Nigerian observer 03 04 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 • NO. 454• THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 20 14 • N 100.00 CHILD HEALTH AND YOU Page 15

Prevention of childhood Tuberculosis

New Constitution

Senate considers President, others to make input

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Ahead of possible outcome of the on going National Conference, Senate of the Federal Republic is considering inserting a new clause that

provides for introduction of a New Constitution in place of the existing one by either the National Assembly or the

President of the Federal Republic or private individuals.

This is even as the presiding Senate President David Mark

announced that voting on the new amendments proposed to the 1999 Constitution would be done by the senators on Continues on page 2

Assessment

SECURITY ISSUES Page 18 Peace builder of the month

A focus on Edo State

Absentee Teachers to be sanctioned

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY- Teachers in Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State who failed to submit themselves for the Assessment exercise organized by the state government may have their names deleted from the state’s payroll, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said.

Speaking, yesterday, while receiving the report of the exercise from the Teachers’ Assessment Committee led by Prof Dennis Agbonlahor, former Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Oshiomhole said, “what I can readily tell you is that no teacher will remain in the pay roll of Edo State Government if we have not assessed him and convinced that he is indeed a fit and

that you did a thorough job, painstakingly analyzing all the issues like elder statesmen and good educationists in spite of the harassment and subtle threat and you

- Oshiomhole

remained focused on the assignment and in the end, you have come out with a report that, I

believe, will help us to have greater insight into the challenge of managing an efficient

and reliable primary and secondary education.

“Even more importantly, you have ideas of what we have to do with the outcome and Continues on page 2

proper person to be entrusted with the classroom or the particular subject which our pupils are asked to learn.”

“This for us is not politics; it is to stress the essence of governance and prepare our kids for the future for the inevitable role they have to play.

“Flipping through the report it is clear

Tambuwal not under pressure to declare members seat ABUJA - Rep. Victor vacant - Ogene Ogene, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, was not under pressure to declare seats of defected members vacant.

Ogene (APGAAnambra) made the clarification at a news conference after a closed door session in Abuja yesterday.

“We would have held

the session on Tuesday but we decided to wait until today to allow all parties have copies of the judgment.

“We are not aware of pressure from anywhere to declare anybody’s seat vacant,’’ he said.

He said that resolutions were also reached at the session on the need to insulate members from partisanship that was gradually creeping into

TIT BIT “When good fortune comes, only then would some persons discover that the diary where they wrote “I will always be my brother’s keeper” is no longer convenient to carry about.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

debate on issues in the house.

The legislator said the move was necessary because members had earlier agreed to keep political parties aside in the interest of Nigeria.

He described as mischievous publications Continues on page 2

REPORT: Professor Dennis Agbonlahor, Chairman, Edo Teachers’ Assessment Committee (left) presenting the reports of the Committee to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the Government House, Benin City yesterday.

UNIBEN admission screening

3 feared dead, scores wounded

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

BENIN CITY-A Stampede yesterday

at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main auditorium, of the Akin Deko Hall, has left scores of persons wounded and

three others allegedly feared dead.

The stampede occurred during a screening

exercise for prospective students of the University who struggled to enter the venue of the e x a m i n a t i o n ,

Delayed stipend: HMB appeals to Corps some level of

By FRIDAY OBANOR

BENIN CITY – The Director, Hospital Services, Central

Hospital Benin City, Dr. Ofure Eboremen yesterday appealed to members of the National Youth Service Corps

members

(NYSC) posted to the hospital for their primary Assignment to show

understanding and be patient with the Hospital Management Board (HMB) over the delay in Continues on page 2

exacerbated by the school security personnel who shut the gate following the overwhelming pressure by the prospective students to gain access into the hall.

A similar stampede, it would be recalled had caused the death of over 19 prospective job Continues on page 2

News

Absentee Teachers to be sanctioned

Continued from page 1

you gave a set of options. I believe the innocent children whose future is an issue and their parents and guardians, their spirit, their wishes to prepare their children for the future, our God will reward

“I like to assure you that once

you for helping to advise on how best we can help to protect their future”, he said.

Oshiomhole said “I want to assure you that having generously obliged your time, and courageously carried out this assignment, we will have

the political will to deal with we have started, there is no all the issues. We are in politics stopping and no one is going to

National Assembly has the right to go on appeal as an institution if it so desires.

“However, it is wrong to insinuate that the speaker and the deputy speaker in their personal capacities appealed against the rulings of last Monday,’’ Ogene said.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of

the Federal High Court on March 31 ruled that defectors to other parties could not retain their seats.

He had asked 37 former members of PDP to resign their seats at the House of Representatives for defecting to the All Progressives Congress.

to drive change. I do not think it is enough for someone to say that was how I met it. I want to be remembered for a guy who took the difficult decision and at the end paid the price.

Tambuwal not under pressure to declare members seat vacant

Continued from page 1

suggesting that the speaker and his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, appealed against Monday’s judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court.

Ogene said that the two principal officers were mere nominal parties to the case.

According to him, the

3 feared dead, scores wounded

Continued from page 1 seekers across the country during the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) employment exercise conducted into the service.

The University spokesman, Mr. Harrison Osarenren could not be reached as at the time of this report, as his phone was switched off, as indicated by his mobile phone network operator.

However, an eye witness, Jeffery Bamidele who was at the venue of the screening and escaped but not without some bruises spoke to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER about his experience.

“Everybody was struggling to

enter the place for screening when suddenly security men closed the gate against us.

“The next thing, I felt a heavy weight from behind, many fell as we started to trample on those under to escape the rush”, he added.

According to him, many were wounded as he saw a girl and two boys bleeding in their nostrils and unconscious while being taken away from the scene.

A security personnel who pleaded anonymity stated.

We were overwhelmed by the crowd that was unruly and impatient. You know we have to do our job, so we quickly

closed the main entrance”.

At the Accident and Emergency ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) one Mrs. Iyen Ero stated that she rushed to the ward following a phone call that her son had an accident at the venue of the UNIBEN screening exercise.

She expressed fears that she was yet to identify her son among the accident victims in the ward.

It was learnt that normalcy has returned to the University as efforts were being made to fix the iron barricade of western gate pulled down during the stampede.

HMB appeals to Corpsthatmembers we can start paying in

Continued from page 1

the payment of their monthly stipend.

Eboremen who spoke with the Nigerian Observer in Benin City against the backdrop of complaints of some of the corps members said the HMB is making plans to clear the backlog of the allowances.

While sympathizing with the corps members over the delay, he disclosed that he had personally discussed with the affected corps members

on the issue on behalf of the board.

According to him, the inability of the hospital to pay the corps members on time was due to the shortfall in revenue accruing to the board.

He said the new government policy on internally Generated Revenue is occasioning some level of challenges for the hospital to contend with, adding, “they should be patient with us for now.”

“We have equally asked those affected but have passed out to drop their account details so

something on installment basis, immediately our finances improve,” he added.

He also disclosed that the hospital management Board recently introduced a policy of paying little stipend as allowance to the doctors and pharmacists posted to the hospital to assist them, but was however reviewed downward to N20,000 as against the initial N90,000 due to the poor financial state of the board.

Senate considers President, others to make input

Continued from page 1 Wednesday.

Presenting Report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review on a Bill for an Act to further alter the Provisions of the Constitution, the Chairman and Deputy President of Senate, Sen. Ike Ekwermadu urged his colleagues to expedite action on the report so as to produce a scheduled Constitution for the 2015 general elections.

He explained that an amendment has been proposed to an earlier proposal for insertion of a new clause that empowers the NASS to introduce a “new constitution”, to with that, the President of the Federal Republic could introduce a new Constitution to the country through the NASS. “We proposed an amendment to Section 9 on how a new Constitution can come to force. We stated that only the National Assembly can bring about the process

of a new Constitution; we shut the President out.

However, the Constitution Review Committee looked at our rules in which case, the President can bring about a Bill.

So, we now felt that it is also necessary to open the doors in such a way that it is not just the National Assembly that can start the process; that even the President can send a proposal for a new Constitution”, he continued.

The information sharply divided the Senate among those in support of sole powers of the NASS to introduce new constitution, and those in support of either the NASS or the Executive or both, and senators who do not want the insertion at all.

Senators who are against the proposal saw it as an attempt to elongate the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan, and to smuggle decisions of the on-going National Conference to the National Assembly through the back doors.

In his opposition to the new clause proposal, Sen. Kabiru Gaya (Kano) submitted that if allowed, introduction of a “New Constitution” would allow President Jonathan to continue in office for another period of eight years.

Senators Odion Ugbesia (Edo Central), Victor Lar (Plateau) and Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos W) chorused that the proposal is superfluous and should not be accommodated in the Constitution, as the current one could be amended to suit the times.

Also in his dissenting voice, Sen. Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara) warned the Senate against ceding its powers,to the Presidency and becoming irrelevant by adopting pregnable proposals, stressing, “we are seeking a window to smuggle outcome of the National Conference into the National Assembly”.

block us till we get to that point where we are convinced that as government we have done enough to secure the future of the Edo children.

“I will invite you back when we have formed an opinion on what we will do next.”

Earlier, Chairman of the 7member Assessment Committee, Professor Dennis Agbonlahor said the committee carried out the task and made all the necessary recommendations to ensure that the workforce of teachers in Edo State are properly trained and retrained.

“Those who failed to participate should be made to do so at the next available opportunity. It is in their interest to do so. We thank the government for the opportunity given to us to serve in this capacity”, he said.

Other members of the committed are Prof. Abigail Imogie, Prof Ikponwonse Ogie, Prof Noah Musa, Prof Sunny Omobude-Idiado, Prof Lilian Salami and Prof Austin Osunde.

FG spends N35bn on workers’ salary ABUJA – Mr. Jonah Otunla, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), has said that the March salary of Federal Government workers gulped about N35 billion.

Otunla made this disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday at a “Role Players Workshop on Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)” organised by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

He said that the number of federal staff whose salaries were paid with the money was 283,000, adding that the workers served in 308 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Otunla, who was represented by the Coordinator, IPPIS, AGF Office, Mrs. Fatima Mede, however, said that all federal workers were yet to be captured on the IPPIS network.

He expressed hope that by June, 2014 “we should have all federal MDAs in the country on the IPPIS network.’’

He said that his office had commenced work on getting all federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and Para-military agencies on the IPPIS platform.

He explained that IPPIS would enable the government to keep tab of its recurrent expenditure.

“This workshop is aimed at identifying and discussing some of the challenges encountered with the IPPIS system so that together, we can strategise and come up with solutions to these bottlenecks.

“I know that some MDAs have been having problems such as salaries delay, wrong grade level placements and so on.

“But it will interest you to know that most of these challenges are due to wrong paper work or late submission of correct information that will guide in the payment,” he said.

Otunla urged workers to ensure that they had the Nigerian Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN), which was the major challenge the office was facing in salary payment to workers.

Egbeta Health Care Centre to be commissioned soon OKADA - The Chairman, - Omagbon Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. (Barrister) Lucy Omagbon said the Egbeta Health Care Centre which is presently under construction will be completed and commissioned this month.

The health centre is to serve people in the locality especially in Egbeta and Utese Communities who, prior have had to travel long distances to seek medicare in neighbouring communities.

During an inspection visit to the project site, the council boss expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so

far, but however urged the contractor handling the project to increase the pace of work.

She also urged the contractor to ensure the project is completed by April 22, 2014 in order to commission it as part of activities to mark her one year in office.

According to her, the Egbeta Health Care Centre would commence operation immediately in order to address the health care needs of rural communities, while reiterating her commitment to infrastructural development.

Apostle Osasuyi urges women to be prayerful, patient

By SWEET IDEMUDIA

BENIN CITY- The 2014 National Women Convention of Christ Chosen Church of God Int’I which was declared opened in Benin City on Tuesday entered its second day yesterday, with a call on women to always be Patient, prayerful and seek God’s leading in everything they do, in order not to be stranded in life.

Giving the charge in his special message at yesterday’s programme at the Central cathedral headquarters of the Church, the Spiritual leader and General Overseer, Most Snr. Apostle E.E. Osasuyi whose message was taken from the Holy Bible book of Exodus 14:13, admonished the women to be painstaking, asserting that it was better to walk slowly to get to one’s destination than to be stagnant or stranded.

Dwelling on the theme of the year’s Women Convention, “I Can Never Be Stranded”, Apostle Osasuyi explained that for God to direct the

Women and their family members, they must learn to focus on God and take their eyes away from their immediate problems, stating that to overcome temptation, the women need to be steadfast and exhibit the virtue of longsuffering.

Apostle Osasuyi emphasized that women need to have endurance, which he described as a good quality of a good Christian Woman. He thereafter prayed for all families present and prophesied on their businesses, marriage, spiritual and physical well-being, and declared that they will not be stranded in any area of their lives.

Highlight of yesterday’s event was the presentation of trophies to the winners of the cultural carnival displayed by various divisions of the church

by Most Snr. Apostle Osasuyi where Abuja Division came first, with Asaba and Bariga (Lagos) divisions as the runners-up. There was also a Book presentation written by the wife of the spiritual leader Most Snr. (Rev.) Mrs. Grace Osasuyi entitled: Don’t spoil the child”.

AAU lecturers have case to answer - Court

By ROLAND OSAKUE

EKPOMA-A Magistrate Court sitting in Ekpoma and presided over by Magistrate Margaret Iluobe (Mrs) has ruled that the three lecturers of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Samsom Ogbeide, Igbudu Samuel and Ojeabulu Eghosa Clement have a case to answer in the criminal case preferred against them, one Judith Ivie Okuosun and three others.

Magistrate Iluobe, who gave the ruling in the case with charge No MEK/18C/12 after the counsel to the accused persons, raised a No case submission said the lecturers have case to answer while urging them to enter their defence.

The accused persons; Judith Ivie Okosun, Juliet Obehi Okosun, Esther Ogbeide, as well as the three lecturers of the AAU; and one Aruya Ohis William are all facing criminal trial of stealing, threat to kill, unlawful detention, publication, of false statement and assault committed against one Engr.

(Dr.) Peter Otubu at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

After the prosecution closed his case, Counsel to the three lecturers, Odion Enaholo and E.S. Ohiro raised a No case submission for their client, as they maintained that a mere present of the accused at the scene of crime does not make them liable to the crime, moreso, when the said issued

cheque that was forcefully obtained from the PW1 (Engr (Dr) Peter Otubu) read the name of the 1 st accused person, Judith Ivie Okosun.

In his reply, the Prosecuting Counsel and the State Deputy Director Public Prosecution, Mr. Anthony Okungbowa argued that the evidence of PW1, PW2 (Aruna Wahab)& PW5 (Insp Festus Agese) vividly showed the role played by the accused persons at the scene of crime.

He submitted that the MTN call log presented to the court by the MTN Fraud Analyst (Kingsley Ahewa) and admitted in evidence as Exhibit H1-4 revealed the plethora of calls amounting to 91 and eight SMS messages on the 16th, 17th and 18th July 2010 between the 1st accused person and the lecturers who are the 4th, 5th & 6th accused in the case respectively.

The State counsel further adduced that the speed at which the 4th and 5th arrived the scene of crime was unprecedented haven been called by one Bernard, who did the video recording and now on the run.

He therefore urged the court to hold them liable.

Magistrate Iluobe then ruled that the 4th , 5th, 6th accused person should enter into their defence, while case was subsequently adjourned to May 7, 2014 for hearing.

News Change Of Faith

Husband Seeks Divorce IBADAN - A businessman, Alhaji Wasiu Abiodun, has prayed a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve the relationship between him and his wife, Kafaya, over her alleged change of faith.

In his statement, Abiodun said the defendant had completely put a knife on the rope that held them together by refusing to carry out Islamic obligations.

“Kafaya no longer prepares my safur, the meal eaten at dawn during Ramadan fasting period.

“She now goes to church against my advice and even refuses to carry out my instructions.

“I have tolerated her enough and played my role well, but Kafaya and some members of her family have been ungrateful.

“Her younger brother whom I took as my brother almost wrecked my business, stealing huge sum of money and goods before he ran away.

“She does not want me to marry another wife, yet

Kafaya is making life difficult for me.

“She married me as a Muslim and she knows that I am a devout Muslim, she converted for no reason, please, I am tired of this relationship,” he said.

The defendant, however, rejected the suit, saying that she wanted the court to void her husband’s attempt to throw her out.

“It is true that I now go to church, but it is only occasional and for the sake of my three children.

“I can’t categorically say that my brother almost wrecked his business because I don’t have any clue to that.

“All the same, I don’t want to leave Abiodun’s home, please, help me secure it,” she pleaded with the court.

The President of the court, Mr Henric Agbaje, urged the couple to produce the evidence in support of their arguments.

Agbaje adjourned the case until April 16, for further hearing.

Hon. Adjoto Kabiru, Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports (right) and Mr. Jimmy Aimuagbonre Team Manager, Fortress Football Club during the Club’s courtesy call on the Lawmaker in his office in Benin City. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Safety Standards: Fire Service Warns Petrol Stations

ABUJA- The Federal Fire Service has warned that it would seal off all outlets selling petroleum products which failed to comply with fire safety standards.

Mr Olusegun Okebiorun, the Controller-General of the service, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Okebiorun advised all petroleum products sales outlets to immediately comply with fire safety standard of the service or risk being sealed off.

He said that the service had launched the ‘Fire Safety Code’ which contained all guidelines and requirements to educate members of the public on proper fire safety measures.

He said that since the launch of the code in November 2013, the service had carried out several enlightenment

campaigns, hence, it was ready to start enforcement.

“For owners of petroleum products’ outlets, the code stipulates that they need to keep gas, fuel and other hazardous materials away from areas where fire is used like restaurants.

“They must display the ‘no smoking’ sign in such outlets and large outlets must instal the sprinkler system.

“For markets, the code stipulates that the mode of construction must conform to safety standard to avert fire outbreaks and in the event of a fire, contain it effectively.

“I have told my men to go round the FCT and states nationwide to seal off shops and buildings that are not complying with these safety measures.

“This will force people to start conforming to the guidelines,’’ he said.

The controller-general said that the fire stations in the country were inadequate and urged the Federal Government to endeavour to invest in the area of fire infrastructure.

He said that the inadequacy of fire stations, water supply and fire equipment remained a grave threat to the successful control of fire disasters in the country.

“It is mandatory to construct fire stations in our cities so that

NAWOJ Election: Candidate Calls For Unity

Hon. Adjoto Kabiru (arrowed) in a group photograph with the Proprietor and members of Fortress Football Club in Benin City. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

BENIN CITY – Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, candidate for presidency of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists National (NAWOJ), has called for unity among members to

DPR Sanctions 4 Marketers

ABUJA-The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says four marketers were sanctioned in March over sharp practices in the sale of petroleum products in Abuja.

The Abuja DPR Zonal Controller, Mr Aliyu Halidu, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Halidu, who was reacting to recurrence of petrol scarcity in Abuja and its environs, said the marketers were sanctioned for various offences, including hoarding and diversion of petroleum products.

“We have sanctioned four

marketers for diversion and hoarding of products.

“We have told the Petroleum Pipelines and Marketing Company (PPMC) to charge those sanctioned the commercial value of products they supposed to bring to Abuja.

“In addition to the sanction, which is sealing of their stations, some of them have been given suspension ranging from six months to one year because they are yet to account for how they dispensed the products.

“However, if they are able to account for it, then, we will tell NNPC to charge them the

commercial value of the products.

“This is because the products are not supposed to go to where they were diverted to,’’ he said.

Halidu declined to name the marketers, adding that the agency had inaugurated a surveillance team to monitor lifting of products from depots to discharge at the various fuel stations in the Abuja zone.

He said that the agency monitored marketers every day to discourage hoarding of products.

“We have the check and balance to know if the marketers

are hoarding or not, and if we catch anyone we report to PPMC. Halidu stressed that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to the offending marketers Meanwhile the PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) responsible for supplies of the products, said there was enough in stock.

Mr Nasir Imodagbe, PPMC Spokesperson, said: “we have robust supply of fuel, same with NNPC to serve the country for days.

advance the interest and development of the association.

Omowole made the call on in an interview with newsmen shortly after addressing women journalists on her plans to advance the cause of the association in Benin.

She promised to focus on training and retraining of the members, if elected president at the upcoming NAWOJ election, scheduled for May 17.

“The only way the women journalists can foster peace in the association and the country is to promote sisterhood, which is love for one another.

“In the last six years, I have had the opportunity of working with two presidents as deputy, I have learnt a lot

from them.

“I am making a commitment to build on the achievements of our “founding mothers.”

She said every member of the association was a potential leader, and so leadership training would be one of her cardinal programmes.

“NAWOJ will be 25 years this year but we do not have a secretariat of our own.

“I am assuring members that if voted in, I will solicit the assistance of some notable citizens to set up a secretariat for NAWOJ,” she said.

Omowole promised to, among other things, ensure the glory of the association as was done by its past presidents and also uphold the integrity of its members.

Inside Edo Council Boss Takes Stock Of Educational Devt AFUZE- The Executive Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Chief Jimoh Ijegbai, said his administration has built 14 schools and renovated twenty-six classroom block in less than one year in office.

In addition, he stated that free writing materials including note books have been distributed to pupils in public primary schools in the locality.

Chief Jimoh Ijegbai disclosed these during an award ceremony put together in Afuze by the National Association of Proprietor of Private Schools (NAPPS), Owan East Chapter He assured that his administration will continue to work hand-inhand with the proprietors of private schools at ensuring

that children get good and qualitative education.

Chief Ijegbai promised that the free notebooks gesture will be extended to the private schools soon.

The Owan East Council boss while lamenting over the spate of examination malpractices in schools, advised the proprietors of private schools to discourage the act in their various schools, so as to lay a better foundation for the leaders of tomorrow.

The chairman National Association of Proprietor of private schools Owan East chapter, Rev. Aghahowa Enofe David had commended Chief Ijegbai for his giant developmental strides.

He remarked that the Owan East Council boss has contributed Immensely to the development of

Education in the area.

Rev. Aghahowa noted that the good works of chief Ijegbai is worth emulating.

During the ceremony, awards were presented to chief Ijegbai and other personalities who distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.

Among the awardees were Hon. S.A Ebosele former Commissioner for Education in Edo State, Mr. S.A Esezobor former WAEC Registrar Mr. P.N.S Danca and Chief (Sir) Aigboje Higo.

Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Hon. Lucy Omagbon (4th right), Hon. Dumez Ugiagbe, Vice Chairman (3rd left) and other Council officials during the Chairman’s inspection of Egbeta Health Centre project in Uhen Ward recently.

. . .Budgets N3bn For 2014 Fiscal Year

AFUZE- Owan East Local Government Council has proposed the sum N3.028 billion for the 2014 fiscal year.

Christened, “Budget of Consolidation”, it is designed to consolidate, improve on the numerous achievements so far

achieved by the administration of Barr. (Chief) Jimoh ljegbai and to restore the confidence of the people towards governance Presenting the 2014 budget proposal to the Legislative Arm of the council, Chief ljegbai said the sum of N1,068,842,121.00 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N1,959,500.00 billion representing 64.71 percent of the total budget is proposed for capital expenditure.

The Chairman disclosed that

the proposed receipt from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Excess Crude/SURE-P and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) form the plank of the 2014 budget.

Recurrent expenditure made up of personnel cost, overhead cost, consolidation revenue fund and internal debt servicing accounted for the 41.068bn proposed capital expenditure

His Elect Ministry To Get New General Overseer BENIN CITY- A new General Overseer is to be ordained for His Elect Ministry Incorporated Benin City following the demise of the former General Overseer, Pastor Austin Allens-Izirein.

She is Pastor Mrs. Philo Allens-Izirein A statement signed by Pastor Ndubusi Sebastine Nzekwe indicated that the ordination ceremony would hold at the

Egbeta Health Centre project under construction.

headquarters of the Church, Plot 18 and 19 IDC Layout, Upper Owina Street, Evbotubu Quarters (Back of car Wash), Benin City, beginning at 10am.

The statement equally appreciates the contributions of staff of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of Observer titles for their contributions to the successful burial ceremony of the late General Overseer of the church.

Esan West: APC Members Endorse Omofuma As Leader commence on Saturday, April

By OSE EHEBHA

EKPOMA-Members of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State have re-affirmed the Managing Director, GT Plaza, Elder Pius Omofuma as leader of the party in the local government area.

The affirmation was made at an enlarged party rally in Ekpoma, headquarters of the local government area to sensitize party members ahead of the nation wide congresses of the party scheduled to

5, 2014.

Speakers at the rally, including two former council chairmen, Engr. Monday Abulu and Mrs. Stella Okoro, Esan Central local government APC leader, Chief Francis Inegbeki, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oshiomhole on Youth Matters, Mr. Marcus Onobun, Barr. Ernest Okhiria, Barr.

Jerome Udaze extolled the leadership qualities of the GT MD. Immediate past chairman of the council, Mrs. Stella Okoro

encouraged party members to turn out enmasse during the party congresses to elect their party leaders, assuring them that it would be devoid of manipulations.

She admonished them never to close their doors against intending defectors from other parties, pointing out that APC as the people’s party would accommodate every progressive mind.

Addressing the large number of party faithful, Elder Omofuma expressed gratitude to them for the confidence reposed in him, pledging not

to betray their trust.

He advised them to remain loyal to the party, adding that his leadership would do everything to support the vision and mission of the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, whom he said is committed to positive transformation of the state and its people.

Also speaking, APC leader in Esan Central, Chief Fracis Inegbeneki threw his weight behind the leadership of Elder Omofuma, adding as an accomplished businessman he would bring his wealth of

experience to bear in the management of the party.

He assured the party members of free, fair and credible congresses, noting that the party would never tolerate imposition of candidates.

“There will be no imposition. The members must decide who lead them.

APC is a newly formed party and members constitute those who recently registered as members. So every member is new; no landlord, no tenant” he said.

The council boss emphasized the importance of agriculture as the mainstay of our economy saying his administration will pay attention to the sector, with a view to boosting agricultural production in the local government area with the procurement of agricultural materials and inputs for sustainable improved production.

While energy and rural electrification, commerce, transport, health, water supply and welfare will be addressed in the current year. Chief ljegbai assured that new primary schools will be built to sustain its developmental stride in the education sector.

He said deliberate and conscious efforts would be made to tar the UokhaOhanmi-Arokho road, in 2014, beside opening up more rural roads.

On general administration, he assured that his administration will embark on massive reconstruction and renovation of the council secretariat in the fiscal year, with a view to providing comfortable office accommodation for staff and political office holders in order to enhance productivity, efficiency and increased morale.

He expressed gratitude to the legislators for their invaluable contributions to the success story so far achieved by the administration, and sued for its sustenance.

Receiving the appropriation bill, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Hilary Ozogo thanked the chairman for blazing the trail in projects execution and expressed the belief that the budge will enhance the welfare of the people

South/South Certificate Forgery: ASABA – Mrs. Josephine Kachikwu, the Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Commission (DSHAC) said 26 employees of the commission have been dismissed from service due to certificate forgery.

Kachikwu said this in a statement signed by her and made available newsmen in Asaba.

She said that those affected were two management staff, 10 middle management cadre staff, five technical officers, six senior admin officers, and three junior staff, while cases of 22 others were pending.

She said that the dismissal

was effected after a thorough verification and re-verification exercise had been carried out by a team of experts.

“This was consequent upon the infighting by some employees over seniority which resulted in protests that some of their colleagues were presenting fake certificates so that they will be upgraded far and above their equals.

“The commission engaged the services of a firm of external auditors to carry out certificate verification.

“The firm has submitted its report and every case was subjected to further reverification to remove any

Delta Assembly Sacks 26

possible human error and so far, 26 employees have been dismissed from the service of the commission for parading fake certificates.

The statement quoted Kachikwu as saying that the commission’s decision to sack

the staff would “go down in history as the most agonising decision by the commission.”

It said that since the inauguration of the commission with her as Chairman by Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2011, it had been carrying out a policy

of motivation of employees.

“This is to ensure an efficient and effective service delivery in the legislature and eligible staff for promotion are subjected to a refresher course and subsequent examination before being promoted.

“As an incentive, the commission pays a handsome outfit allowance to all staff annually to enable them maintain corporate and dignifying looks befitting of parliamentary staff,” the statement said.

NGO Warns Against Pornography HIV/AIDS:

EGUHUO (EBONYI) - The Good Living Initiative, a NonGovernmental Organisation based in Lagos, has warned against the exposure of youths to pornography as the society battles with the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Mrs Sussie Metu, the organisation’s Executive Director, gave the warning at the Community Secondary School, Eguhuo in Ishiellu Local Government Area of Ebonyi during its sensitisation of students on the dangers of the infection and early marriage.

According to her, the influx of pornographic materials in the markets, stalls and homes have contributed to the prevalence of the infection which have caused untold hardship to the infected.

“When youths watch pornographic materials for instance, their sensitive parts are stimulated and they tend to practise what they viewed by engaging in indiscriminate sex.

“The arousal also leads to unhealthy sex practices such as masturbation, which is compounded by the unwillingness of parents to discuss sex-related issues with their wards,” she said.

Metu regretted that the various video and print censorship bodies in the country were not living up to their responsibilities as uncensored materials still found their way into the markets.

“It is disheartening to see children watching films dominated by erotic scenes, as majority of films in the country mostly contain such scenes.

“These days, most television stations show films meant for adults as early as 4 p.m. when most children are glued to television sets in their homes.

“It is also sad to see men urinating indiscriminately in open places in the full glare of children instead of urinating in hidden places to avoid exposing their genitals,” she said.

Metu advised the students to shun pre-marital sex due to its inherent dangers but

concentrate on their studies to achieve their life ambitions.

Rev. Joseph Agbo, a director in the organisation, advised young girls in particular to protect their virginity since it was their pride that would make them valuable before their husbands.

He also advised them to resist all pressure from their parents and guardians to engage in early marriage, noting that it would debar them from achieving their life ambitions.

“You should instead educate them on the dangers of early marriage and engage in meaningful ventures that will sustain you till you are ripe for marriage.

“Early marriage causes various health risks which include visico virginal fistula, womb rupture and dropping out of school,” he said.

Miss Patricia Onuoha, one of the students, thanked the organisation for the gesture and advised youths who had been exposed to early sex to undergo HIV/AIDS test.

Students used the occasion to ask questions on sex-related issues including homosexuality and lesbianism.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (right), being decorated by the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Joan Ayo, at the 60th Anniversary of Nigerian Public Service and Presidential Lecture in Abuja yesterday. Left is the Chairman of the Anniversary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

Back State Creation,Others, MOSOP creation, resource ownership Urges North and control, and PORT HARCOURT By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM

Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has appealed to the people of Northern Nigeria including its delegates to the on-going National Conference, elders and governors to rescind its planned resistance to issues of state creation, resource ownership and control supported by the South.

President of MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara who made the call in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, explained that the call has become necessary in view of reported northern resolve to stand against any proposal concerning state creation,

resource ownership and control that may be presented by any group at the meeting.

Pyagbara stated: “The expressed northern sentiments no doubt betrayed sinister motives, which in our view, may not augur well for the conference and north/ south relationship. It is alarming that at crucial times in this country such as this, the north has been behaving as if other parts of the country are mere vassals that have no real legitimacy and rights and must subject to their whims and caprices.

“Our bitter experience has been that any time that the north wishes to get its way against the interests of other

nationalities in Nigeria especially on the issue of resource ownership and control, it emphasizes that the present arrangement impoverishes the north and would vent its opposition with threats. It is painful to note that when groundnut was the mainstay of the economy, they controlled benefits that accrued there from and communities outside of their region especially those of the Niger Delta accepted it in good faith.”

“We would like to make it very clear that Ogoni participation in the conference is mainly to pursue its interest of state

From row from left: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia, Former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Chairman, 60th Anniversary of Nigerian Public Service and Presidential Lecture, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Joan Ayo and other officials, at the celebration of the Nigerian Public Service and Presidential Lecture in Abuja recently.

environmental remediation, restoration and protection without which we would have had no business with the conference. If the north did not oppose the creation of many states and local government councils in their region that are funded with oil and gas resources from the Niger Delta, it would only make sense that they rescind their reported questionable stance and support us.”

Pyagbara noted that the resort to masking behind international law, which provisions are undoubtedly at variance with her widely publicized position has already quaked and collapsed on arrival and since the provisions are unambiguous and well known, it would be ideal to retreat and make friends rather than acting otherwise.

Besides, Pyagbara continued, other regional and international instruments, which Nigeria has endorsed, recognize resource ownership and control as well as self-determination, MOSOP would like to warn that it would have no choice than to mobilize her delegates and those of other nationalities that are on the same page with them to take strategic and decisive steps to protect and defend their interests at the National Conference.

MOSOP pleaded that this is the time, in its opinion, to show understanding and cooperation and not playing Goliath.

South West Theft:

Representatives of the GOC, 2 Division, Brig-Gen. Laz Ilo (left), in Handshake with the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mr. Mohammed Indabawa, at the Special Security Council meeting on Soka killing Den in Ibadan recently. With them is the Comptroller of Immigration, Oyo State, Mr. Richard Oteri.

Court Jails Man

AKURE - An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 23-year-old mechanic, Johnson Ajayi, to three months imprisonment for stealing a purse containing N10,000.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Iretiolu Dada, however, gave the convict an option of N30,000 fine.

“The convict is sentenced to three months imprisonment with an option of N30,000 fine for conspiracy and stealing,’’ Dada said.

The magistrate sentenced Ajayi following his guilty plea on arraignment.

The Prosecutor, Insp Jimoh Ibrahim, had told the court that Ajayi conspired with another person at large to steal the purse from Mrs. Joy Aferuan.

Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi, inspecting NYSC Ekiti Skills Acquisition Development (SAED), Goat Pen, when he visited the Permanent Orientation Camp at IseEkiti in Ekiti State recently.

Ibrahim submitted that Aferuan wanted to buy foodstuffs in a market when Ajayi snatched her purse.

The prosecutor said that the accused committed the offences on March 19 at

7:30p.m. at Oja-Oba in Akure.

According to the prosecutor, stealing contravenes Section 383 and is punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

IBADAN – Mr. David Ishola, the Secretary, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Christian Wing, said the board would now organise pilgrimages three times annually.

Ishola told newsmen in Ibadan that the first trip was billed for April.

The secretary said the second exercise was a “family package” while the third would hold between October and December.

Ishola said the board, which

was established in 1977, was saddled with the responsibility of planning hitch-free pilgrimages for Christians wishing to visit Israel.

The secretary also said the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) in Abuja was working with boards in states to ensure a hitch-free annual exercise.

He added that the board would soon embark on sensitisation visits to all the 33 local governments in the state.

Board Increases Observance Of Christian Pilgrimage

1,500 Delegates For Osun PDP Governorship Primary OSOGBO - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun has said that about 1,500 delegates would participate in its Saturday’s governorship primary.

Mr. Bola Ajao, the publicity secretary of the PDP stated this in an interview with newsmen.

The PDP in the state fixed April 2 for its ward delegates election which would produce three delegates from

Kidnappers Operations: APC, PDP In War Of Words

By ABIODUN AFOLABI

IBADAN - The war of words between political parties in Oyo State on who is to be blamed over the operations of the kidnappers inside the devil forest at Soda area of the state capital is yet to be over.

This time again , the ruling party in the state All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to cover its face in shame over what it called the party’s legacy of violence and brigantine.

Lin a release issued by its Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Data Kowtow, made available to newsmen in reaction to a statement issued by the party accusing the A PC-led state government of compromising public peace and security.

The party said it was worrisome that a party like the PDP which, in eight years of its reign in Oyo State, foisted on the policy a culture of impunity and bloodshed, could still be bold enough to accuse anyone else of compromising peace.

It deposed that“These people are working on the so-called short memory of Nigeria. If not, could they have imagined that we have forgotten so soon how the party’s eight-year rule was marred by violence, bloodshed and killing of our people? The name PDP in our state is synonymous with bloodshed and

we can never forget the harrowing years of their being in power. To us, their years are years of the locusts.”

The APC said that in the discovery of the kidnappers’ den in Ibadan nicknamed Evil Forest, the Able Ajar government had demonstrated high level of leadership and responsibility that

any civilized government should in a moment of crisis.

As part of its defense put up in favor of the state governor over the Soda incident, the APC said “On the Saturday that the news broke, though Governor Ajar was not in town, he dispatched his aides to lend a helping hand

Fashola Writes Ghanaian Parliament Over Killing Of Nigerian Student

IKEJA – Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has said that he had emailed the Ghanaian Parliament, requesting it to investigate the recent killing of a Nigerian student in that country.

The governor made the statement in Ikeja, while addressing some students who had come to protest against the hike in Lagos State University (LASU) fees.

The governor said the killing of the student was unfortunate, adding that the case must not be allowed to be swept under the carpet.

It would be recalled that

Godwin Ayogu, a 300-level Nigerian student of the Gold Coast University, was recently murdered in Ghana by unknown persons.

His body was dumped by the roadside, while the Ghanaian authorities were yet to begin any investigation into the matter.

Fashola said; “The killing of a Nigerian in Ghana is very unfortunate as he was a victim of very mindless violence.

“I am trying to reach the Ghanaian Parliament to see how we can intervene to assist in the investigation of

Godwin Ayogu’s incident, who died at the Cape Coast University.

“I sent an email to one of the parliamentarians. I am still expecting a feed back and hope the right steps will be taken,” he said.

Fashola condemned the recent killing of Adelabu Tunde, another Nigerian student in Malaysia, describing his death as unfortunate.

The governor urged the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to end the incessant killings of Nigerian youths abroad.

to those who needed help and ambulances were provided for emergency operations. This was done on Saturday and Sunday that the news broke. On Monday, the governor rallied round all the security apparatus of the state and personally went round the scene of the crime. He spoke with the residents, empathized with them and asked for a minute silence for the repose of the souls of the kidnapped victims “.

“The governor engaged the community at the event, asked them for what they thought was responsible for the den and the way out of it. The community asked the governor to clear the forest and demolish the makeshift buildings where the kidnappers were having a field day. After that, the governor ordered that the C of O of the land be revoked and promised to extend developmental activities to the Soda area ,” the APC added.

The party said that in comparison, the APC was way out of the class of the PDP in the mastery of the art of governance and did not need the party’s suggestion on how to run good governance.

each ward that would take part in the April 5 primary.

The delegates that emerge victorious will be the ones to be accredited for the April 5 governorship primary.

The 332 wards in Osun will produce 996 ward delegates.

“Apart from the 996 delegates that will emerge on Thursday, there will be other delegates categorised as statutory delegates.

“These statutory delegates are drawn from the state executive, local executive, state working committee and former house of assembly members.

“Other statutory delegates include, former local government chairmen and their deputies and members of board of trustees,’’ Ajao said.

He said apart from those who would be duly accredited for the primary, there would be no room for loitering.

“We have put in place committees to oversee venue, security and welfare to ensure a hitch- free primary,’’ the publicity secretary said.

Ajao said the party had booked a hotel in Osogbo for the governorship primary.

“The outing on Saturday will go a long way in showing the world that democracy must be allowed to play itself out,’’ he said.

The four aspirants that are to contest at the Osun PDP primary are Sen Iyiola Omisore, Sen Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, Sen Adetunji Adeleke and Wole Oke.

Lagos Ejigbo Residents Task Govt On LAGOS - Some residents of Drainage System Ejigbo in Alimosho Local

CULTURAL CARNIVAL: Cultural display by Mafoluku (Lagos), Divisional Women at the 2014 National Women Convention of Christ’s Chosen Church of God Int’l which opened on Tuesday in Benin City.

Government Area of Lagos State have urged the state government to provide an efficient network of drains in the area.

In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they said that functional drainage channels would give room for easy flow of waste water into the canals.

“In Ejigbo, most homes don’t know where to discharge waste water because there is no functional drainage system.

“So, what happens is that the water is discharged in the compounds and you know this can cause health problems.

“We are appealing to the state

Burial Arrangement For Late GOK Ajayi To LAGOS - The family of Olorunnimbe, wrote, “A fine Chief GOK Ajayi (SAN) has Be Announced Soon gentleman. said it would soon announce the burial arrangements for the late legal luminary, who died on Friday in Lagos.

The reports stated that Ajayi passed on at the age of 83 at Reddington Hospital, Lagos, after a protracted illness.

Prophet Kehinde Okuneye, who spoke on behalf of the family at the late lawyer’s residence, told newsmen that

they were still deliberating on how to give their departed father a befitting burial.

Okuneye said the plans would soon be made public.

He noted that Ajayi was a devout Christian and a senior member of the Anglican Communion.

Meanwhile, some legal personalities have continued to pay condolence visits to the

IKEJA - Mr. Segun Olulade, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called for a special fund to help the Lagos State Government to cope with the state’s environmental challenges.

Olulade, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, made the call in a statement in Lagos, “especially with the imminent threat of flooding in the state in 2014”.

He urged the Federal Government to consider the economic, environmental and demographic status of the state and assist it with a special fund.

Olulade said that the special status for the state was a fair cause, devoid of any sentiment, and would be in the interest of both Lagos, in particular and the nation, in general.

“Special status indicates that the Federal Government will give a special focus to Lagos matters which come with a national appearance.

“I consider Lagos as a special place for the entire Nigerian people.”

Olulade said every ethnic background from all localities in the country was represented in the population of Lagos.

He said that Lagos was always recording immigrants from other states on a daily

basis, who come to settle and live in the densely-populated city, now with a growing population of about 26 million persons.

Olulade said that Lagos also served as the economic hub for the nation and was a former federal capital.

He said that the state accommodated over 70 per cent of multinational companies, diplomatic offices and vital Federal Government facilities such as the ports, Nigeria’s foremost international airport and many others.

“Lagos connects Nigeria to the rest of the West African sub-region via the ECOWAS international highway through the Badagry axis.

“Looking at all of these, this is not a state that the Federal Government should allow to swim in the murky waters of environmental challenges, security threats, housing problems and many more.’’

Olulade noted that there was also a prediction that the state would witness stormy rains in 2014 and beyond, due to climate change.

He said that such predictions ought to give the Federal Government some concern.

“For example, in the United States, the former capital, New

residence at No.17, Eniasoro Beyioku St., Off Ajao Road, Surulere, Lagos, to commiserate with his family.

They poured encomiums on the late legal icon for his contributions to the Nigerian justice system, in their various entries in the condolence register.

A former Chief Judge of Lagos State, retired Justice Isola

“A legal icon, defender of the law, defender of the masses.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

In his message, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Jelili Owonikoko, wrote: “It is a glorious exit for a mentor, a leader, a father figure and above all, an icon of the legal profession.

Flood: Lagos Deserves Special Funds - Lawmaker

York City, is accorded equal treatment with Washington D.C., the present capital.

“The Federal Government

should, therefore, draw up an executive bill and ensure that Lagos is treated fairly, given its peculiar position in the nation’s economic growth and development,” the lawmaker added.

Murder

government to give us a drainage system that will end this situation,” Alhaji Muyideen Adio, a community leader said.

Another resident, Mr Akeem Oloyede, said that the poor drainage system had affected the sanitary conditions of most of the streets in the area.

He said that residents were fond of discharging waste water from their toilets and kitchens into the roads, thereby creating environmental nuisance.

“Everywhere smells because people just discharge water from dirty sources onto the roads. This poses a great health risk.

“But, what else can they do?

I hope the state government will intervene and give us a good drainage system,” he said.

Another resident, Mrs Taiwo Coker, who lives in Green Belt area, commended the state government for the ongoing

Impersonation

Man, 39, Docked IKEJA - A 39-year-old, Michael Oloniluyi, who allegedly impersonated a police officer to extort the public, was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Oloniluyi, who resides at Fire of Faith Church, Odogbolu St., Ketu, Lagos, is being tried for impersonation.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the accused impersonated a serving

Court Remands 5 Suspected contravened Cultists committed Sections 42, 221, 231 of the

LAGOS - An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded five suspected cult members at the Ikoyi Prisons over the alleged murder of a rival member.

The accused are Ayodeji Olusegun, 23; Jide Shittu, 22; Caleb Abidemi, 22; Olaitan Gbadebo, 26, and Samuel Edward, 21.

They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful killing and belonging to an unlawful society.

However, the court did not take the pleas of the accused.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe, ordered that the accused be remanded in custody, pending legal advice from the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

He, thereafter, adjourned the case till April 19, for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp.

Frank Inah, said that the crime was committed on March 1 at about 11.30 p.m., at No. 5, Oluwoanoju St., Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.

He said that the accused, who belonged to an unlawful society known as “Aye Confraternity,” with other members of the group engaged in a bloody fight with

members of a rival `Eiye’ group.

Inah said that during the fight, cutlasses and bottles were used and the deceased was stabbed, which led to his death.

According to him, the offence

construction of a drainage system and rehabilitation works in Ejigbo and NNPC areas.

She, however, appealed to the state government to consider providing drainage channels for the inner parts of the area, most of which he said, had no functional drains.

“We thank government for ongoing works on the major roads, but most of our streets are without drains,” she said.

In his comment, Mr Mukaila Alabi, a shop owner in the area, said that activities of the petroleum tanker drivers in the area should be monitored.

“These drivers taking fuel from the NNPC depot here park on the roads, causing heavy traffic and most times, they drive recklessly and cause accidents.

“Their own business should not create problems for us. We want the state government to help us,” he said.

Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Reports stated that Section 221 provides that subject to the provisions of any other law, a person who commits murder shall be sentenced to death.

police officer with Force No.358180 to defraud the public.

Uwadione said Oloniluyi also had a fake police identity card which he had been using to deceive and extort the public.

According to him, the accused committed the offences on March 27 at Motorways Centre, old Toll Gate, Lagos.

Uwadione said the offences contravened Section 79 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The reports stated that Section 79 prescribes two years imprisonment for offenders.

Oloniluyi, however, denied the charges.

The Magistrate, Miss A.O. Akinde, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to April 25.

R-L: Snr Apostle (Dr.) D.E.O. Unuefe Ikhuwu, Director of Administration, Snr Rev. (Mrs.) E. Onaghise, Most Snr Rev. (Mrs.) Grace I. Osasuyi (JP), Co-ordinator, Chosen Women Fellowship (middle), Snr Rev. (Mrs.) M. Unuefe Ikhuiwu at the 2014 National Women Convention of Christ’s Chosen Church of God Int’l which opened on Tuesday in Benin City.

Across The Nation

Commissioner Cautions Residents On Disposal can be done with KADUNA - The in Kaduna. polythene materials Commissioner for Of Plastic Waste He said a huge before recycling Environment in Kaduna researchers and they are State, Alhaji Kasimu Abubakar, has urged residents of the state to properly dispose plastic materials to avoid blocking drainage.

The commissioner made the call in an interview with newsmen

percentage of refuse found at dumpsites and drainage were plastic wastes comprising pure water sachets and shopping bags.

“The consumption level of plastic bags is

Assent To Hospital Bill, Adamawa Assembly Urges Gov YOLA - The Adamawa House of Assembly Committee on Health has urged the State Executive to assent to the Hospital Autonomy bill passed by the legislature to enhance effective hospital management in the state.

The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abubakar Jarengol, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

Jarengol told newsmen that the bill which was passed by the House on March 24 seeks to empowered government-

owned hospitals to retain five per cent of revenue earned by them for enhancement of their services.

He said the bill would also serve as an instrument for additional source of funds for hospital management in the state.

Jarengol said his committee had held meetings with representatives of workers’ unions and the state Ministry of Health to avert the proposed strike by employees in the sector.

increasing daily and if not properly disposed, it will block the drainage and aggravate flooding.

“The state government is consulting with private organisations and individuals to set up recycling plants in the state.

“Efforts are being made to speed up the partnership because the project will provide employment, improve income generation and sanitise the state of plastic materials.

“People can generate

wealth by sorting waste; we have solid waste

trying to find out what

commences,” Abubakar said.

L-R: Members, Igbo leaders of thought, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Prof. Chiweite Ejiki, Professor Vincent Ike and Chairman, Professor Ben Nwabueze, at the seventh assembly of Igbo leaders of thought in Enugu recently.

6 Feared Dead After Local Beverage Consumption

KANO - No fewer than six persons, aged between 20 years and 22 years, were feared dead after allegedly consuming a local beverage, Zakami, at a wedding reception at Unguwa Uku, in the Kano metropolis.

An eye-witness told newsmen in Kano that the incident happened at about 10.30 p.m. on Sunday.

According to the witness, the deceased, all males, drank the substance at the party that was also attended by many youths including the bride and groom.

It was gathered that the deceased collapsed after consuming the intoxicating beverage and died on the way to the hospital.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident.

He said the police had since commenced investigation into the matter with a view to finding out the cause of the tragedy.

“On receiving the report, we invited the groom; he is

currently assisting us in our investigation.

“I cannot confirm the number of deaths until we finish our investigation,” he said.

Members of Igbo leaders of Thought Assembly after their Seventh Summit in Enugu recently.

Assault: HeCourt Remands Lawmaker said that the

LAFIA - An Upper Area Court 1 in Lafia, has remanded Francis Orogu, the member representing Keana in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, charged with assault, conspiracy and intimidation.

The presiding judge, Sham Shamam, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of his application for bail.

Reacting, Mr. Ochahile Ogyede, counsel to the accused, expressed displeasure over the decision of the judge to remand his client.

offences for which his client was standing trial were bailable, adding that the judge was supposed to have

granted him bail.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Abraham Aloko, expressed gratitude with the court,

Nomadic Education: BIRNIN KEBBI The new President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammad Kirowa, has pledged to promote nomadic education in the country to enable herdsmen gain access to formal education.

Kirowa told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the new leadership would work with governments at all levels to provide

saying “it is in the interest of justice”.

The state Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General,

Mr Innocent Lagi, had filed the suit against the accused for assaulting him while trying to serve a court order on the House.

Association Seeks Collaboration

the nomads unfettered access to education.

He said the gesture would encourage the nomads to settle down in one place instead of roaming about with their cattle.

The president said that the association had been exploring suitable areas for the nomads to settle down.

He said such areas would be provided with necessary amenities that would promote modern

livestock breeding.

Kirowa advocated the employment of cattle breeders as afforestation and plantation managers as part of measures to reduce clashes with farmers over grazing fields.

He called for cooperation among the fulanis in the country to protect their interests at all times.

On alleged involvement of fulani herdsmen in recent

clashes in parts of the country, the president said his members were not involved.

“The cattle breeders are known to be law abiding and peaceful.

Politicians and their intrigues should be blamed for the violence,” he said.

Kirowa promised to encourage cattle breeders across the country to be law abiding and orderly in their conduct.

News Sarah Jibril Advises Nigerians On Ethics

Youths agitating for Oro Nation to produce the Akwa Ibom State Governor in 2015.

ABUJA - Mrs. Sarah Jibril, the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Moral Values, asked Nigerians to imbibe ethical conducts to promote national unity and development.

Jibril told newsmen in Abuja that such attitude would also promote unity, harmony and the security of the nation.

She said that her office would soon inaugurate national curriculum committees on morals in various schools, families and other levels of the society to promote ethical conduct.

The special adviser said the aim was to educate Nigerians on sound moral values and conducts, to engender development and patriotism.

“The role of education is to

light that eventually electrocuted him.

They also alleged that after the incident the team that went to carry out repairs with him abandoned him there until someone else rushed him to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where the doctors certified him dead.

Narrating what happened, the brother of the deceased, Fatai Badmus said before the late Badmus left their Ikotun office with other staff, the transmission light was switched off.

that you can be able to question authority for its negligence or discrepancies.

“It is also only then that you can avail your rights as a citizen and seek improvement in the structural functioning of governance and economy.

“It is only when a citizen is aware about the policies of government that one can support or protest whatever change there is.

“People can bring about development only when they know where improvement is necessary for the greater good of mankind.

“Education helps you understand yourself better. It helps you to tap into latest talent, so that you may be able to sharpen your skills,” Jibril said.

The special adviser noted that ignorance and illiteracy only breed bad manners and encourage disunity and disagreement in society.

“Ignorance, personal bad manners, illiteracy and philosophical bankruptcy and personal ego cannot promote peace and understanding in the society.

“People will rather criticise and condemn, instead of thinking of what can promote our society and bring development to the society.

“Let us work together in oneness and help our country so that every one of us will enjoy the benefit of our efforts and the transformation of our nation,” she advised.

“Therefore, it cannot be something you keep multiplying everyday instead of making sure you have the ones you have to educate people the same way we were educated.

“Everybody comes up and there is a University, you do not

to come.

“And we need to correct that, that it is not the number of Universities that matters.

“It is the quality of the ones you have that matters as long as you maintain the independence and universality of the Universities.’’

raise the level of awareness in the society.

“Investigations have revealed that many people are capable and willing to learn and also help the society understand better the nature of things around them,” she said.

Jibril noted that education creates more understanding and the ability to think critically on issues, problems and tasks.

According to her, education empowers individuals to contribute positively to nation building.

“Education also keeps you aware of your given surrounding as well as the rule and regulations of the society.

“It is only through knowledge

Electricity Company Staff Electrocuted

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS - Mystery is surrounding the death of a staff of an electricity distribution company in Idimu-Ikotun, Lagos who was electrocuted

while trying to carry out some repairs on an electricity pole in the area.

According to a member of the deceased family, the 42year old victim, Labiru

NLC Kicks Against Commercialisation Of Media Houses, Refineries

ABUJA - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday called for the cancellation of the proposed idea to commercialise Federal Government-owned media houses and the privatisation of refineries in the country.

The congress gave the advice in a statement signed by its President, Malam Abdulwaheed Omar, and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement said NLC was disturbed by the announcement that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had concluded plans to privatise the refineries.

It said the haste with which government seemed determined to sell off public properties under the guise of making them more efficient was alarming.

“We are disturbed by the statement from the DirectorGeneral of BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, who was reported to have announced that plans have been concluded by the BPE to privatise refineries”.

The statement said BPE had also announced the commercialisation of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), NAN and the Nigeria Films Corporation.

It said others to be privatised included Sky power Catering and Hotels Services and the Commodities and Exchange Commission.

The statement said BPE also

announced the partial privatisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) and the Bank of Industries (BOI).

“BPE also announced the commercialisation of National Parks”.

The Congress said there was the need for caution “because these properties belong to the Nigerian people as a collective wealth of Nigerians”.

It said the Nigerian people have to be consulted and their interests should be put into consideration before the sales.

The statement said the NLC wished to remind government that it had always promised to use the gains from petroleum price increases to reactivate existing refineries and build additional ones.

It said there was no evidence that previous privatisation exercises have succeeded.

“The major privatisation exercise that was implemented recently is electricity and ever since that exercise, electricity supply has worsened.

“Consumers pay higher, even as the lights have gone off under excuses that question the competence of the new electricity companies.

“Government should not abdicate its social responsibilities by selling off everything that delivers services to the people.

“This is unwarranted, especially in a country where poverty and unemployment have become endemic, coupled with the collapse of industries.

Badmus, was assigned to carry out some repairs on an electricity pole in the area and after he climbed the pole, electricity supply was restored and he was electrocuted.

It was also gathered that the deceased who was to be promoted this week as a senior staff of the company went out with his colleagues and the electricity transformer was switched-off but was later restored while he was still carrying out the repair on pole by his colleague.

The tragic incident happened

at the weekend and his charred body was deposited at the mortuary at Yaba, Lagos.

Badmus’ family is crying foul over his death, alleging that he was deliberately murdered by his colleagues who switched on the light while he was on top of the pole.

It was learnt that Badmus who hailed from Kwara State, was to be promoted this week as a senior staff of the company before the incident happened.

The family wondered why the same people who sent him to work on the pole restored the

Raise University Standards, Foundation care about what is coming out ABUJA - The African gained from somewhere else.

Urges FG or we are doing to generations Capacity Building Foundation “When I went to overseas (ACBF) told the Federal Government to ensure its existing universities attained global competitiveness.

Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, said this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

Nnadozie explained that the proliferation of both public and private Universities without adherence to global practices and standards was responsible for their decline in quality.

“University education has declined significantly in quality, especially in Nigeria.

“Many of us were educated in Nigeria and we know what the Universities were like when we were educated and we went overseas and we were more competitive than anyone you can think about.

“So let nobody come to tell me that there was no time when there was high quality and globally competitive Universities in this country.

“I am here today, I was educated in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, so let nobody think that what I have today, I

people were stunned by how much I knew and how well I was ready to move forward; I do not think you can say the same thing today.

“The word University comes from universe, it is not provincial, it is not ethnic, and University is global.

NLC, Akwa Ibom Chapter, protesting the sack of 98 ALSCON workers recently.

Business + Economy Provide Vegetable Farmers With Improved Seeds, Expert Urges FG LAGOS – Mr. Rasheed Balogun, an agricultural expert, urged the Federal Government to provide improved vegetable seeds to farmers to ensure improved quality of products.

Balogun told newsmen in Lagos that inaccessibility to improved vegetable seed varieties had led to poor yield.

According to him, if the Federal Government can support vegetable farmers with improved seeds under its value chain initiative, it would help them to create wealth.

“Vegetable farmers value improved seeds more than fertiliser because they guarantee high yield and better productivity.

“Most vegetable farmers recycle seeds from their own produce season after season, which affects the quality and quantity of yields.

“If farmers continue to use recycled seeds, such crop will lose its value and will not produce any kind of

wealth.

“Government should lay emphasis on ways to produce improved tomato seeds, green beans, carrots, green pepper, cucumber and cabbage seeds, among others.

“It will give vibrant yield to these crops just like the imported ones from other countries,” Balogun said.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to support programmes that could result in wealth creation in the areas of processing, packaging and marketing.

Balogun noted that these areas constituted major challenges to farmers.

“Vegetable farmers need assistance in terms of processing, packaging and marketing in order to attain the stage of commercialisation and also generate more money.’’

He said that the action would build a vibrant vegetable producing industry and ensure food security across the country.

O N I T S H A (ANAMBRA) - Importers Association of Nigeria (IAN) said on Monday that unstable power supply, government

Lagos.

It said that 11 out the ships, which had rice, had berthed at ENL, ABTL and GDNL terminals.

The bulletin added that the

others carrying petroleum products had also berthed at the FW, NOJ and SBM terminals.

It said that all the vessels had been cleared by the Nigeria Customs Service.

L-R: Managing Director, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Aisha Abubakar; Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, going through exhibition by Small Scale Enterpreneurs at the inauguration of ‘Entrepreneurial Complex’ in Abuja recently.

Unstable Power Supply, Govt Policies Bane Of Industrialisation - Association

13 Ships Laden With Petrol, Rice LAGOS - The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said Arrive Lagos Ports that 13 ships laden with rice and petroleum products have berthed at the Lagos ports.

This is contained in the NPA’s daily bulletin, “Shipping Position,’’ issued in

policies, and insincerity of factory workers were responsible for the huge importation of finished goods.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Chief Gilbert Obi, told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra that the importation of finished goods and not industrial machinery only promoted trading to the detriment of industrialisation.

“The only thing that

bothers me is that we import so much to Nigeria and that is affecting our economy.

“The problem is that today, they will ban this item, the next day, they will lift the ban on it. And that has not encouraged the industrialists.

“Most industrialists are running away (from manufacturing and) going into trading because you make money as a trader than as an industrialist.

“In trading, you have few people to manage your millions and billions, but

in an industry, you have a lot of people (work-force) managing your money.

Even at that, most of them are not honest.”

Obi urged the Federal Government to streamline and stabilise the nation’s import policy to protect local industries.

He enjoined the country’s work-force to see industrialists as creators of employment to oil Nigeria’s economy, thereby helping the people to fend for themselves and families,” he said.

Okomu Oil Profit Drops By 95.25 Per Cent

L-R: Indonesian Deputy Director, Trade and Investment, Mr. Bona Kasuma; Representative of Sun Media, Mrs. Neta Nwosu and Vice President, Membership Development, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Emeka Nwankpa, during Indonesian Business Forum at the on-going 25th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu recently.

LAGOS - Okomu Oil Palm has announced drop in all the performance indicators of the company for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The reports stated that the company’s profit after tax dipped to N425.09 million against the N8.95 billion posted in 2012.

The result was contained in the company’s audited result released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos.

The profit represented a decrease of 95.25 per cent over the figure in 2012.

The profit before tax also declined by 38.17 per cent to N2.69 billion from N4.35 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2012.

The company’s gross profit stood at N4.99 billion in contrast to the N6.31 billion achieved in 2012, a decrease of 20.92 per cent.

The company’s turnover stood at N8.86 billion against N10.15 billion achieved in 2012, representing a decrease of 12.71 per cent.

Reports say the company did not reward shareholders with dividends due to “unimpressive 2013 result”.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (02/04/14) Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NAHCO

ABBEYBDS

1.35

1.35

0

0

100

129

NASCON

12.13

11.86

-0.27

0

1,193,955

13,966,955.57

ABCTRANS

0.93

0.97

0.04

0

6,027,700

5,644,529.00

NB

151

150.25

-0.75

0

5,682,142

853,715,800.70

ACADEMY

1.8

1.8

0

0

1,100

1,881.00

NCR

15.99

15.99

0

0

100

1,520.00

Stocks

5.29

5.09

-0.2

0

412,648

2,095,513.21

ACCESS

7.44

7.45

0.01

0

42,026,991

312,882,198.50

NEIMETH

1.45

1.45

0

0

20,500

28,290.00

AFRIPRUD

2.9

2.9

0

0

3,945,957

11,460,859.21

NEM

0.76

0.74

-0.02

0

5,697,373

4,195,495.02

AFROMEDIA

0.5

0.5

0

0

100

50

NESTLE

1050

1050

0

0

8,733

9,591,925.70

AGLEVENT

1.4

1.4

0

0

19,996

28,993.20

NEWGOLD

2050

2051

1

0

80

164,080.00

AIICO

0.77

0.78

0.01

0

1,422,942

1,103,119.99

NIGROPES

7.46

7.46

0

0

100

709

AIRSERVICE

2.58

2.58

0

0

11,600

28,546.00

NPFMCRFBK

0.85

0.89

0.04

0

1,130,017

1,005,711.13

ALEX

10.5

10.5

0

0

100

1,000.00

NSE30

1723.89

1728.63

4.74

0

249,521,752

4,254,966,043.00

ARBICO

5.3

5.3

0

0

100

504

NSE50

1874.55

1879.75

5.2

0

274,794,641

4,393,042,095.00

ASHAKACEM

16

16

0

0

1,916,142

30,803,093.42

NSEASEM

952.39

952.39

0

0

3,200

4,381.00

38383.05

38469.33

86.28

0

329,600,751

4,465,036,337.00 2,045,932,875.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

NSEASI

AUSTINLAZ

2

2

0

0

100

210

NSEBNK

380.45

381.48

1.03

0

189,182,877

AVONCROWN

1.48

1.48

0

0

100

141

NSECNSMRGDS

959.73

959.82

0.09

0

10,511,861

996,950,915.40

2502.37

2548.99

46.62

0

9,295,275

802,580,859.10

BECOPETRO

0.5

0.5

0

0

100

50

NSEINDUSTR

BERGER

8.9

9

0.1

0

649,862

5,821,423.10

NSEINS

136.59

136.12

-0.47

0

11,672,818

10,596,850.92

BETAGLAS

19

19.95

0.95

0

59,862

1,194,246.90

NSELOTUSISLM

2715.96

2735.08

19.12

0

11,980,669

921,779,800.30

BOCGAS

6.66

6.66

0

0

100

633

NSEOILGAS

287.94

288.25

0.31

0

3,400,665

63,218,750.02

CAP

40.62

40.62

0

0

35,927

1,390,836.20

NSLTECH

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

CCNN

9.27

9.7

0.43

0

537,721

4,948,313.17

OANDO

16.43

15.7

-0.73

0

3,315,139

52,481,387.33

2,517,050.00

OASISINS

0.52

0.54

0.02

0

123,990

65,186.90 329,893.20

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,034,100

CHELLARAM

3.95

3.95

0

0

100

376

OKOMUOIL

42

42

0

0

8,268

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,100

550

PAINTCOM

1.72

1.72

0

0

58,400

97,728.00

1.57

1.57

0

0

27,100

40,650.00

CONOIL

51.9

51.9

0

0

548

27,021.88

PHARMDEKO

CONTINSURE

1

1

0

0

665,393

668,843.00

PORTPAINT

4.1

4.1

0

0

20,900

89,870.00

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

0

569,084

286,542.00

PRESCO

40

42

2

0

270,635

11,343,298.00

COSTAIN

1.46

1.39

-0.07

0

294,380

410,458.20

PRESTIGE

0.56

0.56

0

0

142,916

82,891.28

COURTVILLE

0.58

0.56

-0.02

0

590,000

330,400.00

PZ

31.1

31

-0.1

0

335,391

10,406,089.64

CUSTODYINS

2.13

2.16

0.03

0

8,054,825

17,125,934.03

RESORTSAL

0.5

0.5

0

0

400,000

200,000.00

CUTIX

1.97

1.97

0

0

90,000

169,200.00

ROADS

8.46

8.46

0

0

50

423

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

0

100

50

ROYALEX

0.62

0.6

-0.02

0

75,443

45,275.23

DANGCEM

235

235

0

0

882,085

207,284,431.40

RTBRISCOE

1.12

1.17

0.05

0

470,852

550,399.51

DANGSUGAR

9.85

9.94

0.09

0

593,674

5,862,244.52

SKYEBANK

3.69

3.61

-0.08

0

2,468,329

8,820,044.71

DIAMONDBNK

6.55

6.51

-0.04

0

26,928,974

174,987,749.70

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,200,000

600,000.00

ETERNA

3.99

3.99

0

0

11,600

44,080.00

STANBIC

20.5

20.5

0

0

63,437

1,297,330.51

ETI

13.01

13.13

0.12

0

3,041,031

39,906,027.65

STERLNBANK

2.6

2.47

-0.13

0

7,254,896

18,190,584.11

EVANSMED

2.22

2.22

0

0

30,033

64,868.53

TOTAL

172.95

172.95

0

0

33,855

5,713,099.46

FBNH

12.5

12.46

-0.04

0

12,867,968

160,609,416.90

TOURIST

4.08

4.08

0

0

100

388

FCMB

3.45

3.6

0.15

0

9,902,321

34,617,765.76

TRANSCORP

3.74

3.69

-0.05

0

17,170,590

63,563,507.77

FIDELITYBK

2.12

2.02

-0.1

0

33,823,301

68,704,645.16

TRANSEXPR

2.26

2.26

0

0

74,220

160,321.20

FIDSON

2.88

2.85

-0.03

0

1,197,092

3,337,588.52

UAC-PROP

26.64

25.98

-0.66

0

945,277

24,411,369.34

FIRSTALUM

0.5

0.5

0

0

100,000

50,000.00

UACN

55.95

54

-1.95

0

2,247,243

121,319,359.00

FLOURMILL

68

68

0

0

86,274

6,034,763.21

UBA

7.07

7

-0.07

0

24,201,978

169,980,266.90

FO

101.29

101.29

0

0

1,820

182,411.00

UBCAP

2.55

2.58

0.03

0

6,809,728

17,710,070.38

FORTISMFB

6.27

6.27

0

0

3,500

20,860.00

UBN

9.55

10

0.45

0

455,369

4,537,850.66

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

0

3,000

1,500.00

UNHOMES

0.5

0.5

0

0

7,059,903

3,529,951.50

GLAXOSMITH

70

70

0

0

240,200

16,814,100.00

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000,000

500,000.00

GOLDBREW

0.68

0.68

0

0

10,380

7,369.80

UNILEVER

45.15

46.1

0.95

0

635,862

29,269,452.12

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,501,000

750,500.00

GUARANTY

26.3

26.02

-0.28

0

18,436,926

478,198,222.30

UNITYBNK

GUINEAINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

600

300

UNITYKAP

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

GUINNESS

195

195

0

0

75,938

14,720,755.43

UPDCREIT

11.02

11.02

0

0

11,000

115,900.00

100

50

UPL

4.4

4.38

-0.02

0

100,000

438,000.00 471,700.00

HMARKINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

HONYFLOUR

3.81

3.65

-0.16

0

245,936

900,277.68

UTC

0.55

0.53

-0.02

0

890,000

IKEJAHOTEL

0.63

0.6

-0.03

0

50,000

30,000.00

VETGRIF30

17.22

17.28

0.06

0

11,491

198,549.57

4.2

4.2

0

0

124,996

503,108.80 410,280.18

INTBREW

26.68

27.8

1.12

0

1,164,936

32,447,777.79

VITAFOAM

INTENEGINS

0.62

0.59

-0.03

0

310,444

185,887.77

VONO

1.66

1.58

-0.08

0

259,671

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,129,500

564,750.00

WAPCO

104.5

109.72

5.22

0

5,044,376

550,781,716.90

0.78

0.75

-0.03

0

374,010

280,629.63

JBERGER

71.25

70.85

-0.4

0

254,520

17,577,540.80

WAPIC

LEARNAFRCA

2.14

2.04

-0.1

0

104,800

213,872.00

WEMABANK

0.95

0.92

-0.03

0

471,835

434,348.73

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

600

300

ZENITHBANK

21.39

21.38

-0.01

0

37,328,143

787,481,520.80

LIVESTOCK

3.32

3.29

-0.03

0

711,133

2,367,522.81

MANSARD

2.1

2.11

0.01

0

1,599,000

3,378,280.00

MAYBAKER

2

2

0

0

1,500

2,990.00

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000

1,000.00

MOBIL

125

125

0

0

37,533

4,761,957.95

MRS

54.44

54.44

0

0

170

8,792.40

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

0

6,293,538

3,146,769.00

MULTIVERSE

0.5

0.5

0

0

9,500

4,750.00

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock NSEASI 86.28 NSEINDUSTR 46.62 NSELOTUSISLM 19.12 WAPCO NSE50 NSE30 PRESCO INTBREW NSEBNK NEWGOLD

Close 38469.33

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

2548.99 2735.08 109.72 1879.75 1728.63 42 27.8 381.48 2051

5.22 5.2 4.74 2 1.12 1.03 1

Stock

Close

Loss

UACN NB OANDO UAC-PROP NSEINS JBERGER GUARANTY NASCON NAHCO HONYFLOUR

54 150.25 15.7 25.98 136.12 70.85 26.02 11.86 5.09 3.65

-1.95 -0.75 -0.73 -0.66 -0.47 -0.4 -0.28 -0.27 -0.2 -0.16

SUB-SAHARAN Africans have every cause to heave a sigh of relief from malaria which has been responsible for the alarming under five mortality rate with the discovery of a malaria vaccine which provides 100 per cent protection against the disease.

A research finding published at the weekend in the journal Science, the malaria vaccine has become the first to provide 100 per cent protection against the disease, confounding critics and far surpassing any other experimental malaria vaccine tested.

The researchers said the vaccine, which is being developed in the United States (U.S.), protected 12 out of 15 patients from the disease, when given in high doses; and will now be tested further in clinical trials in Africa.

WE are enthused with the progress made towards the development of effective malaria vaccine which we consider a welcome development especially to Nigeria because of the high malaria burden on our citizens, particularly pregnant women and children.

WE are equally glad with further explanations from the World Health Organisation and other experts who say there are about 20 other vaccine projects for malaria prevention at various stages of clinical trials globally and that the leading vaccine candidate in the group, RTS, S is currently undergoing the phase III trial and is likely to come into use by 2015 if all goes well as expected. The vaccine, according to the global body is being developed by Glaxo SmithKline Biologicals and PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) with funding sup-

THE NIGERIAN

Still On Malaria Vaccine Discovery port from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

WE applaud the donor community for their relentless efforts in trying to combat major diseases plaguing mankind, particularly those prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and others. We appeal that once the malaria vaccine comes into full use, the donor community, Non Governmental Organisations and other development partners should help fund the mass production , so that it could be added to the vaccines administered to new born babies during the early years in life with an aim of ending the daily loss of lives to malaria.

THIS laudable feat notwithstanding, we must also sound a note of caution. Nigeria as a nation which will benefit from the new research finding must be careful because this is just a research that is inconclusive and from every indications, is yet to be commercialised.

IT is also very important to note that when a vaccine does become available it would only complement the tools already been deployed to fight malaria, and not necessarily replace them. This is more so when results of ongoing trials have not indicated full protection against malaria.

FOR every disease condition, experts have always suggested that prevention is better than

cure. That is why the new vaccine leads the pathway to roll back malaria, other traditional preventive measures should be stepped up. We must continue to do what we should do to keep malaria at bay like keeping the environment clean without stagnant water, sleeping under insecticide treated nets, among others.

ALSO, people should continue to use Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs); pregnant women must continue to demand for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) at antenatal visits; and every one with suspected malaria must get tested and treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) if found positive for malaria.

THE media and Civil Society Organisations as well as government agencies should increase public enlightenment campaign against malaria, with emphasis on preventive measures, while taking early steps to treat sufferers.

GOVERNMENT at all levels should equally enhance the annual budgetary allocations to the health sector with a view to dealing a death kneel on child killer diseases.

Primary health care institutions need to be equipped with the required manpower and facilities to fight malaria head on.

UNDOUBTEDLY, keeping our environment clean is the task of all citizens, but there is need for the enforcement of existing environmental laws and bye-laws to compel citizens who always wait for the push to comply, this is because we strongly believe that only a holistic approach will see to the successful campaign to roll back malaria from our communities.

MRS Akudo Stanley is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer at the National Hospital in Abuja.

She is, however, very optimistic that she would be well again someday. “I was diagnosed as having ovarian cancer in 2011. It came out like a small rash in my pubic area, then I was taken for biopsy; after the biopsy examination, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, “Since then, I have been on treatment, I go for chemotherapy every three weeks and this is quite expensive. Each chemotherapy goes for N700,000, as one of the drugs, Avastine’, costs N371,000, not counting other drugs,” she said. Another patient, Ms Nkechi Onyia, is down with breast cancer.

1 started feeling funny in 2011 but last year, February to be precise the whole thing became very serious.

“Initially, I did not know I have breast cancer; I was then using traditional medication.

The thing later spread to over my body, all my bones, my spinal cord, my legs and everywhere.

Afterward, I became unable to walk,’’ she moans.

However, the plight of Stanley and Onyia aptly exemplifies the troubles of many Nigerians who are groaning under the yoke of one form of cancer or the other.

Available statistics reveal that an average of 100,000 new cases of cancer is reported in Nigeria every year, while over 8,0O0 cancer-induced deaths also occur.

The global picture of the menace of cancer even looks more frightening, as a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that in 2008, for instance, cancer accounted for 7.6 million deaths - 13 per cent of all deaths that year.

As part of global efforts to draw the people’s attention to

the growing menace of cancer, the World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 every year.

Dr Pestus Igbinoba, the Chief Consultant (Radiation Oncology) at the National Hospital, Abuja, says that cancer is caused by agents called carcinogens, which cause mutation in a person’s cells.

These carcinogens acts on the cells through a process called carcinogenesis; they act on the DNA component of the cell and the cell begins to undergo mutation. when this mutation progresses; it eventually leads to cancer.

These carcinogens may be in form of chemicals we are exposed to via infections, the food we eat, the water we drink, the environment we live in, the work we do, the air we breathe in and even the sun,” he said.

Igbinoba explains that other

HIV/Aids:

By ELAYELAGHA KEME-EBIYE HIV/AIDS is an acronym for human immune virus and Acquired immune defiance syndrome respectively.

This disease originated in West Control Africa in the 20 century and was discover in American in the early 80’s this virus has almost spread to all nations of the World.

But as at 2010 approximately 34 million people have HIV globally.

This disease can be contracted through blood transfusion, childbirth, sexual intercourse etc.

Three year after keeping a tab on the number of persons who have come down with the virus globally is a Herculean task. It has

Opinion Dealing With Cancer Via Early Detection, Precaution

By IFEANYI NWOKO factors such as genetic disposition and the state of the protective genes also determine the possibility of contracting cancer. Conceding that smoking is one of the risk factors of cancer, the consultant; stresses that passive smokers (those exposed to tobacco smoke) people exposed to some form of radiation and others with defective genes are also susceptible to cancer.

Igbinoba, however, says that as a preventative measure, people should avoid contact with carcinogens that cause cancer.

Common carcinogens include tobacco, alcohol, dietary fat, Xrays and Gama rays, asbestos (a roofing material) and Pylori bacteria.

Analysts however, note that many people do not have access to adequate information about these cancer-causing agents, while some people, who made conscious efforts to avoid the carcinogens, are known to have developed cancer. They add that in some cases it is virtually impossible to avoid some of the carcinogens like ultra-violet light from the sun, coal tar, wood dust

Still Much An Issue

continued to ravage the world silently.

When this virus is contracts, it stays up to 17 years before it manifests and during this period if destroys the immune system that fights or exists illnesses. At that stage it is called HIV but when it is fully developed, it is called AIDS presently about 25,000,000 Nigerians are infected with the virus. It is note worthy that AIDS has no cure.

But recently, a vaccine has been known to delay the development of HIV/AIDS, the primarily cause of death from HIV/AIDS is opportunistic infection and caner both of which are frequently the result of the progressive failure of the immune system.

The Federal Government and many Non-Government Organization (NGO) are making relentless effort to create awareness and sensitize the public of the virus. You may ask how can one know, who is infected by AIDS there is no way to know an HIV carrier for the first 6 –7 years, the person could 100k healthy, but when his or her immune system has been weakened by the virus, some symptoms will be noticed e.g.

Frequent passing of watery stool for a very long time.

• Tiredness even without hard work • Wight loss • Constant fever • Protracted cough that defies treatment.

You may still can one who

newly contacted AIDS transmit it to another person?

I will say yes, because if a person contracted AIDS now, the next minute, he or she can transmits it to another person, that is why AIDS is spreading very fast.

Mosquito bites, handshake, living together playing together eating together, sleeping together etc. cannot communicate AIDS.

and dye, which can be found in most environments.

As regards cancer of the prostrate, whose cause is relatively unknown, Igbinoba cites obesity and consumption of grilled meat as possible causes.

Mrs Amaka obi, who lost her husband to prostate cancer, recalls that her husband’s health condition was discovered rather too late.

Obi says that a major lesson she learnt from the incident is the importance of vigilance in all disease prevention and management processes.

She stresses that when it comes to cancer, early detection increases the victim’s chances of survival.

Unfortunately, without money for treatment, the benefits of early detection are completely lost,’’ she, however, says.

Sharing similar sentiments, Dr Ijeoma Ozurigbo, the Director of Health Improvement on Cancer Initiative, says: With early detection, the chances of survival is higher because cancer has no cure.

Early detection gives better prognosis but prevention is, however, better than cure,” Ozurigbo, a gynecologist, says.

She urges women to go for “Papanicolaou test’’ — Pap smear or Pap test - to rule out precancerous and cancerous development in their reproductive organs. The gynecologist, however, advises younger women to take the cervical cancer prevention vaccine.

All the same, Mr Jake Ekpele, the founder of the Albino Foundation, notes that albinos are prone to skin cancer because of their skin’s exposure to the sun. Ekpele underscores the need for increased public awareness campaigns on how to prevent skin cancer.

People should take precautionary measures that could save them from contracting skin cancer,’’ he, however, adds.

As the world Cancer Day is celebrated across the world, Ekpele urges persons living with albinism (skin pigmentation problems) to avoid exposure to the sun. Speaking on early cancer detection procedures, Igbinoba underscores the need for people to undertake periodic screening of their bodies, stressing even if everything looks okay, women should

undergo screening like mammograms.’ He urges women to examine their breasts frequently, particularly if they are over 40 years old.

Besides, Igbinoba urges people who do not undergo frequent screening not to over look any unusual change in their bodies.

“If you see a swelling anywhere in your body; don’t just say it would go, go and see a doctor. Avoid going to the chemist for treatment; what you are treating may be a cancer in the process.

“If you see bleeding from any part of the body, particularly from the anus, mouth and nose, or if you notice blood in your urine, run to your doctor. “Go to the hospital if there is a sore on your body that is not healing. If there is a pain anywhere or a recent change in bowel habit; if you are suffering from frequent constipation or if you are bloated up, it may be a symptom of cancer of the ovary.

If you notice any discharge from your breast, particularly bloody discharges, or a dimple in the breast, quickly go to your doctor,” he warns.

The focus of this year’s World Cancer Day celebration is on dispelling damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer.

Some people erroneously describe cancer as a disease of affluent or elderly persons, while to others; cancer is more or less a death sentence.

Igbinoba rejects such viewpoints, saying that cancer could happen to anybody irrespective of race, age or social standing.

Some people believe that cancer is a spiritual affliction; such beliefs drive people to spiritual healers instead of doctors.

We know faith is very important in combating the stress of cancer but it is totally wrong to just abandon medical treatment,’’ he says.

Due to the high cost of treating cancer, observers underscore the wisdom in capturing cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) particularly for the benefit of the poor members of the society.

This will expand the people’s access to good cancer therapy’’ some of them said.

“If you see bleeding from any part of the body, particularly from the anus, mouth and nose, or if you notice blood in your urine, run to your doctor. “Go to the hospital if there is a sore on your body that is not healing.”

Ajuwaya THE echo reverberated along the street with an intensity equal to the passion in the voices that chanted. Feet thudded along the ground as they jogged. Smiles of admiration shone from the faces of the children in the street as they watched bodies perspire with the vigour of youth against the morning dew. That was the early morning jogging of the corps members at the orientation camp. The thrills, the trainings, the sleepless nights, the activities, the injuries. To a few it was fun, to some, it was an exercise, to some others, it was a burden. But no matter how anybody felt, the reality was and still is, the National Youth Service Corps.

The NYSC scheme was established by decree No 24 of May 22, 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon’s administration. The scheme was created with a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian civil war. The purpose of NYSC is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community and brotherhood to all Nigerians irrespective of cultural or social background. The NYSC scheme is divided into four programs. The orientation camp, the Community Development Service, Primary Assignment and the Passing out/winding up activities.

Coming down to those remote places of primary assignment of which some corps members are posted to, where children are coaxed to go to school even when the education is free and most of these children even at senior secondary level could barely spell their names. Children preferred farm labour where they could earn some money to going to school. Parents preferred that children stay back from school and help out in the farm. A night before the market day for the children is a sleepless one, spent frying “garri” for sales at the market the next day, which makes the children weak to go to school the next day and the few who manage to go to school on the market day, sleep all through class hours. Goats come knocking at the doors in the middle of the night scaring the corps members to their chagrin. One has to wait for the four days market interval to get food stuffs for a meal and even on those market days, one never got all the resources one needed. There is no electricity, not even electric poles in these remote areas. Don’t raise your brows in surprise, it‘s that bad. No ironing of clothes. It could be boring as no electrical gadget could be used to keep one entertained or even informed. Some see it as an ordeal, others see it as time wasted, a few others who have never experienced such raw conditions go to bed wishing it’s all a dream or only the figment of their imagination but when they wake up, they wake up to the reality, it’s NYSC, it’s service for the nation.

Face To Face With The Reality Of NYSC

By NWACHUKWU CROWN

Some corps. members are privileged to be serving in private establishments like the private schools or local government offices or state, where they are paid a little stipend while others find themselves in government schools and states that don’t pay a farthing. Yet all are corps members , pledged to their father land to give their best of service. Some corps members think it’s unfair, others complain, the assumed unprivileged ones get nonchalant with their duty while a few are dogged minded, determined to make the best of it, in spite of their circumstances .

But whatever be the case, National Youth Service Corps is the reality each faced. At the CDS groups, intellectual minds come together to make impact in their community of service. The discussions, the arguments, the resolutions. Such meetings could be sometimes laborious, at other times educating.

The core value of NYSC is service and humility.

There’s strength in humility. Strength in tolerating the views, lifestyle and behaviour of other tribes.

“NYSC is a year of reality that can be an instrument to finding purpose, self discovery and personal advancement. In those dry and boring days at the remote Places of Primary Assignment, one could utilize such quiet time to plan for the future, read books, take a professional course towards career advancement, it could be a time of spiritual renewing. I’m talking from experience.”

Strength in adapting to the culture, food, language and environment of another tribe, state or people different from yours. There’s strength in influencing young minds to step into their light and maximise their potential. Yes! We are called to service, to live for the light of others, to lay down our lives for them.

Not necessarily by going to the cross, but by experiencing personal sacrifices. Connections are made, love is shared. That’s the reality.

NYSC is a year of reality that can be an instrument to finding purpose, self discovery and personal advancement. In those dry and boring days at the remote Places of Primary Assignment, one could utilize such quiet time to plan for the future, read books, take a professional course towards career advancement, it could be a time of spiritual renewing.

I’m talking from experience. That’s my own opinion.

Whatever your own opinion is, you may be right too, but the reality of NYSC, is an experience of a lifetime.

POEM: NYSC...THE REALITY (leader) Obikererenke! (chant) Obi!! (leader kererenke! (chant) Obi!! (leader) say Allawi oo! (chant) Allawi oo! Allawi oo!! (leader) say Omolara! (chant) Omolara! Omolara!! (leader) chop akara dey go! (chant) moimoi no dey!! (leader) chop akara dey go!

Child Health And You

Prevention Of Childhood

By DR. (MRS) AYIBO SADOH/PROF OSAWARU OVIALU

ALTHOUGH the number of deaths from tuberculosis has reduced by 45% between 1990 and 2012 it still remains the second largest killer worldwide from a single disease causing germ. The control of tuberculosis requires coordinated activities by various segments of societythe government, the community, the family and the individual.

Nongovernmental organizations, Civil society and religious bodies also have roles to play not only in educating people but also in ensuring that those affected access care and complete their treatment.

There are many factors that enhance transmission of the tuberculosis germ as well as causing it to be entrenched such that it is endemic in many communities. Some of these factors can mainly be handled at governmental level. Poverty is one of the factors associated with tuberculosis. Government must institute measures to reduce poverty. Over seventy percent of Nigerians are living below the poverty line.

Overcrowding and poor ventilation enhance the transmission of the tuberculosis germ. Good housing should ameliorate this. Apart from government providing good housing, government should enforce legislature on housing so that standard houses are built not only by government but also by private individuals.

Government should also provide water as this enables people to practice hand washing. Ensure your building plans are approved by relevant governmental agencies.

Policy: In this regard Nigeria has the National Tuberculosis and leprosy Control programme which set out goals and guidelines for the management of tuberculosis. The goal of the NTBLCP is to reduce the burden of tuberculosis by 2015 and the targets are to reduce the prevalence (old and new cases) and death

rates by 50% relative to the 1990 levels. The NBTLCP is utilising the STOP-TB control strategy Funding of TB control activities: Currently (2012 data) only a third of TB control activities are funded in Nigeria (8% domestic, and 25% internationally).

68% is unfunded.

Government should increase funding if at all the goals of the tuberculosis control programme are to be met.

Health care: Although the NTBLCP programme provides the drugs free many TB patients do not have access to the health facilities and the drugs.

Often there are stockouts and patients have to provide their own drugs( out of pocket). Having to buy their drugs in the face of pervasive poverty is one of the causes of non compliance.

What can individuals and communities do?

Preventing Exposure: Many well children accompany their parents to hospitals and may of the waiting areas in hospitals are overcrowded. This results in undue exposure of well children to adults who may have tuberculosis. As much as possible children aged below six should not visit hospitals except for their own ill health.

Immunization: Immunization against tuberculosis is provided free by the government of Nigeria. Every new born infant should receive BCG vaccination at birth. BCG protects the infant against severe forms of tuberculosis.

Early detection of cases: The earlier tuberculosis is detected, the earlier treatment is commenced and the better the outcome.

Children who have any of the symptoms discussed above should be evaluated by a health care personnel.

The national guidelines have an algorithm that enables health care workers to diagnose tuberculosis.

Compliance with treatment: Anyone

tuberculosis there must be a search for the source (an adult or adolescent with tuberculosis). This search is done through screening for tuberculosis among close contacts of the child. The identification of the source enables treatment of the source to prevent the continued transmission of

and nose with tissue paper when you cough or sneeze.

Discard the tissue paper into a waste bin immediately and wash your hands with soap and water. If you do not have tissue paper, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. You should not cough into your hands or cover your cough or sneeze with your hands but If you do you should wash them immediately. Failure to wash your hands could mean your transmitting germs when you shake hands with someone or go

tuberculosis by the source.

Close child contacts of the index patient should also be screened as they also may have been infected by the same adult or adolescent source.

All child contacts of adults or adolescents being treated for tuberculosis or recently diagnosed with tuberculosis should be screened for tuberculosis.

Any child below the age of five who has been exposed to an adult or adolescent case of tuberculosis but who on screening does not have tuberculosis is placed on prophylactic treatment for six months.

Cough etiquette: Everyone including children should be taught cough etiquette. Cover your mouth

on to eat or prepare food.

CONCLUSION Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge but it is a preventable and curable disease. Children are more susceptible than adults.

Parents should ensure that all newborns are vaccinated.

Early detection enables early treatment. Compliance with treatment guarantees good outcomes. For childhood tuberculosis to be controlled, tuberculosis in adult and adolescent populations has to be controlled since they are the sources of infection to children. Therefore all adults with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis must be screened. Everyone should endeavour to know

Tuberculosis (including children) who has been diagnosed with tuberculosis should comply with the daily treatment and for the prescribed duration of treatment. Parents should not stop giving the tuberculosis medication to the children when symptoms stop. The health care worker will tell them when to stop. Compliance with the treatment regimen ensures treatment success and cure. Compliance also prevents the development of resistance. To ensure compliance the NTBLCP utilizes the Directly Observed Treatment short course (DOTs) strategy. In this strategy patients must take their medications in the presence of a health care worker or an identified treatment supporter. There are many DOTs centres located in health facilities.

The tuberculosis medications are provided free in these centres. Family and community members should support and encourage patients with tuberculosis to comply with treatment. Family members and community members can volunteer as treatment supporters who will ensure that medications are taken as prescribed and for the prescribed duration.

Screening for HIV: HIV is one of the conditions fuelling the rise in tuberculosis cases. It weakens the immune system making the infected individual to be prone to being infected with tuberculosis and also causing progression of tuberculosis infection to disease.

Everyone (including children) should endeavour to be screened for HIV. Children could have HIV if their mothers are HIV positive, if they have been transfused with unscreened blood and if they have been sexually abused by HIV infected adults. Every HIV infected person is also screened for tuberculosis so that those found to have tuberculosis are treated.

Screening of contacts: For every child who has

their HIV status so that those who are positive can also be screened for tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is curable if discovered early. LET us reach the 3 million.

FindTB. Treat TB. Cure TB DR (MRS) AYEBO SADOH (Senior Research Fellow /Consultant paediatrician) And Professor Osawaru OVIAWE (Professor of paediatrics/Consultant paediatric Pulmonologist) University of Benin/

U niversity of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria. ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, Benin City or Director, Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

Media

Continued from last week

THE EMOTIONAL PORTRAIT INTERVIEW. THIS interview examines the emotional interview which is provided to the psychological and emotional make up of the interviewee. This type of interview experts say, involves the psyche or emotions which call for extreme tact and sensitivity on the part of the interviewer. The very manner of the question is as important as the content of the question itself, such questions like:- what does it feel like? How did you feel? Are you alright? Are you bored?

The emotional becomes the portrait interview when the aim becomes to capture on a camera the total personality of the interviewee, his social psychological, emotional and moral make up-that is the manifestation of the spiritual essence and uniqueness of the interviewee as an individual. A person can be shown in his relations with other people, in coping with inevitable life problems, in his spiritual searches or in fighting for the principles that he thinks are the only right ones. A person can just tell the audience how he used to live, he can judge other persons deeds and it will all reflect his choice that he has made and is making every day and his system of values.

This type of emotional portrait interview is very common in the television — CNN. On American life by Larry King Live.

The way the interviewee tells the audience all these things is extremely important, whether he is posing or whether he wants to be didactic. However writers say that the best portrait interviews are the products of the concealed camera even the more subtle accidental camera. The dialogue (questions etc) must be natural in form and precisely worked out in essence.

The Discussion or Problem This involves a group of people (discussants) not just the interviewee and one single interview. The role of the interviewer is not restricted to asking questions, he contributes his own opinion on how to solve the problem at hand. The problem must be such that it generates enough social interest and is discussable. When well executed, this kind of interview is like a game of chess, a lot of actual facts concerning the issue are made use of. They can include personal observations, statistics, opinion voiced by different people. Examples are from literature, documents as well as photographs and films.

Logical conclusions may be supplemented with emotional reacting of the interlocutors and the audience.

The Opinion Poll Interview This is a sample of public opinion on a particular issue. It is also known as Vox Pop. The interviewees are dispersed and are asked the same question(s). The sample must be truly representative of that segment of society to which the issue is of particular interest.

Conducting Documentary Interview Most distinguished writers on this subject such as Robert Mcieish (1981) R. Boretsky and G. Kuznetsov (1981) and Hyginus Ekwuazi (1996) say that the looming danger over every interview is the possibility of failure of the loss of initiative and control by the interviewer to the interviewee and therefore loss of the interview. To avoid all this, the interviewer must be adequately briefed both on the subject and interviewee and on the specific aims and objectives of the interview. He must be fully aware of the importance or value of the question, when an interlocutor’s remarks and opinion are knowledgeable, precise and subtle. It is mostly due to the precise and subtle questions put by the journalist.

Whatever remarks and opinions the interview has, they should be expressed in the form of questions which must have been thoroughly rehearsed but which, in delivery, must sound spontaneous. An interviewer must instinctively know which question technique to use at which point. Ideally the interview begins with contact questions, the interviewer asks the interviewee a series of questions aimed at creating a positive climate of communication at relaxing both the interviewer and the interviewee.

Questions on Documentary Question type invariably determines the type of answers too. Examples.

1. Who? — asks fact. Answer — a person 2. When? — asks a fact. Answer — a time 3. Where—asks a fact. Answer —a place

Unveiling Today’s Print And B

4. What — asks for fact or an interpretation of fact — Answer — sequence of events.

5. How? — asks for fact or an interpretation of fact — answer — sequence of events.

6. Why? — asks for opinion or reason for a course of action.

This is best of all questions and the most revealing of the interview since it leads to an explanation of his actions, judgments and values.

Multiple Questions Combining two or more of the above question types in one question is dangerous and makes for a multiple question, is very easily leads to loss of control. For example, asking the interviewee for a fact interpretation and an opinion all in one sentence is to force him into ignoring all aspects of the question, except that which he happens to find more convenient or less involving. Besides, the imperative to keep all questions as short and as simple as possible makes the multiple for the ambiguous question.

The Wide Question The wide question, whether or not, it is multiple in nature because it has no place in interview. It gives the interviewee too much room to dog all questions, and consequently, it has the potential of conceding the initiative to the interviewee.

For example, in one of the interview sequences in Nigeria, the interviewer does not command the interviewee to tell us all about the Tinapa project in Cross River in Calabar. This is hardly a question by the way. Instead, he ask short simple and direct questions on how much the governor of the State ear-marked for the project, how much has been spent and the achievement so far.

Yes or No Question (ie question that elicits the yes or no answer) tends to be too constrain. It leaves the interviewee too little room for maneuver, it should therefore be avoided.

Expected if the yes or no answer is actually desired. Experts suggests that in this case, the reversed verb question pattern should be employed, like these: 1. Are you - ?

2. Is it - ?

3. Will they ?

4. Do you ?

To ask questions which might be otherwise awkward, offensive or, as the case may be risky, the interviewer assumes the role of the devils advocate. His position present the fears, doubts or arguments in the viewers mind or which had actually been expressed in other media or fora. The questions take the form: 1. On the other hand, it has been said that …….?

2. Some people will argue that ……………..?

3. How do you react to people who say that …….?

4. What would you say to argument that?

The form of question eloquently implies that the views do not necessarily belong to the interviewer. In voicing them, he must endeavour not to associate himself too closely with them.

The Leading Question could be permissible in other circumstances but in the context of the interview it is not.

The following example gives reasons for this, if the interviewee is asked.

Why did you let your men carry such murderous weapons?

How do you justified such crass carelessness?

The chances are he will pick on the words “murderous and crass carelessness and argue their contextual appropriateness.

It is a concern for semantics which because it is diversionary, will stall the interview and will move the initiative into the hands of interviewee. However, the questions can be appropriately worded in the following manner.

What kind of weapons were your men carrying? (facts) At that time, did you think this was proper (yes/no) How do you view this now? (judgment) What would you say to the people who argue that your action was careless? (devils advocate approach) There would be no loophole left for the interviewee, the interviewer winding up the interview must not over use the word “finally”, infact” once is enough. Other signals for the end should be employed e.g.

1. Briefly, why

“As with all broadcasting, the intended audience must be large and clearly kept in mind. The programme intended for general appeal, therefore the subject must be of wide general interest, the approach must be one which is commonly understood, news worthy and the words must be familiar words which everyone uses.”

By OSAYOMWABO O. ERO

2. In a word, how?

3. At its simplest, what.

If the interviewer is on camera, he should as much as possible, maintain eye contact with the interviewee, where the interviewer is off screen, the interviewee should be encouraged to look and talk in the general direction of the camera.

The early broadcasting started with spoken words, the pioneers of broadcasting started with simple words which made the people to listen. When they talk on radio, it was well constructed and well delivered and were described by writers as “sparkle like a gem” against the background of other programmes which make up broadcast day. Talks is the oldest programmes type in broadcasting. Talks in radio and television can have all the authority of the printed word coupled with the warmth which comes from person to person to person contact (see chapter 5, Vol 1 2005). In most broadcasting industries the term “talk” embraces the straight forward talk with interview and discussion. In some it also includes the documentary. In length, a talk can range from a 1-minute contribution and for a magazine programme to 1 hour. This can be ‘town’ meeting with several featured speakers and audience participation. However, nowadays, the trend is towards the shorter talk especially in the TV As the research has shown, the attention — span of the listeners and viewers to be limited when one person alone is talking. The purpose of the talks programme is to inform, to educate and to entertain.

Audience Participation: As with all broadcasting, the intended audience must be large and clearly kept in mind. The programme intended for general appeal, therefore the subject must be of wide general interest, the approach must be one which is commonly understood, news worthy and the words must be familiar words which everyone uses.

1.

THE TAKL’S PROGRAMMES 2. THE DISCUSSION PROGRAMME 3. THE MAGAZINE PROGRAMME The more specialist talk aimed at a particular audience need not be bound so tightly by these restrictions, the better they are either informed, educated or entertained. The personality of the speaker in a talks

programme is of the greatest importance and far more than in my kind of a programme. A dull personality seldom holds the audience, no matter how great and important the subject may be of interest. It is sometimes unavoidable to use an otherwise unsuitable speaker, but when this is so, it is up to the producer to use his skill to the uttermost to make the speaker into an effective broadcaster. A wise talks producer builds up a panel of good personalities whom he can draw upon at any time.

argu Som the say (197 Th colo man scrip suff emp Th too may to co —t liste own dem A spa

Journalists on duty

1.

THE TALK PROGRAMMES The radio or television talk is neither a lecture nor a public address. The audience does not have to stay and listen nor can he see the speaker (in radio) and be attracted by the way he uses his hands and his eyes. Every thing in a radio talk has to be carried in the words; the familiar words we all use, but it is a bit different in the TV where the speaker will be seen and his personality will be more recognized. The best of radio or TV talks is a friend that always built around one subject. It is a spoken composition and like every other composition it needs a unified structure. It has a clearly defined beginning, the middle and the end. The words used are action words of everyday speech.

It introduces the subject in an ear catching way, explains it simply, develop its

are b numb at tim can e Writte so on ‘Viz’ ‘f should If a s appea words last w that it the en there it. Fre tired o Talk Sim of the has to suit ea get the at eas he wo is a g partic then b His time t

Media

Broadcast Journalism (9)

ument and then summarize what it had said. me talks producers reduce the structure of talk to the following four phase: begin to it, again. Say what you have said — Aspinall 73). he writing of a radio talk should be lively, ourful and direct; it should not contain too ny prints. A well prepared script is a ‘slow’ pt in which the author has allowed himself ficient time to make his print clearly and phatically. he writing should be simple, he should avoid many unfamiliar or strange words which y bolster the speaker’s eye, but they are likely onfuse and possibly may irritate the listeners he speaker should not talk down to his, ener nor should he assume him to be at his n level, and he should never try to monstrate his own cleverness. talk should avoid statistics, using them ringly, if they must be used at all. Figures

otherwise the producer can encourage the speaker to work harder. The production of a speaker who is over confident may be a problem for the producer for such people seldom like to be directed. For a producer to deal with such speaker, after recording he joins the speaker to play back the recorded tape in the studio. If they find poor recording, the producer and speaker may now agree that it is better to record the talk again.

Talk Interview We have consistently look at interview in many chapters in volume 1,11 and 111 respectively, yet interviewing continued to occur in various programmes. The interview in radio or TV is always a lively variation of the talk. It considerably expands the potential pool of talks contributions by bringing to the microphone people who have something to say but who cannot write talks or who are too busy to do so.

It is a popular form of talks broadcasting as most of us like to hear, overhear other people talking and it is a very useful form particularly in countries where there are many languages (such as Nigeria with about 420 languages) and not all of

best rounded out to easily understood whole bers, a quarter of a million is better than ‘238, 784’, mes this could be done in a TV talk where figure easily be written on the screen while the talks is on. en short hand has no place in and radio talk ‘and n’ is better than ‘et cetera’ ‘namely’ is better than for example’ is better than ‘e.g’. Some phases d never be used. speaker says: ‘lam going to prove to you -‘he will ar arrogant and may antagonize his audience. Some s and phrases are distracting before I finish’, ‘at word’, ‘finally are all best avoided. We may be sorry t is the end of an interesting talk or glad that it is nd of a dull one, but whether we are sorry or glad, is nothing to be gained by drawing the attention to esh, vigorous writing is the making of a talk, not old clichés. (See Chapter 4) ks and Producer in Studio mple everyday psychology plays a part in the work e talks producer in the studio (Aspinall 1973) He o learn to be a chameleon and change his colour to ach speaker flattering some, scolding others and e performance he wants. He should put his speaker se and encourage him to speak to microphone as ould to a friend. Many talks producers find that it good idea to sit in the studio with a speaker, cularly if he is a newcomer to broadcasting, he can be encouraged to pitch his voice at the producer. delivery will be more natural if he looks up from to time at the producer, and by showing interest or

them are understood by every one.

Radio or television interview is not something any broadcaster can do. It requires a well-informed alert mind and readiness with words and ideas and an out going gregarious personality. The shy broadcaster may be quiet at home in the studio, but he can never make a good interviewer. There are several kinds of radio and television interview but essentially they can all be classified under two headings.

The personality interview which seeks to bring out the personality of the interviewee and tell us something about his life.

The information interview which seeks out facts (see chapter 9 and 10) on interview.

The Personality Interview This may be with or about the celebrity or someone whom we call a celebrity for the time being. It may show us how the interviewee thinks and feels and how he reached his position in the public eye. It may bring out his view on questions of the day.

This type of interview is generally slow moving and may be comparatively long. The technique of the personality interview is often used to present a character profile or portrait of a great man or woman. It is sometimes used to bring a visiting, celebrity before the public, a famous athlete, a popular entertainer, a governor of another state and an international personality.

The Information Interview The information interview is less interested in the personality of the interviewee than in what he has to tell us of something that is on the news, some works he is engaged in, or his views on an issue on which he is competent to talk.

The interview usually move along at a fair pace, with interviewer intruding little but simply holding up signposts as it were, to keep the interview on the right track.

The news interview, the magazine and the documentary interview programme all belong to this category. This kind of interview is generally short — from 2 to 5 minutes, and it calls for particular skill on the part of the interviewer.

Preparing For An Interview All interviews need careful preparation. They are not subject which can be done hazily, quickly and off-the-cuff, except by experienced interviewer who works daily and consistently in this branch of broadcasting. It needs diligent and systematic preparation chapter 10 volume 1, Osemwegie Ero (2005).

Preparation for an interview begins research into the subject and the person to be interviewed. The more the interviewer knows about both, the better his interview will be. He need not be an authority on the subject-but he must well be informed about it, so as to devise pertinent questions and gain the respect of the interviewee. This is very important if the interviewee is an older man.

Suitable research material can be found in daily newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias and pamphlets and paper published by government departments.

Some interviewers would like to know a good deal about the person they are interviewing and first approach his friends and associate for background material. This is particularly useful in the personality interview.

Once research has been completed the interviewer can draw up a tentative list of questions — usually more than he intends to ask depending upon the length of time allocated to the interview, here again good talks practice should be followed. The interview should be about one subject only, and each question should uncover another face of it. The best questions are those that an informed listener would ask, not irrelevant questions which simply waste time.

The devising of questions calls for skill. Avoid the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer type of questions. Avoid putting all questions he knows about the subject into a question. Let his knowledge of the subject guide him to the right kind of questions, avoid bad questions such as these; “I understand you have been working on the development programme in Abuja for the past two years and expect to be there for another one year, before it is completed? What can the interviewee say except ‘Yes or ‘No’ not another one year. We hope to finish it in six months. A better question would be: How long have you been working on this development programme in Abuja? This question has given something for the interviewee now to bite into.

A better question still: ‘You’ve been working on the Abuja development programme for two years, what has yet to be done before it’s finished? A question of this kind is likely to bring a very full answer, and the interviewer may need only to prompt the interviewee with one or two other questions to bring out the full story.

The interviewer should avoid intruding if he can - the audience want to hear the man or woman being interviewed, not the interviewer himself. The interviewer is only a go-between, bringing the interviewee to the listener. The interviewer may himself be the compare of his programme. He can also use an outstanding station personality whose opinions and views are valid and who is highly popular with the audience.

The interviewer himself also makes the programme in field interviews where people may have little to say or lack the ability to say it. He may have interview with the person in detail before beginning his broadcast. He may then have the chance to sum up what he has found out, turning to the interviewee only every now and again for ‘Isn’t that so’? or Am I right? This technique can be used also where the interviewee doesn’t speak the language of the majority of the listeners.

The interviewer should refrain from making comments in the information interview, even intentionally, ‘I …. see ….. Yes ‘, ‘would you believe it…..?

All imply comment. The interview should progress from question. There is seldom any need for linking phrases. Comments may be necessary only by pointing up short comings or inadequacies.

An interview should end with a good ‘tag’ Aspinall (1973) — a story point of argument or an amusing thought, A good tag makes an interview memorable and is likely to leave the listener or the viewers thinking about what they have heard. If the tag is strong enough and depending upon the culture of the country, there is little need of the otherwise weak ‘thank you’ at the end of an interview.

“All interviews need careful preparation. They are not subject which can be done hazily, quickly and off-the-cuff, except by experienced interviewer who works daily and consistently in this branch of broadcasting. It needs diligent and systematic preparation.”

Security Issues Peace Builder Of The Month

A Focus On Edo State THE significant contributions that all the tracks - Government, Business, Citizen Diplomats, Non-Governmental Organizations, Research Institutions, Religious Institutions, Activism, Funding Agencies and the Mass Media - in the Multitrack Diplomacy spectrum can make to the conflict prevention and peacebuilding processes are unquantifiable. This was succinctly pointed out in a double-pronged series on these pages some months ago titled “Multi-Track Diplomacy and 21st Century Peace-Building”.

In recognition of the highly significant contributions all the tracks in the MTD spectrum, working independently or in conjunction with others, can make towards the prevention of violent conflicts, and to further encourage other otherwise passive members of this field to join in the crusade for peace, this column will,once a month, focus on how the activities of some key members of this hub contributed to the peace building processes within Nigeria and other African countries. It is intended to mobilize members of this field into recognizing the priceless contributions they can make to the peace processes across the continent.This inaugural edition focuses on the conflict prevention and Peace building initiatives of the Edo State Government - Track 1in the area of strategic security.

The CPPBI initiatives of the Edo State Government covered in this report were those initiated in response to the immediate security challenges the state and its people have had to grapple with in recent times.The state government in partnership

with other critical stakeholders has taken urgent steps to check the activities of criminal elements and restore some degree of peace to the state. To this end, the incumbent administration in the state, since its assumption of office in 2008, has effectively mobilized the security services – Military, Police, Civil Defense Corps, intelligence services, local vigilante groups, private security service providers and other significant players – in the state into a formidable fighting unit in the war against violent groups,with each actor contributing both strategically, operationally, and logistically; collaborative efforts in which all the parties see themselves as partners in the task of restoring and sustaining peace in the state.

G o v e r n m e n t ’s contributions towards achieving its primary goal of securing the lives and property of the citizenry from harm range from: the procurement and donation of operational equipment, such as:Modern Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, communications gadgets; strengthening the legal framework for crime-fighting through the initiation of anticrime legislations, and accenting to those initiated by the state’s House of Assembly;supporting civilian crime-fighting efforts by propping up the Neighborhood Watch Program in cash and kind; establishing a special security committee that holds regular meetings to review the security situation in the state and make recommendations on the way forward; and other significant initiatives that are all geared towards improving the security situation in the state.

The accent given by Governor Adams

Oshiomhole to the amendment of the state’s Anti-Kidnapping law, which was a bold demonstration of the administration’s determination to put a firm lid on the spate of violent crimes - especially the once worsening cases of kidnappings - in the state, has obviously tilted the scales in favour of the authorities. Like other bold steps that have

and abet them – a fact consistently demonstrated by its several security reform initiatives that are directed at propping up both the legal framework and operational capacities of the state and security forces to fight crime across the state; far-reaching steps that are already yielding impressive dividends.

Again, the plans by the state government to set up a state of the art forensic laboratory

With Obuseh Jude 08033310173 will go a long way in helping unearth crime scene evidence, which are usually hidden from casual observation. Not only will the evidence generated from forensic tests be useful in the investigation of crimes, they will also assist in building prosecutorial strategies that will ease the processes of adjudicating justice and ultimately punishing culpable offenders who have seemingly perfected the art of escaping the full brunt of the law by hiring smart attorneys who exploit the several loopholes in the legal system that requires the provision of hard evidence- proofs beyond

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole been expedited to check violent criminal activities, this move is in the right direction.

Legislations are very effective crime-fighting mechanisms, especially when they are brought into full force. They act as both deterrence and punitive measures that can help prevent criminal acts. The Edo State Government has never hidden its disdain for criminals and those that aid

in the state – the first of its kind in Nigeria - will go a long way in checking crime rate in the state. The truth is that several crimes have remained unsolved because of the inability of law enforcement agents to generate accurate data which are always hidden from casual observation - that would have assisted in pinning down culprits.

When fully operational, the proposed forensic laboratory

“The proposed center will serve as a third eye that will be on

the constant lookout for some vital information that are not usually amenable to casual observation; a system that is technology driven – one that will act as a foil to the efforts of the security agencies and other significant stakeholders.”

reasonable doubts –by prosecutors before passing final verdicts. It is a laudable step that will go a long way in improving the state of security in the state, when fully operational.

The efforts of the Edo State Government are highly commendable and effective preventive measures that can go a long way in acting as buffers against future acts of violence in the state, if sustained. They are efforts that should be commended and encouraged. The fruits of these initiatives are already being felt across the state as cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes - which were becoming traditional occurrences in the state during the years preceding the introduction of thefore

going measures- have significantly dwindled.

Government continues to build both its capacities and those of other key (state and non-state actors) organizations in its resolve to keep criminals at bay across the state.

However, to further consolidate on its impressive security initiatives in the state, so far, this column suggests the establishment of a Command and Control Center – a security monitoring room - by the state government to further boost the policing of the state and its environs; an addition to an already impressive arrangement that will complement the work that has been so far expedited by the authorities. From this proposed tracking center, some criminal activities within the Benin metropolis and beyond can be easily monitored, reported and responded to by the security services.

The proposed center will serve as a third eye that will be on the constant lookout for some vital information that are not usually amenable to casual observation; a system that is technology driven – one that will act as a foil to the efforts of the security agencies and other significant stakeholders. Yours sincerely can be consulted on the nuts and screws of this proposed center, since, for security reasons, it would be unwise to discuss operational issues in public.

In summation, this column, in recognition of the impressive crime-fighting strategies it has so far put in place to promote peace in and around the state for the past five years, names Edo State the “Peace Builder of the Month” of March 2014.More giant gains can, however, be made in the future if other tracks in the MTD hub can key into the laudable efforts of the state government in helping build a more comprehensive, effective, and enduring synergy that would assist in preventing violent conflicts and building peace across the state. The government has obviously set a solid precedent that is expected to be built upon in succeeding years.

Mr. Jude Obuseh, a peace practitioner and researcher, is based in Benin City, Edo State.

Gender Issues

PRE-MARITAL sex is sexual activity practiced by persons who are unmarried.

It is prevalent in both developed and developing countries.

In some cultures, the significance of premarital sex has traditionally been related to the concept of virginity.

Unlike virginity, premarital sex can also be referred to none than one occasion of sexual activity or more than one sex partner.

There are cultural differences as to whether and in which circumstances premarital sex is socially acceptable or tolerated.

Social attitudes to premarital sex have changed overtime as its prevalence has become common place in various societies.

Social attitudes to premarital sex can include issues such as virginity, sexual immorality, extra-marital and unplanned pregnancy, legitimacy issues, besides others. It may take place in various ways, for example, it may take place as casual sex, with at least one participant seeking to experience or experiment with sex, it may also take place between a couple living together in a long-term relationship without marriage, between a betrothed couple, engaging in sexual activity before their anticipated marriage, or

between strangers who just met and in so many other situations.

From the 1950s, the term “premarital sex” referred to sexual relations between two people prior to marrying each other by the age of 21 and 22, as such, there were no consideration that one who had sex would not marry. The term was used instead of fornication, due to the negative connotations of the latter.

As there are traditional views on premarital sex so also there are religious views. Those on traditional views hold that sons and daughters should be bethroted before their marriage.

That is, a couple who live together in hope of marriage could have sex after their bethrotal or “the spousals.” Until the mid-1980s, it was normal and acceptable for the bride to be pregnant at the nuptials, they could even later go to church or public ceremony, after childbirth or entirely forget about the marriage based on some religious views.

Despite the disapproval of clerics of premarital sex, couples still co-habit before plans of marriage commenced.

Starting in the 1920s, after World War II, premarital sex became more common, this was especially prevalent among women. By the end of 20th century, between 75 and 80

Pre-Marital Sex: To Do

percent of Americans had vaginal intercourse before the age of 19.

Majority of women during the 1920s under the age of 30 were nonetheless virgins at marriage, however, half of those who were not

virgins only had sex with their fiances.

Nevertheless, sexual interactions between people without plans to marry was considered unacceptable.

Effect from 1950s till date, the stigma attached to premarital sex diminished. Love began to become enough for a reason to practice sex, instead of marriage or engagement. Premarital sex became rampant, people now views sex before marriage as something unique to

“Starting in the 1920s, after World War II, premarital sex became more common, this was especially prevalent among women. By the end of 20th century, between 75 and 80 percent of Americans had vaginal intercourse before the age of 19. Majority of women during the 1920s under the age of 30 were nonetheless virgins at marriage”.

Or Not?

By BIJOR CELESTINA OMOJEVIDE

behold before one gets marry.

In Nigeria, the same

700 concubines, and for the reason that God fully supported him,

view is accepted, people engaged in the act without considering the negative impact.

Some youth told this writer that they can never engage in premarital sex, because that is sex before marriage, they added that fornicators will not inherit God’s Kingdom, and based on I Thessalonians 4:3, they will obey God rather than listen to their own body. Other youths also stated that, “God instituted sex and marriage, and sex is not a sin, if done with the right person; and if it is done with the wrong person, that is when it becomes a sin, and others interjected, demanding that if premarital sex is a sin, why did King Solomon, the wisest king in Israel marry 300 wives and

they too can not continue to eat “Ogbolo Soup” without eating “Egusi Soup” interchangeable. They also said that God even called Abraham his “Friend,” a man with a wife and concubine who gave birth to the Arab nations, was still a friend of God. They concluded that there is nothing wrong with premarital sex, when done in the right way.

Furthermore, premarital sex is viewed by majority in our society as normal and believe that without a lady getting pregnant, her bride price can not be paid.

No wonder, 33 percent of sexually active teens reported being in a relationship where they felt things were moving too fast sexually, and 24 percent

had done something sexual they did not really want to do.

There are several polls that have indicated peer pressure as a factor in encouraging both girls and boys to have sex.

The increase in sexual activity among adolescents is manifested in increased teenage pregnancies and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases.

Looking at Christian doctrines, the Episcopal Church only approved sex between married men and women, while the Jehovah’s witnesses also believe in sex between married couples not premarital sex. The Episcopal Bishop and writer John Shelby Spong has theomized that the New Testament was not against sex before marriage basing their points on the views on two Greek words, “moichera” which mean adultery, which is restricted to sexual betrayal of a spouse, why the second point is “porneia” which means fornication which is used as a genetic term for illegitimate sexual activity. They state that premarital sex is not stated in the New Testament.

Cohabitation is simply wrong for Christians.

Sexual intimacy during your engagement might not be fornication. It would certainly be civil disobedience and spiritual dishonesty.

And that is wrong before God. From all angles, premarital sex, though widely accepted, is t r a d i t i o n a l l y, scripturally and religiously wrong.

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

What You Must Know About Vehicle Number Plate • FIRST, the public should know that the number plate on their vehicle is government property in their possession.

• They should know that it is illegal to produce or reproduce the number plate in whatever form apart from the original and official form and through the official source.

• Those plying the roads with number plates made from plastic and other materials other than the originals, should know that it is illegal. Violators will be brought to book and their vehicle impounded • The public should avoid decorations or inscriptions on the number plate.

• The number plates should be displayed on the designated point on vehicle and fastened to prevent its falling off • The vehicle number plate should only be used for the vehicle it is registered for.

• All information relevant should be supplied about the vehicle

and owner while registering it.

• When an owner desires to change category of a vehicle i.e. from private to commercial and vice visa, proper procedure should be followed through the licensing office and the number plate changed to reflect the new category.

Remember that number plates are made particularly for a category and cannot be exchange. Do not change the colour of the number plate to reflect the new category.

• Defaced number plates should be changed only at the federal Road Safety Command (FRSC) or the licensing office nearest to you.

• You should report any loss or theft of the number plate to the police station immediately for your own security.

Obtain extract from crimes diary and a sworn affidavit for the loss or theft of the number plate.

Auto Tips

THE right size and speed of tyre must be chosen The tyre chosen must be of quality. Do not patronize unknown makers The chosen tyre must be for all seasons. Some people are using snow tyres in Nigeria.

The tyre must be fitted precisely so as not to damage lock beads.

Tyres must be inflated to the right pressure, always follow the advice of the vehicle producers.

Check vehicle tyre pressure at least once a week.

Check your tyres for wears every three months. If this is done, faults causing bad wearing of tyres will be identified on time and it will save you tyre’s life.

Avoid hard braking habits. This usually wears the tyre fast.

Anytime you want to move away from parking, go round the vehicle and observe the tyres.

Do not forget to check your spare tyre every day.

Where Not To Park At a bus stop Opposite another vehicle a brow of a hill

Where it will obstruct a traffic sign Near a road junction, corner, or bend Talking And Listening Talking and listening Distract Concentration.

Using your MOBILE PHONES WHILE DRIVING IS DANGEROUS. When you have a break down • Do not leave the vehicle in the middle of the road or where it can cause obstruction. Tow or push it onto the grass verge.

• Place a reflective triangle at about 10-20 metres from the vehicle when in the city or 30 metres away when on a highway. One hundred metres will be adequate on the

expressway.

• Do not litter the road with debris of tyres and broken logs: and put a lighted lamp on the vehicle at night.

When driving through towns: • Reduce speed • Watch out for animals, children and some adult who may be crossing the road carelessly.

• Obey the prescribed speed limit in towns and cities; When driving within a town: • Give enough clearance for car doors when you overtake a stationary down at a bus stop; vehicle; • Obey the crossing • Watch out for old people regulations when you are at and children crossing the zebra crossing SAFETY CHECKS DAIL CHECKS (i) Check tyre condition and pressure (ii) Check door locks and windows winder (iii) Check engine oil level and condition (iv) Check radiator water level and its condition (v) Check fan belts tension and condition (vi) Check brake oil level (vii) Inspect battery connection (viii) Check power steering and automatic transmission oil level (if fitted) (ix) Check wiper and windscreen washer water level (x) Check handbrake and foot brake operation (xi) Clean interior and exterior of the car or bus.

WEEKLY CHECKS (i) Carry out all daily check and: (ii) Check /inspect engine for oil or water leakage (iii) Check battery water level and general condition (iv) Check spare tyre, tools and lifting jack. (v) Check steering free-play (vi) Check brake performance (vii) Check fire extinguisher, “C” caution signs and vehicle particulars (viii) Check electrical system and accessories (ix) Wash underneath the vehicle every two weeks especially during the rainy season.

MONTHLY (i) Carry out comprehensive daily and weekly checks and effect necessary clean up (ii) Check speedometer reading and compare to “next service” label figure and sure regular maintenance service (iii) Secure all tools and equipment in the respective positions (iv) Inter-change the tyres in the order specified in the owner’s handbook (v) Check and keep vehicle particulars and log book up to date (vi) Prepare and send the vehicle condition report to the owner or officers in-change of the fleets.

If all these checks are carried out as specified, the vehicle will be in good condition always, free from breakdown, unnecessary stay in repair workshop and prolonged service life.

“Defaced number plates should be changed only at the federal Road Safety Command (FRSC) or the licensing office nearest to you.”

Issues

“In all economic activities, man is everything.

The supplier and demander, producer and consumer, Initiator, innovator, motivator, accelerator, Multiplier and distributor, the be-all and the End–all, the alpha and omega” C H I E F OBAFEMI AWOLOWO (VOICE OF COURAGE) ANY Nation, State, Collectivity and Institution etc that are cocooned in the tenebrous oubliette and horrendous labyrinth of psychotic corruption and thievery in all things cannot walk the promenades of GREATNESS. Hence, such moral contretemps will precipitate the mortal entropy of “venit summa dies et ineluctile tempus” (the last day has come and the evitable doom). Is this what is happening or going to happen to Nigeria and it’s Oil Industry in the light of CRUDE OIL THEFT?.

INTRODUCTION: The Nigerian monocultural economy that is 99.9% dependent on oil is now facing total asphyxiation, because it is being hounded, hectored and hunted by crude oil and petroleum thieves. Since the discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956 and its subsequent commercialization in 1958, the Nigerian nation has not known peace because of corruption in the oil Institution, the Nigerian leadership’s skewed permutations on prices, pipeline vandalization, crude oil theft and general policy somersaults etc.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was establish by decree in April 1977 as successor to the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC), which was established by the Nigerian Government in 1971 to concretize and mosomophically solidify the bases of the strategic Oil Industry. The NNPC has undergone rainbow and multi-dimensional restructuring to enhance its efficiency index,

Oil Theft And Imperative Of Implosive Surgeonisation

By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE

functionality potentials and growth quotient. The administrative organogram is dichotomised along directorate lines, each headed by a Group Executive Director.

The directorate has the National Petroleum Investment and Management Services (NAPIMS) which is the division of the Exploration and Production Directorate which oversees the Federations nearly 60 percent Investment in joint operations and engages in direct exploration services.

The upstream subsidiaries include the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) engaged in exploration and production, Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) engaged in seismic data processing and the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) engaged in oil field gas treatment and distribution to industrial consumers.

The Downstream Subsidiaries Include: the Kaduna refinery and petro Chemicals Company (KRPC), Port Harcourt Refinery Company Limited (PHRC) and Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC)- all engaged in processing Crude Oil, Gas and Refinery byproducts, Eleme Petrochemical company limited (EPCL) engaged in manufacturing Petrochemical Products and Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), engaged in Petroleum product marketing and distribution.

Others include the engineering consulting subsidiary, National Engineering and Technical Services Company (NETCO) and the International Marketing Subsidiaries: Hydrocarbon services of Nigeria (HYSON), Independent Marketers of Petroleum Products. And by fiat the PPPRA and NEITE. These are the statutory bodies

mandated and obligated by edicts, decrees and statutes to entrench accountability in the petroleum industry, including Shell and other Oil Multinationals.

OIL MULTINATIONAL BLUES: The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is the cardinal and arrowhead operator of a joint venture on

in 1937 granted exclusive right to explore for oil throughout Nigeria.

However, it was not until 1956 that Shell-BP made the country’s first discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri in the East Niger Delta, specifically, present day, Bayelsa state.

This kaleidoscope overview of some the companies and institutions involved in the petroleum

behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Shell is by far the largest hydrocarbon exploration and production company in Nigeria. Shell operated oil fields account for more than half of Nigeria’s proven crude oil reserves.

Shell D’ Arcy Company, was

industry has become necessary to enable us do a candid parallax snaps of those that are working in the system over the years and how they have been the be-all and end– all of what has been transpiring in the petroleum industry and how their commission and or omission

“Since the discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956 and its subsequent commercialization in 1958, the Nigerian nation has not known peace because of corruption in the oil Institution, the Nigerian leadership’s skewed permutations on prices, pipeline vandalization, crude oil theft and general policy somersaults etc.”

has affected the petroleum industry in Nigeria vis-a-vis the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) Independent Report on crude oil theft, illegal oil bunker and the psychotic vandalisation of oil pipelines etc.

NEITI REPORT/ SCRAMBLE FOR OIL: The recently released independent audit report of

Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) should return N4.423 billion to the Federation account and that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other grotesque firms should return N 3.715 billion being “overrecovery” for the period under review (2009-2011).

The report further asserts that a total sum of N273 billion accruing from crude oil sales

NEITI is sound and solid in structure, rich in character, treating matters of moral immaculacy, corruption in the petroleum industry, Institutional inertia, administrative lapses and culpability index of partners and major players in the petroleum industry with power and purpose. Indeed, it exposes the clandestine under belly and furtive backsides of some of the syndicates behind crude oil theft, illegal bunking and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria. But it was short on figures and specificities on fraudulent manipulations in the oil and gas sector.

NEITI In it’s report demanded that the Petroleum

has not being remitted to the Federation Account and that a total of 136 million barrels of crude oil estimated at $10.9 billion was lost to crude oil theft and the report went on to state that a total payment of N3 trillion was made to importers of refined petroleum products. Shell the royal Dutch company also claimed that if incurred losses totaling $700 million in its global earning due to Nigeria’s operational challenges. Virtually, all crude oil and gas operators, especially Oil Multinationals are all singing the same commercial nunc dimities of loss of revenues due to Continues on pg 22

Issues

Continued from pg 21

operational challenges (hostile oil communities, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft).

THIEVES IN THE HOUSE: Some Ijaw / Urhobo / Itsekiri adages runs thus, “the worm that eats the kola-nut is inside the kola-nut” and “how can a man be circumspect and careful with a witch in his own house” and “it is the rat in the house that invites the ones outside into the house”. It is clear without a tincture of doubt that the petroleum industry is filled with all kinds of players and the oil thieves are from there and beyond. It is now clearly obvious, that pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal oil bunkering and other horrendously fraudulent act in the oil industry are carried out by Nigerians and their recruited surrogates in the NNPC, some of it’s subsidiaries and oil multinational companies etc.

As for refined product, barring the reckless action of desperate and psychotic thieves, it is only the Pipelines and Products Marketing Staffers that know the kind of products being pumped down the pipelines at any point – in - time. It is they who know whether it is Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and High Pour Quality Fuel Oil (HPFO), Low Pour Quality Fuel Oil (LPFO), JET A1 etc.

They give the information to the criminal syndicates who now position the tankers and barges to siphon the products.

IMPERATIVE OF I M P L O S I V E SURGEONISATION: The NEITI report has also been befuddled by vortexes and counter- vortexes of denials, accusations and contradictions. In a joint meeting between NEITI and PPPRA at the instance of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the two agencies said that the missing fund has indeed been deposited in the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Joint Reconciliation Meeting also posited that the two organizations have

... Of Implosive Surgeonisation devised strategies aimed at addressing other matters arising from the NEITI 20092011 audit report through the instrumentality of the InterMinisterial Task Team (IMTT) set up by the President to address remedial issues arising from the audit report. This belated accounts fence mending is seen by critics as a jigsaw puzzle calculated to bamboozle the Nigerian masses and launder the image of the Jonathan’s administration.

Virtually all the oil companies indicted by the NEITI REPORT have all denied the allegations made against them. The Acting Group General manager Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Abuja echoing the retort of the current Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu said “Under the current Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, the NNPC recorded an all-high 2.7 million barrels of crude oil per day last year. But this evadable feat was short-lived because of Crude theft, oil bunkering and the incessant vandalization of crude oil pipelines”.

He further posited that “in as much as the NNPC is not a perfect organization just like any other, it should be objectively criticized and not vilified all the time. Efforts should be made to appreciate its challenges. Some of these negative publications and destructive criticisms have far-readily implications on the business relationship between the Corporation and its International Partners.

They impact also on the nation’s ability to bring in investors”. But he was silent on whether the NNPC is guilty as charged or whether it will refund the money demanded by NEITI REPORT. SO THERE ARE NO OIL THIEVES AND THE NNPC IS NOT INVOLVED? It is however clear from the politicization of the report and the culture of gross impurity and defiance being played by the castigated oil companies that the sysiphyean albatross of oil bunkering, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalization and

corruption in the oil industry will linger on in the deepest recesses of our national and petroleum industry’s psyche for along time to come. The essayist Charles Spureon said “the door to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance”.

THE NIGER DELTA BLUES: The oil theft and accoutrements of malfeasances in the Niger Delta will continue because the people of the Niger Delta continue to suffer ecosidal devastation,fauna despoliation, environmental pollution, seismic hazards and scorching poverty in the

rehabilitation and compensation of displaced persons and communities as a result of oil exploitation and exploration, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) must be signed into law with soldierly brevity, the entry and exit points into Nigeria’s nautical and littoral contours must be manned by patriotic security apparatchiks, the Federal Government must build floating stations in the Riverine Areas and endeavour to create an allembracing enabling environment for socioeconomic progress in the Niger Delta and all Oil producing states in Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan

light of gas flaring, oil exploration and exploitation in their backyards.

The so-called Interventionist agencies have turned out to be Mephistophelean placeboes and conduits for politicians to feather their nests. The crude oil theft is a form of economic remonstration, existential militancy and protestation by the Niger Delta people and freedom fighters and it can only be stopped through the approval and granting of the long demanded 50% derivation formula, implementation of free education, free medical care at all levels, massive employment beyond the Amnesty programme initiative, massive industrialization of oil producing communities,

Apart from Conventional Security Agencies, the Federal Government and the NNPC should award surveillance contracts to specific communities on land and water where the pipelines passes to guard and protect the pipelines and the traditional rulers, chiefs and youth groups should be given roles to play in this regard.

They should also furnish the Nigerian Navy and Marine Police with Sea – going Security vessels, marine technology for tracking ships and there should be the erection of nautical barricades on the river to check ships, barges, boats and other water craft vessels etc for bunkering clearance etc.

TO SALVAGE THE PIN FROM THE POT: The NNPC must establish

“The crude and refined petroleum syndicate organogram is a pot-purri of politicians, NNPC Subsidiaries’ Executives, Tank Owners, Barge owners, Ship owners, Tug Boat Owners, Product Monitoring (Upstream and Downstream) Task Forces, Oil Producing Communities, Illegal Refinery owners, Militants, frustrated and unemployed Youths in a state of poverty.”

product measurement, calibration, oil metering and product deep mechanisms to know the quantity of product and capacity of the loaded tanker/vessel to enable us keep record of products been loaded within and outside Nigeria. The theft will continue with reckless abandon if there is no metering system to forestall oil theft. The National Assembly must legislatively discourage oil theft through legal provisions and laws, specifically ‘Death Penalty’ for crude oil theft, petroleum bunkering and corruption.

The cardinal economic power of Nigeria as a country straddles between its Oil and expansive geographical make-up. If we lose or fall out of our inability to manage our success it will be ‘Boom turned to Doom’. We must visit oil thieves and oil bunkerers with the uttermost capital punishment.

A special surveillance group of fifth columnists must be set up to monitor the oligarchical collectivity, politicians, oil multinationals, the NNPC its subsidiaries and their criminal syndicates. The brutal truth and consistent with an Okpe proverb is that it is the worm in the kola nut that eats the kola nut’ (Owhore rorhie evwro, evu evwro oha wo). Oil theft cannot take place without some of these oil-allied corporate persons and their cabaliscally clandestine surrogates.

It must be emphasized that the machinery of honesty and patriotism in the NNPC subsidiaries of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Ltd. (PPMC) and the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), that are statutorily mandated to act as watchdogs and distributor of products must be revamped, returbisled and implosively surgeonised not only from grassroot levels but from root hairs base to tree top height.

They must come out to carry out the upstream and downstream responsibilities with pertinacious exactitude, accountability and transparency.

The crude and refined petroleum syndicate organogram is a pot-purri of politicians, NNPC Subsidiaries’ Executives, Tank Owners, Barge owners, Ship owners, Tug Boat Owners, Product Monitoring (Upstream and Downstream) Task Forces, Oil Producing Communities, Illegal Refinery owners, Militants, frustrated and unemployed

Youths in a state of poverty, Product and Petroleum Sales 419ers, etc. It is such a power full syndicate that stopping them could be likened to a cow passing through the eye of a needle. The syndicate is so interwoven and committed. It runs from crude oil production Company Executives and Staffers to refined product sales of distributing company executives and now that the political parties have joined, it is virtually finish with the Nigeria economy. Every body wants their share before the oil dries up and depreciates in value. There is the scramble for oil in Nigeria before “Shale Oil” take over.

It is must be stated with unequivocal clarity and it is a platitudinous truism, that the Nigerian nation has earned quintillions of dollars/ pounds/ naira right from 1958( the year of oil commercialization) till date.

But 90% of Nigerians have nothing to show for it. There is ludibrastic and scandalous poverty in Nigeria. This has precipitated armed robbery, kidnapping, 419, assassinations, political thuggery, Youth Restiveness, Burglary and Militancy.

The earnings from oil and gas have found their way into the hands of the leadership cartels, desperate politicians, political parties and warlords etc. In the Niger Delta and nay Nigeria we have no qualitative free education at all levels, no water, no shelter, no roads, no hospitals, no food security, no employment etc. In desperacy fuelled by poverty, vengeful spirit and frustration, Nigerians resort to criminality in the oil industry and beyond.

As always, the “NEITI REPORT “will only be in the news for a short while, because the ‘syndicate’ will dismember and manacle all its salient recommendations and findings in the cesspit of bravura crudity and parenthetical placidity. The silent revolution is incubating in the womb of time.

Euripides observed in “FRAGMENTS” that “time will reveal everything. It is a babbler and speaks even when not asked “and Julia Fletcher Carney said “little drops of water, little grants of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. So the little Minutes, humble though they be, make the mighty ages of eternity”.

CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI - 08023250378

Religion

Divine Prosperity (7)

SOME people are within the plan of God; but they get stagnated because they are not sensitive to the Holy Spirit to know what to do at a particular time within the mind set of God. Take for example a man called to preach and he answers the call, yes he has taken the first step towards his divine destiny. Then as a preacher he should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to lead him to greater heights in his calling.

“FOR PROMOTION COMETH NEITHER FROM THE EAST NOR FROM THE WEST NOR FROM THE SOUTH; BUT GOD IS THE JUDGE (Ps75:6).

So with God’s destined plan for you there is promotion. Promotion makes the difference even when you are in the destined plan of God. He will promote you not stagnate you if you listen to the Holy Spirit. He will guide you to higher grounds this is prosperity; it is promotion.

“The lord shall increase you more and more” Ps 115:14. If you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit then the lord will guide you with his counsel (Ps 72:24).

S U P E N AT U R A L PROVISIONS For such Christians who can pray and trust God absolutely; I can say categorically that when such is in dire need of finance they can still trust God for his supernatural provisions. This is the clear lesson one can get from the instance of Christ in Capernaum.

“And when they have come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter and said, Doth your master pay tribute? He said yes...’ Matt 17:24-25.

Jesus wanted to please the authority in paying his tribute and that of peter, but he probably had no money on him. It was obviously an emergency financial demand.

Have you ever experienced an emergency financial demand on you? Or a financial demand on you that

came out of necessity? I had an ugly experience once during my missionary activities. I had gone to a city —a Portuguese speaking community to preach and establish the gospel and plant a church there. I went with a missionary assistant and both of us had no inclination towards the Portuguese language. We needed an interpreter. A brother in disguise made himself available. We did not know him before but he pretended to be a Christian brother. He served briefly with us and I made the greatest mistake in my missionary work out of inexperience to entrust my finance in the hands of an unknown person. No sooner that he became the keeper of my missionary team accounts than he disappeared to the thin air. For the first time in my life, I experienced the honor of penury in foreign land. I was going to be reduced to the status of a beggar but I resisted that, as I could not see any biblical example of a preacher beggar.

Rather I have read the testimony of David that the righteous shall not be forsaken nor their seed beg for bread (Psalm 3 7:25) therefore I was not going to beg for bread. I thought of the “Pauline” approach, which is to attempt to do some work with your hands to be able to feed yourself. For he has said if you do not work with your hands then you don’t deserve to eat (2Thess 3:10). He himself laboured with his hands while being engaged in missionary activities. (Acts 20:33-34, 2Thess 3:8.). But my case was simply pathetic — because I was not just employable in the community because of language barriers. I had my rent to pay; I needed to equip my missionary team though we were just two; I needed to pay for transportation cost within the city; and so much was needed financially to settle down but all the money had been given to this swindler! At this juncture the

only grace needed, was the grace of God through his supernatural provision. How did we start? we commenced fasting and prayers, day and night. We were praying to the specific — divine intervention in God’s supernatural provision. For days I would stay without food, faithfully praying to God for his provisions and surely in that hour of great financial necessity God can move in the supernatural. He did in my case and began to rain down financial blessings and support supernaturally.

that first cometh up, and when that hast opened his month, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take and give unto them for me and thee” Matt 17: 27.

The supernatural provision that visited the widow of Zarephath during the era of the prophet Elijah. It was a period of draught and famine.

Elijah the prophet had been sent to her by God to sustain him, and Elijah found her — and she had the last meal to cook for herself and the son to “eat and die”

Whenever I remember this experience I am strongly convinced that in the hour of great financial necessity or financial emergency of a genuine need, the lord can provide also supernaturally.

This is the message Jesus taught us in the aforementioned example, when suddenly they asked him to pay his tribute money and that of Peter. What did he do? He applied his authority in the supernatural. He told Peter: “Go thou to the sea and cast an hook and take up the fish

“A she said, As the lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel and a little oil in a cruse and behold, I am gathering two stakes that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may pat it and die” 1 King 17:12.

This was an obvious case of desperation. A need had arisen out of great necessity!

God was going to intervene by sending the spirit of abundance- supernatural intervention, But Elijah said unto her “fear not”, because God has not given his

“Whenever I remember this experience I am strongly convinced that in the hour of great financial necessity or financial emergency of a genuine need, the lord can provide also supernaturally.”

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA children the spirit of fear but of power, love and of a sound mind. Paul but it this way: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2Tim 1:7. That means there is a spirit in charge of fear — that is demonic, then there is a spirit of power that is godly, there is a spirit of care that is also godly; and the spirit of sound mind is also godly. So when Elijah prophesied to the widow thus“For thus saith the lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail until the day that the lord senderth rain upon the earth’ I kgs 17:14.

The spirit of abundance

spirit of abundance followed in supernatural provision.

Elisha asked her “what shall I do for thee, tell me, what hast thou in the house” (2Kgs4:2) She replied” not anything in the house, save a pot of oil” 2Kgs 4:2 she was asked to go and borrow empty vessels and lock up herself and she began to pour the little oil to fill the empty vessels. After filling these vessels she ran to Elisha and she was told to sell the vessels of oil and pay

followed henceforth and there was supernatural provision. When the spirit of abundance falls on you when you cry fervently to God out of a dire need arising from the point of necessity, you shall experience a supernatural provision.

Let us take another example of Elisha with the widow, the wife of one of the Sons of the prophet who cried to the prophet Elijah under a deep financial stress — “Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the lord and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen” (2Kgs 4:1), Again, there was desperation here. There was a high financial emergency here; there was a social threat to the family of the late prophet. Elisha the prophet spoke prophetically and the

her debt. (2kgs 4:5-7). This is a supernatural provision. I believe God can still do it even today because God does not change (Mal 3:6,Heb 13:8). You must understand the conditions and situations or circumstances under which God provided financial support supernaturally in the past, and similar conditions that can arise today in which God can move supernaturally because God does not change. He will not promote or condone laziness in the name of praying for supernatural provisions for your financial support; because the Bible warned categorically against laziness.

“THAT IF ANY WOULD NOT WORK, NETHER SHOULD HE EAT” 2THESS 3:10.

“O SLUGGARD? WHEN WILT THOU ARISE OUT OF THY SLEEP?... SO SHALL THY POVERTY COME AS ONE THAT TRAVELLETH, AND THY WANT AS AN ARMED MAN” PROV:9-11.

CHANGE OF NAME AIGBIREMHON – I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Aigbiremhon Bridget now wish to be known and addressed as Ijiogbe Bridget. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CORRECTION/ CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Osamudiamen Okojie Ehinor wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Osamudiamwen Okojie Ehinor as appeared in my various documents.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Osamudiamen Ehinor Okojie. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EHIKIOYA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ehikioya Faith Aigbibhalu now wish to be known as Mrs. Ehiguese Faith Aigbibhalu. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Osariemen Osemwengie Kingsley wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Iyawe Osemwengie and Osariemen Ese Kingsley.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Osariemen Osemwengie Kingsley. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Missing Documents (Caveat Emptor) I, Mr. Nosa Okao wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the bonafide owner of landed property measuring fifty feet by one hundred feet (50ft x 100ft) having a developed boys quarter apartment, on the said property, lying, situate and known as No. 13, Osunde Street, Off Ebo Street, Uselu, Benin City, Edo State and state that all the title documents have since been declared missing.

It should be known further that all efforts to locate the documents have proved abortive. The general public is therefore warned not to enter into transaction with anybody with regards to the property as it has in consideration of the circumstance not been put for sale and there is no intention to put the property for sale. Sale agents, facilitators, property agents are please advised to take note as I will take legal steps against anybody who differ this warnings.

Signed: NOSA OKAO

PUBLIC

NOTICE

HIS MERCYSEAT PRAYER AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Osemobor Ewomie Anthony 2. Evangelist Ewomie Evelyn Toritseju 3. Mr. Ewomie Cleverly 4. Mrs. Peace Osamudiamen 5. Mr. Friday Igbinosa 6. Mr. Agbonbhi Sunday 7. Mr. Kelvin Omoruyi AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To preach, teach and evangelise the word of God as contained in the Holy Scripture (Bible).

2. To fulfill the great commission according to the gospels.

3. Create or establish a place of worship for all faithful followers on a regular basis.

4. To enhance moral, academic and educational knowledge among all nations by setting schools, educational centres and others institutions.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: EHIABHI G. IKEKHUA ESQ

PUBLIC

NOTICE

AUCTION SALES! There will be a public auction sales of accidented, unclaimed and abandoned vehicles, motorcycles and household items at the following Police Divisions Edo State Command IGUEBEN DIVISION: 504 Peugeot Car Reg. No. Delta AA273SLK, 2 Golf Cars Reg. Nos. ONDO AE763LEL, LAGOS CH 796GGE, Afinfan Romeo Reg. No. LAGOS BR122LSD and several motorcycles. AIRPORT DIVISION: 6 Daylong Motorcycles Reg. Nos. QE25FUG, HER23AG, CQ781ABD, UK813BEN, VW523EHU other motorcycles and household items. Date of sales in two weeks from this publication.

Contact PRINCE EHINON UDEBHULU Police Auctioneer 08073603589

International German Cabinet Approves National Minimum Wage

BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet has approved a national minimum wage for Germany, guaranteeing workers at least 8.50 euros per hour ($11.75) starting next year.

Merkel’s conservative bloc had been against setting a minimum wage, arguing instead in favor of regional pay deals by employment sector.

But it agreed to establish one as part of the deal to form a government with the leftleaning Social Democrats.

Federal Labor Minister Andrea Nahles said Wednesday that a minimum wage “will provide greater fairness” in Germany and result in better earnings for some four million people.

The proposal, which is expected to get Parliamentary approval, would go into effect Jan. 1, 2015 and employers would have two years to phase it in.

Hollande Ally Named Finance Minister PARIS - Michel Sapin, a long-time political ally of President Francois Hollande who was his labor minister, was named to the powerful finance minister post yesterday.

Arnaud Montebourg, who as industry minister backed protectionism to secure jobs and accused the European Union of hurting growth with its demands for lower public deficits, was given the expanded title of economy minister with oversight over industry and the digital economy.

In a statement read out on the steps of Hollande’s Elysee Palace, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was reconfirmed in his post and handed additional duties for international development.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pauses as she arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany yesterday.

Crew member Koji Kubota (left) of the Japan Coast Guard and John Pumpa of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) look out an observation window aboard the Japan Coast Guard Gulfstream V aircraft as it flies over the Southern Indian Ocean looking for debris from missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 recently.

Lowered Expectations As Malaysia Airlines Search Drags On PERTH, Australia - The search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 resumed yesterday, even as senior Australian officials warned that bad weather and a lack of reliable information were seriously impeding efforts to locate the plane’s wreckage.

Up to 10 planes and nine ships from a half dozen countries are scouring a stretch of the Indian Ocean roughly the size of Britain, where the plane is believed to have crashed more than three weeks ago.

EU, Africa Hold Summit To Boost Ties BRUSSELS — Leaders of some 70 nations in Africa and Europe are seeking to improve political and economic cooperation between the two continents at a two-day summit.

The meeting in Brussels beginning yesterday will also center on development aid, climate change and migration.

The European Union says leaders attending will include: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon; French President Francois Hollande; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; Nigeria’s

President Goodluck Jonathan and Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

Notable absentees are Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, who reportedly skipped the summit because the EU refused to grant his wife a visa, and South African President Jacob Zuma, who accused Brussels of cherry-picking which African leaders would attend.

The 28 EU nations granted Africa 141 billion euros in assistance from 2007 to 2013.

The search and rescue teams are in a race against time to locate the plane’s black box recorder, which has an expected battery life of around 30 days and without which it may never be possible to explain the plane’s mysterious disappearance.

Retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the head of the Australian agency coordinating the operation, said that a lack of reliable flight telemetry and punishing conditions at sea were making the operation even more challenging.

“In other words, we don’t have a precise aircraft location for six hours before the aircraft went into the water somewhere,” he said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation yesterday.

“The reality is it’s the most complex and challenging search and rescue operation, or search and recovery operation now, that I’ve ever seen.”

Malaysian authorities have still not ruled out mechanical problems as causing the disappearance, but say all the evidence suggests the plane was deliberately diverted from its scheduled route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Yesterday, Malaysia’s police chief said the investigation was focusing on the cabin crew and pilots, after clearing all 227 passengers of possible involvement in hijacking, sabotage or having personal or

psychological problems that could have been connected to the flight’s disappearance.

“They have been cleared of the four,” National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

Broken clouds, sea fog and isolated thunderstorms were expected to further complicate operations yesterday Australia’s Joint Agency Coordination Centre said.

The search is now focused on an inhospitable 221,000 sq km (85,000 sq miles) swathe of the southern Indian Ocean some 1,500 km (932 miles) west of the Australian city of Perth. But despite the unprecedented effort, the international team has so far failed to spot any trace of the jetliner.

“Look, it’s one of the great mysteries of our time,” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in an interview with local Perth radio station Radio 6iX. “We owe it to the world, we owe it to those families to do whatever we reasonably can do get to the bottom of this.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to arrive in Perth late on Wednesday to inspect the search and rescue operations, which are being conducted out of RAAF Base Pearce north of the city. He was expected to meet Abbott on Thursday.

International Thai Court Hands Embattled PM New Challenge BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is facing another legal challenge that could remove her from office after a court announced yesterday it will hear a case accusing her of misconduct for transferring a key government official.

The announcement by the Constitutional Court came amid criticism from Yingluck’s supporters that the courts are trying to topple the prime minister through unfair use of the legal system after four months of anti-government protests failed to unseat her.

The latest case was lodged by anti-government senators who say Yingluck violated the constitution by transferring her National Security Council chief in 2011 to another position. In February, another court ruled the official, Thawil Pliensri, must be restored to his job.

The Constitutional Court ordered Yingluck to present her defense within 15 days. If she is found guilty of interfering in state affairs for her personal benefit or that of her political party, Yingluck would have to step down as prime minister.

Thailand has been gripped by political conflict since 2006, when then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s billionaire brother, was ousted in a military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power. Thaksin’s supporters and opponents have each taken to the streets for extended periods in a power struggle that is currently focused on removing Yingluck, who took office in 2011. Opponents say she is a proxy for her brother, who is living overseas in self-imposed exile.

The courts and independent state agencies are widely seen as biased against Thaksin’s political machine, and there are fears that Yingluck supporters could return to the streets if they feel she is facing a “judicial coup.”

Currently, Yingluck is a caretaker prime minister, having called early elections in February as a way of affirming her mandate after the protests against her began. However, the Feb. 2 polls were annulled last month by the Constitutional Court and no date has been set for a new election.

Several other legal cases are

S/Korea Suspects 2 Crashed Drones From North Korea

SEOUL - South Korean officials said yesterday they suspect that two unmanned drones that crashed recently near the border with rival North Korea were flown by the North on possible surveillance missions.

A drone crashed on frontline Baengnyeong island Monday when the two Koreas fired hundreds of artillery shells into each other’s waters in a flare-up of animosity over a longdisputed sea boundary between the countries. On March 24, another drone crashed in Paju, a South Korean city near the land border with the North.

Preliminary investigations found that the two sky-blue small aircraft were both rudimentary drones equipped with Japanese cameras that cannot send video or photos in real time, said Defense Ministry spokesman Kwon Kihyeon. The drones can only take still photos and have to be retrieved to obtain the images, he said.

South Korean officials suspect the drones were from North Korea because Korean-language letters on their batteries are written in North Korean style, Kwon said.

Kwon said the drones took pictures of Seoul, Paju and other areas near the land border, but refused to say which specific sites were taken.

South Korean media reports, citing unidentified military officials, reported that the drones were taking pictures of military facilities on Baengnyeong island, the South Korean presidential office and a highway

linking border areas to Seoul.

The reports said North Korea has been operating unmanned drones since the early 1990s.

In March 2013, North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un inspected a drill of “super precision” drones assaulting simulated targets. In July, North Korea displayed drones capable of launching strikes in a military parade in Pyongyang, according to state media.

The two Koreas have been divided along the world’s most heavily fortified border since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

About 28,500 American soldiers are stationed in South Korea to help deter aggression from North Korea.

pending against members of her party that could make it impossible for her to form a government.

Yingluck’s opponents hope that a failure to form a new government will spark a constitutional crisis, allowing

them to invoke vaguely defined clauses in the charter and have an unelected prime minister installed.

Yingluck on Monday defended herself against charges of dereliction of duty in overseeing a contentious rice subsidy

program, in a case under consideration by the National Anti-Corruption Commission that could lead to her suspension and eventual impeachment by the Senate.

Over the weekend, Yingluck said the case appeared rushed

and biased.

“I have no alternative but to conclude that as far as the examination of evidence and witness in this case is concerned, I have not been treated equitably or received any justice,” she said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attends a workers party of Korea meeting at an undisclosed location recently.

Earthquake Off Chile’s Coast Triggers Tsunami

SANTIAGO - A major earthquake of magnitude 8.2 struck off the coast of northern Chile on Tuesday, causing five deaths and triggering a tsunami that pounded the shore with 2meter-tall waves.

Officials said the dead included people who were crushed by collapsing walls or were killed by heart attacks.

The government evacuated Chile’s northern coast and President Michelle Bachelet declared the area a disaster zone, promising troops and police reinforcements to maintain public order while damage was repaired after landslides blocked roads.

“We’re leaving with the children and what we can, but everything is clogged up by people fleeing buildings by the

beach,” said 32-year old Liliana Arriaza, who was driving away with her three children.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was shallow at 12.5 miles below the seabed and struck about 100 km northwest of the mining port of Iquique near the Peruvian border.

Mining in the world’s No. 1 copper producer did not appear significantly interrupted, but about 300 prisoners took advantage of the emergency and escaped from a female penitentiary in Iquique.

About 26 of the women were soon recaptured, authorities said, while security forces fanned out through the area amid reports of

power outages and isolated looting.

Photos showed Chileans calmly evacuating coastal areas on foot, with policemen helping bundled-up elderly people and some residents loading up vehicles with their belongings.

Some schools were being used to shelter people, and classes were canceled in most of the country yesterday. LATAM Airlines said it had canceled

some flights to and from Antofagasta, Iquique and Arica in northern Chile.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake generated a large tsunami with the biggest wave reported at about 2 meters.

The Chilean navy said the first big wave hit the coast within 45 minutes. Early on Wednesday Chilean authorities canceled their tsunami warning for most coastal areas.

BAGHDAD— An Iraqi police official says a suicide

bombing near a military base in the country’s north has killed five army recruits.

Police Col. Fatah Rasheed says yesterday’s attack in the town of Riyadh took place when the bomber set off his explosives’ belt, targeting recruits waiting in line at the gate of a military base to apply for jobs early in the morning. The town is about 300 kilometers (180 miles) northwest of Baghdad.

Rasheed says the explosion also wounded 14 recruits.

Sunni insurgents in Iraq frequently attack members of security forces in a bid to undermine the Shiite-led government in Baghdad.

The attack came a day after the U.N. appealed for unity to help reduce sectarian violence ahead of Iraq’s April 30 elections.

Suicide Bombing Kills 5 Army Recruits

Iraqi traffic police officers control traffic in front of election campaign posters in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. The election campaign kicked off Tuesday with Iraqi towns and cities flooded with posters of the candidates for parliament seats on main streets and intersections.

International Features

Japan May Only Be Able To Restart One-Third Of Its Nuclear Reactors

THREE years after the Fukushima disaster prompted the closure of all Japan’s nuclear reactors, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is moving to revive nuclear power as a core part of the energy mix, but many of those idled reactors will never come back online.

As few as a third, and at most about two-thirds, of the reactors will pass today’s more stringent safety checks and clear the other seismological, economic, logistical and political hurdles needed to restart, a Reuters analysis shows.

This means Japan is likely to remain heavily reliant on imported fuel to power the world’s third-largest economy, straining a trade balance that has been in the red for nearly two years. Electric utilities will face huge liabilities to decommission reactors and pay for fossil fuels.

Hokkaido Electric Power Co and Kyushu Electric Power Co, both facing a third year of financial losses, are seeking capital infusions totaling nearly $1.5 billion from a state-owned lender. Kyushu Electric shares dropped as much as 7 percent on Wednesday to an 8-week low.

Fukushima operator Tokyo Electric Power Co was bailed out by the government after the March 2011 disaster.

Continuing indefinitely to burn more coal and gas also means Tokyo will find it much harder to meet targets for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Japan had 54 nuclear reactors supplying about 30 percent of the nation’s electricity before an earthquake and tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station in 2011.

The six reactors at that plant are shut forever, slated for decadeslong decommissioning.

Of Japan’s remaining four dozen reactors, 14 will probably restart at some point, a further 17 are uncertain and 17 will probably never be switched back on, the analysis suggests. As a result, nuclear energy could remain below 10 percent of Japan’s power supply.

The Reuters analysis is based on questionnaires and interviews with more than a dozen experts and input from the 10 nuclear operators. It takes into account such factors as the age of the plants, nearby seismic faults, additional work needed to address safety concerns, evacuation plans and local political opposition.

It’s impossible to say how many reactors will eventually pass safety inspections and win local approval to restart, but the Reuters analysis constitutes “a very good guess,” said Tatsujiro Suzuki, who stepped down this week as vice chairman of the government’s Japan Atomic Energy Commission.

Japan previously had the thirdhighest number of nuclear reactors, behind France and the United States. In Asia, China currently has 21 reactors and South Korea 23.

A number at the low end of the Reuters calculations could make it impossible for Japan to reinstate nuclear as a “base-load” power source - enough to feed a constant minimum supply to the grid - as specified in a draft national energy plan that the government may adopt as soon as this week. (For a graphic about Japan’s slow return to nuclear power, click http:// pdf.reuters.com/pdfnews/ pd nfewa s.sp= ?4 i3059c3b 0fe37541&u=2014_03_31_09_24_02317c499cc476 8fc0 6f6db321b6e86_PR M IAR pg Y j.

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In a measure of the keen interest in, and lack of hard information about Japan’s nuclear restarts, shares of uranium producers such as Canada’s Cameco Corp and Australia’s Paladin Energy Ltd jumped as much as 15 percent last month just on news that Tokyo had compiled a final draft of the energy plan.

The public has turned against nuclear power after watching Tokyo Electric (Tepco) struggle to deal with the Fukushima disaster. Recent polls put opposition to nuclear restarts at about two-to-one over support.

Abe’s government, which reversed the previous government’s policy of phasing out nuclear power by 2030, has set no timetable for restarting nuclear plants, saying the process is in the hands of a tough, more independent safety regulator set up after Fukushima.

Some power companies have business plans that assume restarts by this summer, but with the possible exception of two reactors in southern Japan that looks highly unrealistic, as the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) says the utilities aren’t taking the process seriously enough.

Eight power companies have requested safety inspections to allow the restart of 17 reactors at 10 power stations. The NRA has fast-tracked two reactors at the Sendai plant in southern Japan after operator Kyushu Electric Power Co broke ranks with its peers and said it would provision for far greater seismic shocks to the plant.

Three reactors in southern Japan are considered next in line, among 11 pressurized-water reactors at five plants run by Shikoku Electric, Kansai

Electric and Hokkaido Electric being actively vetted by the regulator.

“I think the government is incredibly clever by doing the restarts in the most modern, advanced places that have the most local support and are yet far from centers of political activity,” said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University’s Japan campus. “Then you use that to create momentum for the agenda of restarting as many reactors as possible.”

Even after the NRA says a reactor is safe to restart, the government will defer to local areas for the final decision. Some of the front-runners have local governments strongly behind nuclear power and the wealth it brings to communities through jobs and government subsidies.

Other communities may balk at disaster preparedness. A survey of 134 mayors of towns and villages near reactors by the Asahi newspaper found that 10 of the country’s 16 nuclear plants do not have evacuation plans to cover a full 30 km (18.6 miles) radius - the size of the Fukushima exclusion zone.

Some reactors can essentially be ruled out, like Tepco’s Fukushima Daini station, which is well within the Daiichi plant evacuation zone and faces nearuniversal opposition from a traumatized local population.

Also highly unlikely to switch back on is Japan Atomic Power Co’s Tsuruga plant west of Tokyo. It sits on an active fault, according to experts commissioned by the NRA. Twelve reactors will reach or exceed the standard life expectancy of 40 years within

NATO suspended all practical cooperation with Russia on Tuesday in protest at its annexation of Crimea, and ordered military planners to draft measures to strengthen its defenses and reassure nervous Eastern European countries.

Foreign ministers from the 28-nation, U.S.-led alliance were meeting for the first time since the Russian occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region touched off the worst EastWest crisis since the Cold War. NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Russia’s actions meant there could be no “business as usual”.

“So today, we are suspending all practical cooperation with Russia, military and civilian,” he told a news conference.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said NATO’s future relationship with Russia would depend, among other things, on whether Russia started withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border.

Ministers also ordered military commanders to draw up plans for reinforcing NATO’s defenses to shore up confidence among the alliance’s Eastern European members, including former Soviet republics in the Baltics, that NATO is ready to defend them.

The measures could include sending NATO soldiers and equipment to Eastern European allies, holding more exercises, ensuring NATO’s rapidreaction force could deploy more quickly, and reviewing NATO’s military plans.

Military planners will come back with detailed proposals within weeks, a NATO official said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said NATO’s preference was for a de-escalation and diplomatic route out of the crisis.

“At the same time, it is important for everybody in the world to understand the NATO alliance takes seriously this attempt to change borders by use of force,” he said.

Russia’s announcement on Monday that it would move a battalion back from close to the Ukrainian border was a small but welcome gesture, he told a news conference.

“The question now is: Is there a way to build on that in order to be able to find a way to move the masses of troops back and truly de-escalate?” he said.

Rasmussen said earlier that NATO had seen no sign Russia was withdrawing its troops from the Ukrainian border.

The United States and other NATO allies have already

the next five years, probably sealing their fate in the new, harsher regulatory climate.

These include reactor No. 1 at Shikoku Electric’s Ikata power station.

The outlook is less clear for about a third of the other 48 reactors. (For a factbox on Japan’s nuclear reactor restarts outlook click http:// www.reuters.com/article/2014/ 04/01/japan-nuclear-restartsidINL4N0MT0K020140401 ) Tepco’s Kashiwazaki Kariwa

plant on the Japan Sea coast north of Tokyo, the world’s biggest nuclear station by output capacity, faces a politically fraught process. Although two of the 7 reactors look likely to restart on technical grounds, the head of the local prefecture has accused the operator of “institutionalized lying” and says Tepco cannot be trusted to operate another facility.

Chubu Electric Power Co’s Hamaoka plant on the Pacific coast 190 km southwest of Tokyo has been branded by one Japanese seismologist as the country’s most dangerous nuclear facility as it is located in

an area where four major tectonic plates meet. Any restart would face significant opposition from local legislators even in Abe’s own party, and the prefectural governor supports a referendum on the issue.

The government will probably revise Japan’s energy framework in the next three years, and if Abe’s party is still in power, it may push to build new reactors to replace aging units, said Suzuki at the Japan Atomic Energy Commission.

“They may say it’s better to replace older reactors with safer new reactors, and the public may accept it.”

Courtesy: REUTERS

Members of the Media and Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) employees wearing protective suits and masks walk past storage tanks for radioactive water in the H4 Area at the Tsunami-crippled TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima prefecture.

NATO Suspends Cooperation With Russia Over Ukraine Crisis responded to the crisis by offering more planes to take part in regular NATO air patrols over the Baltic States, which were once Soviet republics. The United States has beefed up a previously planned training exercise with the Polish air force.

A Pentagon official told Reuters on Tuesday that the top U.S. general in Europe was looking at options, including moving a U.S. warship to the Black Sea and bolstering scheduled NATO exercises.

General Philip Breedlove, who is both NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe and head of the U.S. military’s European Command, was “going to look at the full spate of upcoming NATO exercises” to see if there were ways they could be enhanced, the U.S. official said.

Germany had offered six Eurofighter jets for Baltic air patrols and one command ship for a mine hunting unit in the Baltic Sea, a NATO source told Reuters.

The suspension of NATO cooperation with Russia would mean Russia could not participate in joint exercises such as one planned for May on rescuing a stranded

submarine, a NATO official said.

But Rasmussen said he expected Russia’s cooperation with NATO in Afghanistan - on training counter-narcotics personnel, maintenance of Afghan air force helicopters and a transit route out of the war-torn country - to continue.

Contacts between NATO and Russia at ambassadorial level or higher can also go on, so the two sides can discuss ways out of the crisis.

NATO agreed at a meeting with Ukraine’s foreign minister to step up cooperation with training and other programs to help modernize Ukraine’s armed forces.

The alliance will offer Ukraine more chances to take part in NATO exercises, Rasmussen said.

Ukraine has given NATO members a wish-list of “technical equipment” it needed for its armed forces but this did not include weaponry, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrij Deshchitsya told a news conference after meeting NATO ministers.

He said NATO members would send experts to Kiev next week to see what Ukraine needed.

As NATO ministers convened, Russia warned Ukraine against integration with NATO, saying Kiev’s previous attempts to move closer to the defense alliance had unwelcome consequences.

Ukraine’s new pro-Western leadership has said it is not seeking membership of the Western alliance.

In another sign of NATO support, Romanian President Traian Basescu said the United States had asked to boost the number of troops and aircraft it has stationed at an air base in his country, which has a border with Ukraine.

But Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that the pace at which NATO was increasing its military presence in Poland was unsatisfactory.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who said earlier he would be satisfied if NATO located two heavy brigades in Poland, said on arrival at the NATO meeting that he would welcome any NATO forces being stationed there.

Germany’s Steinmeier said the basing of a significant NATO force in Poland would not be completely in line with a 1997 treaty on NATORussian cooperation.

COURTESY: REUTERS.

Ray Of Purity

WHENEVER there is true purity, genuine love can enter, for God’s love works in the ray of purity. The ray of purity is the path it treads.

It could not possibly work on any other (Abd-ru-shin).

The Ray of Divine Love can never find its way to him who has not absorbed the ray of purity.

Man however, has deprived himself of childlikeness by turning away from the height through one aided intellectual thinking to which he has sacrificed, every thing that might has uplifted him.

Thus, he has firmly claimed himself with a thousand fetters to this earth, that is, to the World will hold him in its grip, until, he liberates himself from it.

This however, cannot come to him through earthly death, but only through spiritual awakening.

Chastity is the earthly conception of purity which is Divine. Purity is Divine, chastity its representation by the human spirit, thus, a spiritual image, which can and should become evident in earthly conduct (Abd-rushin).

He who in his actions, always remembers not to harm his fellow-man who reposes trust in him, not to do anything that may later oppress him, will always act in such away as to remain spiritually unburdened and may, therefore, be called truly chaste.

These simple words, rightly understood, can fully protect and guide man through the entire creation and lead him upwards into the Luminous Gardens, his true home. These words are the keys to the rightful activity on earth for genuine chastity lies in them.

The son of God Jesus expressed precisely the same in the words.” Love they neighbour as they self.” The Lord says: Let my word become alive within you, for this alone, can bring you that benefit which you need, enabling your spirit to ascend to the Luminous Heights of the Eternal Gardens of God. It is to no avail to know of the word and if you can recite the Lord’s entire message sentence by sentence from memory, in order to teach yourselves, your fellow man.

It is of no avail, unless, you act accordingly, think in the sense of the Lord’s word and adjust your whole earth life to it as a matter of course, as something which has become an integral part of your being which cannot be separated from you,. Only then, will you be able to draw from the Lord’s message the eternal values, it holds for you.

“By their work ye shall know them.” This saying of Christ is primarily intended for all the readers of Lord’s word. By their works, means, by their activity, that is, by their thinking and deeds in their daily life on earth. Your deeds also, include your speech, not only your actions, for speaking is action, the effect of which you have hitherto under estimated. Even your thoughts are included here (Abd-ru-shin).

Men are in the habit of saying that thoughts are free.

By this they wish to imply that they cannot he held accountable on earth for their thoughts because, these are on a level which is in accessible to human hands.

Therefore, they often play with thoughts in the most careless way or better expressed, they play in thoughts, for thoughts too belong to the world of Gross Matter (earth) and must in all circumstances also, be redeemed in it before a spirit becomes capable of swinging itself freely upwards.

Once, it has severed the connection with its earthly body. Therefore, seek at all times to swing even with your thoughts in sense of the Lord’s message, in such a way that you desire only what is noble and do not lower yourselves, because, you imagine that nobody can see or hear it.

Thought, words and the visible deed, all belongs to the Realm of Gross Matter in

this creation. Thoughts operate in the World of Fine Gross Matter, Words in the World of Medium Gross Matter and visible action take form in the world of coarsest, that is densest Gross Matter.

These three kinds of your activity are Gross Material.

Their effects are inter woven.

concerned with it.

It come as a shock to know this, when one realizes how superficial and careless these earthmen are in their thinking. Thus, without knowing it, you participate in many deed perpetrated by one another of your fellowmen, simply because,

What that implies for you is that both inclusive and decisive effect often is in the course of your existence.

You cannot estimate all at once. It means nothing else, than that. Also, a thought automatically working on according to its nature, can strengthen in its nature can strengthen an homogeneous type in the world of Medium Matter, thereby, producing more powerful forms, likewise then, deducing from this, it again continues to work on within this intensification and arises in visible active form in the Coarsest World of Matter without you yourselves seeming to be directly

it has received the intensification in the way it has just been explained. It becomes capable of driving him to the crudest perpetration of something that had hitherto slumbered with him with which previously, he had always merely toyed in his thoughts.

Thus, Abd-ru-shin says many a person on earth very often looks with disapproval upon some action or one of his fellow men angrily repudiating and condemning it and yet, he is partially responsible for it before the Eternal Laws of God. In this, someone who is a complete stranger to him may be involved.

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

It may concern a deed which he himself would never have coarsest matter.

Think yourselves deeply into such happenings for once and you will then, all the more understand, why the

suffering through selfish desires. It was a uniformly radiating streaming of human activity, which was moved in regular pulsation by the Law of Balance in

call to you to the Lord’s message; “keep the health of your thoughts pure by so doing, you will bring peace and be happy.”

There was once a time when men were still what we call balanced. They knew the Law of Balance, were the living witnesses to the fact that they were allowed to take from the Table of the Lord, from the gifts which God through His Creation graciously permits to be offered to human beings, only as much as they themselves needed.

Through this, not one of their fellow-men was harmed and taken advantage of, not one was caused

giving and taking.

Today man in relation to his creator is only one who takes or rather one who demands, ruthlessly, seizing everything he can lay hands on in his selfishness, without showing even the slightest gratitude as a minute gift in return. In addition to this, men no longer open themselves to the animating streams from above, but willingly absorb the influences of Darkness and pass them on in various ways And over all the darkness of human egomania stand in golden radiance the words: “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” Pure and clean, these words float above mankind. Yet only rarely does a light, delicate ray grope its way to them out of the depths, seeking connection and pleading for strength to overcome the individual’s own ego, for a just understanding of his fellow man, who like him is seeking for the Truth.

“These simple words, rightly understood, can fully protect and guide man through the entire creation and lead him upwards into the Luminous Gardens, his true home. These words are the keys to the rightful activity on earth for genuine chastity lies in them.”

United-Bayern Tie Still Wide Open DAVID de Gea has told UEFA.com that Manchester United stood up to be counted and produced a performance when it mattered most in their 1-1 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg draw against Bayern Munich.

The Spanish goalkeeper feels the Red Devils proved their mettle against the European champions, and the 23-year-old was pleased they confounded expectations that Pep Guardiola’s side would stroll to victory at Old Trafford.

United, who are seventh in the Premier League, were underdogs after enduring a difficult season, but De Gea was delighted with their response against the Bundesliga winners.

“This is a big club and at difficult moments is when you stand up and show people how big you are,” he said. “I am pleased with that — people thought it was going to be easy for Bayern and we have produced a big performance. We are satisfied.

“We feel we played really well — it was a big effort against a very strong opponent. We might even have won.

“We knew we had to defend well, shut down the spaces and hit them on the counterattack and we had some clear chances.

Defensively we were good, we

kept it tight. I think we unsettled them.”

De Gea believes United can put their poor domestic form behind them to give Bayern — who have only lost twice in a year — another difficult game in the Allianz Arena.

“They’re two different competitions and things haven’t gone well in the league but the Champions League is a special competition, the team are doing really well and we have to go for it,” he continued.

“I think we have a chance over there — the tie is in the balance, it’s wide open and we’ll fight till the end.”

United boss David Moyes hailed his patched-up team after the 1-1 draw, with injuries before and during the game complicating his tactics against Guardiola’s side.

United were without four defenders beforehand, with Patrice Evra suspended and Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all injured.

However, Moyes had to switch his defence around again when

NORWICH captain Russell Martin is hoping the squad’s move to refund fans who travelled to their 3-0 defeat at Swansea last Saturday will guarantee them the support they need in the final weeks of what has been a long fight against relegation.

A week after a home win over Sunderland had eased the Canaries’ worries, a poor performance at the Liberty Stadium left them only six points above the drop zone and nervously looking over their shoulders once again.

They offered little on the pitch to reward the 899 fans who had made the 612-mile round trip -

the longest on the fixture list for Norwich - and so the players have decided to reimburse the fans for their tickets.

“Our fans have been brilliant home and away this season and the numbers we get on the road are really impressive when you consider how far they have to travel up and down the country from Norfolk,” Martin said.

“All the lads really felt for the fans at the end of Saturday’s game, with most of them facing something like a six-hour drive home. Hopefully this will help them with the cost of travelling to our next away game at Fulham.

“These next few games are obviously vital and the support and the atmosphere at our recent win over Sunderland at Carrow Road made a massive difference. So hopefully they’ll get right behind us again this Saturday when we play West Brom, at Fulham and in all of our remaining games, to help us finish as high up the table as possible.”

Fans paid B£20 for adults and B£10 for concessions at Swansea - reduced prices as part of a deal with the Swans.

Alexander Buttner limped off, meaning Phil Jones went to leftback and winger Antonio Valencia dropped into the back four.

But Moyes, who was “delighted” with his side’s performance, told his postmatch press conference: “We defended really well when we needed to.

We were short of defenders. We were patched up, Alex Buttner had to come off and we had to find another way.

“We had to defend well because they have good attacking players. They had possession but we always knew that would be the case. It was always going to be tough for us.”

Bayern had the ball for 75 percent of the game at Old Trafford but Moyes felt United, who took the lead through a second-half header from captain

Nemanja Vidic, could have scored more goals.

Danny Welbeck had a thirdminute strike controversially chalked off and Moyes said: “I am hearing it was for a high boot.”

The England international had a second chance when he tried to chip Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and failed to beat him, and Moyes says the striker needs to finish such opportunities against top opposition.

“It was a great chance,” Moyes added. “It was very good goalkeeping as well. He stood up, the goalkeeper, but it was a great opportunity at that time of the game.

“At this level of football you do need to be clinical and when you get a chance you need to take them.

REFEREE Andre Marriner has been given another boost with the news he will take charge of this month’s FA Cup semifinal between Hull and Sheffield United.

Marriner hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he mistakenly sent off Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs during the Gunners’ 6-0 Premier League defeat by Chelsea for a handball that had been committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Neither ended up serving a suspension, with Gibbs’ red card transferred to his team-mate, who won an appeal when it was ruled he had not denied a goalscoring opportunity because the shot he handled was going wide.

Marriner received a show of support when, instead of being dropped for last weekend’s fixtures, he refereed Southampton’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle.

He has not been given a game this weekend - he will be the

FA Cup Boost For Marriner fourth official at Cardiff against Crystal Palace - but on April 13 he will take charge of the cup semi-final at Wembley.

Michael Oliver has been appointed referee for the previous day’s semi-final between Arsenal and holders Wigan.

Andre Marriner

Martin Hopes Gesture Pays Off

Russeli Martin

Spurs Stadium

New Spurs Stadium Could Open In 2017

TOTTENHAM Hotspur have announced that it is “feasible” the club could have a new stadium fully operational in the summer of 2017.

Spurs have been looking to move from their current 36,000 capacity White Hart Lane ground for several years, having initially pursued tenancy at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford before losing out to West Ham. Last year, Spurs revealed that they would instead look to build a new stadium beside their current home in North London and the club are now waiting for final confirmation from the Secretary of State before they can begin work on the site.

It appears to be no more than a formality and Tottenham

revealed that the new stadium, which is expected to hold 56,250, could be open in time for the 2017-18 season.

“It is a major development that will present ongoing challenges and subject to these challenges being manageable we anticipate going out to tender for construction late this year which will make a stadium opening date of summer 2017 feasible,” a statement on the club’s official website said.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said that the new stadium was essential if Spurs are to compete at the top of the Premier League in the future, adding: “We have fantastic, strong support. Our current 36,000 seater stadium sells out and the

waiting list for season ticket holders is currently in excess of 47,000.

“We cannot stress strongly enough how critical the new stadium is over the long-term to these raised expectations. We have the smallest capacity stadium of any club in the top 20 clubs in Europe, let alone the current top four Premier League clubs, and given we now operate within UEFA Financial Fair Play rules, an increased capacity stadium and associated revenues is fundamental to supporting the future ambitions and consistent achievement at the top of the game.

“We are optimistic for the long-term future and believe our efforts will make this great club

even greater over time. Our supporters are our life-blood and we shall ensure that they are our most important stakeholder as we move forward.”

Tottenham have previously confirmed that the new development will “maximise stadium atmosphere,” with a bowl design and single-tier stand that “will help generate an intimidating wall of sound.”

Spurs also posted their financial figures for the year ending June 30, 2013, revealing revenue of 147.4 million pounds, a two percent rise from the previous year.

Diego’s Goal Draws Rave

Guardiola Praises Man United BAYERN Munich boss Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester United as “one of the best teams in the world” after his side drew 1-1 at Old Trafford in the Champions League quarterfinals.

United’s poor form under David Moyes this season has seen their reputation plummet in alarming fashion, yet Guardiola was gushing with praise for his rivals after their improved display kept the tie in the balance heading into the second leg in Munich.

“Manchester United has one of the best teams in the world, so I am quite satisfied [with the result],” Guardiola said. “I have full confidence in my players and hope the fans in Munich will push us like the United supporters did for their team.

“We scored an away goal which is important, but we also got lucky that efforts from Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney did not go in.

The goal we conceded was difficult to defend.

“It is always dangerous when you go into the second leg with a 1-1 draw, but even a 2-1 victory would have been dangerous. We will try to win the second leg and I am sure we can do it.

“I am happy for our performance, with 70 percent possession, 15 attempts. It is not easy to create the chances, but we created quite enough.

We were reacting good after going 1-0 down. It is not an exceptional result but it is good enough considering how good Manchester United are.”

Guardiola also expressed his conviction that the red card shown to his midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger was unjust, though he shied away from suggestions that United’s Wayne Rooney had made the most of the challenge to ensure one of Bayern’s star men was sent off.

When asked if he agreed with the decision, Guardiola offer a swift rebuttal: “Absolutely not,” he said. “I spoke with the referee and he gave me his opinion. I have to respect.”

“He is a very good referee.

He made a very, very good game, but it is unfair, but it is OK. To win the Champions League you have to solve and overcome everything. In football this kind of thing happens.”

DIEGO’S opening goal for Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona was so good it nearly drew applause from the opposing manager.

Atletico survived the loss of their top-scorer Diego Costa, who left the pitch when the game was just half an hour old with a hamstring injury, to take the lead 11 minutes into the second half when the forward’s replacement Diego Ribas unleashed a rasping drive into the top corner.

“When I saw the ball go in I almost wanted to celebrate it, it was a tremendous goal,” Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino said.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone also heaped praise on the substitute, who before the match had had an uneasy two months since returning to the club on loan in January.

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“I was in a perfect position on the touchline and when he took the shot I knew it was going in. I felt pure joy,” said Simeone. “The team needed Diego to demonstrate what he is worth and he did that, and he also needed to demonstrate his worth to everyone else.

“I’m delighted for him because he’s been working so hard in silence and today was an example that hard work always pays off in football.”

Neymar equalised for the Catalans in the 71st minute and from then on Atletico were hanging on, but Simeone said he was proud of his players after they battled to a 1-1 draw.

“I’m very happy with this team, this was the most decisive game of the two years I’ve been at the club and we are still going, showing enormous heart, and the way we fought makes me so proud, and I’m

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sure the fans are proud too,” Simeone told the post-match news conference.

“I’m delighted we were able to compete with Barcelona, you don’t earn the right to do that in a day, you earn it with hard work and today we showed we can compete with them.”

The coach admitted Atleti were made to suffer in the final 20 minutes, but added: “This is the history of Atletico Madrid, always suffering, playing with their heart, never giving up, always keeping going.”

“This group of players has huge heart. More than the result, here or in the return leg, this is what makes me proud.”

Bayern Slam Ref For ‘Double Standard’

BAYERN Munich were vocal in their condemnation of the refereeing in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester United following Bastian Schweinsteiger’s red card.

Sammer told reporters. “If the referee has a line then he needs Schweinsteiger was sent off to stick to that. for only the second time in his “There is no question that Champions League career after Bastian committed a foul, but he received a second yellow card Valencia made several fouls and for a challenge on United there was his tackle on Jerome forward Wayne Rooney in the Boateng. On this level, you need 90th minute of Tuesday night’s to apply the same standards.”

1-1 draw at Old Trafford, and is Bayern centre-back Boateng set to be suspended for the echoed Sammer’s words about second leg at the Allianz Arena. his clash with Valencia.

Bayern sporting director “That was a clear second Matthias Sammer accused yellow. I’ve got a laceration referee Carlos Velasco Carballo wound on my knee,” he said. of double standards when “Looking at Valencia’s leading referring to United winger leg, I can’t understand the Antonio Valencia’s tackle on decision,” Thomas Mueller said Jerome Boateng. about the sending-off of his “If you apply the same Germany teammate. standards then I don’t know why Bayern captain Phillipp Lahm Valencia stays on the field,”

added: “That’s bitter, especially when Valencia stays on the pitch.

The difference is just too big.”

When asked if he agreed with the red card for Schweinsteiger, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: “Absolutely not. I spoke with the referee and he gave me his opinion. I have to respect [it].

“He is a very good referee. He made a very, very good game, but it is unfair, but it is OK. To win the Champions League you have to solve and overcome everything. In football this kind of thing happens.”

Schweinsteiger had earlier scored Bayern’s equaliser with a firm strike into the roof of the net, and the German media hailed his contribution while lamenting his late red card.

“Schweinsteiger red causes trouble,” the biggest German tabloid Bild headlined.

international Mario, has revealed he dreams of playing alongside his brother in the Premier League.

Enoch has previously had unsuccessful trials with Stoke and Sunderland, while in 2012 he joined English lower league side Salford City FC and last October cut his ties with Maltese side Qormi FC due to lack of playing time.

Although he neither expects, nor wants, any favours based on being the AC Milan striker’s brother, the 20-year-old believes both he and Mario are suited to playing in England, and that they could one day be on the same team.

“My dream is to be able to play alongside my brother,” La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Enoch as telling Italian magazine Chi. “That’s what I always dream about, only not in Italy but in England.

“We left our hearts and many

League with Manchester City, scoring 20 goals in 54 league appearances.

Balotelli’s Brother Wants England ENOCH Balotelli, the Mario Balotelli spent two-andLink Up younger sibling of Italy a-half seasons in the Premier friends behind there and it’s a life which, in terms of football, is absolutely ideal for us.”

Mario often attends Enoch’s matches for Italian lower-league side Vallecamonica, arguably drawing more attention than his brother on the field, but Enoch insists he does not expect any special treatment climbing the footballing ladder.

“Mario’s going his way, and I’m going mine,” he added. “I’ve never had any favours, otherwise I wouldn’t be here playing in the lower leagues.

“If I’d received favours of any kind, I very much doubt I would be playing here, but people are always insulting me for that and my skin colour. I just pretend I don’t hear them and I never react.

“In footballing terms, I am and I always will be in [Mario’s] shadow. I’ve never had a real opportunity — something which could change my life.”

Mario Balotelli

“Schweini-Red hurts Bayern severely.

“Schweini frustrated by the decision enters a short war of words with Rooney, coach Guardiola rages on the sideline. It wasn’t any use at all. Schweini will miss the return leg.”

Der Spiegel headlined “Schweinsteiger saves draw in Manchester,” while focusing on United’s counter-attacking approach.

“Manchester United did not even try to act as the big team they have been in the past decades. The English side, only seventh in Premier League, gave up the midfield without a fight. In numbers: 78 percent possession of the ball for FC Bayern.”

German broadsheet Sueddeutsche Zeitung pointed out that, after not being regularly challenged in the Bundesliga and with a “thousand-point lead,” Bayern Munich struggled to raise their game.

“While Manchester gave up the midfield completely, it was evident that the sharpness in Munich’s game can’t be reprogrammed at the flick of a switch,” Sueddeutsche

wrote. “Ten years ago, a German team would have been happy to return from the island with such a result. That FC Bayern are somewhat disappointed with that result in the spring of 2014 has to be regarded as a compliment. It speaks for the quality of the team.”

Munich tabloid tz put the spotlight on Bayern’s first-half performance.

“It was pure dominance at Old Trafford,” it wrote. “Still: No shots at the goal. To shoot from distance was, like so many times before, not part of the plan. And 18 metres in front of the Red Devils’ goal it was tight. Because 11 Devils lined up. To hell with that.”

Another Bavarian tabloid, Die Abendzeitung, asked “Rooney a diver?” and rued another setback for Bayern’s midfield department.

“Schweinsteiger’s absence in the second leg is all the more annoying because only seconds before [Javi] Martinez also saw the yellow card and will miss the reverse fixture,” it wrote. “Just like the injured Thiago [Alcantara]. Not a lot of holding midfielders left for the planned march into the semifinals.”

FIFA Hits Barcelona With Transfer Ban

BARCELONA have been banned from signing players during the next two transfer windows after failing to abide by rules governing transfers of players under 18, FIFA has announced.

FIFA carried out an investigation last year and found the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and the club guilty of several violations in relation to rules governing international transfers and registering foreign players.

A statement issued by the world governing body read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol (RFEF)

and Spanish club FC Barcelona for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

“The investigations concerned several minor players who were registered and participated in competitions with the club over various periods between 2009 and 2013.”

It added: “FC Barcelona has been found to be in breach of art. 19 of the Regulations in the case of 10 minor players and to have committed several other

concurrent infringements in the context of other players, including under Annexe 2 of the Regulations.

“The Disciplinary Committee regarded the infringements as serious and decided to sanction the club with a transfer ban at both national and international level for two complete and consecutive transfer periods, together with a fine of CHF 450,000 [$508,000 or 368,000 euros].”

FIFA also punished the RFEF with a fine amounting to $565,000 — or 410,000 euros — for violating article 19.

The statement added: “The RFEF was sanctioned with a fine of CHF 500,000 and granted a period of one year in which to regularise their regulatory framework and existing system concerning the international transfer of minors in football.”

Both the RFEF and the club were also reprimanded.

Sepp Blatter - FIFA President

New Safety Measures At Itaquerao

Gerardo Martino

Fans Of Dutch Club Force ‘Traitorous’ Manager To“AllResign DWIGHT Lodeweges has the commotion

stepped down as coach of Dutch club SC Cambuur less than a day after being threatened by supporters who gate crashed a closed training session, the club said in a statement.

Some 200 rowdy fans staged a demonstration on Tuesday after the announcement that Lodeweges, who won promotion with the Leeuwarden-based club last season and has taken them on a seven-match unbeaten run in recent weeks, would be leaving at the end of the season to take over at Heerenveen.

About 30 of them broke into the club’s stadium where Cambuur were having a closed training session as Lodeweges fled into the change rooms while his assistant Henk de Jong attempted to calm down the group.

They accused Lodeweges of being “a traitor” and demanded his immediate departure.

“He has told club management that he will not finish the season as coach of SC Cambuur and will immediately hand over to the rest of the existing technical staff,” the statement said.

around the announced departure is, according to the coach, an unworkable and destructive situation.”

Cambuur will leave assistants De Jong, Jan Bruin, Sandor van der Heide and Rene Grotenhuis in charge of their league match away at Utrecht on Wednesday, the club added.

The 56-year-old Lodeweges, who was born in Canada, replaces Marco van Basten at Heerenveen next season.

His coaching career has seen him work at PSV Eindhoven, in a caretaker capacity, FC Zwolle and Groningen and also in Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Dwight Lodeweges

BRAZILIAN organisers are adding safety features where a worker died in the stadium hosting the World Cup opener, hoping to quickly reverse an order that halted construction in part of the venue.

The addition of new safety rails on Tuesday comes a day after labour officials said the resume once the plan is installation of 20,000 approved and put into temporary seats at the practice.

The company, which Itaquerao stadium could not continue until safety reiterated that all of its safety measures were in accordance concerns were addressed.

On Saturday, a 23-year-old with Brazilian regulations, worker died after falling said that after the analysis of from about 26 feet while the report it expected installing the seats needed for construction to ‘’resume immediately so it could the opener.

After a meeting with deliver the work by the constructors, labour ministry established deadline.’’

Before the accident, FIFA officials in Sao Paulo said the work stoppage is expected to expected the venue to be continue until next week. ready about a month ahead of Construction in the rest of the the June 12 opening match stadium, which is already between Brazil and Croatia.

Sao Paulo’s vice mayor delayed, would continue as didn’t expect the work scheduled.

Fast Engenharia, the stoppage to cause significant company in charge of the delays to the stadium’s temporary structures, is construction, saying the expected to present a new installation of the temporary safety plan on Thursday to seats was a ‘’relatively simple show that all necessary job.’’ ‘’It’s not a complex measures will be implemented. Work would situation,’’ Nadia Campeao

told Radio Estadao. ‘’Even if work is stopped for a few days so the recommended adjustments can be made, it shouldn’t alter the final timetable.’’

FIFA and the local World Cup organising committee released a statement downplaying the delay caused by the work interruption, which they called ‘’standard procedure when accidents of this nature occur.’’ ‘’FIFA and the LOC support any efforts to improve workers safety by the authorities,’’ the statement said. ‘’Given the advanced state of the assembling of the temporary stands, we believe that the schedule for delivery of these areas will not be impacted.’’

A labour ministry official in Sao Paulo said the construction stoppage was

France To Maintain Headscarf religious or denominational THE French Football signs.”

Federation (FFF) has upheld Ban Following the IFAB its ban on players wearing headscarves or turbans despite an International Board ruling allowing them.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) ended a two-year trial period last month by granting both male and female players permission to wear speciallymade head coverings in competitive games.

In a statement, the FFF explained that it “had taken note of the ruling,” but that the IFAB also gave national associations a free hand in enforcing it, and so, in line

with the French state’s strictly secular structure, the FFF would uphold its own ban.

“As for the participation of French national teams in international competition on the one hand, and the organisation of national competitions on the other, the French Football Federation reiterates its concern for the respect of the constitutional and legislative secular principles that prevail in our country and figure in the statutes,” the statement read.

“Under those conditions, it maintains its ban on all

meeting in Switzerland, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke had welcomed the move and added a request from Canada’s Sikh community meant male players can also wear head coverings when playing as long as they are the same colour as their strips.

Asia’s FIFA vice-president, Prince Ali Bin Hussein of Jordan, was a driving force behind the IFAB ruling with Asian football officials saying it would give more Muslim girls the opportunity to take up the sport.

needed to eliminate the risk of another death. ‘’If there are no additional safety measures, the work can’t continue,’’ Luiz Antonio de Medeiros told the Agencia Estado news service. ‘’There was not enough protection, it was irresponsible.’’

Fast Engenharia has denied any wrongdoing and said the worker had all required safety equipment available to him at the time of the accident.

Investigators said an initial probe showed the worker didn’t connect himself to a safety cable. According to witness accounts, he said he only had a ‘’quick thing’’ to finish at the site.

Medeiros said additional safety measures could have prevented the death even if the worker wasn’t connected to his safety cable. The safety rails, which were among the requirements made by the labour officials, were being added around areas where workers installed the temporary seats.

Construction was already behind schedule at the Itaquerao stadium because of the damage caused by another accident that killed two workers following a crane collapse in late November.

A giant roofing structure fell on part of the stadium’s facade, significantly pushing back the stadium’s date of completion. The stadium, being built by popular Brazilian club Corinthians, is expected to cost about $490 million. In addition to the opener, it will host three group matches, one secondround game and one of the semifinals.

6 Cyclists For Togo Tour THE Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) yesterday said six of the country’s cyclists would participate in the Togo Tour scheduled for April 12.

Mohammed Bashir, the NCF Technical Director, told newsman in Lagos in a telephone interview that the team would depart for Togo on April 10.

Bashir said three officials would accompany the cyclists on the Tour He said the cyclists were currently intensifying training for the competition.

“Presently, they are in Owerri intensifying their training. After the monthly Classy Race in Port Harcourt, they will depart for Lagos.

“They will leave Lagos for Togo where we expect them to give us a good showing,” he said.

Bashir said the duo of Emmanuel Innocent and John Preye, who have been in South Africa on a training tour, would be among the six cyclists.

According to reports, both cyclists had been in South Africa for an NCF-sponsored training tour because of their performances as junior cyclists.

The Togo Tour is the first continental competition the NCF will participate in this year.

Commonwealth Games Coaches Task Handlers On Athletes’ Selections

Aminu Maigari

2014 FIFA World Cup

2.57m Tickets Already Allocated To Fans

A total of 2,577,662 tickets for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil have already been allocated through all sales phases and channels to date.

A statement by the FIFA and other constituent groups.

The second period of the Media Office on Tuesday said these tickets included those second sales phase closed on for the hospitality programme Tuesday with a total of

have been more.

“If the Eagles had scored a lot more goals against his team he won’t be talking this much. The Eagles are undoubtedly a class above the Antelopes,” Mgbolu said.

The Walya Antelopes are currently ranked 100th in the world, 53 places behind the Eagles who are ranked 47th

by FIFA.

301,929 tickets allocated.

These were from the 345,000 tickets originally available, and they had gone primarily to residents of Brazil, the U.S., Colombia, Australia, Argentina and England, in this order.

Across all general public sales’ phases, 1,591,435 tickets have been allocated to supporters, with 65 per cent to Brazilians and 35 per cent to international fans.

Brazil remains the country with the most tickets assigned so far (1,041,418), followed by the U.S. (154,412), Australia (40,681), England (38,043) and Colombia (33,126).

The statement said 261,988 tickets were sold at a

discounted rate in all categories to the Bolsa Familia, as well as the elderly and students.

The Last Minute Sales phase starts on April 15 via FIFA.com/tickets and runs until the end of the tournament.

The availability per match is constantly updated in the relevant chart directly on FIFA.com.

From the beginning of the Last Minute Sales, Brazilian fans will only be able to pay by payment card.

Visa is the preferred payment method of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, while cash payment will be accepted for over the counter sales, which only start on June 1.

the Flying Eagles on Wednesday, April 9 after playing a game for the Manchester City youth team, an official said on Tuesday.

A statement by the national under-20 male team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, disclosed that the Flying Eagles team secretary Aliyu Ibrahim, gave this indication

received the confirmation of the players’ arrival from the English Premier League clubside’s sports director.

“Iheanacho and Nwakali have a game on Tuesday, April 8 and they will be released to join us a day after.

“I received this assurance from the sports director of Manchester City,” Ibrahim

disclosed in the statement.

It further quoted Ibrahim as saying the team was hopeful of receiving confirmation very soon on the other foreign-based players the coaches had called up.

Reports say that the Flying Eagles have also invited Musa Muhammed of

Ex-NFA Spokesman Hits Back At Former Ethiopian Coach

A former Spokesman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Austin Mgbolu, on Tuesday expressed his disappointment with a former Ethiopian Coach, Sewnet Bishaw, for alleging that FIFIA favoured the Super Eagles to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. Bishaw recently alleged that the Walya Antelopes failed to qualify for Brazil 2014 World Cup because FIFA had favoured the Eagles to progress.

Mgbolu told newsmen that Bishaw’s claims were irrelevant, urging the Ethiopian authorities to call the coach to order.

Bishaw was sacked as coach of the Ethiopian national team, following the the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, after the Eagles had advanced 4-1, at the expense of the East Africans, over a two-legged

TWO athletics coaches say they want handlers of athletes to the 2014 Commonwealth Games to look beyond high performance index in selecting athletes for the Games.

The Games are scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) in 2013 benchmarked the various levels of performance for selecting athletes for national assignments.

The duo of Isaac OsagieIkhaobomeh, an assistant national coach and Uruemu Adu, a coach with the Lagos State Grassroots Sports, in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday cautioned against exclusive use of performance index for

encounter.

“I think Bishaw has crossed the line with such unguarded utterance and the world should not listen to the words of a drowned man.

“The Eagles are and have always been a powerhouse in African football and we qualified for the World Cup at the expense of the Ethiopians convincingly.

“Therefore, his comments at this point are immaterial and it’s high time the Ethiopian authorities called him to order before he drags their football into disrepute.”

The former NFA spokesman said that Bishaw should have considered it a privilege playing against the Eagles, the current African champions.

“He is fortunate that the play-off encounter against the Eagles only ended on a 4-1 aggregate score line. It should

selecting athletes.

Osagie-Ikhaobomeh said: “It will not be in national interest to domesticate a western idea hook, line and sinker without taking into cognizance our peculiar situation.

“Our athletes’ consistency is difficult to guarantee, especially in a high profile event like the Commonwealth Games.”

According to him, an athlete can do well during trials, but perform below par during the main event.

He added that reliance on athletes’ performance at trials could be misleading.

Adu said: “Most of them in camp have the attributes of a good sprinter which is what the crew is leveraging to make the athletes hit stardom.

“It will not also be advisable to hinge their ability to deliver on spontaneous performance alone as human ability vary based on many factors.”

He urged the managers not to be carried away by athletes’ fluctuating performance to impress coaches in a bid to enlist them.

Adu urged the crew to give preference to foreignbased athletes, saying they are more exposed than the home-based whose sole aim is to participate in Games.

“They can sustain their high level performance at the Games proper than the less exposed local ones,” he said.

The All Nigeria/Cross River Open Athletics Championships holding in July will be used to select athletes for the Commonwealth Games.

Man City To Release Iheanecho, Nwakali Besiktas in Turkey and Musa KELECHI Iheanacho and in Abuja.

April 9 Yahaya of Tottenham Chidiebere Nwakali will join It said Ibrahim said he

Hotspur in England.

The team also called up Chidera Eze of FC Porto in Portugal and Dele Alampasu, who is currently undergoing trials in Belgium.

Reports say that the team is currently preparing in Abuja for their qualifier for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC).

CMYK

Who were Sanusi’s Supervisors?

WE have already embarked on a gradual descent to anomie. Some day soon, when we arrive at destination, we shall have no difficulty in recognizing it. The early signs are very clear: we now have a country where evil is constantly celebrated and where people get away with murder in the manner of providing comic relief. We just laugh and get entertained.

But it hurts for the columnist to stay awake all night, only for what he produces to be reduced to the basic entertainment levels that are not any different from the Lagos Life series of yester years. Elsewhere, journalists are the mirror through which society is viewed and their products are taken seriously as pointers to the rots in society.

In native parlance, we must now borrow leg and quickly run away from the Sanusi saga, lest monotony sets in to catch us at the middle of it all.

The Sanusi episode is one area where we have written close to half a dozen articles and it is not in our character to keep flogging a dead horse, particularly against the backdrop that our main target audience may have sufficiently stuck his ears with cotton wool to ensure he is not listening to our trash.

Even where we expect no answers, there are still some salient questions that must be asked on this monotonous Sanusi affair, if only as a peep into the future.

Certainly, Sanusi is the man of the hour in this our entertainment stage.

Some questions must be asked before attention shifts from him. First, it takes two to tango and it is becoming increasingly clear that in the Sanusi episode, somebody must have been sleeping on duty.

Rome, they say, was not built in one day but the building of Rome

started in one day.

Sanusi’s misdeeds did not occur in one day. They built up over time. If from the sidelines, we were able to see that much of Sanusi’s misdemeanors, those at the centre stage must have seen much more. The questions are: who were Sanusi’s supervisors? Where were they when the world was crumbling on all of us?

Somebody somewhere must have been sleeping on duty. These are some of the issues we shall examine here, without intending to defend Sanusi. It is even foolhardy to do so.

At the risk of repetition, we cannot undertake the current exercise without a glimpse into some of the charges against Sanusi: Mr. Governor, Sir, in about 63 “Intervention projects” mainly in your native Northern Nigeria, and sparsely in the South, you turned the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, into a Father Christmas of sorts.

Under this scheme, you doled out about N163 billion from the public till without any legislative approval and authorization, in utter defiance of the provisions of Sections 80(1) and 80(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which deal with issues of revenue and expenditure of the Federation.

In August 2009, the CBN, under your watch, pumped N400 billion of public money into bailing out Afribank, Intercontinental Bank, Union Bank, Oceanic Bank and Finbank. Again, the CBN single-handedly decided which of the commercial banks manifested distress signs and how much to give to them — without recourse to any legislative approval.

In the eye of the Financial Reporting

Council, FRC, the CBN under your watch embarked on a most reckless spending spree, the type of squander mania never imagined in the history of the CBN, which included N38.23 billion alleged missing in 2013. This amount was alleged to have been paid to the CBN subsidiary, MINT, but which never got

N1 billion to Emirate, Wing and Associated Airlines respectively, for currency distribution nationwide. While Emirate has no local charter service, Wing Airline is not even registered in Nigeria and Associated Airline had a total turnover of less than N1 billion in that year!

The list of rots in the CBN, which cannot be

Sanusi’s watch. Lest you forget, from our distance, we reminded Nigerians at various points that Sanusi was operating a Republic within a Republic. To mention but a few instances, our articles, “Still Celebrating Profligacy” and “Who Is

contained here, is an arm long. Yet, in the process, Sanusi had an avalanche of Supervisors. If Sanusi is guilty as charged, his Supervisors are ten times guilty.

Enter President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan: Mr. President, Sir, you cannot feign total ignorance of the goingson at the CBN under

Now the President?” in this Column as far back as 2011 and 2013 were exclusively devoted to the Sanusi escapade. But it was convenient for you to remain mute because Sanusi was apparently reporting well. All the same, everyone has his day in court. It was when Sanusi touched on the sore-point, the very

• Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

to its destination. In 2011, CBN was said to have paid N38 billion to the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC, for the printing of banknotes when in the entire year the total turnover of NSPMC was only N29 billion!

In same year, 2011, CBN claims paying N511 million, N425 million and

nerve-centre of the anticipated campaign funding source, NNPC, that you suddenly woke up form slumber!

And now, the National Assembly and its bogus Committees: Distinguished and Honourables, you cannot escape culpability in the Sanusi affair. You looked the other way while Nigeria burnt. You pretended to be tough on him during the 2013 appropriations. He bluffed you and apparently bought his way through.

That was when you descended heavily on the equity market, thus leaving its opposite number, the CBN, to operate freely albeit dubiously. Ms Arunma Oteh, the Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, refused to play ball hence you descended on her by denying her organization of the needed funds since the 2013 appropriations.

CBN required no discipline. After all, your man there was a midfielder.

Can we now see the mess into which balling has pushed us? And why is anyone still talking of Sanusi’s culpability to the exclusion of all the super accomplices?

“The questions are: who were Sanusi’s supervisors?

Where were they when the world was crumbling on all of us? Somebody somewhere must have been sleeping on duty. These are some of the issues we shall examine here, without intending to defend Sanusi. It is even foolhardy to do so.”

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