialogue with some members of the organized private sector in Lagos, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), you were quoted as saying: “We are growing, but not creating enough jobs. That is a very big challenge…

We need to grow faster. I think it needs to grow at least 9 to 10 percent to drive job growth the way we want.” Don’t you agree that a good finance minister managing an economy like ours should be celebrating a GDP growth as high as 20 percent annually? Why is it that our economy cannot grow beyond a single digit? How many jobs are being created as a result of these said growths? In which sectors of the economy are these jobs created? If in private sector, what contributions is government making to further assist these private sector firms?

5. In the presence of Nigeria’s huge infrastructure deficit, why is it that the country’s debt-to-GDP at about 19 percent in 2012 remains one of the lowest in the world when compared to nations already with world-class infrastructure and industrial economies such as America’s 105 percent, Brazil’s 65.49 percent, India’s 67.60 percent, and South Africa’s 40.9 percent?

6. Since facts don’t lie, have you any disagreements with the September 4, 2013 Global Competitiveness Report of the

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala Finance Minister

World Economic Forum for 2013-2014, which ranked Nigeria 120th out of 148 countries ranked in the Global Competitiveness Index, including being ranked far behind some African countries such as Mauritius 45th, South Africa 53rd, and Kenya 96th?

7. Since facts don’t lie, have you any disagreements with the September 4, 2013 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum for 2013-2014, which ranked Nigeria 120th out of 148 countries ranked in the Global Competitiveness Index, including being ranked far behind some African countries such as Mauritius 45th, South Africa 53rd, and Kenya 96th?

8. What was your reaction to the November 12, 2013 statement credited to the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie-Francoise MarieNelly, who said that over 100 million Nigerians are today living in absolute destitution, representing an unheard-of 8.33 percent of the world’s total number of people living in destitution?

9. Nigerians are increasingly perplexed that these days nothing happens without government borrowing. And for most Nigerians, it is frightening how those managing the

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economy are just dragging us into excessively unproductive debts. More worrisome is the fact that every effort is being made to hide the details of the country’s debt stock from Nigerians. Where are the facts that the country’s current high rate of borrowing is productive, let alone have the ability to be repaid without having to resort to more borrowings?

10. Is prudence in our borrowing simply reduction in borrowing or simply constructive borrowing with government putting necessary measures in place to ensure that domestic debt profile is properly supervised and utilized by curbing corruption?

11. From Debt Management Office (DMO) 2012 Annual Report, the total public debt outstanding between 2008 and 2012 for external stock rose from $3.72bn to $6.53bn, while domestic stock rose from $17.68bn to $41.97bn. The total debt service the same period saw the percentage of external debt service drastically reduced from 11.46 per cent to 5.96 per cent while the percentage of domestic debt servicing grew from 88.54 per cent in 2008 to 94.04 per cent in 2012, drastically increasing the cost of the total debt service since the cost of domestic borrowing is atrociously higher than the cost of external borrowing. How could your debt sustainability analysis rationalize this without seeing some narrow interests being the overriding reason? Could this be the explanation why commercial banks in the country are declaring unheard-of three digit profits and the high Foreign Portfolio Investment

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

and low Foreign Direct Investment?

12. It’s an established fact that the willingness and ability to borrow do not automatically translate into economic growth. If you agree with this fact, how productive are the country’s recent borrowings?

13. Why should our internal debts continue to represent more than twothirds of Nigeria’s external debt profile, when the cost of servicing domestic debts is ridiculously far more expensive than servicing external debts?

Why should government continue to borrow internally when in so doing results in insufficient funds, skyrockets the cost of borrowing and above all, crowds out the real sector from the money market?

Shouldn’t the high cost of domestic borrowing override whatever are the assumed benefits? Since both London Interbank Offer Rates (LIBOR) and the US Treasury Bonds rates offer far better interest rates for sovereign borrowings, why have we continued not to take advantage of cheaper interest rates?

14. Your references to the country’s economic growth profile have always been based on Fitch, Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s ratings. Are you aware that these same rating agencies are being sued in New York (with case # 652410/2013) by two Bear Stearns hedge funds for fraudulently assigning inflated ratings to securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis?

If you do, why do you insist on accepting the rating as reliable.

15. How much exactly has been the amount of money lost in government revenue as a result of import duty waivers in 2011, 2012 and 2013?

Provide the names and beneficiaries and justification for same. In your opinion as the minister of finance who oversees the economy, what are the implications to the country’s economy? What efforts have you have made to stop this waiver policy, which is distorting the economy? Our non oil income has dropped in 2013. A case where increased tariffs on various items effectively reduced

importation to zero in some sectors. However, those items now find their way into Nigeria through our borders. Does it make any sense to increase these tariffs when we have such porous borders? As an example, officially, Benin Republic imported more rice this year than Nigeria.

16. It was reported that the FIRS is to engage foreign consultants for tax collection in 2014. Could the Minister clarify this position and what Nigeria stands to gain? Have the FIRS not been working effectively?

17. Do you really believe that Nigeria needs a ‘Sovereign Wealth Fund’ at this critical juncture of budgetary deficits, and having to be borrowing extensively in an effort to address government revenue gaps? Shouldn’t the presence of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) simply mean spreading government’s scarce resources thinly? Why will you insist that no matter what we still need to operate a sovereign wealth fund?

Sincerely speaking, how sustainable are the objectives of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, particularly in the long-term?

18.You should agree that a lot of Nigerians are interested in the link between NSIA and the government. Since there is no doubt that Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is an agent of government — or is it not? The question is: How should we think about the management structure in so far as major decisions are concerned? Where is the line between NSIA, as a commercially minded entity, and the government, especially given government’s policy of having no business doing business? If, for example, government does not get involved in specific investments, then, who appoints the external managers involved in managing some parts of the NSIA funds?

19. Who determines the investment objective and who establishes the risk parameter for the NSIA’s portfolio? In providing answer to this question, it is also important to understand and explain why NSIA recently hired a

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 Swiss national as its chief portfolio investor? Answering this question is important since it should help us to know who determines the maximum draw-down that the government would be comfortable with in extremely negative market environments.

20. What should be your explanations for awarding MasterCard a multimillion dollar National Identity Smart Cards, when there are indigenous ICT companies that not only have what it takes but would have done it cheaper and create local jobs at the same time?

21. Have you taken into considerations how foreign company could use such information available to it to invade the privacy of Nigerians?

22. What are reasons for SURE-P to give preference to Chevrolet cars for SURE-P taxis, when it is known that not only are such cars very expensive to maintain compared with Asian and European cars, but also are also not fuel efficient and not durable on our roads?

23. Honorable Minister of Finance, you will agree that SURE-P is very important to the people of this country, taking into cognizance that it is the only thing they stand to gain from the increase on petroleum product pump prices almost 2 years ago.

Who is in charge of the management of SURE-P and who takes responsibility for its successes and failures?

24. You will agree that inasmuch as the interest rate regime is critical to the real sector borrowing decisions, most principal factor in making borrowing decisions is the business’s expected rate of return on investing borrowed money? The question, without efforts to protect local businesses from their foreign counterparts, the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, puts them at such a disadvantaged position that it makes no economic sense borrowing to invest in their local businesses, why should we expect private sector firms to be investing in the economy?

25. You are quoted as saying, ‘’ Very soon, the US would become a net exporter of oil…So, it would be disingenuous for anyone to say that just because the price of oil has hovered at around

$100 per barrel, it cannot crash…Lest we forget, as recently as 2008, oil prices crashed from a peak of $147 per barrel to $35 per barrel ina space of months triggered by the global financial crisis. Is the minority leader saying he has forgotten that?” This forces one to wonder from which source should the US become that net exporter of oil, given that the US daily oil consumption was 18.7 million barrels with (10.6 million of which was imported daily) in 2012?

Or, should it be from the shale oil which the International Energy Agency (IEA) demonstrates to be at two million barrels daily? In other words, given the IEA global oil price trajectory, can’t we agree that “There are many constraints on supply keeping pace with demand” which means that within this decade, oil prices should always hover around $125 per barrel? Answering this question will help us understand why you insist on benchmarking the oil price for the 2014 appropriation at below $79 per barrel? In answering this question, would you also agree that as the global economy shifts from West to Asia, so will the appetite for global oil consumption shift from the West to Asia? As crude oil continues to sell at $100-$110, how low will production have to fall for us to record a net loss or at what production level can we break even at a 2013 benchmark of $79.

26. Do you agree that the Excess Crude Account as being operated by government is illegal and unconstitutional, especially given how it has been managed?

27. Can you explain with clarity how the ECA is being operated? Also provide a statement of account of the ECA from 2011 to 2013? Also how much have we made in excess of the benchmark price from January 2013 till date.

28. If there is nothing like Excess Crude Account, would you have been demanding lower oil price benchmark for the budget, especially when the executive arm of government around world is known for demanding more money from lawmakers in order to be able to meet government spending obligations, particularly capital

spending. Why is the reverse the case in Nigeria only, notably since 2011?

29. With respect to the Excess crude account and our Sovereign wealth fund again, there have been allegations and counter allegations on its legality. Assuming, for the sake of the committee’s enlightenment, the FGN alone saved its own excess in its ECA/SWF (which is about 52% of the Federation account) and the states and LGs get their funds in full compliance with the constitution, what would be the effect on the economy?

30. Do you believe in the fight against corruption?

If you do why has EFCC not been proper funded?

Without properly funding the commission, how should it be expected to carry out its duties effectively?

31. Can you confirm with figures if we have met our cumulative revenue projections for 2011, 2012, 2013, and if we have, how and if we have not, why? Also provide backup performance information under the various revenue generating agencies—NNPC (Oil and Gas), DPR, FIRS, Customs, Independent Revenue and other anticipated and unanticipated revenues e.g. privatization and sales of government properties etc.

32. As Minister of Finance, are you familiar and comfortable with all the present business arrangements of the NNPC? Why were these business arrangements excluded from the MTEF which used to be the practice?

Provide all the present business arrangements, the parties involved, the share of each party, and justifications for such.

33. Provide details of government stake in NLNG. All categories of revenue under the NLNG and total amount generated so far and evidence of remittances.

34. Why do you always prefer a lower benchmark which leaves government with wider deficits and your attitude of no qualms with domestic borrowings at excessively high interest rates to balance deficit as against our position of increasing benchmark to reduce deficit which consequently reduces domestic borrowing, that frees up funds for the real sector of the economy, thereby

bringing down the interest rate, increased private sector investments and creating jobs.

35. What is the total amount expended by certain statutory agencies of government without appropriation for 2011, 2012, and 2013? Also provide aggregate appropriated expenditure for the same period. As the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, do you feel comfortable with allegations that almost equal amount of our yearly aggregate expenditure is being spent without appropriation, yet we are crying that the country is running short of revenue?

36. Between May 7 and 9, 2014, it is expected that Nigeria will be hosting World Economic Forum on Africa. Who will finance this event and why?

In concrete terms, what are the expected tangible benefits to the country in return to justify hosting such expensive event that will require lots of money for logistics, accommodations, security, especially given that South Africa that recently hosted the event has nothing to show for it.

37. If you should for any reason say it will attract foreign investors, the question, then becomes, what kind of foreign investors are we talking about here because as we all know, no serious foreign investor needs to attend such a forum in Nigeria in order to recognize that our country should have been one of the world’s favored investment destinations had our perennial infrastructure deficit been addressed head-on?

38. Most of the developing economies like China, India, and Brazil that the world is today celebrating as economic success wouldn’t have become this successful without adopting multi-year development plans. Why after knowing that their successes are as a result of carefully designed multiyear economic planning, we are yet to adopt such a multi-year development model? In other words, why wouldn’t you agree that Nigeria too needs that in order to move faster and more sustainably in its quest for industrialization and economic diversification and job creation for millions of the country’s unemployed young men and

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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the Connection | mag

women. Specifically, what concrete, visible strategic efforts and action are you taken to diversify our economy 39. As the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, can you precisely clarify how much is AMCON’s debt exposure and what will its defaulting mean to the country’s economy?

40. Why are we using the 10 to 15 years moving average to arrive at your 2014 proposed benchmark as against the traditional 5 to 10 years moving average we have always used? Is it because using the 5 -10 year average will not give you the benchmark price you desire?

41. This time last year you informed this committee that our external reserve position was about $48 billion and the balance on our excess crude account was about $9 billion. You also said that the plan was to grow these balances to about $50 billion and $10 billion respectively. However we are hearing that the balances have dropped to $43 billion and $3 billion respectively. And you are saying all is well?

42. Crude oil projections for 2013 were 2.53 million barrels per day while actual figures as supplied by the NNPC/DPR/MTEF have averaged about 2.3 million barrels per day giving a shortfall of about 9%. Could this alone have caused such a drastic reduction in our reserves and savings positions?

43. Is any money missing from our anticipated revenue from the NNPC in particular and oil industry in general. If there is, how much? If not, how come such issues emanate from high offices in the executive arm of Government? However, if the reconciliation figures is the issue, how long will Nigerians wait for the reconciliation to be completed. In other words, how long will the reconciliation last and the outcome announced?

44. Referring to the preshipment inspection of exports act of 1996 and the Federal ministry of Finance export guidelines. If any good (oil, gas or non oil) is exported from Nigeria the exporter is compelled to repatriate these proceeds through the domiciliary account of a Nigerian bank. What has been the effectiveness of these laws? Is there full

compliance.

45. If there has not been compliance, would it not make it difficult for us to build up our foreign reserves?

Could we not say that the main thrust of the CBN letter was that our foreign reserves are not growing even though there has been a consistent high selling price of crude due to the fact that huge funds are not being repatriated at all or are repatriated through the black market?

46. Could we say that the issue is not so much that money is missing (which is yet to be determined) but that proceeds that should have found their way back to the Nigerian economy have grown wings or they fly in through the black market, allowing oil industry players have a field day making spreads of up to N7 per dollar in some cases.

47. What is the Minister’s take on the apparent stagnation of the economy as there seems to be very little job creation and growth in small businesses. Even though the Minister has read out growth figures before it is not telling on the average man on the street.

48. Would the Minister say that the various Government initiatives at job creation have not lived up to expectation as they affect only a very small part of the population?

49. Wouldn’t the Minister think that the private sector should be the main driver of job and wealth creation through natural growth of business and start ups being financed by the banking industry?

50. If so, what does the Minister think it would do for the local banking industry if this same pre-shipment inspection law and your own export guidelines are enforced to the letter. The oil industry in Nigeria is worth about $50 billion per annum. If even $10 billion of this passes through our local banks wouldn’t that give the economy a boost with banks now able to fund longer term and bigger projects?

Signed: Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, Ph.D Chairman PM News •Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister: 50 knotty questions

14

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PASSION This Time Around

By Pastor Iredele Odubiyi Continued from last issue “Why didn’t you tell him he has a child?” Mrs. Ikomi asked.

Two pairs of eyes were on Misan now.

“Well, I didn’t want to for many reasons - the main one being that I’ve decided to put him out of my life.

I have been coping very well and will continue to cope. Besides, he might not even believe me.” Misan explained.

“Why would he not believe you?” Misan’s excuses seemed ridiculous to Mrs. Ikomi. “If he doesn’t believe you, ask him to have tests conducted to prove the paternity. That’s all, unless you are not sure he’s the father.”

Misan made a face as she said, “Of course I’m sure.”

“She’s been giving a lot of flimsy excuses.” Jemmy said. “She said he might want to take the child from her -” “What are you talking about? Why would he take Weyin from you?” Her mother asked.

“I just said that in passing.

Of course that’s not possible. I won’t allow it.” Misan defended herself.

Jemmy looked irritated. “Why would he want to take your child away?

You’ve been taking good care of her and you are the mother -” Misan shook her head and smiled. “You’d be shocked at how these white people think. I’ve lived with them, I know how they think. You’d be shocked when he begins to claim certain rights.”

“What rights?” Mrs. Ikomi grimaced. “If you are talking about rights, you and your daughter have rights as well.”

Misan stood up. “Well, if I change my mind about it, I will get in touch with him.”

Her sister hissed and got up. “Weyin, enjoy yourself.”

“Say thank you to big Mummy.” Misan told her daughter.

“Thank you, big Mummy.”

Jemmy waved at her. “You are welcome. I’m sure you had a nice time with your cousins, didn’t you?”

Weyin nodded.

They said good bye to Mrs. Ikomi and left.

About twenty minutes after, Misan opened the front door to her two bedroom apartment which was on the ground floor of a two story building. She pulled

Pastor Taiwo I.Odubiyi

her two suitcases in and locked the door. She took them to her room and came back to the living room to sit down.

It was good to be home - she thought with a contented sigh as she looked round the room. The place was as she left it, clean and tidy. The type and color of the furniture, with the arrangement made the living room cozy. A curved four seater sofa was on a side and beside it was a recliner sofa. A 20” TV and a video and VCD player were on the carpet floor opposite the sofa. Two glass picture frames, one of her, the other of Weyin hung on the cream wall. The ceiling fan rotated slowly.

Misan got up and went to the small kitchen and prepared cereal which she and Weyin had as they watched TV. When they finished, Misan took the used bowls to the kitchen and washed them. She then went into her room, leaving Weyin in front of the TV, watching cartoon. She pulled the stool which was in front of her dressing table to the middle of the room and sat down to unpack her luggage. Some minutes after, Weyin came into the room and sat on the queen size bed. At 7 PM, Misan stopped and went to the living room with Weyin. They had dinner after which she tucked Weyin into bed in the second room before she went to her room to rest.

Tomorrow was going to be a busy day for her at work, being a Monday.

When Misan woke up in the morning, she checked the wall clock. It was 5.30AM. She turned on her left side, took the second pillow and hugged it.

She didn’t feel like going to the office. She would drop Weyin in school and come back home to rest. She was glad Weyin’s school would be on holiday by the second week in July, which was just three weeks away.

Her mind was in turmoil.

She was worrying again.

She knew the antidote – to lecture herself on moving ahead irrespective of her feelings; get busy; and get into the word of God. She followed the solution by lecturing herself first.

Why should she stay away from her office and shop every time she had a problem? Would that change the situation in any way? No. She had to go to her shop and get busy. That would take her mind off her concerns.

What portion of the Bible should she read about worry? She reached over and switched on the bedside lamp. She took the Bible and flipped through. She found Matthew chapter six, and read from verse twenty five to the end. Good.

She closed the Bible and swung her feet down at 6AM. She had her bath and prepared breakfast before going to wake Weyin up.

She carried her to the bathroom and by 7.30AM, they left the house in her brown Subaru car, with a gift in a bag for Weyin’s teacher.

Misan turned the radio on and soon she was listening to the news. She increased the volume. She wasn’t going to think about Antonio. She drove into the compound and parked the car in front of the three story building housing the school. Taking Weyin’s hand, she walked briskly to Weyin’s class.

“Good morning.” Misan greeted Weyin’s teacher.

“Oh good morning.” The slender lady replied with a wide smile. “How was your trip?”

“It was fine, thank you.”

Weyin went to her seat while Misan walked over to the teacher’s table and put the bag down. “This is for you.”

“Oh, thanks a lot.”

“You’re welcome.” Misan answered. “Have a nice day.”

“You do the same.”

Misan got to her shop some ten minutes after. She noticed that lights were on inside which was an indication that one of her staff had come. She walked up to the front door and pulled it.

The doorbell jingled as she stepped into the large room.

One of her three stylists had come. She had flipped the air conditioner on and was cleaning the place up. continued on p(48)

Share a problem with Auntie Agatha

Can I still go ahead with the marriage?

With Auntie Agatha Dear Agatha, I am in a very big fix. My wedding is only three weeks away but I am finding it very difficult to concentrate on the arrangements or stimulate the necessary excitement towards my bride.

It all started at about a month ago when I ran into my ex girlfriend. When we were in school, I wasn’t too serious about her. Despite everything she did to demonstrate her love for me, I wasn’t too enthralled by her.

A lot of my friends didn’t like the way I was treating her back then, I recall my best friend telling me one day, after she came into my flat, met another girl left in agony and embarrassment at my treatment of her, that I would one day regret my treatment of that girl.

Although she came back after that, I knew something had changed in her. It wasn’t something you can pinpoint but she was not the same woman I knew.

For a while she disappeared. I didn’t bother to look for her because I was glad somehow was at least off my back. A year after, she came to see me in the office to inform me she was getting married.

Strangely, I didn’t feel excited at the news. I didn’t like the idea of her getting married or any man coming near her. The feeling was so powerful and strange. I couldn’t explain where it was coming from or the reason for it.

This is a woman. I have never felt a passing interest in a good mate nothing more so why should I have this intense feeling of hatred for the man I don’t even know.

Casting away my gloom, I pretended to be happy for her. I took her out to celebrate but it was a mistake because the food tasted more like ashes in my mouth.

Needless to say, I didn’t attend the wedding. When I told my friend what I was feeling, he didn’t have any sympathy for me. He instead reminded me of my callous treatment of her.

It was a while, four years precisely before I got her picture out of my mind. Once I did, I proposed to the lady I had been dating. It was while shopping in one of those highbrow boutiques I ran into my ex girlfriend.

The moment saw her, I knew my marriage plans were moribund. I wanted her like I have never wanted

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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

any woman. It was then it dawned on me that I have always loved this woman and the only one who has been able to touch me something very deep within me. I realized all that time I wanted her out of my life was because

I was afraid to love and fighting my feelings for her.

Hugging her that afternoon did something to me I didn’t know when I planted a big kiss on her lips, which strangely she returned with the same measure of thirst.

We ended up in a fast food outlet where she told me that her marriage packed up six months after it was contracted. She said, she should not have gone into it in the first place. She refused to go further, especially when I asked why she went into the marriage. The man she said has since re married.

Somehow I didn’t want to know I was planning to get married. I was very afraid the information would make her disappear again into thin air. But I didn’t want to lie or hurt her should she get to know after she leaves me.

Reluctantly, I told her of my wedding plans. She wished me well but she said she would not be able to make it since she would be out of town that weekend.

Agatha, I have lost interest in my marriage plans. I realize that she will forever be the only woman I love and want.

I want her for keeps. My best friend says I should not

get married feeling this way for my ex that it was better to disappoint my wife to be than to make her and myself unhappy forever.

My parents have given me go ahead to stop the arrangements if I am sure she is not the right woman for me. My mother says she would rather face the embarrassment now than to have me unhappy.

Agatha, I am a bundle of confusion now. I can’t think straight. Is something wrong with me? Can I still go ahead with the wedding or do you think I should terminate it and marry the woman I am very sure would make me a very good wife. I love my ex with everything in me. Please help me. The wedding with another lady is fixed. I don’t have much time to take a de-

cision.

Edward Dear Edward, Love is one emotion that makes the most wise of us act foolishly. True love can be very humbling. As you have found out you don’t choose love most of the time, instead it chooses you.

When you had her at your side, you never appreciated her because you were trying to select whom you fall in love with.

Thnk God you discovered each other again before you make another mistake of marrying the wrong woman. Since her ex-husband has re married, she is free to marry.

But before you contact your ex, call the woman you are about to get marry and explain your feelings for her.

Don’t expect her to pat you on your back because, the timing is very wrong. But it is better than leading the poor woman to the altar and making her life very miserable.

Doubtless, she would be bitter, dejected and pained by whatever you have to say. continued on p(18)

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the Connection | mag

HAPPINESS QUEST: The Path of Illusion and the Path of Joy

By Dr. Sam Ifejika Everyone wants to be happy!

Certainly, no one wants to be miserable. If you would prefer to be miserable, you may be the odd exception to the universal desire of human beings to be happy, joyful even blissful.

But what does happiness mean to you? What do you see as your route to “happiness”?

It is natural to want to be happy.

We have every reason to desire happiness, even in a tough, competitive world. But what is your attitude to yourself and to the world when you wake up in the morning?

Is it impossible to be truly happy here on earth? In truth, we live in a stunningly beautiful universe. But few ever care to notice! All so many see around them is misery and so much unkindness, not beauty and infinite possibilities. Yet, we have helped to create the misery we often observe and talk about.

Nearly everyone is in a fighting mood in this culture, as if it is a requirement of survival. How can it be that we have so nasty to one another in our relationships. We fight one another, generally in the name of survival. We do so at home, at work, even in churches and temples and other places. Yet, joy and bliss are what we really want.

There must be a better way! There is always a better way.

One fundamental truth endures in all time and civilizations. You cannot be happy by hurting others.

Like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripples of our action always return to us who send them out. Ripples always return to their source. Thus, you cannot make yourself safe and happy by making others unsafe and unhappy. Clearly, in the context of natural human desire to be happy, we must learn to treat one another better!

We all have different notions about what happiness means and what can make us happy. What makes you happy? Money? Wealth? Social position? Higher class with its privileges? Power? Things? Pleasure? Other people? Food and liquor?

I suggest, in fundamental terms, none of the above even though they all have their place and value.

Let’s clear a few misgiving about popular happiness strategies. No one can finally solve the problem of happiness through destructive strategies. Thus the problem is not resolved by imbibing large amounts of alcoholic beverages at home or in unsavoury places. You numb and thus weaken your nerves and brain cells by so doing.

Constantly seeking excitements and “highs” does not solve your

happiness problem either. Permanent happiness cannot be found in the clatter and conviviality of noisy social interaction, although they serve their end in social life. Engaging in a “happy hour” may not guarantee you an hour happiness.

All these examples are the routes of escape that many people take when the pressures of life begin to mount.

Happiness is not found in pot or dope or weed or hemp or LSD or speed. Yet, we know that many people, including young people, look for happiness there.

Nor can cigarette do the trick.

These involvements only produce sensory stimulation, not enduring happiness.

Many of those who seem happy to the world because of their perceived outward circumstances or the front they put forward to the world may in fact be among the most miserable people on earth without anybody else knowing it.

Therefore, happiness does not depend upon one’s estate, class or status in life. It is not dependent upon whether you live in the main street or the mean street. It is not a matter of how rich or how poor one is.

Birth does not guarantee happiness.

Nationality or gender has little if anything to do with it.

If any person should believe that any of these conditions or continued on p(19)

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Warning of Rising Radicalism as a Canadian is Killed in Syria The increase in homegrown radicalism is worrying many in Syria especially following the death of a Muslim convert of Canadian origin. The deceased, Mustafa al-Gharib is said to have been fighting with al-Qaida in Syria prior to his death. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the 22 year-old was born in Nova Scotia and left for Syria in 2012 where he is believed to have joined one of the many groups that have been embattling President Bashar Assad with an aim of ousting him from power.

The Free Syrian Army which apparently killed Mustafa alGharib alias Damian Clairmont in the city of Allepo amidst heavy gunfire and intense fighting is one of the forces opposed to the regime of President Assad.

This case of infighting among others have led to the weakening of the opposition forces while at the same time giving rise to another strain of radicalism that threatens to wage holy war in foreign countries.

Speaking in Washington, the Foreign affairs Minister John Baird was quick to dismiss the incident saying that it did not come as a surprise and that there could be more than one Canadi-

Mustafa al-Gharib

an fighting in foreign countries.

He however promised to closely monitor the developing story.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service through its spokeswoman Tahera Mufti pointed out that self-radicalization was among its key concerns especially for the individuals fighting in the Syrian civil war.

In her speech, she also hinted that dozens of Canadian nationals are believed to have left the country and headed to various international destinations where they are poised to instigate acts of terrorism.

The news about the death of Abu Talha al-Canadi as he was referred to by his closest militia comrades was first posted on Tweeter by yet another international Jihadist fighter of Ameri-

can origin who is said to have had a tight and personal relationship with the deceased. Abu Turab al-Muhajiras as he identifies himself online mentioned in the tweet that Abu Talha alCanadi was a victim of FSA execution.

It is not as clear whether alGharib was a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) rebel group or Jabhat Al Nusra which is a shadowy separatist group. All that can be confirmed as at now is that he had a close affiliation to one of these, both of which are waging the opposition war in Syria and parts of Iraq and are closely affiliated to the global al-Qaida network.

If the information that was given by a rebel source operating is Syria is substantial enough to be believed, al-Gharib could as well have been the victim of an increasing wave of reprisal attacks targeting foreign fighters in both the government and opposition sides.

An external observation suggests that there could be enmity developing between hardline militants and moderate rebels.

The Foreign Policy magazine recently carried a report that pointed to a growing friction pitting the ISIS on one side and

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95 EDDYSTONE AVENUE, UNIT 1 TORONTO, ONTARIO M3N 1A6 the secular and religious Syrians on the other. These protests have led demonstrations that have often degenerated into targeted killings.

The death of Al-Gharib’s comes hot on the heels of yet another revelation that European Intelligence services and President Assad’s security forces have been sharing information about some 1,200 European Jihadists who are believed to have joined the militants fighting the Syrian dictator’s regime.

The Wall Street Journal has expressed fears amidst a growing concern among the Europeans that the radicalized rebels are likely to pose security threats when they return from these countries.

The Free Syrian Army which is considered the moderate op-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

position is against any dialogue with President Assad because it feels that such a move would serve to legitimize Assad’s position.

In a bid to curb the growing activities and general participation of Canadian jihadists in foreign conflict zones, the Canadian government through its parliament passed into law the Combating Terrorism Bill. The Act was brought into force in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack targeting an Algerian natural plant. The attackers were believed to be Canadian radicals.

The legislation is structured in such a manner that the public is compelled to report any suspicious persons around them in a bid to nip terrorism in the bud.

Nigerian Canadian News

16

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FAMILY Scared you’re pregnant? knew they had become friends but he didn’t know they were this friendly. Was Albert even a Christian? He wondered.

Keeping his opinion to himself, he asked, “He wants you to abort it?”

By: Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi (NCNC) “I just want to know what’s going on so I can help you … counsel you, pray with you.” Richard explained then asked again, “You are pregnant, right?”

Grace finally nodded, still looking at the file.

“You are a Christian.

What do you think God will want you to do?”

She didn’t talk.

“I need you to answer. I’m trying to help you find the best way out.” He said, with eyes filled with compassion. “What do you think God would want you to do? Do you think He would want you to terminate it?”

She shook her head.

“Why?” She inhaled deeply and released the air through her mouth. She closed her mouth, and then opened them again. “Because terminating it will be wrong.

We should preserve lives.”

“That’s very true, Grace.

Some things are just wrong.

Abortion is one of them.”

He paused for effect, and then went on. “What you have in your womb is a baby. A life is growing inside you.”

Still looking at her, he leaned forward and continued. “Let me tell you some other reasons why you should not terminate it.”

Raising his right index finger, he said, “One, abortion is risky. Your womb could get damaged; the abortion might not be properly done which could lead to an infection; and the infection could block your fallopian tubes which could affect future fertility; your womb could also get punctured during the process of abortion; there could be internal bleeding; and you – or let me say the person could die.”

He brought the finger down, placed his left elbow on the table and said,

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi

“That’s not going to happen to you in Jesus’ name,” just as she prayed under her breath, I will not die.

He spoke again. “I’m sure you must have heard that some people died from abortion.”

She nodded slightly.

He went on. “Anything could happen from the abortion. Now, I’m not trying to scare you, I’m only telling you the reality.”

He raised the right index and the middle fingers.

“Number two … people sometimes terminate pregnancies thinking that when the time is right and they are ready, they will get pregnant again but life sometimes doesn’t turn out that way. They might not be able to conceive again for -” he shrugged, “various reasons. I’ve been married for almost nine years but my wife has just conceived for the first time. We are Christians and married as virgins but for whatever reason, she couldn’t conceive before now!”

Shrugging, he went on, “Who knows if this is the only child you are meant to have in your life? You told me at a time that you are an only child. If your mother had terminated your life when you were conceived, she probably would be without a child now.”

He paused to allow his words sink in. Then he asked, “Who is responsible for the pregnancy?”

“Albert Asika.”

“Albert Asika?” He repeated, surprised. Albert had come to the office once to look for Grace and he

She nodded. “Yes. He said he’s not ready for commitment.”

“Then he shouldn’t have engaged in sex.” He pointed out.

Sitting back and resting his left hand on the armrest of his black leather chair, he spoke again. “Can I tell you something? If a man loves a woman or if he’s a responsible man, he would marry her or stay by her. He would not ask her to get rid of her pregnancy simply because he’s not ready. That’s the truth. If you abort to please and keep him, you could still lose him. Such things don’t work. It doesn’t mean he would eventually marry you or be more committed.

It’s just like when some men say – You will lose me if you don’t have sex with me. It’s a lie. Even if the lady gives sex, she will still lose such a man because he really doesn’t love her. He is in the relationship to satisfy his fleshly desires. You could risk your life today and he would marry another person tomorrow. You can’t stop him.” He told her.

He continued, “I don’t know how far you’ve gone in your relationship but I don’t see much love and commitment in it. And is God in it at all? If God’s not in it, then you have nothing. Don’t do the wrong thing because of your relationship. It’s not worth it.”

She took a deep breath.

“What is your heart telling you to do?” He asked.

“I know that abortion is wrong but - I don’t think I have a choice.”

He smiled. “How old are you now? Twenty three?

Twenty four?”

“I’m twenty four. I know I’m old enough but that’s not the point. I – I don’t think -” “Grace, you are a lawyer and you of all people know that you have a choice. I’m sure you know that if a man impregnates a woman, he is liable under the law for her upkeep and the total upbringing of the child until the child turns to an adult. You don’t have to abort this pregnancy.

If you keep it, you’ll be okay somehow, trust me.” continued on p(18)

Memorial service preparation (NCNC) Memorial services and celebration of life services are held to honor and remember the life of our loved ones or friends that have gone on.

With people having different ways of grieving their loved ones, memorial services are planned and prepared to cater for the needs of the bereaved family and sometimes even the wishes of the deceased. Preparing and planning for a memorial services enables the bereaved family and friends to bid goodbye to the deceased and ease the burden by sharing memories of times spent during the life of the deceased.

There are important points that need to be considered when preparing for a memorial service or a celebration of life. First consideration of the family’s needs is vital. Family tensions can come up during this period when some family members are left out of memorial service. It is thus important to consult with all family members on their needs and include them in the memorial services. Also traditions play a key role in memorial services as some families may require their traditions to be followed for there to be a proper send off for their de-

ceased. Additionally there are situations where the deceased may have left wishes of how the memorial services will be carried out such as cremation, which also needs to be considered while preparing for the memorial services. These details are mostly kept with the family members and thus considering the family needs may bring up all these details to the fore.

Planning ahead for the memorial service is also important to remember since friends and family sometimes have to travel from far to attend and their input to the memorial services might be necessary in sharing the memories of the deceased. Also sometimes the expectations for the memorial services may require some financial input which if not planned well ahead may bring hindrances on the material day.

Memorial services are a difficult and burdensome period for the family of the deceased and thus the need to get help from friends and coworkers. With help from friends the burden and stress of going through the mourning process is alleviated and comfort is provided to the grieving loved ones and friends. Also the demands that come from

preparing on the memorial service can leave the bereaved family overwhelmed such that they may fail to reflect and celebrate the life of the deceased and be comforted during the services. This may create stress and burdens later when the services are over and thus the need to ask for help so as to have time to mourn and celebrate together with friends and loved ones.

Funeral homes are a great resource when it comes to dealing with memorial services as they usually have professionals who have helped others while mourning and can offer advice on how to carry out the memorial services.

Sometimes they also have services catered specifically for memorial services on hire and this gives the bereaved family the opportunity to grieve their loved one without much stress on preparations for the final send off. Often times many bereaved families may not know where to start, but with expert guidance from hired professionals on issues such as preparing obituaries, choice of casket and cremation procedures, they are able to go through the painful period without much stress and grief.

Nigerian Canadian News

School uniforms debate (NCNC) The question on school uniforms has been there for quite a while with some against it and some for it. From the schools we have worked with across the United States, the solutions from professionals, parents and interested parties are always varied. We take a look at some of the highlights from all parties.

From schools it has been reported that students take a more serious approach to studies when they dress in school uniforms. The school uniforms are considered a reflection of a place of learning and thus an analogy is made of a school uniform signaling a student is going to school just like an adult wears work clothes when going to work.

This also gives identification to students going to school and those not going and hence minimized gangs and crimes committed by truant students. This is noticeable in cases where students have had to remove school uniforms while trying to commit crimes

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

while leaving school. Hence schools report that school uniforms reduce fighting and violence as tensions are eased by equality felt by all students in school uniforms and they will be more focused on learning than appearance.

Many people think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline since school uniforms create a sense of responsibility to the students and they understand they are answerable to the school for their actions while in school uniforms.

Sometimes some clothing may be used by students to hide weapons or even drugs and thus school uniforms ensure self-discipline to the students in the absence of parents.

School uniforms are believed to avoid distractions that can keep students from focusing on fashion trends and hence fail to concentrate on their studies. Also sometimes students may wear overly revealing clothes when not in school uniform and thus

school uniforms help ensure appropriate clothing in schools.

School uniforms are economical from designer clothes that students wear to school. This saves cost for the parents and also they are made of durable material that ensures repeated wash and wear and thus a bargain for parents. Additionally children from less fortunate economic backgrounds have a sense of belonging and forget the difference in backgrounds when in school uniforms as there is uniformity and they would not appear “poor”. This uniformity creates school pride and belongingness that ensures students stay focused.

For the opinions against school uniforms there is a commonly cited objection of suppression of individuality. It is perceived that school uniforms do not bring out creativity in students and hence force them to conform. When students in such situations continued on p(18)

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Convicted gay receives 20 strokes of the cane on Sharia court orders A Nigerian man has received 20 lashes after an Islamic court in the northern city of Bauchi convicted him of homosexual offences.

Under Islamic law, courts can punish homosexual acts by stoning to death.

But the judge said he took into account that the Muslim man, Mubarak Ibrahim, 20, carried out the acts seven years ago, and had stopped the practice.

In Nigeria, homosexual acts are illegal under both Islamic and secular law and restrictions have been tightened.

Earlier this month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law a bill which bans same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

The new legislation applies throughout Nigeria.

Most states in the predominantly Muslim north

of Nigeria have adopted Islamic law, known as Sharia, since the end of military rule in 1999.

Along with Mr Ibrahim, 11 other Muslims and a Christian man were arrested last month accused by the authorities of being homosexuals.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of about $30 (N4,500).

Mr Ibrahim told the BBC he was relieved that Judge Nuhu Muhammad had been lenient on him and had not sentenced him to death.

The BBC’s Ishaq Khalid was in court when Mr Ibrahim was lashed with a whip, made of animal skin smeared with oil.

Mr Ibrahim, who had pleaded guilty to the charge, was ordered to lie on a bench, and an official whipped his back in front of a packed courtroom.

Mr Ibrahim screamed in pain while being lashed, but was able to walk afterwards, he adds.

The trial of two other men was adjourned to 23 January.

The fate of the nine other men arrested on the same charge is unclear but on Wednesday the Sharia Commission in Bauchi said the Christian would be tried by a “conventional court”, not an Islamic court.

Nigeria is a deeply conservative country, with an influential Christian evangelical movement in the south and strong support for Islamic law among many Muslims in the north.

•Excerpted from a BBC report. Photo also courtesy BBC. Source News Express

Abacha’s son must face trial over dad’s loot —Supreme Court Supreme Court ordered Mohammed, son of the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha, to return to the high court to face his trial.

Mohammed has approached the apex court seeking to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal which mandated the Federal Government to recover alleged funds looted by the late head of state.

The Federal Government had slammed a123-count charge bordering on conspiracy, receiving of stolen funds, among others, on Mohammed before an Abuja high court.

Before taking his plea at the trial court, Mohammed approached the Court of Appeal contesting the legality of his trial on the grounds that he had complied with the provisions of Forfeiture of Assets (Certain Persons) Decree No. 53 of 1999.

He had told the court through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), that insofar as he complied with the provisions of the said decree, no criminal or civil suit could be instituted against him.

But in its judgment, the appellate court resolved the appeal in favour of the Federal Government, say-

ing that there was nothing in the provision of the decree which inhibits the high court from exercising its judicial power to try Abacha.

Justice Amina Augie, who read the lead judgment of the court, also held that the decree did not resolve any criminal issues sought to be determined in the high court of Abuja.

The court held further that the said Decree No.53 did not confer any immunity on Mohammed Abacha.

Delivering ajudgement in the appeal at the apex court, Justice Oluwakayode Ariwoola held that Mohammed should return to the trial court to take his plea and possibly plead a no-case submission, if he so wishes.

The court further held that if the late Abacha were to be alive today and had left office, he would be liable to prosecution.

It also held that the appellant was charged with offences against the state and the forfeiture order was just a punishment which could not earn him indemnity against trial.

According to the court, the immunity of the father could not work for the son and even the immunity of the father expired at his exit from office as provided

by Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The appellant’s father is not the one on trial. His immunity cannot extend beyond his stay in office.

“The late Abacha is not on trial, therefore, the appellant should go and face his trial. He cannot enjoy the immunity of the father.

“The April 18, 2005 judgment of the Court of Appeal is hereby upheld.

“The appeal is hereby dismissed as unmeritorious and vexatious,” the court held.

Tribune

17

the Connection | mag

TTC worker’s epic retirement rant garners tears and jears online

By Luke Simcoe

A YouTube clip of a Toronto Transit Commission worker’s lonely last day on the job has some people asking whether the TTC needs a better way to honour its employees.

The clip — uploaded on Jan. 4, 2014 — shows TTC veteran Ron Mitchell walking through an empty job site, bemoaning the fact no one is there to mark his retirement.

“Well after 31 years at TTC, this is my retirement party,” Mitchell says while

filming an empty lunch room. “Management don’t give a crap about you. The union don’t give a crap about you.”

The three-minute clip ends with Mitchell throwing his hard hat and work boots into a dumpster.

“This ends my career at the TTC,” he says.

The video has been viewed more than 3,000 times. Comments on YouTube range from “sorry you were treated so shabbily” to “get a grip you f—-in (sic) baby.”

When contacted by Metro, TTC spokesperson Brad

Ross called the situation “most unfortunate.”

“This occurred during the holiday season and there was a miscommunication with Mr. Mitchell and his manager,” Ross said.

“We have made attempts to reach Mr. Mitchell and apologize and try to make this right.

“We very much value the work of all our employees, especially those who have worked their entire adult lives serving the people of Toronto and the TTC,” he added.

Metro News

continued from p(1)

Acura MDX #1000,000 -#1.2M Acura TL #900,000 -#1M Acura ZDX #1000,000 -#1.7M Audi A4 #950,000 -#1M Audi A6 #800,000 -#1.2M Ford Explorer #800,000 -#1.2M Honda Accord #400,000 - #1.2M Honda City #550,000 #1.2M Honda Civic #400,000 #1.2M Honda Crosstour #450,000 -#1.2M Honda CR-V #550,000 Honda Odyssey #650,000 Honda Pilot #850,000 Infiniti FX35 #1000,000 Infiniti FX45 #1500,000 Infiniti QX4 #950,000 Jaguar S-Type #800,000 Jeep Liberty #1500,000 Kia Sorento #550,000 Land Rover Discovery #1600,000 Land Rover Freelander #1200,000 Land Rover LR3 #850,000 Land Rover LR4 #750,000 Land Rover Range Rover #2,000,000 Land Rover #1500,000 Lexus GX460 #1000,000 Lexus GX470 #1000,000 Lexus LX 570 #850,000 Lexus RX 300 #950,000 Lexus RX 330 #750,000 Lexus RX 350 #550,000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class #650,000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class #750,000 Mercedes-Benz G-Class #1000,000 Mercedes-Benz GLK #550,000 Mercedes-Benz ML #800,000 Nissan Altima #450,000 Nissan Armada #550,000

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

Nissan Maxima #550,000 Nissan Murano #500,000 Nissan Pathfinder #900,000 - #1.2M Nissan Primera #600,000 Nissan Quest #500,000 Nissan Xterra #450,000 Peugeot 406 #530,000 Peugeot 407 #550,000 Peugeot 607 #500,000 Toyota 4Runner #850,000 -#1.2M Toyota Avalon #600,000 Toyota Avensis #750,000 Toyota Camry #650,000 Toyota Corolla #450,000 Toyota FJ Cruiser #750,000 -#1.2M Toyota Hiace #550,000 Toyota Highlander #750,000 -#1.5M Toyota HiLux #500,000 Toyota Matrix #350,000 Toyota Prado #750,000 -#1.1M Toyota Rav4 #400,000 -#1.3M Toyota Sequoia #450,000 Toyota Sienna #400,000 - #1.2M Toyota Tacoma #1000,000 - #3M Toyota Tundra #650,000 - #2.2M Toyota Venza #500,000 - #1M Toyota Yaris #450,000 The mail contained the following NOTE: THE PRICES OF EACH VEHICLE IS NEGOTIABLE AND PICTURES WILL BE SENT TO YOU FOR YOUR VIEWING INSPECTION ALSO ALLOWED. WE DELIVER ALSO. IF YOU CAN'T ABLE TO COME FOR INSPECTION AND YOU NEED THE CAR TO BE DELIVERED TO YOU, THE INFORMATION WE NEED FROM YOU ARE:

1. YOUR NAME 2. YOUR HOME ADDRESS 3. THE COLOUR OF THE VEHICLE YOU REQUEST FOR 4. A SCAN COPY OF YOUR ID CARD 5. ONE PASSPORT EITHER COLOUR 6. Local/State govt of origin 7. You must have a valid ID CARD for your registration (Driving licence, International passport, or office id card, 2 passport either white and black or coloured) IBRAHIM ABACHA 08035292409 Email: ibrahimcarauto@gmail. c om C ar m ar ke t i ngof fice@yahoo.com ) Please Let Serious Citizens Call Us Only ALAH Bless You. 08035292409 INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD CONTACT IBRAHIM ABACHA ON 08035292409 FOR PURCHASE AND MORE INQUIRY. INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD SUBMIT THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT •Photo shows the late Sani Abacha.

Source News Express

18

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Enish Nigerian Restaurant and Grill berths in South East London With a proliferation of swanky European and Asian offerings across south east London, there has been an absence of high-end African options before now.

Enish Nigerian Restaurant and Grill in Lewisham High Street has filled that void with an up-scale, trendy place to get a different kind of bite. It has enjoyed rave review in the British press in its short time in existence.

Joint owners Eniola and Olushola Medupin have 20 years experience in restaurants and finance, with Olushola having run one of Lagos’ top restaurants for a decade. The appeal of Nigerian food, the couple say, is its freshness and variety of ingredients The unrefined, natural foods are full of flavour and rich in fibre and low GI carbs, with a wide range of ingredients sourced from Nigeria.

Joint owner Shola Medupin said: “Patrons are guaranteed a taste of Nigeria with every bite. Every Nigerian meal is an event which we are out to share with the people of London.”

She added: “My experiences coming from a third world country where stable electricity is scarce as gold, we weren’t into making large batches of food, some to be consumed on the day of production and the rest frozen until it’s needed.

“I come from a place where

each individual meal or plate of food is made freshly from scratch and uniquely to each customer’s need.”

Shola said: “The recommended meal for a first timer would be Jollof rice£8.99(N2, 265), which is slowly cooked rice in tomatoes, peppers, herbs and spices with fried plantain and bee.

“If you are not a first timer or would like to try something more adventurous, the recommendation is Pounded Yam with EfoEgusi and Fresh fish £14.99 (N3,780).”

self in is very precarious so be careful how you go about it.

Don’t for now flaunt yourself with the other woman out of respect for the feelings of this woman. Knowing that you ditched her few days to her wedding day because of another woman could lead into harming herself or acute depression. You owe it to her, if nothing to be discreet so that she can heal faster.

If you can afford it, relocate to another place where your parts would not readily cross.

Although she may never want to see you again or read a letter, follow up with a letter de-

tailing her good qualities and how you wished you found that unique feelings with her.

Tell her she would understand one day, why you did what you had you had to do when she truly finds that special man who would give her what you would never be able to do for her. It is extremely important she forgives you.

While you pray God blesses your current relationship, don’t forget to pray God finds her a perfect replacement for you.

Good Luck. gataedo@yahoo.com, agatha.edo@gmail.com

www.enishrestaurantandgrill.co.uk 228 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JU London

continued from p(14) You need to beg for her forgiveness because she does not deserve this treatment.

You also owe her family a lot of explanations and apologies. It is not easy to be view the picture of ones daughter getting married and having it extinguished hours before it becomes reality.

Since she would be going through a lot of anguish, be mindful of what you say and how you use your words presentation. Much as you cannot help your feelings, you can help lessen the pains by what you say and how you say it.

The situation you find your-

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Ottawa man who paid down mom’s mortgage now saving to travel the world Aba Atlas spent two years scrounging every penny to ensure his mother would always have a home to call her own.

Eight months after both the 23-year-old and his mom shot to Internet stardom in an emotional YouTube video, Atlas said he realizes the true gift to his mother has been the freedom to live life beyond its four walls.

The Ottawa resident said that newfound liberty was precisely what he had in mind when he embarked on a project to pay down the mortgage on the home in which she had raised her five children and bid goodbye to her late husband.

Realizing her own wages as a hotel housekeeper would always leave her strapped for cash, Atlas -then a private in the Royal Canadian Army -- took advantage of his free military room and board to start saving up for a down payment.

When he finally reached his goal in April of this year, he presented her with a cheque and captured the emotional exchange on film.

The resulting YouTube video, “Dear Mother,” made her something of a

local celebrity in her adopted hometown of Ottawa.

“I guess it’s her getting a lot of calls from people, and every day she likes telling me stories ... of how a lot of people recognize her from the video,” Atlas said in a telephone interview.

Atlas said his mother -who he declined to name -- has cut back her work hours since receiving her gift and has been able to spend more time with friends and family.

She’s also begun to enjoy the benefits of increased cash flow and decreased stress levels, he said.

Still, the idea of leading a life of true leisure had no appeal for a woman who has centred her life around hard work, he said, adding regular shifts at the hotel still anchor her week.

“For so many years of working so long, she just got used to the cycle,” he said. “She just couldn’t imagine staying around the house doing nothing.”

Atlas himself has come in for a share of his mother’s fame, he said, adding he’s fielded numerous complements from strangers over the video he made and the impulses behind it.

His actions have also caused a slight uptick in family tension, however.

Atlas said cousins have half-jokingly complained that his altruism has set an unreasonably high bar for others of his generation.

“It’s more of a teasing kind of comment, but I get it a lot now. Especially from people around my age saying, ‘You put a lot of pressure on us,”’ he said.

Even though his mother now lives mortgage free, Atlas said he has a new set of financial goals to meet.

He’s currently hoarding the wages he earns as a dance instructor in an effort to accumulate a travel fund.

Fortunately for him, frugal habits die hard. Atlas said he’ll have to save for one more year before he’ll have enough for a twoyear expedition through Europe and Australia.

While there, Atlas said he plans to go on reaching out to global youth by teaching hip hop and salsa moves to the kids he meets on the road.

“I’ve kind of adjusted to this minimalist lifestyle.

My money goes towards what’s important, which is my work,” he said. “I’m kind of just investing back into the business now.”

continued from p(16) school uniform debate.....

rebel, school uniforms seem to aggravate their rebellious spirit and may eventually alter their school uniforms to express themselves. This creates a herculean task for teachers policing the students on a daily basis.

It is also considered that there is no credible

evidence linking school uniforms to discipline or achievements in academics by those against school uniforms. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers and hence the reason for being against school uniforms.

From the pros and cons it is quite clear that a school has to consider the questions of what message they are passing to students and the overall purpose of implementing a school uniform policy while considering the observations on school uniforms.

continued from p(16) scared youre program...

She inhaled again and blew the air through her mouth. “I – I can’t keep it. And this is not about Albert.” She finally looked up at him with eyes that begged to be understood as she asked, “Can’t I do it and ask God for forgiveness? I’m sure He will forgive me.” She put the file on the table and placed her elbows on the table.

A corner of his mouth turned up in a smile. “You are right. God will forgive you because He is a merciful God but that does not mean He will be happy

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

with what you want to do. Besides, sin has consequences. If you know what you are about to do is wrong and you would have to ask for forgiveness later, why should you do it? Why don’t you stop?”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to become a single parent. My mother is a single parent. I know what she went through … and is probably still going through. I don’t want the same life for myself and this baby. Besides, what would people say? They would say that my mother is a single

parent, and her daughter is going to become a single parent as well!”

He smiled to soften the impact of what he was about to say. “Well, I’m sorry to say but being pregnant is the consequence of a bad choice. That’s the truth but it has happened and there is nothing anyone can do to undo it but you can begin to make good choices from now.”

(Culled from the novel: With This Ring, by Taiwo Iredele Odubiyi) E-mail: info@pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

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19

the Connection | mag

Redford criticized for $10,000 flight home from Mandela’s funeral

Nigeria passes law against gay relationships

Premier had been offered free trip home with PM

Bill introduces long jail terms for gay marriage, public displays of same-sex relationships and belonging to gay groups.

BY JAMES WOOD AND DARCY HENTON, CALGARY HERALD Premier Alison Redford said that the hefty price tag for her recent South Africa sojourn — and the government’s overall travel tab — is the cost of doing business.

The premier has come under fire for taking a commercial flight home from the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela at a cost of $10,000 when she could have returned to Alberta later the same day at no charge.

Redford travelled to the country for free as a guest of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a Canadian government jet and had the same option for returning.

But Redford told reporters Wednesday that she needed to be back for the swearing-in of the newly-shuffled provincial cabinet and there was speculation Harper’s return flight would be delayed, which it ultimately was.

“It was a very unprecedented event,” said Redford. “It certainly does cost money to buy plane tickets. We put provisional arrangements in place and that’s what it cost.”

Alison Redford

The premier arrived in Edmonton on Dec. 12 in the afternoon, while Harper’s plane touched down in Ottawa that evening. The cabinet was sworn in Dec. 13.

Opposition party leaders wondered why the premier didn’t just reschedule the swearing-in ceremony.

“Why didn’t she simply move the swearing-in of cabinet back a day?” said NDP Leader Brian Mason.

Liberal Leader Raj Sherman said taxpayers are tired of paying for Redford’s extravagances.

“It’s no secret Alison Redford likes to fly in first class — the most expensive ticket she can find on the taxpayers’ dime,”

he said.

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said Redford is telling Albertans to tighten their belts, but she can’t follow her own advice.

Smith called the $10,000 flight “outrageous.”

The government estimates the total cost of Redford’s South African trip at $29,000.

Redford and her ministers have come under fire for their extensive travel at a time the Progressive Conservative government is preaching fiscal restraint.

Travel costs last year increased by $130,000, to a near-record $744,000, and the government has already spent more than $200,000 so far this year.

Redford said the province is transparent about the costs and the trips are vital to build Alberta’s profile and open new markets for its products, especially its energy resources.

“I’m going to take every opportunity I can to do that,” she said. jwood@calgaryherald.com Source: The Calgary Herald

TOLL GATES TO RETURN TO NIGERIAN ROADS As a way of maintaining roads in Nigeria, the Federal Government is set to reintroduce toll gates and weigh bridges to roads Works Minister Mike Onolememen said on Wednesday in Abuja.

Onolememen disclosed this while fielding questions at a News Agency of Nigeria Forum.

He said, however, that the toll would only be applied to roads constructed with private sector funds as the federal government had taken cognisance of the need for private sector funding in road development.

According to him, the ministry has adopted a new paradigm for funding road development in Nigeria.

This, he said, included offbudget sources such as funding from multilateral agencies through concessional loans, public private partnership scheme and raising road bonds through the debt management office for the development of economic roads.

“What that means is that if you are going to source private sector funds to apply in road development project, it is inevitable that you have to toll such projects in order for the investment to be recouped.

“That is the only way; it is the rule all over the world it is not limited to Nigeria.

Onolememen recalled that the ministry had earlier organ-

Mike Onolememen

ised a conference aimed at preparing the minds of Nigerians for toll and it was discovered that Nigerians were willing to pay for good services.

He said that the government had already shared the green paper on the new federal tolling policy to create awareness for road users.

The minister said that construction of weigh bridges on Nigerian roads would soon be completed as the ministry had begun the distribution of such bridges since 2012.

“The objective is to ensure that we control axle loading on our roads because one of the major effects of these vehicles is that it destroys our roads.

“Our roads are designed to take 40-ton-vehicles but today we have 80 tons, 60 tonnes, 70 tonnes plying our roads.

“Controlling axle loading on our roads was weakened since the dismantling of the toll plaza because the toll plazas on most of these dual carriage roads provided an opportunity

to bring every vehicle to a stop.

“You could better administer the trucks because they had their lane and in the truck lane, we had embedded these weighing bridges on those lanes so there was no escaping it.

“In the whole of West Africa, the menace of axle loading is worse in Nigeria; so we are committed to tackling that,” he said.

He said that the ministry would be working closely with the Federal Road Safety Commission and security agencies in order to enforce compliance.

He added that the ministry had gone ahead to engage the heavy users such as cement manufacturers, steel billet companies, and asphalt companies so that overloading could be tackled from the source.

On the Nigeria-Israel agreement on the road sector, the minister said that the agreement was merely a General Cooperation Agreement pointing out that it was now left for Nigeria to take it further.

Furthermore, he said that one of the Israeli companies in Nigeria constructed a toll road in Israel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem which Nigeria hoped to replicate through such cooperation.

The Punch

Nigeria has outlawed gay marriage, public displays of same-sex relationships, and belonging to gay groups with the passing of a law that has sparked international condemnation.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman, Reuben Abatim said that the president signed the bill because it was consistent with the attitudes of most people towards homosexuality in the west African nation.

“I can confirm that the president has signed the bill into law,” Abati said, without specifying a date but adding that it happened earlier this month.

“More than 90 percent of Nigerians are opposed to same-sex marriage. So, the law is in line with our cultural and religious beliefs as a people,” he added.

“And I think that this law is made for a people and what [the] government has done is consistent with the preference of its environment.”

International condemnation Amnesty International urged Jonathan to reject the bill, calling it “discriminatory” and warning of “cata-

Amnesty International has warned that the law could have “catastrophic” consequences for Nigeria’s gays [Reuters]

strophic” consequences for Nigeria’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Under the terms of the law, anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage or civil union can be sentenced to 14 years in prison while any such partnerships entered into abroad are deemed “void”.

It also warns that anyone who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or who directly or indirectly makes a public show of a same-sex relationship will break the law. Punishment is up to 10 years in prison, it adds.

“Only a marriage contract between a man and a woman shall be recognised as valid in Nigeria,” the law states.

Nigeria is a highly religious society, with its 170 million people roughly divided in half between Christians and Muslims, though a significant number are also believed to follow regional religions.

The anti-gay law follows similar legislation in Uganda that was condemned by the US president, Barack Obama, as “odious”. South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu compared it to apartheid.

In such a context, you will not be attempting to solve your problem of happiness by simply “going after” it in simply worldly terms. Rather, on your own terms, and in full exercise of an unyielding sense of selfautonomy. You will recognize that that the most enduring happiness you can find lies within that space where you can exercise that autonomy—inside of yourself That means no attachment to external materiality, impositions or other people’s definitions of happiness.

This, indeed, is a call to return to your true source of power. There within yourself, you have the power to recreate your own Eden. There, there is no waiting, not even for success as the world sees it, as a pre-condition for happiness. True and enduring happiness has little to do with money or success ethic! It requires a simple but powerful re-orientation towards the goal of self-understanding, self-discovery, spiritual selfrealization and spiritual liberation. Self-autonomy requires disciplined efforts and training.

The present age is on a new path of rapidly increasing higher evolution. The quest for higher consciousness has become easier and more widespread. This quest is one all can engage in. For those who

truly seek it, there is the glorious promise of self-discovery and higher awareness. It is not a religion and it does not require that you give up your religious affiliations. But there is no more need for the secrecy and veiled allegories.

With new and higher consciousness, we will begin to sweep away the inner ugliness and lack of decency that have made us so hateful of one another. Our eyes will surely open to a truly beautiful and multi-dimensional world.

Just have the desire to grow as a human being, a stubborn curiosity to know who you are and an open mind to absorb new information without doubting your right to explore your own inner terrain! As you begin to open the doors of your own inner self through inner reflection and meditation, you will be experiencing more joy in your life. This will happen irrespective of your station in life, education, nationality, race, gender or other background factors. You experience will be one of greater certainty, selfassurance and bliss if you truly apply yourself to your goal.

My next article will continue on this subject.

Dr. Sam Ifejika, Freelance Writer and author. www.cosmojunction.com www.politicalspitfire.com

Source:AFP

continued from p(15) situations or involvements assures happiness, then he should ask the next pertinent question: why does the living person of every age, class, nationality, race or colour endlessly feel dissatisfied and unhappy?

Happiness is not found in the glitz and show-off habits of high society nor in the popular antics of our ostentatious pop culture. That culture has a promise of speedy and trendy happiness for everyone that wants it. Yet, there is so much unhappiness—so much misery, depression and high suicide rate in our highly materialistic and trendy world! Even young people are so unhappy they attempt suicide on a yearly average of 1,400 in the US. And the United States is one of the richest countries in the world! Think of this: About 3, 500 people in the United States, mostly young people, run away from home every 24 hours.

There has to be a better way!

To be happy, you must start by asking yourself: What is my reason for being—my raison d’etre for living? To answer this question satisfactorily, you must not only resolve to value life but your unique identity, goals and mission in this life. That means finding both meaning in life and allowing that meaning to shape your interactions in the world.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

20

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CAREER

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

The Pathway to Becoming an Accomplished Horse Riding Instructor

MANAGING OFFICE GOSSIPS, POLITICS (PART 1)

(NCNC) Horse riding is one of the oldest practices that date back to the earliest days when man used to tame wild horses.

Despite its long existence and rich history, the practice is yet to gain a global competence threshold.

While many people associate horse riding with class and wealth, others feel that the riding practice is more of an art rather than a science. Well, the fact is that horse riding transcends class and social brackets and it is possible for you to attain a level of competence that will enable you rank high in the practice.

You can even advance in skill and practice to become an instructor.

For you to become an excellent horse riding instructor, you need to develop strong horsemanship skills and an unbeatable riding ability. Experience has it that as a horse instructor, you need to develop a strong liking for horses. This is due to the fact that for most of your time, you will be involved in handling of horses in all types of weather. A look at the profiles of the great instructors reveals that

most of their lives have revolved around horse riding and handling. Another avenue through which you can enter the horse riding profession as an instructor is through apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

Contrary to some beliefs being peddled around, you do not need to be a college graduate for you to pursue horse riding as a career. However having college education can go along way into helping you fill the knowledge gaps.

Employers will also find you attractive if you have a college degree in addition toa your horse expertise.

Because of the general acceptance and popularity of horsemanship, there has been a proliferation of colleges and universities both online and in brick and mortar set ups that offer equine studies in riding and riding instruction even up to the degree level.

For individuals who desire to pursue riding instruction as a self employment practice, courses in business and more so marketing can be very helpful.

Countries vary as per the policies and frameworks guiding horse riding and

instruction. While some countries require professional teaching certifications without which you may not secure meaningful employment, others do not have such measures in place. Certification may just be an added accreditation but not a prerequisite.

Communication skills are an absolute must for horse riding instructors.

You need to be able to pass on messages and instruction to the trainees in such a clear and concise manner. You also need to have patience while working with amateur riders because the beginning concepts may not be that easy to grasp and internalize. A strong safety orientation will go a long way as well in making you an excellent riding instructor.

There are lots of avenues that instructors can pursue with regards to employment and lines of specialization. They can opt for self employment or salaried contracts; they can also decide to work in a number of places including guest ranches, summer camps and show barns among many others. continued on p(51)

Toronto Cabs to Levy Vomit Fees (NCNC) The Toronto cab industry is proposing a raft of measures that are likely to revolutionize the way business is carried out in the industry. According to the recommendations of a report on the industry, the City Council is to institute pilot projects that will be used to assess the feasibility of implementing “Hail Spots” and fire hydrants that will act as cab stands in the downtown core.

The city’s licensing division has also given drivers a leeway in the recommendations that will see them charge up to $25 upfront whenever they think it is necessary. This is in addition to a vomit fee of $25 that is to be levied to passengers who soil a taxicab.

The recommendations are also seeking the formation of a working group by the

council that will study and advise whether all cabs operating within the city should be equipped with electronic payment systems. Currently 65% of the cabs have payment technologies in place.

The above are just part of the 40 proposals which are contained in the document entitled “Taxicab Industry Review – Final Report.” The report is currently under consideration by the city’s Licensing and Standards Committee and it forms part of the City Council agenda for its mid February meeting.

As from the beginning of July, the report recommends that all taxicab licenses issued should factor

in wheelchair accessibility as a prerequisite to the licensing. Records indicate that only 3.5% of the cabs operating within the city are wheelchair accessible. This measure also stipulates that 1,313 Ambassador Licenses will be transferred to the new Toronto Taxicab Licensing regime that requires them to meet the wheelchair accessibility precondition.

The proposals have set a 2015 milestone that aims at making 6% of all Toronto taxis wheel chair accessible.

This is the year that the city will also be hosting the Pan Am Games.

The report which is a product of a review (Taxicab Industry Review) that began a couple of years ago takes into account ‘significant concerns’ raised through the input of more than 4,500 stakeholders.

By Frank Ofili

“Who gossips to you will gossip of you.” (Turkish proverb) Gossip is rampant in most places, whether in the office, church, community, classroom, group or even on social media. Sometimes, it seems as if people have nothing better to do than gossip about each other. They talk about the company, their co-workers, and their managers. They frequently take a partial truth and turn it into a whole speculative truth.

Many employees gossip about the amount of money they make – and often, they do not tell the truth. So, unhappy co-workers beat a path to the HR unit asking about their own salary.

Expect a certain amount of gossip; people want to know what is going on in their workplace, and they like to discuss work issues.

The key is to know when the gossip is out-of-hand.

You need to act if the gossip is: a. disrupting the work place and the business of work, b. hurting employ ees’ feelings, c. damaging inter personal relationships, or injuring employee motivation and morale.

If you find yourself having to address gossip frequently, you may want to examine your workplace to understand the consistent themes in the gossip.

Consider that you may not be sharing enough information with employees.

It is also possible that employees do not trust you and are afraid to ask about important topics. If gossip has been unmanaged in the past, gossip tends to become a negative aspect of your work culture. So, do not let negative gossip go unaddressed.

You can manage gossip exactly as you would manage any other negative behavior from an employee, group or team member in your work place. Use a coaching approach, when possible, to help the employee improve his or her behavior. But, when needed, gossip management starts with a serious talk between the employee and

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

By Frank Ofili

the manager or supervisor. If the discussion of the negative impacts of the employee’s gossip has no effect on subsequent behavior, begin the process of progressive discipline with a verbal warning, then a formal written warning for the employee’s personnel file.

If you assertively deal with gossip, you will create a work culture and environment that does not support gossip. However, gossip cannot be completely eliminated.

A good corporate strategist should know how to turn gossip to an advantage.

Considered an integral part of grapevine (though not quite), gossip spreads very fast. Therefore, it could be a veritable channel when certain information needs to be planted fast within a workforce for good or for ill. But this should be used strategically, and sparingly too, in exceptional circumstances otherwise it could damage the reputation of the Management.

Gossip could also be a good tool for disinformation when occasion demands it. Gossip also gives an indication of employees’ or group members’ attitudes and sentiments.

With the knowledge of this information, a good strategist should be able to know what to do and expect at any point in time.

Gossip and office politics go hand in hand. Office politics can get really ugly.

The worst part is that you cannot stay completely out of it when you are a part of the office. It has a way of getting into any organization - a small or big one.

Though you try your best to avoid it, you are bound to get into the trap sooner or later. Here is how to deal with office politics when you are caught in the middle.

1. Do not abuse your position Do not let your position

of power go to your head and definitely do not use it to your own advantage.

This will only attract brickbats from your colleagues and you are bound to be the centre of office politics.

“While handling your team, avoid using your position to walk over subordinates.

Your attitude towards them will fuel office politics,” 2. Be a team player As a team player, you must understand that the company and team come before you. “You cannot be selfish and think only about yourself. Being a team player increases your chances of a promotion and makes you look like a better person”.

So though you may have an opinion (and a negative one at that) about every one of your colleagues, put it aside when you are at work.

3. Be professional You cannot burst into a song when a meeting is in progress. Maintain a professional attitude at all times. It will help to cry at the drop of a hat either. “If you are viewed as a professional, people know you are there to work and will involve you less in office politics and dirty gossip.

Another tip is to adopt the company culture 4. Steer away from gossips If you give gossip and expect to get some, you will be part of office politics.

“Gossip can get malicious if you are the type that asks for it and provides it.

You will lose respect of the people around you. No one talks well of a gossip monger.”

5. Keep yourself busy Stay idle or bored long enough and you will start gossiping. Keep yourself occupied and away from people who try to involve you in gossip. “If you are occupied and keep to yourself most of the time, no one has a chance to badmouth you. This also keeps you from talking ill about others.”

Staying away from office politics helps you maintain good mental health and make your working relationships last. So though you cannot eliminate politics from your workplace, you certainly can steer away from it!

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21

REFLECTIONS ON RELATIONSHIPS

‘My rejected son is now heir to the throne’

By Angela Davies My name is Olanma. After I completed my secondary education in our village secondary school, I became a maid in the palace. I was not just an ordinary maid but one of the queen’s special servants who attended to her needs.

Thus I follow her wherever she goes. Back then, it was a privilege or, should I say, a thing of joy to serve the royal family. I must confess that the queen treated all her maids well.

Aside from the beautiful Ankara outfits we all wore, we ate three square meals which ordinarily most of us could not have afforded if we were staying with our parents. We also took turns to go and spend some hours with our families. One of the exciting things about serving in the palace is that we get to see different important visitors who come from other villages or from the city to see the king’s household.

The king has three children, two girls and a boy. Ikenna is the eldest and he is the crown prince. However, they all studied abroad. Each passing day, I remember the queen counting days when her children, especially Ikenna, would return after his studies. About eight months after I got to the palace, Ikenna, the prince, finally returned after spending so many years abroad. This made the king and elders very happy. Somehow, I realised that Ikenna took a liking to me. Of all the maids, he preferred talking and being close to me. Maybe, I found favour in the eyes of the prince, as they say. One afternoon after lunch, Ikenna walked up to the maid quarters and demanded to see me.

When I came out, as tradition demands, I knelt down to greet him. He smiled and said “Olanma good afternoon, I came out here to talk to you.

You are so different from all the maids in the palace and I have come to like you. Please can you tell me about yourself ?”

“My prince, there is nothing to know about me. As you know I am one of your mother’s special maids,” I said. When he realised that I was not ready to divulge anything about myself, he quietly walked away and said we would continue the discussion later. As the days passed by, Ikenna started pestering me for a relationship. Before long, we started a secret affair.

However, it came to the open

when I got pregnant. I was with the queen that fateful morning when this nauseating feeling started and before I knew what was happening, I ran outside and started vomiting. Some minutes later, the queen called me into her room and began to question me. “It is obvious you are pregnant Olanma while still a maid in the palace. It is even more painful because you are one of my most trusted maids. I hope you know that it is a taboo to be pregnant as a single lady in this community. Anyway, who is responsible?” she questioned.

Sobbing, I told her, “Ikenna is responsible”. “Olanma, which Ikenna are you talking about?” she asked. “Ikenna, the crown prince,” I emphasised. The queen told me I was a big dreamer and joker.

Immediately, she asked me to return to the maids’ quarters and wait for further instruction. About two hours later, I was summoned by the king and the queen. When I got there, ikenna was with them.

When the king asked me who was responsible for the pregnancy and I said it was Ikenna, he yelled at me and said I was lying. “What will I be doing with a common maid when my beautiful fiance is coming in about a month?

You better go and look for the man who is responsible for the bastard you are carrying,” he retorted I wept bitterly as I watched Ikenna deny ever having anything to do with me. I thought of the shame and disgrace I had brought to my family because I come from a very respectable family.

As expected, I was immediately asked to vacate the palace. When I got home, I explained all that happened to my parents. Of course they were very disappointed.

However, a few days later, my parents advised that I leave the village to the city and stay with an aunt and her family.

I had plan to have an abortion on getting to the city but I was quick to remember that any member of the community that committed an abortion would surely die thus I had to forget that despicable idea and kept the pregnancy.

My aunty was very helpful as she took very good care of me. She ensured I lacked nothing. After nine months, I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. My mother told me that when she informed the queen and Prince Ikenna, they both said they had nothing to do with my son. Nevertheless, I decided to name him after his father, Prince Ikenna. This did not go down well with my parents but I made them understand that despite the fact that he denied the pregnancy, it does not change the fact that he is still his father.

My aunty helped take care of my son while I attended JAMB class. A few months later, I gained admission into the university to study Law, with the help of my aunt and her husband. At the completion of my course, I met Desmond, a good and understanding man, and we got married shortly after.

Desmond accepted my son, Ikenna, wholeheartedly and also promised to be a good father to him. He has not reneged for the past eight years.

Today, Ikenna has three beautiful sisters and we are very happy as a family. However, a few weeks ago, I received a message from my parents that the crowned Prince, Ikenna, has been asking after me and my son. She told me that he had been married for seven years and has three daughters, but wanted a male child. He suddenly remembered that he had a ‘rejected’ son somewhere – the pregnancy he rejected just to save himself and his family from shame years ago? Anyway, not long ago, my father sent a message that my attention was urgently needed in the village. I travelled home with my husband because I suspected that it had to do with my son.

In the evening of our arrival, Prince Ikenna visited me at home, and pleaded to have a serious discussion with me.

We went outside. “Olanma, how is my son doing? Please, can I see him?” he pleaded.

“Sorry, my prince, which son are you talking about? Is it the pregnancy you denied and made me an object of mockery among my mates

Which Do You Prefer?

A partner that Snores or the one with body odor There are habitual practices people usually have that makes them either attractive or a turnoff. In most cases, these behaviors do not concern us much because they are exuded by other people with whom we have no proximity and close ties with. The tricky part comes in when it is our partners that are involved.

Snoring and body odor are two such experiences that many would loathe and detest concurrently.

Body odor is a characteristic smell that our bodies emit when bacteria that are resident in our skins engage in the breakdown of sweat into acids. Some people attribute this often unpleasant smell to the action of bacteria on aproteins resulting into the production of certain acids.

least he will use strong cologne, but I cannot stand a snoring boyfriend.

Aisha Musa

Snoring on the other hand refers to the vibration of the respiratory complex and the sound resulting from it.

During this process which happens while sleeping, air movement is obstructed hence the sound that in some instances can be loud, unpleasant and annoying.

I cannot stand body odor at all. With Snoring, I can ignore and get used to, although they are both health issues that require medical attention.

Nwanne Obi

NC News sampled opinions of some of our readers concerning these issues below: I prefer snoring because it only happens when you are sleeping as opposed to body odor which follows you wherever you go.

Ebony

I don’t like either. Snoring makes you restless all night while body odor makes you want to throw up.

Bose Ajayi I definitely prefer snoring to body odor though they’re both bad. Snoring is preventable, I can use earplugs, play music, but body odor is 24/7.

Akon Ukpong A partner that snores is preferable to the one with a body odor. You can’t take a woman with unpleasant body odor to your friends or parties; it’s just not cool at all.

Uche Ezedi

I cannot stand both. I work very hard, at the end of the day, I need my sleep.

With a snoring or bad odor I cannot achieve that. I will rather not have any of them.

Wale Akinsanya

Body odor is better, at

I prefer body odor because all I have to do is make sure that I have plenty of deodorant at hand. It is annoying that when you come back home after a hard day’s work, you cannot sleep well

or which one? Well, the only son I have belongs to my husband, Desmond,” I said. He got furious and told me that I will hear from the king soon and walked away.

The next day, I was summoned to the palace by the king. I went with my parents.

On getting there, the king ordered me to bring his grandson to the village if I don’t want to be banished from the village. I was surprised not because of the threat but because I felt the king and his household should have first apologised for the treat-

ment they meted out to me before asking about the child they rejected nine years ago.

“My king, you threaten me over a child that was denied by the prince nine years ago?

Do you know what I went through before and after giving birth to him? Just because the prince does not have a son, all of you suddenly remember my son? Nobody will take him away from me,” I wept. “I am giving you only two weeks to bring my son to where he belongs, he warned.

Just then, my father cut in and promised the king to

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

at night because your partner keeps snoring.

Osato Idehen I prefer a girl that snores because it is easier to fix than a girl with body odor.

A girl with body odor has bad hygiene and that’s a lifestyle and health issue.

Kodjo Sanpong I prefer a girl that snores because I cannot stand a woman with a body odor to me it’s simply unacceptable.

Darlington Marcel It’s a case of two evils but when subjected to choice snoring becomes the letter evil. If you happen to fall asleep before your partner, you may just be lucky to have a peaceful night.

Thomas Mbaru

I consider snoring to be much more complex because its treatment may even necessitate psychological intervention. Body odor on the other hand can be fixed through simple medical attention Rose Kahehu I am normally at crossroads whenever I consider these two conditions. I however feel that snoring is better because you can comfortably stay with the person as long as they are not asleep. Bad odor on the other hand makes the person totally unbearable.

Rachel Whitehead Nigerian Canadian News have a serious talk with me.

My parents pleaded with me to allow little Ikenna go and stay in the palace as a royalty and avoid being banished. But can I stay apart from my son? My little Ikenna may be a royalty but he is the only male child I have and I cannot just give him up. The most painful aspect is that he has to live and grow up in the palace in the village after bonding with the family he has known right from his early age. Can he cope?

Should I let him go or risk facing being banished?

22

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China announces visa exemption for Nigerian diplomats, officials

The Chinese government on Saturday announced visa exemption for Nigerian diplomats and senior government officials with effect from Feb.1.

The outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Deng Boqing, made the disclosure at “Nigeria-China Business Roundtable and Luncheon” in Lagos, organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

Deng said the decision became imperative following an agreement recently reached by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chinese President, Xi Jinping.

He added that “we all know that visa issue is very important for the purpose of promoting our countries’ relations.

“We have, therefore, decided to offer visa exemption for Nigerian diplomats and senior government officials in a first phase.

“In the future, we will also be working with the Nigerian government to simplify other citizens’ visa application process.

“China is prepared to promote people-to-people interaction between the two countries.’’

The Chinese ambassador advised Nigerian and Chinese business communities to be friendly in promoting business interaction between them.

He said Chinese investors’ planned to increase their Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria in the New Year and beyond.

Deng said trade be-

tween both countries increased by 25 per cent in the last three years.

The envoy commended Nigerians for the encouragement and support he enjoyed during his tenure as ambassador.

The NIIA DirectorGeneral, Prof.

Bola Akinterinwa, urged the Chinese government to also facilitate visa processes for Nigerian businessmen and women.

Akinterinwa said there were lots of trade and business relations between both countries, which he said Nigerians should take advantage of.

He said the business roundtable was organised to bring Nigerian businesses and their Chinese counterparts together for effective interaction and business transactions. (NAN)

Prime Minister Harper’s ‘Holy Land’ Tour Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Israel under the company of his wife Laureen and a sizeable entourage as part of his Middle East inaugural visit.

To receive them at Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, when their plane touched down were Israel’s foreign affairs minister Avigdor Lieberman and Canada’s ambassadordesignate to Israel Vivian Bercovici.

From the airport, the Harpers were driven in motorcade that snaked its way along a scenic highway up to Mount of Olives where the visiting team had an opportunity to see the spectacular and breath taking view of Old Jerusalem.

To show them around and describe a few things of significance was Haim Cohen, a research fellow from the University of Haifa. The couple also had the unique chance of seeing the imposing Dome of the Rock.

The Mount of Olives which has been used as a cemetery for more than 3,000 years has a historical and religious significance to both the Islamic and the Chris-

tian traditions.

The trip which is planned to take 6 days will begin with a ceremony to be held at the Prime Minister’s office thereafter followed by a tour to Jordan and the West Bank.

The entourage accompanying the Prime Minister consists of 6 cabinet ministers, a senator, 30 senior business officials including Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada CEO

Revealed: Jonathan jumped 31 Generals to pick Minimah as new Chief of Army Staff To appoint Maj-Gen. Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah as chief of army staff, President Goodluck Jonathan had to skip 31 generals who are his seniors in the Nigerian Army, LEADERSHIP Weekend reported. The paper said that “of these generals, 15 would be retired soon while 16 may be left to work with the new army boss.”

Continuing, the report said: “Since the sack of the service chiefs and the immediate appointment of the new ones by President Jonathan during the week, there has been panic in the country’s barracks, as the superiors of the new service chiefs fear that the retirement to be engendered by the development could affect them. Those who have cases against the new service chiefs are hoping to get redress at the National Assembly when they would be screened.

“Special adviser on media and information Dr Reuben Abati had said the president ‘in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ approved the following changes in the nation’s military high command: Air Marshal Alex Badeh takes over from Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as chief of defence staff; MajGen. Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah takes over from Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika as chief of army staff; Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin takes over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as chief of naval staff; and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu takes over from Air Marshal Badeh as chief of air staff.

“There was a conflict in

the statement issued by Abati. He stated that ‘all the changes are with immediate effect’ and that the president would soon seek the approval of the National Assembly as mandated by the constitution.

“Since the announcement of what a top security person described as a tsunami, an uneasy calm has pervaded in most military formations and embassies abroad, since one aftermath of the reorganisation should include mass retirement of top officers who, according to the tradition of the military, would not be able to fit into the new system because of their years of service. “ ‘President Jonathan as the commander-in-chief has the constitutional right to appoint whoever he wants as the service chiefs since the offices have become political, but courtesy calls for caution in considering who becomes what because of the implication on the military, especially the very senior officers who may be asked to go on voluntary retirement,’ a security top brass said. ‘One of the implications of appointing Maj-Gen. Minimah (a Regular Course 25 member of the Nigerian Defence Academy) as the chief of army staff is that all those who are his seniors, like Course 24, 23 or 22, are going. This is the tradition. The same thing would happen in the Air Force. In the Navy, those who are members of Regular courses above the new chief would go. This is why it is dangerous to allow the service chiefs to stay beyond the terms and conditions of service which stipulates 56 years of age and 35 years in ser-

and president; Philip Reichmann and David Asper. Representing the clergy are 21 rabbis and a priest.

Canadian tax payers and activists have started questioning the size of the team which they say is more than necessary bearing in mind that the burden of travel

and accommodation expenses will ultimately rest on their shoulders.

Harper who has passionately supported Israel will go in records as the first Canadian Prime Minister to address Israel’s parliament- Knesset.

According to Jason MacDonald, the Prime Minister will among

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

vice.’

“The source further explained that, with the imminent mass retirement, ‘all the services would be forced to overhaul the recent appointments made by the outgoing service chiefs because the new helmsmen would like to bring on board officers that they believe would give them absolute support’.

“Another military officer who noted that the appointment of General Minimah did not go down well with some forces in the north which lost out and that they would shift the battlefield to the National Assembly. “ ‘The appointment of Minimah is an ill-wind that blows into the face of the military. We have been crying out that the agenda of Jonathan is to name his kinsman the chief of army staff right from his days in Lagos Command but they said we were alarmists; now the hen has come home to roost. There are so many officers who are superior to Minimah; now what becomes of them? “ ‘One good thing is the appointments made by Jonathan are subject to the approval of the National Assembly. Let them (the lawmakers) ask him to explain why Minimah should be the COAS when there are very senior officers above him,’ he said.”

•Photo shows new Army Chief, Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah.

Source News Express other things promote bilateral relations between the two countries especially on the part of commerce and industry.

He is also expected to address the thorny issue of regional security and global peace when he meets Israel leaders and later when he meets the King of Jordan.

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TORONTO POLICE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH - JANUARY 30, 2014

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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27

Abijah Nwakanma

wins public speaking contest

(NCNC) Saturday, November 30, 2013,Brescia University College, affiliated with Western University, hosted a public speaking contest called, “Take the Lead”, which attracted many participants. There were 31 students from 26 schools from South Western Ontario participating in the contest at Brescia in London, Ontario.

The participants were asked to speak about a woman, past or present, who has inspired leadership on a large or small scale, from a family member to a celebrity. The contestants mesmerized the audience with their vibrant oratory skills, with North Albion Collegiate of the TDSB having two contestants participating.

The two North Albionʼs students talked about their mothers with one student, Abijah Nwakanma, who came from Nigeria on December 29, 2011 winning the first prize. The first prize was full year fall/winter tuition to Brescia University

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

College at a value of almost $7000.

Abijah gave a captivating speech about how her mother struggled to attain education and how she overcame the challenging obstacles that life threw in her path. Quoting the hero, Nelson Mandela, Abijahʼs mother believes that “education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world”.

Having come to Canada and with no family, friend or relative, Abijah and her family found out it wasnʼt easy at the beginning. Now as she marks the second year on December 29, 2013, Abijah doesnʼt see it totally great now, but she is grateful that she is here and happy that she did not return to Nigeria when the cold was unbearable and the food was not what she imagined she would eat. She is also grateful and will continue to remain indebted to continued on p(37)

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Man Of The Year 2013 Is Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola - Daily Independent The Beginning Engr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was born in the month of May, 1957.

He had his primary and secondary education in Ondo State, and later attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated in 1980.

As a pupil in the primary school, Rauf was a centre-point around whom his mates hovered for guidance and direction.

As a student, he was focused for remarkable performance which he made distinctively and

seamlessly. In the Polytechnic, he positioned himself to conquer his environment by engaging in prolific studies.

The career man Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Fellow of the Nigerian Association of Technological Engineers (FNATE) and Fellow of the Certified Marketing Communications Institute of Nigeria (FCMCIN), Rauf Aregbesola has a wealth of experience garnered

through wide exposure in the private sector, such as the Nigerian External Telecommunications, now renamed Nigerian Tele communic at ions Ltd. and Lagos Airport Hotel, before establishing his own Engineering Services Company, Aurora Nigeria Limited, in 1986. The company had handled numerous major projects for both government and private organisations in most States of the Federation.

The politician Politically, Rauf

has

been no less a phenomenon. His involvement in politics dates back to his undergraduate days when he was Speaker of the Students’ Parliament (1977/78), The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the President of the Black Nationalist Movement (1978-1980). He was also an active supporter of other progressive students’ movements nationwide, which earned him, for instance, the life membership of National Association of Technological Students.

In June 1990, he became

Governor Rauf Aregbesola

an elected delegate to the SDP Inaugural Local Government Area Congress. In July of the same year, he was also a delegate to its first National Convention in Abuja.

Rauf Aregbesola, as a pro-democracy and human rights activist, was a major participant in the demilitarisation and pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s. Prior to his appointment as the Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure (1999-2007), he was Director of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation (BATCO), which engineered the electoral victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999. He performed similar feat using the platform of Independent Campaign Group (ICG) to ensure the re-election of Asiwaju for a second term in office.

The Commissioner Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acquitted himself excellently as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007 with the strength of his commitment to selfless service. His diligence, sincerity and tirelessness in the administration of the vast Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, as well as supervision of the Public Works Corporation and State Electricity Board, has been acknowledged as being responsible for the outstanding success

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

recorded by the Tinubu administration, especially in road rehabilitation/ maintenance and street lighting; and achievement that solidly laid the foundation for the actualisation of Lagos as the model of development and good governance as being sustained by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola today. Indeed, it is a known fact that he is one of the brains behind the infrastructural reengineering that has now resulted in the transformation of social amenities in Lagos State.

Some of the novel achievements and innovations due to Aregbesola’s visionary qualities and enterprise include the redefinition and application of new aesthetic standards to ministry blocks and offices as corporate workplaces; vision and mission definition, annual staff retreats and modern manpower capacity building trainings; introduction of facility management practices; pioneering achievements in PR (ministry journal) and IT (website) operation; Pioneering Private/ Public Sector Partnership Ventures; Awardwinning best practices projects; etc.

The believer and advocate of the rule of law Aregbesola’s belief in the sanctity of the rule of law is exemplary.

Engr. Rauf Aregbesola, on the platform of the then Action Congress

(AC) contested for the Gov

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 ernorship of Osun State in the April 2007 elections, and won.

To be so declared, however, took close to four years of what must go down as one of the most titanic mandate recovery legal battles of all time, and a moment for the manifestation of the omnipotence of the Almighty God and his steadfastness in support of those who rely on him.

Having gone through the tribunal of first instance, an appeal and a retrial tribunal, the second appeal court, delivering judgment on October 26, 2010, declared Aregbesola governor and ordered he be sworn in the next day.

Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, since assuming office as Governor of the State of Osun on October 27, 2010, has redefined the meaning of governance in the public sector, not just with symbolic posturing, but real and sustainable interventions that will presently enhance the quality of life of everyone that lives or works in the State of Osun. Rebranding of the state as the ipinle Omoluabi (State of the Virtuous) started from himself, adopting the title Ogbeni, simply Mister, in deference to the singular Excellency of the Almighty God. In just over a year, the chronicle of his achievements is astounding, and may be summarised as a chain of “O-Models”, the most astonishing been the engagement of 20,000 youth in the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme within his first 100 days in of-

Governor Rauf Aregbesola fice; an accomplishment without precedence that has become the model for others to follow.

The strategist/visionary Rauf is a born strategist.

Throughout his life, whether as a pupil, student or career man; political appointee or Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has applied the art and science of strategy to ensure success in all endeavours in which he is engaged. He strategised and was outstanding as a student. He strategised and was efficient and effective as a career

man. He strategised and was accomplished as a grassroots politician. He strategised and was excellent as a commissioner in Lagos State. He strategised to reclaim his mandate when he was rigged out in the race to offer selfless service to the good people of Osun. He strategised to lay a sound foundation for a regenerated Osun State knowing that sustainable development does not happen with ‘quick fix’ methods, tools, and techniques.

He is strategising to position Osun and the good people of the state appropriately in the geo-

economic milieu of Nigeria. He is a fervent believer in the dictum that strategists do not fail and so will not fail the people of Osun.

Committed to a better, egalitarian society, Aregbesola, though fully anxious to build a society with massive physical infrastructures that promote better living, believes in first pursuit of those human values that can pave the way for the emergence of that total man, who is socially responsible. Hence his dogged pursuit of programmes extra-curricular schemes, such

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

29

as the Calisthenics, Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club, and other schemes aimed at re-orientating the youths to channel their energies towards a society where the promotion of the common, collective goods will dominate the crazy pursuit of the good of the self.

He stirs the hornet’s nests often; but, these are in his determined attempts to break the norms to achieve extra-ordinary results.

To date, he has ignited debates on federalism, restructuring of education towards functionality, equity, justice and fairness in all spheres of life. Even in the face of mounting criticisms, he holds tenaciously to his ideas, convinced that oppositions to them are products of long years of military rule, ignorance of what is even good for humanity and the acute manipulative capacities of those whose interest it is to keep the ordinary people perpetually subjugated.

The family man An exemplary family man, Rauf Aregbesola is a loving husband and caring father. Married to Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, he has nurtured his family with equal devotion and commitment.

For these reasons, he is a thinker, ardent performer, a visionary leader, a transformational leader, an agent of strategic change, a man for the people; Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, Governor of the State of Osun.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. (NCNC) Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on the 15th of January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and was assassinated on the 4th of April 1968. He was a Baptist pastor, a humanitarian, an activist, and a leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Martin Luther Jr. was born to Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. He had an older sister, Willie Christine King, and a younger brother, Alfred Daniel Williams King. He was born Michael King but had his name later changed following his father’s own change of name to Martin Luther in honor of the German reformer Martin Luther.

King attended Booker T. Washington High school where he was a precocious student and he did not have to attend the ninth and twelfth grade and graduated from high school at the age of 15 years. In 1948, he received the B.A degree in Sociology from Morehouse College which was a notable Negro institution in Atlanta. His parents had also studied at Morehouse College. King enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania where after three years he was awarded with a B.Div degree. At Crozer Theological Seminary, King was elected president in a class that was predominantly white. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he joined Boston University for graduate studies where he completed his residence for the doctorate and received his degree in 1955. It was here in Boston where he met Coretta Scott who was a young woman of great intellect. They were married on June 18, 1953 at her parents’ home in Heiberger, Alabama. They had four children, two sons Martin Luther King III and Dexter Scott King, and two daughters Yolanda King and Bernice King.

In 1954, King became the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He was by this time a strong advocate for civil rights especially for the rights of colored people.

He was a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Early in December, 1955 he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was a non violent demonstration that lasted 382 days and on December 21, 1956 the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional any segregation on buses. This helped King emerge as a great Negro leader though he went through much resistance such as having his home bombed, he was arrested severally and he suffered much personal abuse.

In 1957 Martin Luther King, Jr. together with Joseph Lowery, Fred Shuttleswoth and Ralph Abernathy, helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The purpose of the organization was to harness the moral authority and organizing power of black churches to conduct non-violent protests for the fight of civil rights. King was elected the first president and he led the organization until his death.

Martin Luther King, Jr. used ideals that came from his Christian background and he operated with techniques similar to those used

by Mahatma Gandhi. King travelled to many places where he made many public addresses (over 2500 times).

He would go to wherever there was injustice or protest.

He authored five books and wrote many articles. With help from the SCLC, king led an unsuccessful march against segregation in Albany, Georgia in 1962. He also organized nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama which attracted much attention due to national television broadcasts of the violent police action that followed. This provided what he called a coalition of conscience and also inspired the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” which was a manifesto of the Negro Revolution. He planned the drives in Alabama for the registration of Negroes as legal voters. In 1963 he helped organize the March on Washington which

had more than 250, 000 people and here he delivered the famous “I have a Dream” speech. The speech is one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory.

The March and speech were instrumental in putting civil rights as a top priority in the agenda of reformers in the United States and it facilitated the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

From 1960 to his death, Martin Luther was the copastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where his father was the Pastor. His grandfather had served as pastor of the church from 1914 to 1931. On October 14, 1964, at the age of only 35 years, Martin Luther King, Jr. was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through non-violence and was the youngest person to receive the accolade. King announced that he would

direct the prize money towards the furtherance of the civil rights movement. In 1965, with the help of the SCLC Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches and in 1966 he went on to Chicago where he took to fighting against segregated housing.

During the last years of his life, he also turned his attention towards fighting poverty and the Vietnam War. This made him create more enemies even with people who had supported him before.

On April 4, 1968 at 6:01pm Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated as he was preparing for a march in Washington DC which was called the Poor People’s Campaign.

The march was a protest in sympathy with the garbage workers who were on strike.

During his time, Martin Luther King, Jr. conferred with President John F. Kennedy and also helped cam-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

paign for President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was often in loggerheads with the authorities and he was arrested more than 20 times and was physically abused at least four times. In his time he was awarded with at least fifty honorary degrees from universities and colleges. In 1963 he was named as the Man of the Year by the Time magazine. In 1971 he was posthumously awarded a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for his “Why I oppose the War in Vietnam” speech.

In 1977 President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded King with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Since 1971 some cities and states had holidays to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. In November 2, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and the day is called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

32

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Gone Too Soon OBITUARY ANNOUNCEMENT It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the death of our Beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Father In-Law and Husband

Mr. Gilbert Carlton Alexander Age 64 years Passed on at Providence Health in Scarborough, Ontario Canada on Tuesday January 14th, 2014.

Mr. Gilbert Carlton Alexander was born September 11, 1949 in Tempe St. George’s Grenada. He was the son of Michael Thornhill and Mary Mary Alexander. Gilbert attended Palmers All Boys School. He was an active member of the Seaman and Waterfront Workers Union. He was also a body builder and also loved soccer ever since his days in Grenada. When he later moved to Canada he became a rugby fan too.

Carlton migrated to Canada in the 1980’s where he began working as a bricklayer. A few years later, Carlton started his own business as a truck driver, which was very successful. He will be remembered for his caring and compassionate attitude towards life. He strongly believed that family and friends were the most important things in life and should always be first priority.

He is survived by: Mrs. Abosede Nzeimogu Alexander (Wife) Mr. Roger Alexander (Son) Ms. Michelle Crosby (Daughter) Master Onyekachukwu Alexander (Son) Master Oluwasequn Samuel Alexander (Son) Mr. Keith Alleyne (Stepson) Ms. Dani Caudeiron (Step Daughter) Ms. Emmanuella Ogidi (Step Daughter) Ms. Omowumi Ogidi (Step Daughter)

Master Ethan Crosby (Grandson) Ms. Kaia Cato (Grand Daughter) Master Shane Roger Alexander (Grandson) Master Keenan Crosby (Grandson) Mr. Vernon Thornhill (Brother) Mr. Vivian Thornhill. (Brother) Mr. Elias Francis (Brother) Mrs. Sherma Roberts (Sister) Mrs. Gemma Davis (Sister)

Mr. Sharon Thornhill (Brother) Dr. Samuel Pierre (Brother) Ms. Hilma Thornhill (Sister) Mrs. Denise Pope (Sister) Ms. Violet Alexander (Sister) Mr. Kenny Alexander (Brother) Mr. Derick Alexander (Brother) Mrs. June Paul (Sister)

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

Signed by Mrs. Abosede Nzeimogu Alexander (Wife) Mrs. Sherma Roberts (Sister)

May his soul rest in eternal peace

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DISCLAIMER

THE AFRICA MISSIONS CANADA INC. of THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD, CANADA IS NOT AN AFFILIATE OF AFRICA (CANADIAN) MISSIONS It has come to the knowledge of the authority of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Canada that an organization named “Africa (Canadian) Missions” was representing itself to the public and the entire world via the internet as being affiliated to The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Africa Missions Canada Inc. also known as Africa Missions, and the person of the wife of the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. The said organization, Africa (Canadian) Missions” having a location on Albion Road in Toronto, once had the logo of The Redeemed Christian Church of God on its signage and the picture of Pastor (Mrs.) Adeboye, the wife of the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God who is the initiator of Africa Missions and the Logo of the Africa Missions Global on its facebook page.

We appreciate that the name of the said organization, “Africa (Canadian) Missions” is confusingly similar to our organization’s name, Africa Missions Canada Inc. thereby you may be led to believe that this organization is sponsored by or affiliated with The Redeemed Christian Church of God and The Africa Missions Canada Inc., hence the need for this disclaimer.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Africa Missions Canada, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in the person of Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, The initiator of The Africa Missions in the person of Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, the Representative of the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in North America and Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, North America in the person of Pastor James Fadele, and the Country Coordinator for The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Canada in the person of Pastor Femi Olawale, and members of the Board of Trustees of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Canada are in no way affiliated to the said organization called Africa (Canadian) Missions nor sponsor its activities.

The Africa Missions Canada Inc also known as Africa Missions and African Missions North America (Canada Chapter) Inc. both incorporated in Canada in 2004 are affiliates of The Redeemed Christian Church of God and the innovation of Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye.

For accurate information about Africa Missions Canada Inc. also known as Africa Missions and African Missions North America (Canada Chapter) Inc. please visit our website at www.africamissions.ca and www.rccgcanada.org . Should you have any question please contact the Country Coordinator of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Canada at 613 762 0975 or by email at pastorfemiolawale@yahoo.ca.

Pastor Femi Olawale Country Coordinator, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Can

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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35

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Technology Ekeh, Microsoft’s new African business face By prince Osuagwu

F

OR the next two years, the name Leo Stan Ekeh, would not only be synonimous with his Zinox brand alone, but also with Microsoft.

This follows last week’s sign-on of the mecurial Nigerian computer maker by software giant, Microsoft, to represent its interests in businesses around the African continent. Ekeh’s appointment as one of its Global Partner Advisors,according to Microsoft,was in recognition of his pioneering and pivotal role in ICT development in the continent.

More reasons the software maker aduced was that Ekeh merited the appointment,going by his intuitive leadership and capacity to define market trends.No wonder, he was the only African among the Advisors.

Accepting the appointment, Ekeh, thanked Microsoft for identifying with his vision to move Africa from the analogue to digital platform. He commended

Microsoft, for upholding the relevance and merits of the channel thereby helping to grow the IT market in Africa according to international standards. He praised Microsoft for believing in customer feedback as necessary consideration for business planning, product rollout and strategy development in both developed and emerging markets.

The Zinox Chairman said that he would use the Global Advisor platform to advance the objectives of the Digital Knowledge Democracy and create technology value for Africans. He explained that part of his responsibility would be to advise Microsoft on how best to domesticate technology and catalyze development in Africa.

He pledged to work closely with ICT institutions, professionals, governments, and the trade to ensure that his contributions to Microsoft are truly representative. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders have reacted on the appointment.

President Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, Mr. Chris

Uwaje, described the appointment as a welcome development. He said that the appointment of an African into that committee was a reflection of the growing importance of the African IT market.

He described Ekeh as having the experience, exposure and goodwill which have seen him pioneer many strategic ICT platforms to make Africa proud in this endeavor.

He recalled that Mr. Ekeh’s sustained innovations have propelled many international OEMs to the Number One position in sub Saharan Africa.

Uwaje contended that this appointment means more than business for Africans because it would also be a source of inspiration for the development of IT capacities among professionals. The Microsoft Global Advisor Committee is a committee of distinguished IT icons around the world who serve as feedback channel to Microsoft for business models and strategy for product rollout.

Vanguard

Flockcare: You can now worship on your mobile phone

Sweden joins race for self-driving cars STOCKHOLM (AFP) – A hundred self-driving Volvo cars will roll onto public roads in and around the Swedish city of Gothenburg in 2017, the Chinese-owned car maker said Monday.

The pilot initiative, called “Drive Me”, has a 500 million kronor (56.3 million euros, $76.2 million) budget and is a joint venture between the manufacturer and several public institutions, such as the Swedish Transport Administration and the city of Gothenburg.

“We aren’t the world’s biggest country, we aren’t the world’s largest car maker, but we make up for that by

being smarter and working together in a simpler way,” Volvo Cars chief executive Haakan Samuelsson said at a news conference in Stockholm promoting the publicprivate partnership.

The first driver-less cars

will have a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour (43.5 miles per hour) on some 50 kilometres of selected roads including commuter routes with heavy traffic. continued on p(49)

Microsoft appoints 1st African female country manager in Ghana Microsoft yesterday announced the appointment of Otema Yirenkyi as the company’s first country manager for Ghana.

This is even as the company shifts its global focus to a devices and services offering, as Ghana remains one of its critical investment markets in Africa.

Otema, a native Ghanaian with over 14 years of ICT experience, will take the helm of its increasing investment in the country.

Otema is Microsoft’s first female country manager on the African continent

and holds a BSc degree in Industrial and Labour Relations, as well as an MA in Development Studies.

“We have seen tremendous growth in broadband availability and internet penetration in Ghana, as well as the introduction of newer devices such as tablets and smartphones, which have fundamentally changed how consumers experience and use technology,” says Otema.

Ghana’s current mobile penetration rate is at an estimated 112%, after the country hit the 100% mark

at the end of 2012. These numbers are the highest in Africa, placing Ghana 49th in the world, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

- See more at: http://www. vanguardngr.com/2013/12/ microsoft-appoints-1stafrican-female-countrymanager-ghana/#sthash. czp8cSXe.dpuf “This always-on, alwaysconnected era that we find ourselves in holds new promise for what technology can bring to people’s lives and to businesses. continued on p(51)

By Prince Osuagwu

That technology is fast changing the world is no longer news. In fact it has come to a point where we almost can no longer notice a new change, having become immune to the surprise and sudden changes that technology bring to almost everything around us.

Today, most of the tasks that took years to achieve, take just seconds in the magical world of technology. The way people interact with each other, socially and business wise have totally changed- advancement is the new name!

But there is just about one area that technological innovation has not permeated so well -the Church.

The Church itself has been a change agent but at a time like now it probably could do with a change from out-

Google unveils ‘smart contact lens’ to check glucose levels

side.

Already, a foremost software Development Company, eKnowvate Solutions Limited, has come up with a new mobile application, FlockCare, which manages discipleship and create interactive engagement with the wide body of the church.

The application offers the subscribing church members instant access to audio sermons and teachings of Sunday service, mid-week and special programmes directly uploaded and

made available all the time and anywhere.

The Flockcare application enables effortless upload of video clips and allows seamless integration with YouTube. Videos can be streamed, allowing the church congregation to view them wherever they go and can also help connect the congregation in a prayer wall as it allows members to stay connected and post individual prayer requests from their continued on p(51)

Google has said it is testing a “smart contact lens” that can help measure glucose levels in tears.

It uses a “tiny” wireless chip and a “miniaturised” glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material.

The firm said it is also working on integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed certain thresholds.

But it added that “a lot more work” needed to be done to get the technology ready for everyday use.

“It’s still early days for this technology, but we’ve completed multiple clinical research studies which are

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

helping to refine our prototype,” the firm said in a blogpost.

“We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease.”

‘Exciting development’ Many global firms have been looking to expand in the wearable technology sector – seen by many as a key growth area in the coming years.

Various estimates have said the sector is expected to grow by between $10bn and $50bn (£6bn and £31bn) in the next five years.

Various estimates have said the sector is expected to grow by between $10bn and $50bn (£6bn and £31bn) in

the next five years.

Within the sector, many firms have been looking specifically at technology targeted at healthcare.

Google’s latest foray with the smart contact lens is aimed at a sector where consumer demand for such devices is expected to grow.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in ten people across the world’s population are forecast to have diabetes by 2035.

People suffering from the condition need to monitor their glucose levels regularly as sudden spikes or drops are dangerous. At present, the majority of them do continued on p(49)

36

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BUSINESS Danipa Business Systems Inc. Joins Google Apps Authorized Reseller Program Kitchener, January 6, 2014 – Danipa Business Systems Inc. today announced it has become a Google Apps for Business Authorized Reseller.

“The Google Apps Reseller program will help us enhance the value of Google Apps for businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas,” said Patrick Aboagye, President & CEO of Danipa. “Google Apps for Business offers a broad set of powerful APIs that enable us to deliver innovative cloud-based solutions for our customers at reduced IT cost.”

Google Apps brings simple, powerful communication and collaboration tools to organizations of any size – all hosted by Google to streamline setup, minimize maintenance, and reduce IT costs.

With Gmail (including Google email security and retention, powered

by Google Vault), Google Calendar, and Google Sites, users can stay connected and work together with ease. With Google Docs and Google Drive, which include word processing, spreadsheet, presentation

and website creation tools, users can share files and collaborate in real-time, keeping versions organized and available wherever and whenever users work.

The Google Apps Reseller program includes value-added resellers, consultants, managed software providers, and independent software vendors that sell, service and customize Google Apps for Business for their customers. Danipa received training, support and deployment services from Google, as well as access to APIs for integrating Google Apps into their customers’ business operations.

Danipa is able to retain a close relationship with their customers by providing additional service and support. The businesses receiving Google Apps will

benefit from the additional attention to their specific needs.

For more information on Danipa’s program please visit www.danipa.com and to learn more about the Google Apps Reseller program, please visit www. google.com/a/partners.

ABOUT DANIPA BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC. Danipa is a web design, development and Internet marketing company based in Kitchener, Ontario that develops online solutions for businesses worldwide.

We have been providing cloud-based solutions for businesses in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for over 7 years and have expertise in web design, development and the setup up of Google Apps, Google Analytics, Google AdWords and Google Webmaster Tools.

Patrick Aboagye President & CEO Danipa Business Systems Inc. Google, Google Apps, Gmail, Google Talk, Google Drive, Google Vault, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sites and Google Video are trademarks of Google Inc.

Is It The End Of The Road For Tax Cheats Canada?

It appears that the Tories have plugged in the right hole. If the raft of measures that were instituted by the federal Conservatives is anything to go by, Canada is likely to experience a drastic reduction in tax evasion cases.

In addition to the hotline that was launched, a reward system was also devised as a way of encouraging people to volunteer credible information that would lead to the identification and apprehension of tax cheats.

According to the Revenue Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the reward system is structured in a manner that the informants get a percentage ranging between 5-15% of the money recovered if the information given leads to the unearthing of major international tax frauds exceeding $100,000. The reward incentive she said is an excellent tool that would claw back lots of cash that would have otherwise been lost to

tax cheats.

The system however has a caveat stating that informants who are incriminated for being part of the taxdodge will not be eligible for the rewards.

The Tories have planned to boost their financial muscle by setting aside $30 million to be used over a period of five years in improving structures and intensify efforts that would see them effectively fight the vice not only in Canada but also outside its borders.

The conservatives have resolved to recover all the tax money owed to enable them balance their books.

The crackdown which is aimed at bringing back hundreds of millions in lost taxes is seen as an implementation of one of the control items mentioned in last year’s federal budget.

Findlay further appealed to everyone to abide by the tax laws and regulations so that collectively, they can empower the economy in

the provision of services and running of programs to the citizenry. She was quick to point out that investments by Canadians abroad are highly encouraged but they must furnish the Canada Revenue Agency with the correct data about their income from such investments for tax computation and submission purposes.

The Canadian taxation law requires that offshore holdings exceeding $100,000 be reported to the Canadian Revenue Agency.

The tax recovery plan also requires that electronic fund transfers that surpass the $10,000 mark be disclosed accordingly.

The Revenue Minister expressed confidence that the agency was capable of handling the large number of calls expected but declined to comment on the amount of money likely to be collected through the hotline initiative.

Nigerian Canadian Nwes

Morgan Stanley profits hit by legal costs

Fame and Fortune: Dangote’s Net Worth up by $9.3b in 2013 The president of the much revered Dangote Group, who also doubles up as Africa’s richest personality, has yet again hit the news headlines following his estimated $9.2 billion gain in net worth in the year 2013. According to Bloomberg, a credible financial intelligence group, Aliko Dangote still maintains his position as the 30th richest person in the world.

The cement tycoon is said to have made a huge percentage of his profits from his business operations within the continent of Africa. In fact the report

by Bloomberg further substantiates that of Forbes Africa concerning the operations of the continental business mogul.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index which ranks the planet’s 300 richest individuals on a daily basis reported an even more intriguing

story. According to the Index, the richest person in the world gained $524 billion in collective net worth over the same year, 2013.

The ranking went ahead to provide some aggregate statistics which placed the total wealth of the top billionaires at $3.7 trillion in market value as at the close of the year on December 31. An inter-industry comparison revealed that the technology industry contributed 28% of the total gains made in 2013 thereby making it the most lucrative industry over the same period. Out of the 300 billion-

aires ranked by Bloomberg, 230 of them made net gains while only 70 suffered net losses over the 12 months period sampled.

Dangote Cement was isolated by Bloomberg as the business unit that gained the most in the entire Dangote Group of companies.

Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) data compiled in 2013 ranks the cement manufacturing outfit as the most capitalized company in the entire stock exchange.

Compared to the cumulative net worth that Dangote had by the close of 2012, he has cumulatively added $9.1 billion according to the latest statistics from Forbes. This is a whisker lower than the Bloomberg estimates but there is general agreement between the two reports. The degree and margin of error is continued on p(49)

US banking giant Morgan Stanley sees net income more than halved by heavy legal fees relating to mortgage-backed securities.

Fourth quarter earnings for 2013 were $433m (£263m), or 20 cents a share, down from $982m a year earlier.

The bank’s legal expenses were $1.2bn.

The results round off a week of reports from US banking giants including JPMorgan and Citigroup, who were also affected by legal costs stemming from the sub-prime

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

mortgage crisis.

The bank said its legal costs were “specifically litigation and investigations related to residential mortgage-backed securities and the credit crisis”.

Morgan Stanley’s revenue was 9% higher than a year ago at $8.2bn.

For the year, the bank made $3.1bn, well up on 2a012,s annual total of $138m, when income was hit hard by one-off costs. Full year net revenues were $32.4bn, up from $26.1bn a year earlier.

James Gorman, the bank’s chief executive, said in a statement: “Our fourth-quarter results demonstrated the consistency embedded in our business model, as revenues increased yearover-year in all three of our business segments.

“Importantly, we are continuing to address many of the legal issues from the financial crisis.’”

He said the bank was moving into 2014 with “strength and momentum”.

BBC

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37

AUTO

Delta says ‘no’ to in-flight calls

US-based carrier Delta Air Lines says despite the Federal Communications Commission considering allowing voice calls and the use of mobile phones in-flight, it will keep its cabins quiet in mid-air.

"Delta will not allow cellular calls or internetbased voice communications onboard Delta or Delta Connection flights," said the airline's CEO Richard Anderson in a memo to staff.

"Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the tr avel experience. In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that

they are not in favor of voice calls onboard."

"Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate," says Anderson. "Even as technology advances and as regulations are changed, we will not only consider what we can do, but as importantly we will also consider what is right for our customers and our employees."

Iafrica.com

continued from p(27) the family who took them in and cared for them. Abijah’s family is thankful for the support they have received through her church.

As elated as she was when receiving the 1st prize, Abijah couldn’t hide her joy as she said, “Words cannot express how honored I am for winning “Take the Lead” at Brescia, based on the fact that I was just going for the experience. While in Nigeria, I never had the opportunity to speak publicly, but only locally in my school. It has been quite an experience and a great privilege to speak alongside talented contestants, learning from them and emerging a winner.”

She also couldn’t believe but only reflect back on a few hours before that, when she stood and gave the breathtaking speech, saying, “Good morning Ladies and gentlemen! I am honored to stand among your midst, and it is a privilege to speak about women who have empowered others through leadership.

One of such empowering, one of such dignifying, one of such amazing women is my mother.

My mother Esther Nwakanma she is my inspiration, if poem was a word structure, she would be my intonation…my brains are protected with skull but still there is an infiltration…her presence is like radiation, wavelength itself cannot be compared to gamma rays because she got the highest

penetration. Life without her will be an unfathomable imagination.

Born into an average and culture oriented African home, my mother is the eldest of seven children. Women from that tribe were given no opportunity whatsoever to attend school. Those privileged like my Mum were only able to attend high school and call it quits after their final grade in the belief that women were only born for marriage purposes.

Growing up with that custom and belief, my mother promised herself and her unborn children that she will further her education, her younger sisters will further their education and she will not prevent any of her children being male or female from furthering their education and getting the best out of education.

Ten years later after getting married and giving birth to her three children, my mother applied to a university in which she later got accepted and studied economics and public child health. My Mum made it her utmost desire to see her four younger sisters through the university though one passed on (in death). Despite the challenging economy in my country, my mother made sure that my siblings and I went to the best of schools where we were taught the best of things.

Even though it was very difficult (for my mother) going to school, taking care of her home and children,

making sure that her sisters did not require any financial assistance with regards to school and taking care of her ill mother; there has always been this smile on my mother’s face whenever we see her, this warmth about her that she knows and believes that whatever she had gone through in life, whatever she will go through in life will not be in vain.

Looking at my mother now, and remembering all the pains and suffering that poor woman had gone through to make sure that her sisterså have a self-reliable life… looking at my mother now and remembering all the pains she had endured to make sure that my siblings and I have a well-equipped life, a life free of dependence on anyone is a story that cannot be comprehended.”

From there she could pause and take a deep breath as memories of experiences in her new home trickled in and she continued saying, “We arrived at Pearson International Airport on December 29, 2011. We had no family, no friend, and no relative. We were basically stranded, but guess what welcomed us?..........the cold.

We were opportune to meet a woman who directed us to a hotel where we lodged for some days. During our stay in that hotel we had no food to eat, it was impossible for us to come out of the hotel because we had no jacket to go out with. Yet with a shirt and a plain trouser my Mum went out into that cold to

Hyundai packs features into new Genesis, hopes it will help boost brand’s sales

DETROIT - Hyundai is counting on a revamped Genesis full-size luxury car to pull buyers from market leaders Mercedes and BMW and help the Korean automaker recover from two years of lacklustre U.S. sales.

The 2015 rear-drive Genesis, unveiled Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, gets an all-wheeldrive option for the first time, making Hyundai competitive for luxury buyers in snowy locations.

It also goes high tech with an app that ties Google Glass headsets to Hyundai's Blue Link electronic safety, service and entertainment features.

Google Glass computerized headsets have been released to a limited number of early adopters. The glasses project text and images, and wearers can use voice, gestures or taps on a frame touch pad to give commands. People with the glasses can start their cars and unlock or lock doors remotely, find their cars in parking lots and search for points of interest or gas stations.

Hyundai's U.S. sales grew only 2.5 per cent last year

while the overall market grew almost 8 per cent.

A year earlier, the market grew more than 13 per cent but Hyundai sales were up only 8.9. Hyundai blamed the slow growth on a lack of factory capacity to meet demand for some top-selling models.

For Genesis, demand was the problem. Genesis sales fell 4.8 per cent last year in the aging model's final year.

When the Genesis was introduced in 2009, Hyundai decided to sell luxury cars under the Hyundai brand rather than creating a new brand that would require more costly marketing. It's sticking with that philosophy with the new model.

Here are some highlights of the 2015 version, which will hit showrooms in the spring: INSIDE: Hyundai claims the passenger compartment is the best in its class with 123 cubic feet of volume including the best headroom and rear shoulder room. BMW's 5-Series, the market's top seller, has 116 cubic feet, while the Mercedes E-Class has 113.1, according to Hyundai. The Genesis gets a simplified instrument panel with a more intuitive layout. It has stor-

age bins for mobile electronic devices.

OUTSIDE: Large trapezoid-shaped front grille with horizontal bars. Aggressive looking hood and front lights, with a centrehood bump set off by creases. Sloped back end that leads to LED tail lamps.

New chassis that's more rigid than current model for better handling. Optional all-wheel-drive. Aluminum front shock towers to cut weight.

UNDER THE HOOD: Two updated engines, 5-Liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and a 3.8-litre, 311 horsepower V-6. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for better efficiency.

GAS MILEAGE: Not released. Current V-6 version gets up to 27 mpg on highway.

PRICE: Hyundai says it will be under $40,000. Current model starts at $35,200 including shipping.

CHEERS: Costs less than competitors, giving drivers a lot of technology and features for the money.

JEERS: Hyundai name doesn't have the prestige of competitors such as BMW or Mercedes. www.ngnews.ca

look for food for my siblings and me. When the food was eventually brought, it was totally impossible for me to eat it…I was like, what is this? We as children saw the unhappiness on my mother’s face, yet she kept encouraging us and continued giving us a reason to go on in life.

Two of my mother’s sisters are now successfully married to men who appreciate them for who they are, and not because women were meant to be married. One of them

is now a successful business woman who trades with people from different ethnicities.

I am in Canada and attending one of the best schools in Etobicoke and hopefully to attend one of the best universities in Canada next year because my Mum went through pains to bring me here for which I am grateful.

Sometimes I just wish I could pour poems on my Mum like buckets of vanilla perfume.

My mother is beautiful

no just on the outside but inside… and do you know what? …that beauty flows deep within her and overshadows the outward.”

And with unparalleled charisma, she smiled as she ended her speech. Truly such great public speaking from an eloquent speaker, Abijah Nwakanma, convinced the audience and she took the lead in the public speaking contest.

By Sylvia Smitas North Albion C.I.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

38

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STATE NEWS Senator Ndume’s Convoy Hit

By Military Bomb in Gwoza

BY HAMZA IDRIS, YAHAYA IBRAHIM AND IBRAHIM SAWAB Maiduguri — Senator Ali Ndume who represents Borno South Senatorial district escaped death by the whiskers when a military aircraft threw four bombs at his convoy.

Ndume said the incident happened at Pulka village while on his way to Gwoza local government area to commiserate with the people of his constituency over the killing of some locals.

Photo: Leasdership:Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.

He said there were eight soldiers, five policemen and some members of the youth vigilante groups in his convoy when the bombs were thrown.

Ndume said the Hilux vehicle

conveying the military operatives was in the front, then his vehicle; before the one conveying the police directly behind his; then another vehicle conveying the civilian JTF and the last one conveying the Dan Madami of Gwoza.

He said it was by "sheer providence" that all the people in the convoy escaped unhurt but faulted how security agencies were carrying out the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in continued on p(49)

Nigerian Governor, medical team make history, perform first kidney transplant at DELSUTH The Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara has recorded what is still considered a rare feat in the medical field in Nigeria with a successful kidney transplant.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, a Medical Doctor who was among the medical team in the theatre during the operation, had last year assured Deltans shortly after a pace maker implantation that there will be kidney transplant in the hospital this year.

Speaking to journalists in Oghara Monday, Governor Uduaghan expressed satisfaction that the transplant was a success, stating that it was another medical breakthrough for the hospital.

“This is a happy day for me as

we are able to provide this service,” the Governor said, adding, “I know we were well prepared for this surgery and we also have a good post-surgery team.”

He disclosed that, “the hospital is overflowing with patients, so we are planning to expand bed facilities by putting up a three continued on p(49)

Chinese firm to sink N160bn in oil exploration, refinery project in Niger The Niger State Government said that a Chinese firm had agreed to invest N160 billion in oil exploration activities in the state.

The Commissioner for Mining and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Jibreel, made the disclosure in Minna at a press briefing on the ministry’s activities in 2013.

He said the amount would also cover the cost of building a refinery in Baro, Agaie Local Government Area of the state.

Jibreel said that the move was part of efforts to attract investors to explore its oil and gas potentials.

He said that the company was among five foreign investors that

had indicated interest in oil and gas exploration in the Bida Basin.

The commissioner said government had not entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese firm because it wanted the state indigenes to be part of the investment.

OSUN PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS: OMOLUABI SCHOLAR BUS

He said foreign investors had shown interest in the oil and gas deposits in the Bida basin because of the quality of crude oil discovered in the area.

Jibreel also said the crude oil deposit sample had been certified by internationally recognised labora-

Source:bioreports.net

How royal guards gave their lives to save kwankwaso’s father Kwankwaso’s-father-AlhajiMusa How Royal Guards Gave Their Lives To Save Kwankwaso’s Father — January 9, 2014 A 70-year-old palace guard, Alhaji Maiunguwa Tsoho, who was among the few individuals meditating with the father of Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso inside a mosque when gunmen attacked him, has recounted their ordeal and how they saved the life of the governor’s father.

Alhaji Tsoho told LEADERSHIP in Kano that when they suddenly heard gunshots, he and two other men formed a human shield to protect the governor’s father, an action which saved his life.

Alhaji Tsoho alleged that the attackers were hired killers who wanted by all means to kill Governor Kwankwaso’s father.

He confirmed that the attackers shot sporadically through the windows and the door of the mosque.

A veteran of WWII, Nadada Usman one of the guards of Kwankwaso’s father, also told our reporter that he couldn’t ar-

rest the situation as he had no functioning riffle, adding that he hid to dodge stray bullets.

Bala confirmed seeing two of the attackers in black trousers and white shirts.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero has condemned the attack on the governor’s father who is a member of the Kano Emirate Council.

Emir Bayero who spoke through the senior counsellor in the emirate council, Alhaji Abbas Sunusi said Kano emirate was shocked over the sad news, and urged the people of Kano to pray for continued peace in the state.

Also, Kano State Police Command issued a press statement confirming that a gang of unidentified men opened fire on worshippers while praying inside a mosque in Kwankwaso town, Madobi local government area.

The release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya said that the District Head of Madobi local government, father of Governor Kwankwaso, Alhaji Musa Sale who was also in the congregation escaped unhurt.

tories outside Nigeria.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan had approved the state government’s letter on the oil and gas deposits in the Bida basin and had forwarded same to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Jibreel said the letter had also been sent to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for further action.

He said the DPR had arranged a meeting with the state ministry officials to discuss the possibility of exploration of the basin.

“A sample from a dug well in the basin had shown 70 per cent gas

and 30 per cent oil,’’ he said.

The commissioner said that the ministry would exceed its projected revenue target of N10 million due to the prospects of revenue from the oil investment.

Jibreel expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners, who, he said, were operating without concern for their safety.

He, therefore, called for a review of the mining laws of the country to make it possible for state and local governments to have roles to play before miners could be allowed to begin operations anywhere in the country.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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Open Letter: You’re a trouble maker, Clark lambasts OBJ Open Letter: You’re a trouble maker, Clark lambasts OBJ **Calls him liar, hypocrite *Says Jonathan’s govt not run by his Ijaw kinsmen

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Henry Umoru

ABUJA-Erstwhile Federal Minister of Information and Ijaw leader has written a blistering open letter to former President Olusegun Obasanjo describing him as an unrepentant trouble maker and hypocrite guilty of many of the things he recently accused President Goodluck Jonathan of.

In a 10-page letter to Obasanjo, Chief Clark drew reference from the time of their common service in the Yakubu Gowon government and Obasanjo's relationship with all former heads of state that succeeded him to describe the former president as one who is determined to shape Nigeria according to his own whims.

Clark traced Obasanjo's opposition to Jonathan to frustration arising from his failure to manipulate the president on issues just as he defended the president on his linkages with his Ijaw home base, saying that the president has unlike his predecessors, not given preferences to his people.

Clark wrote: My Dear Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE This indeed is a season of open letters, the session of which you heralded with a contemptuous one to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your eldest daughter and a former Senator. Dr. lyabo Obasanjo, feeling uncomfortable with your antics quickly fired a response to your now infamous letter that has gone viral and continue to generate negative national discourse.

President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, an amiable gentle man to whom you routed your vicious open letter would not tolerate Presidential aides writing nor commenting on your letter, and so ordered a stay of action. He in his characteristic manner of respect and decorum said he would personally reply. I am quite certain that the President did not want to join issues with a benefactor and for-

mer President. He would have wanted the charged atmosphere your open letter orchestrated to ride itself out until normalcy and calm return to the polity, as witnessed in other incitive comments by well placed Individuals in the recent past.

However, as you well intended the echoes of your vicious letter continue to reverberate negatively. The President had no option left but to reply you through the same medium of an open letter. With a deep sense of responsibility the President touched all the damaging allegations you heaped on his administration and today Nigerians are better informed.

In the light of the forgoing, it has become incumbent upon me at this point in our national life to refute some of the issues highlighted in your letter especially about the Ijaws so that Nigerians must know that you are not the saint you claim to be, but a mischief maker, an ego maniac who always wants to play to the gallery. As rightfully put by your daughter lyabo "Nigeria does not belong to Obasanjo". In addition, I want to buttress the assertion that all Nigerians are equal no matter where they come from, that is, no one is a second class citizen of this nation. You have no right to plunge Nigerians into crisis as your past actions and recent open letter to the President connotes.

The generality of Nigerians think your letter is treasonable.

Why I write Ordinarily, I never intended to join in the affray of accusations and counter accusations between a former President and a sitting President and a daughter in between. But, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in your usual characteristic hatred and use of sarcastic remarks about Ijaw, you have again berated and insulted us the Ijaws in your letter to Mr. President. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has never for once acted nor behaved as

an Ijaw man since he took office as President, and we hold no grudge against him for that.

Secondly, as a Nigerian and an Ijaw man, I am proud to belong to both entities. Unlike you Obasanjo who is a Yoruba man first before being a Nigerian, I Chief E.K. Clark am the accepted leader of the Ijaws, while unfortunately you, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, are not accepted as leader of the Yorubas despite being Head of State twice, because you lack the virtues and honour deserving of a Yoruba leader. Your devilish and inciting remarks about the Ijaws are unfounded.

My dear former President, I know my letter will not come to you as a surprise because you know I would respond in equal measure, I have written several open letters to you in the past for your mismanagement of Nigeria affairs with Atiku Abubakar between 1999-2007, when you were the President and he your Vice President. I have also criticized and commented on your incessant interference with the government of Late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and I have commented on your unwarranted interference with his administration because of the confusion you generate. Reproduced hereunder is your myopic, rude and irresponsible remarks about Ijaws in your desperate letter to Mr. President: 'For you to allow yourself to be "possessed" so to say, to the exclusion of most of the rest of Nigerians as an Ijaw man' is a mistake that should have never been allowed to happen. Yes, you have to be born in one part of Nigeria to be a Nigerian if not naturalized but the Nigerian President must be above ethnic factionalism.

And those who prop you up as of, and for 'Ijaw nation1 are not your friends genuinely, not friends of Nigeria nor friend of 'Ijaw nation1 they tout about. To allow or tacitly encourage people of 'Ijaw nation' to throw insults on other Nigerians

39

Governor Fashola Makes List Of 100 Global Thinkers Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola, Pope Francis of the Vatican, Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe and mayor of Warsaw, Poland, Hanna Gronkiewicz-waltz and others have been named among the 100 Top Global Thinkers for 2013 by a worldwide personality assessment organisation, Lo Spazio della Politica (LSDP).

Lo Spazio della Politica, based in Italy and Brussels, is an independent think tank fashioned after the prestigious Foreign Policy (FP), which lists personalities, organisations and institutions which have made significant impact on people, objects, research projects and public policies.

The organisation founded by young Italian scientists and scholars. In the list titled: “The LSDP Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2013,” the organisation said it listed Governor Fashola “because he made Lagos an African hub of innovation, launching the Lagos Innovation Advisory Council, with the help of the Harvard Kennedy School.”

In the last seven years, Fashola has received numerous both local and international awards, including the prestigious global bodies for his innovative and people-oriented leadership.

Among the awards are the 2009 Good Governance Award from the United Kingdom-based African Business Magazine, 2010 Award for Excellence in Leadership of the Martin Luther King Jnr. Founda-

tion.

It also named Pope Francis as number one “because he reminded the world that the Catholic Church is a global power.”

Shinzo Abe was tipped as 31 on its list “because 2013, for better and for worse, has been the year of Abenomics,” the organisers said its list was an opportunity to identify some of the trends in global politics, science and other aspects of life for any particular year.

They stated that the list emphasises mostly political leaders, scientists, businessmen, academics and intellectuals even as “it tries to balance the geographical representation between Europe, the United States, Africa and other continents,” adding that the balance varies on yearly basis.

The president of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye, was also listed “because she has created a Ministry of Science and Future” while Nigerian’s Adefunke Ekine, fellow, Echidna Global Scholars, made the list “for her experience in teaching and directing schools in Africa; in particular for the promotion of science among female students.”

According to the group, three women, Jenet Yellen, Elvira Nabiullina and Karnit Flug from the United States, Russia and Israel respectively, took the second position in the list “because they showed that the Central Bankers’ Club is not ‘Men’s Only’ anymore.”

The Brazilian scientist, Ruth Nussenzweig, made the third position “for her

from other parts of the country and threaten fire and brimstone to protect your interest as Ijaw man is myopic and your openly quieting them is even more unfortunate. You know that I have expressed my views and feelings to you on this, issue in the past but I have come to realize that many others feel the way I have earlier expressed to you." I am indeed very sad and disturbed that you can make such a malicious, mischievous statement about an ethnic group which you did pejoratively knowing fully well that it has no single iota of truth nor foundation purposely to instigate and incite the rest of Nigerians against Mr. President and Ijaw come 2015.

Your statement: "For you to allow yourself to be possessed so to say, to the ex-

clusion of most of the rest of Nigeria as an Ijaw man is a mistake that should have never been allowed to happen" One may wish to ask why you think Jonathan is being possessed by Ijaws in the Presidency? The answer is definitely no. A few following instances may suffice; i) The NSA in-charge of security in the whole country is Fulani from Sokoto state. if) The SGF is Ibo from Ebonyi State iii) The Principal Secretary to the President is Fulani from Adamawa iv) The Commander, Brigade of guards is from Cross River v) The ADC to the President is from Kogi vi) His Speech writer is from Edo State, while the Senior Special Adviser on Media is Yoruba from Ogun State vii)Chief of Staff to the President –

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

research on malaria and her will to work again with her husband in Brazil at the age of 85.”

Also included in the list are Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands and King Albert 11 of Belgium “for their role as monarch innovators in Europe.”

The famous Japanese film director, Hayao Miyazaki also made the list for making adults and children dream even in the years of his retirement Bill Maris, the managing director of Google Ventures, United States, also found a place on the famous list for using a quantitative and algorithmic approach in the field of venture capital.

Other personalities on the list include Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov “for his diplomatic skills shown in the discussions over Syria.”

Human rights activist, Musimbi Kanyoro of Kenya “for her career defending women’s rights which brought her to the Head of Global Fund for Women, while the vice president of the Middle East and North Africa at the World Bank, Inger Andersen, entered the list “for her work on sustainable development.”

(Leadership) Edo State viii) Principal Secretary to President is Fulani ix} The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Custom Service is Fulani from Katsina x) The Chief of Air Staff is an Ibo from Delta State; xi) The Chief of Naval Staff is from Kwara xii) The Chief of Defence Staff is from North xiii) The Chief of Army Staff is Ibo from Abia The Inspector-General of Police is Hausa xiv) The Director-General of DSS is from Cross River xv) The Director-General of Immigration Service is from Plateau State

xvi) The DirectorGeneral of NSCDC is Yoruba from Ogun xvii) The Executive Secretary of PTDF is Yoruba from Ekiti xviii) The Chairman of continued on p(50)

40

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BOOKS - EDITOR’S PICK Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War

The Know

The Godfather

by Martina Cole

by Leymah Gbowee WINNER OF THE 2011 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE In a time of death and terror, Leymah Gbowee brought Liberia’s women together—and together they led a nation to peace.

As a young woman, Leymah Gbowee was broken by the Liberian civil war, a brutal conflict that tore apart her life and claimed the lives of countless relatives and friends.

Years of fighting destroyed her country—and shattered Gbowee’s girlhood hopes and dreams. As a young mother trapped in a nightmare of domestic abuse, she found the courage to turn her bitterness into action,

Joanie Brewer' s children meant the world to her. She'd do anything to protect them, even resorting to prostitution and petty crime in order to feed and clothe them. So when her beautiful teenage daughter is raped and murdered, only one thing will stop Joanie's pain - seeing her daughter's killer brought to justice. Joanie knows who he is and she'll do whatever it takes to nail him Source: www.goodreads.com

The Signature of All Things

By Mario Puzo

By Elizabeth Gilbert

A modern masterpiece, The Godfather is a searing portrayal of the 1940s criminal underworld.

It is also the intimate story of the Corleone family, at once drawn together and ripped apart by its unique position at the core of the American Mafia. Still shocking forty years after it was first published, this compelling tale of blackmail, murder and family values is a true classic.

Spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the extraordinary Whittaker family as led by the enterprising Henry Whittaker—a poor-born Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade, eventually becoming the richest man in Philadelphia…….

The Other Side of Divine

A Brother’s Honor (The Grangers)

Command Authority (Jack Ryan)

by Tom Clancy

There’s a new strong man in Russia but his rise to power is based on a dark secret hidden decades in the past. The solution to that mystery lies with a most unexpected source, President Jack Ryan.

When Somebody Loves You Back

Single Husbands

America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

by Brenda Jackson

by HoneyB

By Ben Carson M.D. (Author) , Candy Carson (Contributor) What is America becoming? Or, more importantly, what can she be if we reclaim a vision for the things that made her great in the first place? In America the Beautiful, Dr. Ben Carson helps us learn from our past in order to chart a better course for our future. From his personal ascent from inner-city poverty to international medical and humanitarian acclaim, Carson shares experiential insights that help us understand ... what is good about America ... where we have gone astray ...

Herschel Henderson says, "I do," to gain access to his wife's money. Lexington Lewis vows for his better and her worse, and Brian Flaw claims until death do we part, but does he really mean it?

The one thing these men share is none of them will give up the sexual freedom they enjoyed as single men to make their marriages work.

Herschel has a mistress that he sexes more than his wife and thinks nothing of it. Lexington is making love to as many women as he can, and Brian is sexing women of every ethnicity because he's become bored with his wife. Will their infidelties come back to haunt them in the end?

The Granger brothers left behind their family's Virginia estate—and the bad memories it holds—years ago. But their dying grandfather's request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right.

As the eldest brother, attorney Jace Granger is determined to take responsibility for Granger Aeronautics, his family's failing business. But the years of mismanagement seem impossible to untangle. As CEO, he hires a consultant to turn the company around. Smart, sexy Shana Bradford is the right person for the job—and the right woman to turn Jace's world upside down.

But the passion between them is jeopardized when old secrets begin to emerge.

Paris Simmons-Holyfield is finally pregnant with the baby she's dreamed of for so long. There's just one complication: she's not sure who the father is.

Apparently, after a night of drinking with her ex-coworker and ally Darius Connors, it could be him. Considering her husband's track record, chances are it is………….

by Mary B. Morrison

With a promising NBA career on the horizon, Darius Jones, engaged to Fancy, who is now pregnant, finds his life in chaos when a potential health issue threatens to destroy everything and a shocking secret forces him to retrace his past.

Nigerian Canadian News If satisfied, tell others!

If not please, tell us.

SOURCE: AMAZON.COM

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publisher@nigeriancanadiannews.ca admin@nigeriancanadiannews.ca

Distinctly Ahead

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41

YOUTH CORNER TO RETURN NEXT MONTH

predictability necessary to plan for the future,” said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne in a statement.

The change will put Ontario on par with Nunavut for the highest minimum wage in Canada. Most provinces and territories hover within the $10 to $10.50 range, while Alberta has the lowest minimum wage in the country at $9.95 per hour.

These are the current rates across the country, including the change in Ontario: Despite the rise, a fulltime, minimum-wage worker in Ontario will still fall below the poverty line making $11 an hour. At that rate, a minimum wage worker would earn $20,020 before taxes if they worked 35 hours per week, every

week for a year, or $22,880 at 40 hours per week. That is, of course, assuming a worker could obtain that many hours and not lose hours to time off or illness.

The poverty line in Ontario sits around $23,000 for a single person, reports The Star, and earning a comfortable living is another figure entirely. According to a report from the Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives, a living wage for “a decent quality of life” is as high as $18.69 per hour in Halton and $16.60 per hour in Toronto.

Anti-poverty activists have been pushing for a minimum wage of $14 an hour, or $25,480 per year assuming a 35-hour work week.

Facts you may not know: · It takes glass one million years to decompose, which means it never wears out and can be recycled an infinite amount of times! · Gold is the only metal that doesn't rust, even if it's buried in the ground for thousands of years. · Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end. · If you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water. When a human body is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off. · Each year 2,000,000 smokers either quit smoking or die of tobacco-related diseases. · Zero is the only number that cannot be represented

by Roman numerals. · Kites were used in the American Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers. · The song, Auld Lang Syne, is sung at the stroke ofmidnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. · Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent. · Peanut oil is used for

cooking in submarines because it doesn't smoke unless it's heated above 450 F. · The roar that we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in the ear. · Nine out of every 10 living things live in the ocean. · The banana cannot reproduce itself. It can be propagated only by the hand of man. · Airports at higher altitudes require a longer airstrip due to lower air density. · The University of Alaska spans four time zones. · The tooth is the only part of the human body that cannot heal itself. · In ancient Greece, tossing an apple to a girl was a traditional proposal of marriage. Catching it meant she accepted. · Warner Communications paid $28 million for the copyright to the song Happy Birthday. · Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. · A comet's tail always points away from the sun.

· The Swine Flu vaccine in 1976 caused more death and illness than the disease it was intended to prevent. · Caffeine increases the power of aspirin and other painkillers, that is why it is found in some medicines. · The military salute is a motion that evolved from medieval times, when knights in armor raised their visors to reveal their identity. · If you get into the bottom of a well or a tall chimney and look up, you can see stars, even in the middle of the day. · When a person dies, hearing is the last sense to go. The first sense lost is sight. · In ancient times strangers shook hands to show that they were unarmed. · Strawberries are the only fruits whose seeds grow on the outside. · Avocados have the highest calories of any fruit at 167 calories per hundred grams. · The moon moves about two inches away from the Earth each year. · The Earth gets 100 tons heavier every day due to falling space dust.

to direct more veteran clients to the toll-free phone service and the internet.”

The NDP opposes the reckless changes and cuts to service. Many of Canada’s military and RCMP veterans have complex needs that cannot be addressed over the phone or through the internet. They require one-on-one assistance from VAC staff.

Stoffer noted that the nine district offices that are targeted for phasing out are: Sydney, Charlottetown, Corner Brook, Windsor, Thunder Bay, Brandon, Saskatoon, Kelowna, and Prince George. In most of these cases Veterans will now face long drives to access the services they so crucially need.

“Last week, at a town hall meeting in Saskatoon, the

Peter Stoffer

Veterans Ombudsman assured veterans that budget cuts will not affect quality of care,” said Stoffer. “I respectfully disagree. Anytime you take away a direct service to the public, you are diminishing the quality of care offered to military and RCMP veterans and their families.”

“We will be pressing the federal government to keep these district offices open.”

Source:www.ndp.ca

Word Teaser

Can you guess the meaning? concurrence

orison do-­‐gooder Off-­‐licence carryall

Package store

Holdall Humanitarian Conjunction prayer

Rearrange the words below to complete the quotes:

1. we us world wrong read the and it deceives say that.

Rabindranath Tagore 2. “tomorrow lose ours win not yesterday is to, but is to or recover ours.”

Lydon B. Johnson

Riddle

I’m tall when - I’m young and - I’m short when - I’m old what am I?

Answers

The government of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced on Jan. 30 that it was raising minimum wage to $11 an hour

OTTAWA – Official Opposition Veterans Affairs Critic Peter Stoffer (Sackville-Eastern Shore) blasted the Conservative government today for their plans to close nine Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) District Offices across the country. He was joined by Yvan Thauvette, National President of the Union of Veterans Affairs Employees (UVAE) and other staff representatives to outline the serious affect that these closures will have.

“While in Charlottetown last week, VAC staff informed me that because they did their job ‘too well’ and had too many veterans coming to the office for service, the federal government was closing the Charlottetown District office,” said Stoffer. “They were told

off-licence – package store, concurrence-conjunction, carryall-holdall, orison-prayer, do-gooder-humantarian

As on June 1, Ontario’s minimum wage will rise to $11 — a 75 cent raise from the current $10.25.

The government also announced plans to introduce legislation that would tie future minimum wage increases to inflation. If passed, any increases would be announced by April 1 and come into effect on Oct. 1.

The last time Ontario raised the minimum wage was in 2010, before it was frozen. There are about 500,000 people in Ontario working at minimum wage.

Ontario sets a lower minimum wage for students, liquor server, hunting and fishing guides and homeworkers, who will also all see a raise in June. Liquor servers have the lowest set wage, justified because they earn tips, and their wage will rise to $9.55 from $8.90.

“Increasing the minimum wage will help improve the standard of living for hardworking people across the province, while ensuring that businesses have the

Rearrange quotes: 1. “We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.” — Rabindranath Tagore

BY LAUREN STRAPAGIEL, POSTMEDIA NEWS

2. “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” Lydon B. Johnson

A full-time, minimum-wage employee still falls below poverty line

Closure of nine veterans affairs offices will hurt veterans and their families: NDP

Riddle Candle

Ontario raises minimum wage to $11

· Due to earth's gravity it is impossible for mountains to be higher than 15,000 meters. · Mickey Mouse is known as "Topolino" in Italy. · Soldiers do not march in step when going across bridges because they could set up a vibration which could be sufficient to

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

knock the bridge down. · Everything weighs one percent less at the equator. · For every extra kilogram carried on a space flight, 530 kg of excess fuel are needed at lift-off. · The letter J does not appear anywhere on the periodic table of the elements. · And last but not least:

· This is called 'money bags'. So send this on to 5 and money will arrive in 5 days. Based on Chinese Feng Shui, the one who does not pass this on will have money troubles for the rest of the year. · Superstitious or not, I passed this along because it is interesting information.

42

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WORLD

Uganda’s president opposes tough new anti-gay bill but calls homosexuals ‘abnormal’ KAMPALA, Uganda Uganda's president opposes an anti-gay bill passed by lawmakers that calls for life imprisonment for gays, even as he characterizes homosexuals as "abnormal" who should be rehabilitated, according to excerpts of his letter to the speaker of parliament.

President Yoweri Museveni's opposition to the bill comes despite pressure from evangelicals as well from lawmakers from his own party.

But Frank Mugisha, a prominent Ugandan gay activist, said gays are not celebrating the president's words that were published Friday in Kampala's Daily Monitor newspaper, noting that his characterization of gays "creates more hatred" of them.

In his letter to parliament speaker Rebecca Kadaga, written days after lawmakers passed the bill in December, Museveni called for the bill to be revised and wondered what to do "with an abnormal person? Do we kill him/her? Do we imprison him/her? Or we do contain him/her?" Museveni said homosexuals need economic rehabilitation, not the threat of severe punishment.

Museveni has previously warned of serious consequences for Uganda's foreign relations if a bill proposing severe punishment for gays is passed. Some

European countries have threatened to cut development assistance to Uganda if the bill becomes law.

Ugandan anti-gay activists accuse Western homosexuals of "recruiting" impoverished Ugandan children, and Museveni addressed this concern in his letter.

"We should legislate harshly against those people with money, from within and from without, who take advantage of the desperation of our youth to lure them into these abnormal and deviant behaviours," Museveni wrote, adding that he would support a life sentence for those who "lure normal youth" into homosexual acts.

Sarah Kagingo, a spokeswoman for the presidency, confirmed that Museveni wrote the letter and said he genuinely believes "the way forward is rehabilitation" for gays.

Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law that criminalizes acts "against the order of nature."

Museveni's rejection of the bill comes as some African countries are toughening anti-gay laws. In Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan on Jan. 7 signed a law making it illegal for gay people to even hold a meeting. The Nigerian law criminalizes gay marriage, homosexual clubs, associations and organizations, with penalties of up to 14

years in jail.

The original bill in Uganda, first introduced in 2009, proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts.

That provision was later removed amid international pressure. A committee of lawmakers later recommended life imprisonment as the maximum penalty, reasoning in its report that "the death sentence, if executed, does not make the offender feel the punishment for his actions."

The legislation that Museveni wants revised set life imprisonment as the penalty for gay sex involving an HIV-infected person, acts with minors and the disabled, as well as repeated sex offences among consenting adults.

The bill was highly popular among lawmakers and evangelical pastors who say a tough new law will deter Western homosexuals they accuse of "recruiting" Ugandan children into gay lifestyles.

Source:http://ca.news.yahoo.com/uganda-39-president-opposes-tough-antigay-bill-103135730.html

Dutch break with EU to open political dialogue with Cuba The Dutch foreign minister signed an agreement on Tuesday with his Cuban counterpart to engage in political consultations, breaking ranks with the EU. This will limit high-level visits and talks with the Communist-run Caribbean island.

Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans, on the second of a two-day visit to Cuba, urged the EU to adjust its relationship with Cuba.

“Havana through the centuries has been a meeting point between Europe and the Americas and I believe it still has an important role

to play in this regard.’’

Timmermans, as he sat down for talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, praised Cuba’s efforts to “bring an end to the last violent conflict in the region,’’ referring to its hosting of peace talks between the Colombian government and local rebels.

Rodriguez said he welcomed the opportunity to hold discussions on issues of common interest and that changes underway on the island represented an opportunity for Dutch businesses.

As part of market-oriented reforms under President

Raul Castro, who took over from his ailing brother Fidel in 2008, Cuba recently opened a Chinese-style special economic zone and is preparing a new foreign investment law.

A delegation of businessmen accompanied Timmermans on his visit, the first by a Dutch foreign minister since the 1959 Cuban Revolution.

The Netherlands is a staunch advocate of human rights and democracy and actively supports dissident organisations in Cuba.

It also has strong commercial ties with the continued on p(43)

Project Daniel: 3D-printed prosthetic limbs change lives in the Sudan Thanks to a 3D printer and a compassionate stranger, 16-year-old Daniel Omar as a new arm.

The Sudanese teenager was the subject of a 2012 TIME story. He lost his hands in a bomb attack by the government on rebel forces. And while American surgeon Dr. Tom Catena was able to save Daniel's life, the boy still faced a life filled with uncertainty.

"Without hands, I can't do anything," Daniel, then 14, told TIME's Alex Perry. "I can't even fight. I'm going to make such hard work for my family in the future."

Mick Ebeling, co-founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs, read the TIME article and decided to take action.

He traveled to the Nuba Mountains to meet Daniel.

"I'm just wired that way," he told Kevin Newman Live.

"It's better to do something than sit home and watch."

He met with Catena and together they set up the world's first 3D-printing prosthetic lab and training facility at a local hospital

where consumer-grade 3D printers could be set up to produce low-cost prosthetic limbs.

Daniel was the first to receive an arm.

The new appendage, which cost about $100 to make and took about six hours to print, isn't perfect — it needs special attachments to hold utensils and it can't lift heavy objects — but it has given Daniel hope.

For the first time in two years, Daniel can feed himself — and offer grateful hugs to the man who changed his life.

Ebeling calls the prosthetic-printing mission "Project Daniel." His research firm is offering the open-source design free of charge, hoping that amputees all over the world will benefit from it.

"We're hopeful that other children and adults in other regions of Africa, as well as other continents around the globe, will utilize the power of this new technology for similar beginnings," Ebeling said in a press release. "We believe Daniel's story will ig-

nite a global campaign. The sharing of the prostheses' specifications, which Not Impossible will provide free and open-source, will enable any person in need, anywhere on the planet, to use technology for its best purpose: restoring humanity."

Before returning to the U.S., Ebeling taught people in the Sudan to create the limbs. They are now printing one limb a week without his assistance, Kevin Newman Live reported.

By Nadine Kalinauskas Source:http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/ project-daniel-3d-printedprosthetic-limbs-changelives-163252676.html

Purge of N. Korea’s No. 2 -- the background HYEONG JUNG PARK On Dec. 12, a special military tribunal under North Korea's Ministry of State Security passed a death sentence on Jang Song Thaek, an uncle of supreme leader Kim Jong Un and a man regarded as Kim's regent and de facto No. 2. Jang was charged with coup d'etat, as well as treason, corruption, promiscuity and other charges, and immediately executed. Even by North Korean standards, both the victim and the rapidity of the purge were exceptional.

Who was Jang Song Thaek? He was married to Kim Kyong Hee, the younger sister of Kim Jong Il, in 1972 and was regarded as part of the royal family. He has occupied various influential positions in his more than 40 years in the North Korean leadership. He was twice sent on short-term internal exile, called "revolutionization" in North Korea, due to his wasteful extravagance and patronage networks. His rise to influence was pronounced with

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

his role as regent after Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke in August 2008. After that he played a central role in the successful transition of power from Kim Jong Il to his son Kim Jong Un. Jang is said to have taken advantage of his regency role to expand his own power and wealth, enlarging economic rights and interests under his control and expanding his personal patronage networks.

In the process of his rise in power and wealth during the transition of power, he antagonized the Organization and Guidance Department (OGD) of the central party, the military, and in the end, possibly Kim Jong Un himself.

Powerful foes First, let's look at Jang's antagonism with the OGD. Jang Song Thaek was appointed in October 2007 as the chief of Administrative Department (AD) at the central party in charge of various internal security

Questions remain about Kim Jong Un's role in Jang's downfall. © Kyodo

organizations. After that, Jang and his AD has been in very strong antagonistic zero-sum competition for political supremacy with the OGD, since the mid-1970s the most powerful political entity besides the top leadership. It is even rumored that Jang Song Thaek killed his archrival Lee Je Gang, the de facto chief of the OGD, under the guise of a traffic accident, a common method of assassination in North Korea, in June 2010.

Jang's relations with the military were fraught with conflict. His efforts to limit the military's commercial activities and trade continued on p(43)

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The Largest Breach of Integrity in the Nuclear Air Force The scandal is much more than the stripping of the certifications of the guilty officers. The 34 missile launch officers who have been implicated in the cheating scandal have revealed a rather dirty face of what has been known for ages as a respectable and disciplined U.S. Air Force.

According to Deborah Lee James the Air Force Secretary, the officers had engaged in a malpractice where they texted each other the answers to a test which is conducted monthly. The test assesses the officers understanding of missile operations.

Also punished were those that knew about the malpractice yet did not alert the relevant authorities.

The cheating scandal was unearthed during an operation that sought to investigate drug related incidences involving two of the 34 culpable officers. The investigations were conducted to clear the air over the latest controversy that has dogged the service members. In a statement seeking to clarify the issue, James was quick to point out that the scandal depicted a failure of integrity of only a few members and not the entire nuclear mission.

The drug scandal as a whole implicated 11 Air Force officers spread across the six bases in England and the United States. Malmstrom Air Force base situated in Montana was home to two of the three missile launch officers that were found guilty in the drug scandal while one hailed from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

The two from Malmstrom Air Force were also part of the cheating scandal.

Following the incident, 600 missile crew members from across the en-

tire U.S. Air Force had to retake the test together with 200 from Malmstrom. James stated in a news conference that the missile unit needed a closer attention and that the corrective action taken was part of longerterm initiatives planned to be addressed.

According to reliable sources within the Air force, the cheating is said to have taken place during last summer.

The Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh was categorical while addressing the issue saying that regardless of the level of participation, cheating and all activities connected to it are against the ethical code of the Air Force service. He called for accountability at every level and punishment meted against those who are found culpable. According to Welsh, the scandal is one of a kind and it has left an indelible mark in the history of the service.

The cheating in the test which is part of many other tests usually done on a monthly basis reveals more issues of integrity than the performance ability of the officers.

Welsh further added that incompetence cheating is an act that is difficult to hide considering the number of tests involved and the level of supervision in place.

The 34 officers found guilty represent just under a fifth of the number of missile launch officers present at Malmstrom.

Speaking of the actions taken on the officers involved in the cheating scandal, Welsh said that apart from being restricted from missile crew duties, the officers have had their security clearances suspended.

The pentagon had earli-

er disclosed the details of the initial drug probe that involved nine lieutenants and one captain picked from across six bases.

According to the official source at the pentagon, the officers were suspected of being in possession of ‘recreational drugs’.

Ever since, the number has risen by one to a total of 11 officers.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is the one that has been tasked with handling the matter.

According to the Associated Press, the latest events in the Air Force are part of a string of problems that have weighed down the nuclear arm of the Air Force in the recent past. Other issues at the nuclear unit of the Air Force include security lapses and morale related incidences.

The officers that featured in the original drug investigation disclosure were from Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England; Malmstrom Air Force base situated in Montana and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The last two bases are charged with the operation of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The news of the investigations came moments before Chuck Hagel, the Deference Secretary appeared at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base where he praised the professionalism and dedication of the officers while steering clear of the scandal. The pep talk was delivered to the elite 90th missile wing that is tasked with the operation of 150 InterContinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

continued from p(42) Dutch break with EU to open.... island, with the Port of Rotterdam serving as an entry point for Cuban nickel and other goods headed for various countries.

Trade between the two countries was 791 million dollars in 2012, almost exclusively Cuban exports.

It was not clear if Timmermans would meet with dissidents before his departure later on Tuesday.

The EU adopted what is known as the “common position’’ in 1996, which conditions its relations with Cuba to progress towards a pluralistic political system and respect for human rights.

Cuba has rejected the policy on the grounds that it interferes in the country’s internal affairs.

“I think dialogue is a bet-

ter way than turning our backs to each other,’’ Timmermans said on Monday.

“I think it is time for Europe to revise its position on Cuba and see if we can negotiate a new position towards Cuba,’’ he said at the opening of a soccer training workshop in Havana, hosted by Dutch players.

Reuters

43

Royal Tour: Canadian taxpayers against Prince Charles Visit Following the announcement of the royal visit by Governor General David Johnston, some very interesting debates have been going on within Canada. The tour of Prince Charles and Camilla who is the Duchess of Cornwall will involve major stops at Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. According to an official source from the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit is courtesy of an invitation by the Canadian government.

Canada is entering a very important period in history which is marked by national celebrations.

The events will start with the marking of 100 years since the Great War broke out. Thereafter, the nation will go through a commemoration of 150 years since the famous Charlottetown and Québec City Conferences which ultimately led to the formation of the Dominion of Canada.

While the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper represents those looking forward to the visit of Their Royal Highnesses,

a section of Canadian taxpayers seem to be uneasy about the whole unfolding story.

A representative of the Citizens for a Canadian Republic (CCR), a largely anti-monarch group told the media through an email exchange that despite the public interest that such visits spark, they are too costly to finance. Speaking on behalf of many other taxpayers who share the same sentiments, the representative, Tom Freda, went on to say that only visits involving the Queen and Prince Phillip should be paid for by the government and no extension should be made to their family members.

He alluded to the fact that in Canada, the travel expenses of the Prime Minister’s and Governor General’s family mem-

bers are not paid for by the government and so should the Queen’s.

According to the records available, Prince Charles made seven visits between the years 1980 and 2001 and thereafter visited twice in 2009 and 2012 in the company of his wife Camilla. Records indicate that the scheduled tour will be the fifth royal visit in a span of six years.

These trips Tom claims are not a bargain for the nation’s taxpayers.

A sneak preview of the costs of previous visits indicates massive expenses on the part of the taxpayers. The visit

by Charles and Camilla in 2009 for instance cost the taxpayers a whopping $1.7 million, while that of Queen Elizabeth in 2010 cost them $2.8million which is more than double the cost of Prince William and Kate's 2011 tour that cost the government $1.2 million. These figures as they stand are less the cost of security and any incidental costs incurred by the respective provinces.

military, the nation’s two most powerful organizations, had more than enough motivation to remove Jang. They must have tried to convince Kim of the purge at least since early 2013.

World with no Jang From this analysis we can conjecture about the possible consequences of Jang’s purge. First, his removal completes the ouster of the soft-liners in the North Korean leadership. We may observe the increasing influence of two powerful organizations in North Korea: the OGD, which is in charge of political surveillance, and the military, an organization of hard-liners intent on recovering its share of political and economic influence.

Second, Kim Jong Un’s fickleness and adventurism may be less constrained. Under the prevailing surge of loyalty and absolute obedience, no one can dare advise prudence, mod-

eration or better options.

Third, there will be second and third waves of purges which may have already begun. This can be inferred from the fact that the judgment of the special military tribunal against Jang also accused many of his allies in the party, the Cabinet and the military.

Fourth, China’s concern about the Kim regime has increased significantly. Jang has been regarded as North Korea’s conduit to China and has been active in various commercial dealings with that country. China seems especially worried about anti-China feelings in the North Korean leadership, the advance of hard-liners in security policy, and the possibility of a fourth nuclear test.

Hyeong Jung Park is Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification.

Prince Charles

continued from p(42)

with China provoked a strong backlash. He was also opposed to the military’s hard line on nuclear weapons development and relations with South Korea. Jang reportedly opposed the long-range missile tests, the third nuclear bomb test, and the closure of the Kaesong industrial complex in 2012 and 2013. His defeat in his opposition to the hard-liners must have weakened him significantly and united his opponents against him.

Questions remain about Kim Jong Un’s role in Jang’s downfall.

We can surmise that Jang’s expanding influence made Kim uncomfortable and that the ultimate decision to remove Jang must have been made by Kim. It is unclear whether Kim actively promoted the purge or simply accepted it under the forceful argument by the OGD and the military. What is evident, however, is that the OGD and the

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

44

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Revealed: D’Prince’s girlfriend bought him his N13m Benz Coupe Mavin Records’ D’Prince, recently acquired a brand new 2013 Benz Coupe and he gave the everyone the impression, that he got it with his hard earned money.

Well, it’s just be revealed that the N13million German machine, was a gift from his girlfriend of two years.

According to Stella Dimoko-Korkus, the car was a gift from a lady identified as Inorie Fotso, daughter of Cameroonian billionaire business man Victor Fotso, who is based in the the USA – New York to be precise.

The pair are said to have

By Charles Mgbolu

been dating for two years, with their love waxing stronger each day. Infact, the ‘Take Ba nana’ crooner is said to be head over heels

in love with her.

Inorie Fotso is a dance/ house singer and also an actress who has done several movies in Nollywood.

Saint Obi quits acting, campaigns for Goodluck Jonathan The Actor cum business man stated this in a recent interview with ‘Yes magazine’. The ‘candle light’ soap opera star said, “People castigate me for supporting him, but I make no apologies. To me, President Goodluck Jonathan is a project of hope, a mission for justice, equity and fair play. I will forever stand with the oppressed, the marginalized.

President Goodluck Jonathan, without a doubt is a good man that mean well for all Nigerians, but dark forces are bent on crippling h is Presidency.”

“Politics goes beyond dog eat dog. It is a game of master chess players. Swimming against a 20 feet ocean wave is an act in futility. Ask Mallam Balarabe Musa, former Governor of old Kaduna State; a great Nigerian that meant well for his people, but he got consumed by forces beyond him. Above all, he got impeached based

on the principles of democracy: majority will always have their way. All the good things he wanted to do for the good people of Kaduna State, gone. President Goodluck Jonathan’s detractors paint him as weak; on the contrary, he is a very strong and smart man.” he further said.

The Actor who is happily married with two boys, further revealed why he has not been featuring in movies of recent.

He said, ’well, as you journey through life, you get to a point where you ask yourself some tough but radical questions. I sat down, and had my usual rare deep one on one with God and decided to take a break from the entertainment industry. ”The splash a diver makes at low diving level is far less than when the dive is from a higher plane. I decided it was time to take a very deep dive into the next level of my career, business

ngth to pull through.”

For Akevweoghene Adagha, a business woman in Lagos: “Karen has worked so hard she does not deserve this. I hope and pray she makes it. I know she has a strong and fighting spirit. Karen, we are behind you.” continued on p(49)

Fans are beginning to hold their celebrity idols accountable for every action they take, when it is a mis-step, they come down strong and hard in criticisms; Maheeda, Beverly Osu, and Basket Mouth were some of their latest victims. Now their cross hairs have descended on Jude Engees Okoye eldest brother to the phenomenal P Square twins who posted pictures of firearms on his Instagram page.

Overtaken by a nameless urge, Jude had posted pictures of his pistols and live bullets and was quickly dragged to the social media public court.

“This guy keeps forgetting his real age… When your mates are governors of their state or making global positive impacts you’re

here busy showing off your toys like a primary school kid…. What example are you showing to the up and coming? Imagine if all this small boys starts carrying guns around ” wrote a commentator.

“Isn’t this the most ridiculous act of 2014? So showing off your guns abi na pistols is a way of telling the world that you have arrived? Sometines, having money isn’t enough, having common s*nse works together with having money to produce a s*nsible being” wrote another.

Only last week, popular comedian Basket Mouth was taken to the cleaners after he made a joke over relationships and rape. He apologized as soon as critiquing comments began to rain. Maheeda, Beverly Osu and Juliet Ibrahim were also white washed for their semi-nude Christmas

cards released online only days to the season last year.

“This guy (Jude) doesn’t know the enormity of what he has just done, hope he’s got a license for them, I doubt, if the police doesn’t come after him then the bad guys would definitely know they have a formidable potential hit…” wrote one last commentator.

Jude Okoye however doesn’t seem to agree and is unperturbed by this turbulence he’s made as the pistols and bullets are still on his Instagram wall.

What do you think of his actions?

Vanguard Jude

Ex-Venezuela beauty queen, husband shot dead

Renowned Actor, Saint Obi says people should continue to give President Goodluck Jonathan the chance to steer the affairs of the country .

strategies and objectives.

So, I might have been quiet, but I have been very loud with ground breaking visionary strides.

For instance, my company is about to launch Agwhyte Global Entertainment Network (AGEN); Africa’s largest film continued on p(49)

Breast cancer: Fear, anxiety over Karen Igho’s health Following reports that BBA gal, Karen Igho, is battling cancer, fans have expressed fears over her condition.

According to Udoka Ogbonna, a resident of Port Harcourt: “My heart goes out to Karen at these trying times. I pray that God should give her the stre

Fans lambast Jude ‘Engees’ Okoye over firearms pix

CARACAS (AFP) – Former beauty queen turned soap opera star Monica Spear was found shot to death with her husband in their car on a roadside in Venezuela, local media reported Tuesday.

Spear’s five-year-old daughter was found alive in the car Monday night and was in stable condition after being treated at a medical center, Venezuelan authorities said.

Authorities confirmed that Spear, 29, and her husband Thomas Henry Berry, 39, were found dead Monday night inside their car on a highway linking the cities of Puerto Cabello and Valencia.

Press reports described Berry variously as a Brit-

ish or Irish national, but an official statement did not confirm this and provided no details on how they died.

Local press reports, citing police sources, said the couple were shot dead, apparently by robbers, after their car broke down.

“The experts did a technical survey of the site and the vehicle in which the couple was traveling was impounded for the corresponding analysis,” an official statement said.

Spear was named Miss Venezuela in 2004 and appeared in the Miami-based Telemundo series “Pasion Prohibida’ (“Forbidden Passion”) and “Flor Salvaje” (“Savage Flower”) .

She was vacationing in

Venezuelan Monica Spear poses after being elected Miss Venezuela, in Caracas, on September 23, 2004. AFP PHOTO – Vanguard

her native Venezuela at the time of her death.

Venezuela has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with 79 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2013, according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence, a local non profit.

Actress Liz Anjorin explains why she dumped christianity for Islam Popular actress Liz Anjorin surprised many recently when photos of her on Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca surfaced online. She later announced that she was changing her religion from Christianity to Islam.

She also dropped the name Elizabeth and announced

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

that she would like to be addressed as Aisha, in light with her new religion. Liz has finally opened up about why she made the decision..

Liz tells City People "It happened in a miraculous way which I have continued on p(49)

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45

RELIGIOUS NEWS

TB Joshua’s shocking 2014 Prophecy It was an electric atmosphere in The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) where large crowds thronged to usher in the New Year 2014. T.B. Joshua came out around 11pm to deliver his much anticipated prophetic message in a broadcast beamed live via the churches popular television station Emmanuel TV. He first counseled believers to stay steadfast in faith despite the challenges that would arise in the coming year. “We are tempted so that we may pray the more. Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit,” he encouraged the congregants and television viewers.

Moving on, he spoke about what was to be expected in the New Year, attendees listening with rapt attention and scribbling notes as he spoke. “This New Year 2014 is not like any other year in the past. It is a year of crossing bridge. To cross the bridge, you need to grab onto faith,” he began.“This is not going to be easy for the mighty. Many of the mighty will fall. Pray for them. The rich, famous and popular people – many will fall this 2014 because crossing the bridge is not going to be easy; they need God. Many of them believe it is their own making to be great in their own area of expertise.”

He went on to decry the

Renowned Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua has declared 2014 as a year of ‘crossing the bridge’, prophesying it to be a year of destiny where corruption would be corrected in Nigeria as corrupt leaders would go down

effect this ‘fall’ would have on the business world as, according to him, “98% of businesses and companies are owned by these people.” Specifying a field of business that would especially be affected, he said the airline industry would face multiple challenges, leading to an unprecedented rise in ticket prices, particularly noting that African airlines would be most affected. Joshua further declared 2014 to be a year of destiny for those would ‘follow the ways of the Lord’. “Many people that are not known will be rise by destiny,” he prophesied.

Talking about the current Nigerian political situation, Joshua said, “There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate in APC which will affect them as a political party. They should be vigilant. Many are with them in flesh but not with them in spirit.”Talking

about the current crisis Nigeria’s ruling party PDP are embroiled in, the prophet stated that they would ‘pay any price to unite’ but that the issue of who would be the presidential candidate would cause challenges.

“Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” Joshua then announced to the somber audience. “If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015?

Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled.

The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”

He then stated to thunderous applause that 2014 would see a positive improvement for the nation in the area of corruption. “What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption in Nigeria because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014.”

Joshua then prayed for the congregants who all lit candles to symbolize the dawn of the New Year. “God has promised that 2014 is the year of destiny. Your destiny cannot be changed. This New Year, your destiny cannot be tampered with. I command your dream to come true, your dream to come to fulfillment, in Jesus’ name.”

Ihechukwu Njoku freelance Nigerian journalist based in London, UK

400 randy Catholic Priests fired over child abuse Nearly 400 Catholic priests were defrocked over just two years for molesting children. They were defrocked by Pope Benedict XVI, according to an Associated Press report.

“The statistics for 2011-12 show a dramatic increase over the 171 priests removed in 2008 and 2009, when the Vatican first provided details on the number of priests who have been defrocked. Prior to that, it had only publicly revealed the number of alleged cases of sexual abuse it had received,” AP reported, quoting a document prepared from data the Vatican had been collecting to help the Holy See defend itself before a U.N. committee this

•Photo shows Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who defrocked the randy priests

week in Geneva.

According to the report, “Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican’s U.N. ambassador in Geneva, referred to just one of the statistics in the course of eight hours of oftentimes pointed criticism and questioning from the U.N. human rights

committee.

“The statistics were compiled from the Vatican’s own annual reports about the activities of its various offices, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which handles sex abuse cases. Although public, the annual reports are not readily available or sold outside Rome and are usually found in Vatican offices or Catholic university libraries.”

AP said its review of the reference books “shows a remarkable evolution in the Holy See’s in-house procedures to discipline pedophiles since 2001, when the Vatican ordered bishops to send cases of all continued on p(46)

Reverend Sister gives birth, says: ‘I didn’t know I was pregnant’ (So who’s the father?)

A nun has given birth in Italy after being rushed from her convent to hospital earlier this week with severe stomach cramps.

The woman, originally from El Salvador, said she had no idea she was pregnant after giving birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, local media have reported.

“I did not know I was pregnant. I only felt a stomach pain,” Italian news agency ANSA quoted her as saying.

The nun has named her child Francesco (Francis), ANSA reported. The name is hugely popular in Italy

where St Francis of Assisi is the national patron saint.

The nun belongs to the “Little Disciples of Jesus” convent in Campomoro near Rieti, which is responsible for managing an old people’s home.

People have now begun collecting donations and clothes for the new mother, who is expected to keep

the baby, according to reports.

Simone Petrangeli, the mayor of Rieti has asked inhabitants of the small city, which has a population of just 47,700, to respect her privacy The hospital staff have not yet responded to requests for a comment.

Nuns at her convent are said to be “very surprised” by the birth.

•Credit (text only): The Independent UK. Photo shows a nun but not the one in the story.

Source News Express

Mbaise communities (Imo State) ban Pentecostal churches •The FAILED MIRACLE that provoked the ban Some communities in Mbaise, Imo State, have banned the activities of Pentecostal churches after a failed miracle that also led to the arrest of the fake miracle workers.

Information at the disposal of News Express identified Amuzi community in Aboh Mbaise and Umuezii in Nguru Mbaise as two of the communities where Pentecostal churches are no longer welcome.

An article by a frontline rights activist Victoria IbezimOhaeri gave the background to the ban in an article entitled ‘The Chosen Church and An Abracadabra Resurrection Miracle’ published two days on her blog, http://victoriaohaeri.wordpress.com. It reads as follows: The book of Matthew 24:24 says: “For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

25“Behold, I have told you in advance.”

This Biblical injunction freely and clearly offers an advance warning that many Christians are yet to heed. It warns about the rise of false prophets masquerading as men of god that use God’s name to swindle, deceive and hypnotize the gullible. That was exactly what happened in Umuezii, Nguru Mbaise where the Chosen Church of God prophets embarked on a failed mission to resurrect the

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

dead. This is not the first time the Chosen Church is directly fingered in fake miracles and spiritual hocus-pocus.

A young man, from Umuezii community died in Burkina Faso in November last year under mysterious circumstances. A month after, his sealed body was brought back to Nigeria and was buried the same day in his family compound in Umuezii, Nguru Mbaise, Imo State.

Trouble started when prophets and seers of the Chosen Church of God prophesied that the dead-and-buried young man was still alive (six feet beneath the earth) as his soul has persistently approached them via telephone calls and other spiritual means, requesting immediate exhumation. His elder sister, who is a member of the Chosen Church, communicated this prophecy to the entire family, leading to a family resolution insisting on the “divinely ordered” exhumation.

The decision to exhume the dead body did not go down well with the community as such act was considered an abomination both under the native tradition and under the prevailing Catholic norms deeply established within the community. All entreaties to the family made by the traditional ruler and parish priest of the St. Luke Catholic Church, Umuezii to refrain from such religious charade fell on deaf ears. It got to a point that the deceased fam-

ily representatives openly accused the church and community leaders of killing their late brother, and preventing his “god-ordained” resurrection.

As a lasting solution to the impasse, the traditional ruler of the community invited the Chosen Church seers and prophets to sign an agreement of performance failing which they will be handed over to the police authorities for prosecution. The second condition was that the miracle will be performed in full public glare and in the presence of other independent witnesses.

Proudly beating their chests and boasting deafeningly about their “majestic powers”, the seers and prophets signed the agreement and a date was mutually agreed for the resurrection miracle.

On the appointed day, a horde of prayer warriors, choristers, singers, speaking-intongue experts, seers, prophets and the like stormed the village as early as 6am. The traditional ruler also invited the police, radio commentators, reporters and correspondents from local newspapers and the state-owned Imo Broadcasting Corporation.

Chosen Church of God seers boastfully started with an early morning prophecy that the dead young man will “resurrect” by 12 noon prompt. The digging up of the grave followed immediately until the body was exhumed. continued on p(46)

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RELIGIOUS NEWS Deeper Life’s Pastor Kumuyi builds N1b Anchor University campus The General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Ministries, Pastor William Kumuyi is currently building an untra modern campus for his N1billion private university called Anchor University.

The proposed site for the campus is a vast expanse of land, which has already

been fenced, along the Lagos/Ibadan Express way.

The campus will serve as the permanent site of Anchor University whose main campus is sited inside Deeper Life's multibillion IBTC headquarters at Ayobo-Ipaja, Lagos.

The new campus will include hostels, faculties, administrative blocks, chalets, laboratories etc.

More ‘born again’ Christians return WAEC certificates Exactly a week ago, News Express reported that no fewer than 15 persons recently returned certificates issued to them by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), saying they had to give up the certificates because they cheated during the examination, and now as Born Again Christians, they could not live with “the sin.”

Latest reports, however, indicate that the practice is more widespread than was previously evident. The practice, according to a report this morning in Saturday PUNCH, has become “common” and WAEC now “files for such requests as it is almost a routine exercise.”

The paper quoted a report presented before the 56th meeting of the Nigeria Examination Council in Lagos

in November 2013 in which “WAEC reported 256 cases of restitution for certificate cancellation approval by the council.”

Saturday PUNCH quoted Deputy Director, Public Affairs, WAEC, Mr. Yusuf Ari, as saying that the 256 cases were just the ones the examination body got between April and November 2013.

Ari was quoted as saying: “The NEC, which is the highest policy making body of WAEC, which deliberates on everything that has to do with examination, meets twice in a year – April and November.

“We report cases of restitution at every meeting of the NEC. The 256 we reported at the 56th meeting in November is the number of restitution cases we got since the last meeting in

April. So you can imagine how many cases we get every year.

“It is a routine matter here. It is very common to get requests from such born-again Christians, who are usually from a particular Pentecostal church I won’t like to name. The individuals come to our office or write letters. Some of those who come even start crying. They say they cheated and they have decided to return their certificates because they are now born-again.”

Saturday PUNCH quoted another source at WAEC as disclosing that most of such born again Christians come from Deeper Life.

•Photo shows students in an exam hall.

father to convince his son to look for another girl failed, as he insisted that he could not survive without Blessing.

The eyewitness added that Tanko suddenly left his father and went to a corner in the compound,

Then the singing, violent shaking, screaming, cursing, loud yelling and other theatrical displays in the name of deliverance prayers ensued while the large crowd of keen onlookers watched with deep interest. From 6am till 12 noon, there was no sign that the young man was preparing to wake let alone resurrect. Seeing that the 12 noon deadline had passed, the seers quickly issued another prophecy shifting the hour of resurrection to 3pm By this time, the prayer and singing sessions became even more intense and violent. 3pm came and went. No sign of life. The Chosen Church prophets again, quickly handed down another prophecy declaring 6pm as the divine resurrection hour.

6pm also went by, and the dead man remained still, lifeless and unresurrected till this day!

Understandably impatient and angry after the 6pm deadline, the policemen on standby arrested all the prophets, dancers, singers, clappers and everybody that accompanied them to the community. But before then, the Chosen Church prophets had forwarded messages to their head office requesting for spiritual re-

inforcement. Undeterred by the arrest of their team members, an additional team that arrived around 6pm continued with the prayer sessions even more aggressively and vociferously.

They prayed and sang all through the night till the following morning.

Still, no sign of resurrection! The police officers, who had then totally run out of patience, arrested the remaining Chosen Church members, and everyone connected to the resurrection miracle including the deceased’s family representatives.

Some of the arrested Chosen Church members are currently on bail, while a lot more are still in custody till date. The dead body was deposited at the morgue at the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, as exhibit, pending further police investigations and prosecution of the false prophets.

I was present at the New Year church service held at St Lukes Catholic Church, Umuezii, Mbaise where the parish priest’s sermon harped on the infiltration of false prophets into the Christendom, warning parishioners to be wary of them. He then invited the members of the deceased family to tender

an unreserved apology to the community for the abominable acts they committed. (Please see photo) The deceased’s elder sister tendered what seemed like a half-hearted apology on the family’s behalf.

What happened in Imo State is reminiscent of the stories that feature on Nkan ’Nbe, a popular Yoruba TV Program that features latter-day mystical occurrences. The Imo incident provides a compelling and cogent rationale for the effective regulation of the nefarious activities of churches whose stock in trade is to constitute public nuisance and to deceive and hypnotize the gullible.

As a direct result of this incident, some Mbaise communities have proscribed the activities of Pentecostal churches in their localities.

All eyes are on the Imo State Police Command to see how they would handle this issue, and ensure that measures are put in place to deter future sinister activities perpetrated under the banner of religion. Perhaps, its time to ban the churches and their abracadabra miracles. That time is NOW! ht t p : / / w w w. n e w s e x pressngr.com

Source News Express

Nigerian Muslim sets self ablaze after being prevented from marrying Christian heartthrob A 21-year-old man, Mansur Tanko, a Muslim, on Friday, burnt himself to death in Jalingo, capital of the northern Nigerian state of Taraba, after a disagreement with his father, Tanko Mijinyawa, over marriage.

Tanko, according to an eyewitness, Alhaji Jibrin Bala, set himself ablaze because his family refused to approve his wedding with a girl, Blessing, a Christian.

The eyewitness told sympathisers that Tanko introduced Blessing to his father as his proposed wife, but the father kicked against the union, describing it as a bad choice.

Bala said efforts by the

continued from p(45)

where he poured petrol on his body and set himself ablaze.

“When we suddenly saw fire, everybody ran toward the corner of the compound, only to see Tanko burning.

“The father and other

continued from p(45) 400 randy catholic prisets..

credibly accused priests to Rome for review,” adding: “Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger took action after determining that bishops around the world weren’t following church law to put accused clerics on trial in church tribunals.

Bishops routinely moved problem priests from parish to parish rather than subject them to canonical trials — or turn them into police.

“For centuries, the church has had its own inhouse procedures to deal with priests who sexually abuse children. One of the chief accusations

from victims is that bishops put the church’s own procedures ahead of civil law enforcement by often suggesting victims not go to police and keep accusations quiet while they are dealt with internally.

“The maximum penalty for a priest convicted by a church tribunal is essentially losing his job: being defrocked, or removed from the clerical state.

There are no jail terms and nothing to prevent an offender from raping again.

“According to the 2001 norms Ratzinger pushed through, the Congregation for the Doctrine of

the Faith reviews each case sent to Rome and then instructs bishops how to proceed, either by launching an administrative process against the priest if the evidence is overwhelming or a church trial. At every step of the way the priest is allowed to defend himself.

“The Congregation started reporting numbers only in 2005, which is where Tomasi’s spreadsheet starts off. U.N. officials said Friday that the committee has not received the document.”

people in the compound tried to rescue Tanko from the fire, but failed as the flame was much and we could not move near,” he said Tanko’s father is currently receiving treatment

at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, for injuries sustained while trying to rescue the son from the fire.

The Taraba Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the

incident and said the Jalingo Division of the police has commenced investigation into the matter.

•Credit (except headline): Courtesy PM News.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

Source News Express

Source News Express

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CHRISTIAN

BOOKS - EDITOR’S PICK

You Are Not An Island And Can Never Succeed As One How bad were you hurt last year that you have chosen to be alone, an island? How do you think that you can make it as an Island for the twelve months of this New Year?

God did not make you an Island, so you can never succeed as one. This article aims at confirming to you that you are not an Island.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him - Genesis 2:18 (KJV) But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary - 1 Corinthians 12:18-22 (KJV) For by wise counsel you shall make your war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety - Proverbs 24:6 (KJV) I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do

nothing - John 15:5 (KJV) Oh mine, people hurt me a lot last year and I will not give anybody the opportunity to do so again, NOT THIS YEAR! I can imagine how you feel. It truly can be painful to be hurt by people, especially by those you least expect to hurt you.

But that shouldn’t make you an Island, nobody is worth it!

God made Adam and put him in the best place ever with all the food and beauty you can think of, gave him sole authority to name all the animals and to manage the place.

But God Himself for the first time in His creation, considered Adam’s being alone as not being good - Genesis 2:18. He had to make a perfect match to complement Adam: Eve. Therefore you are not an Island; you are not made to be one. Your make-up demands that you associate with other human beings. You are made to NEED the help of some persons for you to enjoy your life and make the best out of it. You need people to talk to, listen to you, work with you and even to criticize you for you to succeed in life.

If success is your goal this New Year, then you need people. Your success plans will amount to dreams if you decide

to walk alone. No matter how good you are in a thing, you need help even if it is small for you to succeed; it can even be a smile from a little child.

Paul illustrating the fact that you cannot succeed as one person used the human body to point out that we need each other - 1 Corinthians 12:18-22.

The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. The body is not complete and will not function at her best if any part is missing or is sick, every part of the body is important. So also, you will not function well as an Island.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, as powerful as He is, could not deliver salvation single-handedly to humanity, He needed the help of His twelve disciples to fulfill His purpose on earth. His disciples walked with Him and effectively spread the good news after His death and resurrection; that is why we are Christian believers today.

Now having said all the above, you can associate with people and still minimize their opportunity to hurt you. How do you do that?

1. Decide not to allow whatever anybody does to affect you. It is when you ponder over the bad

Anointed

somebody did to you that you feel hurt. Dying-toself will help you a lot Galatians 2:20 2. Choose to forgive anybody that offends you even before they do so, that is, forgive no matter what the person may have done - Matthew 18:21-22 3. Choose your friends wisely. You need multitude of counselors for safety (Proverbs 24:6) but you must choose them with great wisdom. A wise man said that friendship is not by force but by choice, so always make the right choice of friendship.

4. Implore the help of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Without Christ, you can do nothing (John 15:5), including avoiding being hurt by people.

Truly many people have tried living as Islands but they never succeeded as one, instead their miseries only intensified. You are not an Island, God didn’t make you one. Allow Jesus to order you footsteps, help you make right decisions and choose your friends for you; and I promise you, this year shall be most fruitful for you.

Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher and a counselor. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy peace, God’s love and christian living for more fulfilling life.

Muslim Dress Code Which one of these women is dressed most appropriately for public places?

That survey question was asked in seven nations with a Muslim majority in the Middle Eastern Values Study conducted in 2011 and 2013 by the University of Michigan.

The countries are: Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey.

The accompanying photos showed five styles of Hijab4, and one woman whose face and hair remained completely uncovered: Burqa: all-covering, with a fabric grille masking the eyes Niqab: like a Burqa, but

with a slit revealing the eyes Abaya or Chador: fully covers the hair, ears, and much of the face 5 al-Amira: a two-piece veil consisting of a close fitting cap and an accompanying tube-like scarf.

Covers the hair but not the face Hijab: May reveal

glimpses of hair and does not cover the face.

No veil The Pew Research Center summarized the ‘veil portion’ of the study (of which the full title is, The Birthplace of the Arab Spring: Values and Perceptions of the Tunisian Republic in a Comparative

47

How to Run Your Business by The Book: A Biblical Blueprint to Bless Your Business

by Patricia Haley Dave Mitchell is relishing the success of his start-up company, but it has come at a tremendous price on the home front. The closeness he once shared with Madeline, his wife of twelve years, is gone. When she elects to take time off and let Dave run the business, their lives are forever changed.

Dave's professional relationship with his new secretary eventually crosses the line………………..

The Little Red Book of Wisdom

Dave Anderson (Author), John C. Maxwell How to use Bible-based leadership principles to improve business performance In How to Run Your Business by THE BOOK, famed leadership guru Dave Anderson reveals biblical lessons to help transform the people, culture, and results of your business. Not only will you master timeless business principles based on the world’s bestselling book, you’ll build a foundation for your business that leads to long-term success.

Finding Mrs. Wright

By Mark DeMoss

Perspective). But the Daily Mail had a better-looking graphic: Note: there is a greater variety of Muslim veils than shown in the study.

Also, not each style of veil has the same name throughout the Muslim world.

As ever-growing numbers of Muslims have moved to Western countries, where Muslim veils often are viewed as anything from a ‘symbol of oppression’ to an ‘illegal disguise,’ the garments have been the subject of much discussion and even legislation. http://www. religionnewsblog.com/

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

As the founder and president of The DeMoss Group, a public relations firm devoted to serving Christian organizations and causes, DeMoss believes wisdom is simple, plentiful and in no way reserved for the elite or highly educated. However, it doesn’t hurt to have a Judeo-Christian perspective on the world; for DeMoss, “God is the source of all wisdom,” and the lessons contained herein come from the Bible (especially Proverbs), public figures like evangelist Billy Graham and golfer John Daly, regular Joes and DeMoss’s own experience.

By Sherri Lewis When he meets Cassandra, a good, church-going woman who is smart, sassy and sexy, Devon Wright wants to get to know her better, but wonders how he can handle his daughter, his crazy baby mama and a new girlfriend.

SOURCE: AMAZON.COM

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE TORONTO & MISSISSAUGA PUBLIC LIBRARIES

48

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SPORTS

FIFA’s Snub: No World Class Refs In Nigeria —Erico Former Nigerian international, Joe Erico has declared that no Nigerian referee can officiate in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup because there is no world class referee in the country.

FIFA yesterday named 89 officials that will officiate in the World Cup. Out of 13 Africans in the FIFA’s list, no Nigerian referee was listed.

Erico, former goalkeeper’s trainer of the Super Eagles told P.M.NEWS Sports early today that it is sad that a Nigerian referee could not be adjudged by FIFA to be good enough to officiate in the World Cup. Erico explained that FIFA shunned Nigerian referees because none of them met the requirement laid down by the world football governing body. He alleged that many Nigerians who officiate in the Nigerian league matches are corrupt.

“I am not surprised that Nigerian referees will not officiate in the forthcoming World Cup because there are no world class referees in Nigeria. What we have in this country are referees who are corrupt and not

good for international competitions,” he said.

He said it will take a long time for any Nigerian referee to officiate at the FIFA organised football tournaments unless the officials improve in their performance and shun any form of corruption that may tarnish their career.

“I think this is a challenge to Nigerian referees because what is the essence of officiating in the Nigerian league and CAF tournaments without being considered for the World Cup. It shows that the best club does not win league matches in Nigeria because some of the referees are bought over,” he said.

Retired FIFA badge referee, Festus Okubule said the snub by FIFA would serve as a wake-up call to the present crop of referees in the country and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. Okubule, who described the situation as ‘very unfortunate’, stated that if countries like Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa could have their referees shortlisted to officiate at the World Cup then Nigerian referees had not met

Joe Erico

the expected standard to be considered for the football showpiece.

He said: “It is very unfortunate that no single referee from Nigeria has been called upon to officiate at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It means our referees have not been able to meet the standard expected from them to officiate at a championship of that magnitude. This is because for a referee to be short-listed for a major championship, FIFA expects such referee to have performed not less than 80 per cent in three major matches in a year. It is a wake-up call for our referees to always ensure that they take matches more seriously because FIFA referee committee has their records.”

—Sunday Akintoye & Bamidele Olowosagba PM News

Rape Allegations against Ex-NFL Star, Darren Sharper Darren Sharper is a household name for the millions of fans of the NFL. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the former star was arrested on rape allegations.

Sharper’s career in the NFL was vibrant as he played a total of 14 seasons with Minnesota, Green Bay and New Orleans.

He was released on a $200,000 bail pending a court appearance in mid February.

LAPD through an official communication said that Shaper was being investigated in connection with two cases of sexual assault that allegedly oc-

curred within West Los Angeles.

According to Remi Braden, the spokeswoman for New Orleans Police Department, Sharper is also facing separate sexual assault charges which the NOPD is currently investigating.

Sharper, 38, retired in 2010 after a successful, career at the NFL where he played from 1997 to 2010.

Anyone who has been following Sharper’s career will tell you that he was successful. He was chosen five times for the Pro Bowl and selected six times All-Pro. He played twice in Super Bowls; one with the Saints and the other with the Packers as a rookie.

Prior to his implication in the sexual scandal, Sharper had been working with the NFL Network as an analyst. Official communication from the spokesman of the Network, Alex Riethmiller confirmed that Sharper had been immediately suspended without pay until his case is heard and determined.

Expensive sex: Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema face 3 years in jail for allegedly bedding 16-year-old girl Two of Europe’s top footballers will go on trial today accused of having sex with an underage prostitute.

French internationals Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema, who play for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively, deny knowingly paying for sex with Zahia Dehar while she was under 18.

The pair could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to €45,000.

Neither of the stars, who are two of football’s highest paid players, are expected to attend the trial’s opening in Paris.

Carlo Alberto Brusa, Ribery’s lawyer, said: “We are going in confident and we are going to fight.”

The footballers allegedly paid for sex with Dehar

•Credit (except headline): Daily Star UK. Photo shows Ribery and Benzema.

when she was 16, in Benzema’s case, and 17, in Ribery’s.

Ribery, who recently finished third in the Fifa Ballon d’Or, had admitted having sex with Dehar after she was flown to Germany in 2009 as a “present” for his 26th birthday – but maintains he had no way of knowing she was

not 18 at the time.

Benzema, who plays alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Spanish side Real Madrid, is accused of paying for sex with the prostitute in a Paris hotel.

The striker denies any encounter took place.

Bintu greeted her. “Good morning, Aunty.”

“Good morning. How are you?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

Pat, the second stylist also greeted her.

Misan walked round the salon, taking note of the state of things. She then went to the cabinet where hair treatment kits were kept and checked what remained.

The doorbell jingled and she looked toward the main entrance. It was the third stylist. Surprise was written on the young lady’s face when she saw Misan.

“Good morning, Aunty.”

“Good morning. How have you been?” Misan asked patiently.

“I’m fine ma.”

“Is this how you were coming late when I wasn’t around?”

“No, Aunty. I - er - couldn’t get a bus on time.” She stammered.

Misan suspected she was lying but didn’t press the matter. She walked back to the fashion section. “How have sales been?”

Bintu stood up to acknowledge her. “I sold some things.” She took the receipt book and gave her.

Misan began to check. The girl had sold twenty beaded jewelries, five gold chains, eight ladies clothes, and five pairs of shoes.

“Have you paid the money into the bank?”

“Yes, Aunty.”

“Let me see the bank tell-

ers.”

The girl walked to her table and opened the drawer, bringing some slips out.

“Here they are.”

Misan collected them.

“Okay, let me go through these. I will return them later.”

She went back to the salon.

“How have sales been?”

“Good.” Pat replied. She was the one in charge of the salon. She gave Misan the sales book as she said, “Some people were here to look for you, including the Honorable’s wife.”

“Oh, Mrs. Bello. I’ll call her.”

Pat gave her a list of phone calls received.

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 realised it was indeed Mary.

“Mary!” She called out.

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

Source News Express

continued from p(14) “Good morning, Aunty.” It was Ike, an Ibo lady.

“Good morning,” Misan answered. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. How was your trip, Aunty?”

“It was good. Thanks.”

Misan walked toward the fashion area which was separated by Formica from the salon. As she entered her office, she glanced at the wall clock by her door.

It was 8.40AM. The other girls should have arrived as the resumption time was 8.30AM, to enable them clean up before 9AM when they would open to customers. Misan hissed. Only God knew what they were doing when she was not around, she thought, closing the door of her office behind her. She put her black leather purse on the table and walked round to sit on her chair. She began to pray as she had been doing since she became a Christian.

There was a knock on her door and it opened. Misan didn’t raise her head to see who it was, although she suspected it would be one of the girls. The door closed back gently. The prayer lasted ten minutes and then she raised her head. She looked at the door. The top half of the door was made of a see-through glass while the second half was wood.

She could see that Bintu, the Hausa girl in the fashion area had come. Misan got up and went to the large room.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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 Call: 1-410-519-6888 1-410-818-7482 Website: www.pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

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49

continued from p(36) statistically negligible.

His recent visit to East Africa more specifically Kenya, portends a more aggressive regional expansion plan that is likely to see his cement manufacturing business gain a significant footprint in the African cement market. His foray into the petroleum refining industry which was ushered in by the signing of a mega $3.3 billion loan agreement is likely to further catapult his net worth making him a significant statistic in the Bloomberg Billionaires In-

dex. The loan agreement which was signed by a consortium of both local and foreign banks is geared at funding the construction of the largest Petrochemical/ Fertilizer and Petroleum Oil Refinery plants in Nigeria.

According to economic and feasibility reports, the capital intensive plants will in total cost $9 billion and in return generate an estimated 9,500 and 2,500 direct and indirect jobs respectively. The economy is also expected to benefit from the reduced importation of

fertilizer and a further 50% reduction in its refined fuel imports. The $9 billion capital required to finance the project will be split between $6 billion loan capital and $3 billion equity capital.

The joint coordinators of the first $3.3 billion tranche loan agreement that was signed by the consortium of 12 local and international banking institutions and Dangote Group were Standard Chartered Bank and the Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank PLC. In the financing agreement, the two are the

Global Coordinator and the Local Coordinator respectively.

The refining capacity of the petroleum plant is expected to be in the range of 400,000 bpd (barrels per day) in addition to producing other non-fuel products such as lubricants and gas.

The local agricultural sector is expected to be the main beneficiary of the estimated 2.8 million tons of urea to be produced by the Petrochemical/Fertilizer plant. This will enhance the agricultural output of Nige-

ria and spur agri-business development in the entire West Africa region.

The petrochemical plant will in addition produce polypropylene which is a major component used in the manufacture of packaging materials, agro sacks and ropes. According to Dangote, the overall contribution made by the plant will solidify Africa’s position on the global map as a valued and competent manufactured of fertilizer and refined products.

In the long run, the entire

project is meant to reduce significantly Africa’s overreliance on foreign markets with respect to fuel and fertilizer. This will in turn strengthen the bargaining power of the continent when facing the rather turbulent international markets.

The employment opportunities generated by this massive refinery project are likely to benefit all while drastically reducing the soaring rates of unemployment currently witnessed around the continent.

ment in order to move to those volatile areas.

“Unfortunately, at exactly 2.10pm, I was in Pulka waiting for the remaining stakeholders so that we can move together. As we moved towards Gwoza, I heard explosions at the back but initially, I thought it was Boko Haram that planted bombs because I passed a culvert. We even suspected some people that were waiving us from the roadside; we thought they were the ones that detonat-

ed the bombs.”

Senator Ndume said it was his army escorts that informed him it was the Air Force that threw the bombs at them.

The convoy took shelter at the military base in Pulka where officers there tried to establish communication with the jet but was not immediately possible.

He said for 15 minutes again, the Air Force jet was patrolling the area.

“We are lucky to be alive,” he said, adding “I truly

want to believe that it was an operational problem; I think the military did not handle it well. You don’t just see a convoy on a federal highway and you just bombed them like that.”

He said he had talked to the Chief of Army Staff and “sent a text to the Chief of Air Staff, I have talked to the Air Force Commander here (in Maiduguri) and I also talked with the governor.”

According to him, the Air Force plane did not origi-

nate from Maiduguri but Yola.

He said there was no coordination between the Army, Air Force, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) on the fight against the Boko Haram and wondered how they would be able to contain insurgents.

There was no official statement on the incident from either the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army or the 79 Composite Group of the Air Force.

Spokesman of the 7 Div Colonel Mohammed Dole could not be reached by phone. He did not also respond to a text message sent to him as at the time of filing this report.

Ndume, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is seen as a critic in the present dispensation.

He also has a pending case at the High Court in Abuja over alleged links with the Boko Haram.

and brought it down from NN22, to N5,000, the subsidy is mainly for Deltans.”

The Chief Medical Director of DELSUTH, Dr. Leslie Akporiaye, said the kidney transplant was a new innovation in the hospital disclosing that the operation lasts just a

few hours.

“A lot of preparation has been on with the provision of necessary facilities, training and observation in Dallas and here in Oghara by staff of DELSUTH.” He added that this was the beginning of more of

such surgeries that will take place in the hospital.

News Express recalls that the hospital has earlier carried out hip-bone and knee cap replacement surgeries.

A second kidney transplant would be performed at the hospital tomorrow.

•Photo shows Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) and other doctors performing the first kidney transplant at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

to properly use the cars, which are expected to respond to everyday traffic situations and to park themselves.

The introduction of self-driving cars raises legal questions particularly around liability, which today always lies with the driver.

“We need to look at the legislation,” Infrastructure

Minister Catharina Elmsaeter-Svaerd said.

Other car makers — and even US tech giant Google — are also competing to be the first to bring selfdriving cars to the public.

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan announced plans to have its first models ready by 2020.

continued from p(38)

the last eight months.

Addressing a press conference at his Maiduguri residence yesterday, visibly shaken Ndume wondered what explanation Nigerian security forces would give the world if he did not survive the attack to give his own version of the story.

He said: “When I arrived Maiduguri, I notified the Nigerian Army to give me a detachment for security purpose which they did. I equally notified the police and they gave me a detach-

Daily Trust

continued from p(38) Nigerian Governor, medical team... hundred bed ward for this hospital,” adding that DELSUTH has gone into a five year partnership with UT South-Western Medical Centre, Dallas.

“We have a five year training agreement with them to build infrastructure and human capac-

ity,” Dr. Uduaghan said about the medical team, stating, “What they will be charging here will be far lower than what obtains anywhere else in the world.” Continuing he added, “About two years ago, we started subsidizing dialysis in this hospital

continued from p(44) Saint Obi quits acting, campaigns for... distribution network; with over 190,000 outlets (4,800 in Nigeria) across 55 countries, globally.

AGEN takes care of a major gap in Nollywood: Distribution. Fix distribution and flooding of the market with sub standard movies will reduce drastically. Not too long ago, I was a resource person for the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organization. Before I

joined the organization, the airwaves were dominated by the song ‘Goodluck to you… goodluck to everybody’. That was nice, but didn’t cover every segment of the society. I felt there was a missing link: Who is President Goodluck Jonathan, what makes him thick, what separates him from the pack? I got my team and we put together a tight package and when we got to Goodluck/

continued from p(35)

Sambo Campaign office in Abuja and showed them our concepts, we didn’t spend 10 minutes before we were asked to join the team. My company developed and produced over 15 television and radio commercials for the campaign organization. I’ve also been busy fathering, mentoring and ‘husbanding’ my two boys and wife.”

Daily Post

continued from p(44) Actress Liz Anjorin explains why she.... been expecting for long, not that I woke up yesterday and decided to change my religion. By birth, I was half Muslim and half Christian. My father was Christian while my mum

was Muslim. Growing up I went to church because of my father. I didn’t have a choice at the time but I have always had interest in Islam so immediately my father died I switched over

to my mum’s religion. It is a religion I love so much.

Also Aisha is now my official name though Liz is still my name and I will continue to use the name to do movies.

globe annually.

In her emotion-laden tweet, Karen had tweeted: “I have cancer. Are you guys happy? Will be undergoing treatment soon.

Lord I commit my life into your hands. I told the whole world about my lump and I get bullied everyday for being truthful.”

SUN

continued from p(44) Karen recently took to twitter and revealed that she had been diagnosed with the life threatening disease which kills thousands of women across the

Source News Express

The project will begin in 2014 with customer research and technology development.

Self-driving cars receive data through a 360-degree camera system, GPS and other sensors which act as eyes and ears to navigate safely and avoid collisions.

The “non-drivers” participating in the project will receive training

Vanguard

continued from p(35) Google unveils ‘smart contact lens’...

so by testing drops of blood.

Google said it was testing a prototype of the lens that could “generate a reading once per second”.

“This is an exciting development for preventive healthcare industry,” Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan told the BBC. “It is likely to spur a range of other innova-

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

tions towards miniaturizing technology and using it in wearable devices to help people monitor their bodies better.”

Open innovation? Google said it was working with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring the product to mainstream use.

It added that it would look for partners “who are experts in bringing products like this to mar-

ket”.

Google said it would work with these partners to develops apps aimed at making the measurements taken by the lens available to the wearer and their doctor.

Mr Menon said it was “commendable” that Google was willing to work with other partners even before the product was commercially ready.

BBC

50

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Open Letter: You’re a trouble maker, Clark lambasts OBJ continued from p(39) FERMA is Yoruba from Osun while the MD is Ibo from Delta -xix) The GMD NNPC is from Kaduna State xx) The Acting DG NTA is from Edo State xxi) Director-General of Inland Waterways – from the North xxii) The MD of NPA is Hausa Fulani xxiii) The CBN Governor is Hausa/Fulani from Kano xxiv) The FRSC Chairman is Ibo xxv) The Director-General of NAFDAC is from Benue.

INEC Chairman is Hausa/Fulani from Kebbi NDDC Chairman is Ibibio from Akwa Ibom State Director-General National Orientation Agency is from Nasarawa State The Economic Adviser to the President is Ibo. The Chief of Protocol to Mr. President is a Yoruba man.

Even in the field of ambassadorial appointments, there is no Ijaw man or woman holding any senior ambassadorial appointment as underlined below: The Ambassador of Nigeria to United States is Yoruba. The Nigerian Permanent Representative to United Nations is Ibo. The Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom is Hausa/Fulani. Nigeria Ambassador to Russia Akwa Ibom. Nigeria Ambassador to China is Hausa.

Nigeria Ambassador to Argentina, Benue. Nigeria Ambassador to France – Yoruba. Nigeria Ambassador to Spain - Ibo. Out of the 64 ambassadorial posting to various Nigerian missions abroad, only three are Ijaw. No Ijaw person is Vice-Chancellor of any of the 36 Federal Universities.

The President has 18 Advisers approved by the Senate, only Mr, Oronto Douglas is Ijaw. The number of Ijaws in the Federal Civil Service under Jonathan’s Administration has not increased and the number of Permanent Secretaries is only three Ijaws out of about seventy. There are only two Ijaw Ministers out of 42. Only one Ijaw man from Rivers State owns Oil bloc even though most of the oil comes from Ijaw land. No Ijaw man is an oil marketer and no Ijaw man lifts oil. You have agreed that the amnesty programme has not been implemented properly. The second phase which is infrastructure development is yet to take place. The 45Man Technical Committee recommendations White

Paper under the Chairmanship of Comrade Ledum Mittee is yet to be released.

This is one of the few areas Ijaw people could have benefited. Where are the Ijaws who have taken possession of President Jonathan?

I shall soon publish the full details of all those who held important federal positions and beneficiaries in line with ethnic quota in your government between 1999 – 2007. This will enable us determine who was possessed by his people and groups that were marginalized to show the extent President Jonathan is possessed by Ijaws. It may be necessary to state that: 1.

Hausa language was the lingua franca at the Presidency while Alhaji Shehu Shagari was the President of Nigeria from 1979-1983. 2.

Hausa language continued to be lingua franca in the Presidency when the military was in power between 1983-1998.

3. Between 1999-2007, the Yoruba language became the lingua franca during your Presidency. 4.

Between 2007-2010 the Hausa language returned to the Villa as lingua franca during late Umaru Musa Yar’dua administration and in fact, he was accused of bringing nearly all members of the State Executive to the Federal government. Is the Ijaw language the lingua franca at the Presidency now? The answer is NO. My Dear Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, you have become an unrepentant trouble maker, as Nigeria gave you more than you truly deserve. Hence you see yourself as lord of the manor. You have without recourse in the past embarrassed all past Heads of State and Presidents in Nigeria through open letters and unsavory comments.

In such letters, you have always alleged maladministration, corruption and incompetence against them.

At this juncture, I may wish to quote a piece from a concerned Nigerian, Senator Uche Chukwumereje: “He has since after his first stint in Aso Villa, consistently played the role of the Praetonia Guard pontificating to every successor and awarding marks like a headmaster to each pupilPresident. Every regime from Shagari through Buhari to Babangida and Abacha, has benefited (or suffered) from the corrective tongue lashes of the guard.’’

Nigerians are aware that you set the stage for the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as President of the Federal Republic. But

the saying goes that if you present a gift of a goat to a friend you must let go of the tether. You are probably different. Right from the inception of the Jonathan presidency, your body language indicated you wanted to play the role of the piper, that is, dictate how Jonathan runs, the phenomenon you did not tolerate from those who put you in office in 1999.

An incident that played itself out then will suffice. You masterminded the removal of Chief Tony Anenih then PDP Chairman, Board of Trustee, and appointed yourself thinking the position will give you powers to control and manipulate the President.

The futility of your actions dawned on you when you realized Jonathan is his own man. And in frustration you resigned as PDP Board of Trustee Chairman. You had thought the President will kneel before you begging that you stay on; but he never did. Every Nigerian therefore, knows that you connived, with PDP renegades and opposition parties to ridicule and undo President Jonathan and the government because he refused to be your puppet.

In the cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon, you always pretended to be the most loyal and honest man. I was in London with General Murtala Muhammed when the coup of 1975 took place. Murtala came back to Nigeria through a KLM flight to Kano, On that fateful day you were at the Kano Airport to receive General Muhammed, and that was how that government was formed and you were part of it. Later, I met you at Dodan Barracks and asked you why you betrayed General Gowon by going to Kano to receive Muhammed. You explained to me that you were in Kano for sporting activities, which I disagreed with.

You went all out to frustrate and humiliate your Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, when he declared his intention to contest the 2003 and 2007 Presidential elections. You associated him with US Congressman William Jefferson, prompting the FBI to investigate and search his residence in Maryland.

The FBI could not find any connection between Atiku and Mr. Jefferson. You were determined to stop your deputy at all cost from contesting the presidential election. A letter from Jefferson to you was handed over to the EFCC to enable it investigate Atiku, to declare him

unqualified for the 2007 election. The EFCC report led to the establishment of an administrative Inquiry headed by the Minister of Justice and your boys and girls in the Cabinet. They hastily found Atiku guilty as charged by you. You sent the report to the National Assembly.

You declared Atiku a persona-non-grata, his aides and vehicles were taken from him, and you declared his seat vacant. All these you did as if the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not exist. You can see how petty you are. You did all these just because you felt Atiku worked against your third term presidential ambition.

Jonathan not training snipers My dear Obasanjo, your allegation that President Jonathan is training snipers in preparation for 2015, is a diabolical concoction and a figment of your imagination. As you have no shred of evidence to authenticate this bogus lie. The same is applicable to the supposed 1000 political leaders being on the watch list of the President, Time and time again President Jonathan has said his election is not worth shedding a single Nigerian blood for, which is very much unlike you who played “do or die politics”.

You made up these stories to whip up ethnic sentiments not only against Mr. President, but the Ijaws and the entire South South geopolitical zone.

On the security issues stated in your letter I have already stated that the President should leave this serious allegation for the Security agents to investigate for no one is above the law of this country. As I also mentioned in my letter to you, I stated that the contents of your letter is a revisit to your own activities in your eight years rule between 1999 and 2007. The President in his reply referred to the attack of Bayelsa State Government House and the bombing of his personal house in Otuoke, Yenagoa, all in the attempt to assassinate him and cause chaos in Nigeria. He also mentioned the Petrol tanker incident.

You were the sitting President in Nigeria at the time, you did not investigate the matter nor comment on it.

I am fully aware of the incident because our late President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua who was very much embarrassed and seriously shaken by it, discussed the matter with me and he appreciated the role I later played in the

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

matter. That was the beginning of Yar’Adua’s loss of confidence in you. I am fully aware that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was ready to stop you from meddling and parading yourself with this holier than thou attitude.

You were eternally lucky that the late President did not carry out his intention before he fell ill and later passed on.

Your two eldest children, Senator lyabo and Gbenga have publicly denounced you and have sworn not to ever speak nor have any communication with you again until “thy kingdom come” because of the wrongs you did to them.

OBJ what manner of a man are you to deserve this? You cannot carry on like a bull in a China Shop. I advise you take some time off to reflect on some of these things.

On a personal note, both of us are regarded as President Jonathan’s father, in fact, according to you after God and his parent you come next before me and others. You and some of your children are always at the Villa for one thing or the other while my children do not know where the Presidency or Villa is. The only position you have not occupied is to rule the Presidency from your Ota farm in Ogun State. In his book “Accidental Public Servant”, El-Rufai stated that you informed your kitchen cabinet or economic committee that they should not disband because you would be ruling Aso Rock from Ota and you needed them.

President Jonathan has not identified himself to the nation as an Ijaw man. He hardly attends their social ceremonies. But he attends social gatherings when invited by other Nigerians from all over the country.

I can confirm that apart from Yenagoa and Otuoke his village, in Bayelsa State, President Jonathan has not visited any Ijaw village or town for official function or social outing. He is the most deetribalized President of Nigeria and in most case keeps away from his own people for fear of accusation by you and your cohorts. We have prominent Ijaw politicians both men and women who participated fully in the 2011 election and today they have not been able to enter the Presidency or received any patronage from the Jonathan’s government.

Our people believe this is the sacrifice they have to make. And they are indeed very grateful and ap-

preciative of the roles being played by other Nigerians of all ethnic and religious divides to make their son President.

As the Ijaw leader, I have gone out of my way to remind Mr. President publicly that Nigerians expected much from him hence they voted for him overwhelmingly in 2011 and will vote for him again 2015 if he performs. I have therefore not for once advocated for fire and brimstone or that blood will flow if Jonathan is not elected in 2015. I have gone further to apologize to all Nigerians that if at any time I made a statement that threatened the unity and stability of Nigeria, I should be forgiven. Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State himself commended my statement.

It must be recalled that some of the ex-militant leaders like Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom Boyloaf, etc. have openly attacked Mr. President to the delight and applause of the President’s political opponents. It is therefore very unfair of you to envelope all Ijaws in your attack of President Jonathan and his people. At this juncture, I would like to challenge you to name other Ijaw persons or groups that throw insults on other Nigerians on account of Jonathan. One may therefore wish to ask you to refresh your memory when you recruited Femi Fani Kayode to attack your political opponents including your own ethnic group and you compensated him with a ministerial appointment and kept him until your last breakfast with your other kitchen cabinet members in the Villa. Is it therefore fair to accept Fani Kayode’s recalcitrant and irresponsible statements on other Nigerians, as acting on behalf of an ethnic nationality?

It will be madness of anyone to do so as you have done with Ijaws because of Asari Dokubo’s statements which did not receive the applause of the generality of Ijaws. My people started voting for other Nigerians even though they had no candidates, since 1951. And they formed alliances with other people or political parties in other parts of Nigeria. For instance, in 1959 both late Dappa Biriye and Chief Melford Okilo stood election on the platform of Niger Delta Congress (NDC). Chief Melford Okilo won his election to the Federal House of Assembly.

The NDC entered into alliance with the Northern Peoples Congress [NPC] which was the largest party

NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS • To Advertise Call : 416-318-3506 in Nigeria but had no national spread in the south of Nigeria. It was therefore the NDC alliance with the NPC that made it a national party. It is therefore very arrogant and insulting of you to berate Ijaws as immature politicians. Today, the 17 states of the south are cooperating with one another and meeting from time to time to discuss the progress and unity of Nigeria.

We have successfully met in Uyo, Enugu and Lagos.

We shall also meet in Delta State soon. In this association, the Ijaws are playing a leading role under my leadership. You may not also know the South-South relationship with the Middle Belt of Nigeria made up of North Central and North Eastern zones, Mr. former President, 1 will also like to use the language of your daughter, lyabo to describe you to Nigerians. You are “a liar, manipulator, two faced hypocrite” and that “you have an egoistic craving for power and live a life where only men of low self esteem thrive”.

51

You know over the years, I have always criticized you about your performance starting with the Ibori’s exconvict case even though he may not have a good case.

Your vindictive and mischievous attitude towards political opponents was unacceptable and very few of us were able to criticize you. You felt former governor Ibori of Delta State and Alameyeseigha, his counterpart in Bayelsa State were being used by the former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, against you and you decided to punish them. But when Ibori gave you money he became your good boy, despite the position held by Delta Elders against him, In the case of Alamieyesiegha you tried to use his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, against him but he refused. You went on to use the Chairman of the EFCC to intimidate members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly and they carried out a kangaroo impeachment to remove him from office.

You then immediately di-

rected the security agencies after the impeachment to handcuff the governor and took him to Abuja for prosecution. I also criticized you when you asked your security men to arrest the candidate who was standing against your daughter in the senatorial election in Ogun State even though there was no case against him in Nigeria.

You may also remember my open letter to you published in the Vanguard Newspaper in which I asked you to leave Yar’adua alone to run his government. That you attempted to rule Yar’adua’s government from Ota farm is unacceptable. I quoted the example of France and Great Britain to buttress my case.

I continued my attack on you and your cohorts when President Jonathan refused you to run his government from Ota farm.

However, everything you asked President Jonathan, he gave to you. The first two important Ministerial appointments, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who are

not politicians were given to you for Ogun State, You had a hand in almost every appointment in the South West hence the party collapsed in the South West.

El-Rufai said in his book “Accidental Public Servant” that you sent him to General Buhari inviting him to be the Presidential candidate of the PDP in 2011 with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Itweala as his running mate. El-Rufai told the story of how together with Dr. Odumegwu, former Chairman of the NPC and two others drove from Lagos to Ota in the night only for you to say that Jonathan should be given another chance. They discovered that your daughter lyabo had won her Senatorial case in a High Court. You can see how petty you are, You are today one of the richest men in Nigeria if not in Africa. In 1999, it was widely reported in the media that you came out of Gashua Prison very broke.

As a matter of fact, it was stated you had N20,000 in your bank account as declared in your Code of

Conduct Bureau Form. In just 8 years, as President of Nigeria, you metamorphosed from a struggling ex-head of state, into a life of opulence. You must tell Nigerians the magic behind the sudden affluence.

When corruption is mentioned, informed Nigerians know those that foisted the malady on our nation. The Halliburton bribe scandal and the Siemens case were lightly touched by President Jonathan in his open reply to you. These two high profile corruption cases happened during your tenure as President.

How dare you point accusing fingers at others when you have a cupboard filled with skeletons? You have forgotten the saying that “a man who lives in a glass house should not throw stones”.

The anti-corruption apparatus became a coercive instrument in your hands to browbeat perceived political enemies. Your vendetta against political opponents and those you believed were working counter to your third term

ambition knew no limits.

Chief Obasanjo your former Minister of Defence, General T,Y, Danjuma, was the first to call you a pauper, when he fell out with you. He tagged you “Stone broke”, a phrase he used to describe your pathetic financial predicament before you came to power.

My dear former President, what do you really want from President Jonathan? Most of the various issues you raised in your letter are mere re-visitation of the many things you did and failed to do in your 8 years of mis-governance. In conclusion, I would like to borrow the words of Peter Howard, “the petty plans and plots of small minded men rob every nation of their destiny”. This is my new year message and response to your open letter and other subterranean activities designed to destabilize Nigeria because of your personal interest. My best wishes of the season to you and your esteemed family.

EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK

Over the years and through a number of programmes, Microsoft has trained 15, 000 teachers, impacted over one million students, created over 1, 800 jobs, and supported 35 successful startups in Ghana. The company’s flagship African investment and growth initiative, Microsoft 4Afrika, was launched in February this year to actively engage in Africa’s economic development, and has further entrenched the company’s commitment to Ghana and its people,

ensuring that technology plays a key role in the developing economy.

“This is an exciting time when the country is rapidly transforming, both economically and socially,” Otema says. “I hope to inspire a culture of innovation driven by technology and I am excited to be leading Microsoft’s era of expansion in Ghana.”

“We are delighted to have Otema on board in this critically important role,” says Hennie Loubser, General Manager of West, East, Central Af-

rica and Indian Ocean Islands. “She has the track record and credentials to help grow this dynamic market, and she is deeply committed to Africa’s economic development.”

Otema’s focus in Ghana is on continuing to improve access to technology, skills development opportunities and resources.

“I think once African entrepreneurs have increased access, affordable technologies and the ability to monetise innovative ideas, they will create solutions that solve many of

the economic and social challenges confronting Africa,” she says.

One of Microsoft’s core projects in the country is its partnership with the Ghanaian Ministry of Education and the British Council, to set up ICT hubs in local schools and communities to accelerate digital literacy across the country.

Falling under a regional project called Badiliko, 17 digital hubs have been created in Ghana and Microsoft has trained 26 local Master Trainers who are

serving as Digital Ambassadors and School Leader Facilitators in the hubs, helping over 1,700 people in Ghana become trained to date.

Building on the success of its programmes and initiatives in Africa, Microsoft continues its commitment to a strong, successful history on the continent and strategic economic hubs like Ghana will become more integral partners to its African business strategy.

continued from p(35)

And it gives us an opportunity to use our technology, talent, time and money to help create sustainable growth in the country and across the African continent.”

Microsoft has been operating in Ghana through its partner ecosystem for 10 years and continues to recognise the country’s long-term growth opportunities. Otema’s appointment is an investment in Ghana’s future growth and Microsoft’s vision to establish a robust presence in the country.

Vanguard

continued from p(35) Flockcare: You can now worship on your mobile phone

smart phones.

The mobile application can be made available on Blackberry, iPhone and Android mobile platforms. It specifically brings church overseers and administrators clos-

er to the congregation through a 2-way information platform.

Developers of the software, said that the software gives church members timely information on church programmes,

events and sub-group meetings in order to actively participate and network. flockcare can be specially branded for any church and made available for download globally in the

Apple store and Android marketplace.

Speaking on the idea behind the development of the software, the Marketing Manager, eKnowvate Solutions Ltd, Mrs. Ayomiku Ojeyomi stated

that, “with the invigorated pace of evangelism, technological advancement and human mobility, the church in effectively carrying out its work of evangelism has to respond more radi-

cally to the management of church growth in discipleship and follow up of new converts beyond the traditional approach of one-on-one visitation”.

mastering in it or combine two or three styles to add to their portfolio. Common riding styles include Western reining, dressage and

hunter seat equitation.

In addition to horse riding teaching, instructors may be given other horserelated assignments based

on their agreements with the employer. Some of the common jobs that you may find yourself undertaking at the behest of your em-

ployer are stable management, horse exercising and grooming, horse display in competitions to attract potential buyers among many

other activities. All said and done, you have to be an allrounded professional if you are to excel as a horse riding instructor.

in the blood.

Fructose, glucose and sucrose in bananas give instant and sustainable amount of energy. This is

why athletes often eat bananas.

It is a good remedy for constipation as it helps to normalise the bowel.

Bananas also have the ability to change the harmful bacteria in the intestines to beneficial acidophilic bacilli.

Mashed ripe banana, when added with a little salt, is good for the treatment of dysentery.

The vitamins A1, B6, B12,

C, and magnesium and potassium in banana help withdraw nicotine from the body, which is beneficial for people addicted to smoking.

Vanguard

continued from p(20)

As for specialization, instructors have the onus of choosing the line of greatest appeal to them. They can opt for one riding style and continued from p(8)

allergic to the body.

Bananas are beneficial in the treatment of anemia which helps stimulate the production of hemoglobin

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2014

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What you need •One cup vegetable oil •Salt •Red pepper flakes, Cayenne pepper, or African Hot Sauce (to taste) •Juice of one lemon •One onion, finely chopped •One sweet green pepper (or bell pepper), finely chopped •One spoonful of vinegar whole tilapia (one per person), one to two pounds each; cleaned (or tilapia fillets)

ing dish, combine all the ingredients except the fish. (For the simplest recipe, use only the oil, salt, red pepper, and lemon juice.) Stir until everything is well mixed.

•Cut three slits across each fish on both sides, rub the oil and spice mixture onto and into the fish. The fish can be allowed to marinate in the bowl if desired (twenty minutes to an hour should be enough).

•Cook the fish over a charcoal fire in an outdoor grill (a grill basket made to hold fish while grilling is very helpful), or broil in the oven, turning once or twice.

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What you do •In a glass bowl or bak-

Source: www.congocookbook.com

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The heart that begs for listening ears and the soul that longs to hear “I care” are the reasons we are here.

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