Nigerian observer 19 11 2013

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 • NO.357 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 20 13 • N100. 0 0 CUTTING EDGE

Page 13 Adams Oshiomhole

Architect of modern Edo State

Edo HOS retires at 60

BENIN CITY – The Inneh family and the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin weekend rolled out their drums to celebrate a quintessential Princess Mrs Ekiuwa Inneh who hit double, celebrating her 60th birthday and

retirement as Edo State Head of Service.

Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh at a thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church to mark her retirement from the state Civil Service after 27 years meritorious service

took the first reading from the Book of Wisdom Chapter 7 In his homily, the officiating Priest, Rev. Fr. Paul Bessong Enow who dwelt on the gospel of Luke Chapter 17 praised the retired Head

of Service, for deeming it necessary to organize the thanksgiving Mass.

Rev. Fr. Enow remarked that, “the Lord wants man to give him thanks in every situation,” referring to 1st Continues on page 2

Edo House suspends 2 council Chairmen, NUTRITIONAL HEALTH & DIETETICS Page 14 Why we can’t live forever

By KEN ABU/PATRICK OJENOR

BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution approving the suspension of the Executive and the legislative arms of Orhionmwon Local Government Council Area for dereliction of duty. the request of the Also suspended for two Governor contained in a months was the letter dated November chairman, Uhunmwode 18, 2013 and titled Local Government “suspension of the Council, Hon. Roland Executive and legislative Alari for unlawful invasion arms of Orhionmwon of the council’s legislative Council Area.” chambers with thugs who According to the inflicted bodily harm on request of the Governor the councilors on which was read by the November 14, 2013.

Deputy Clerk, Mr. James The adoption of the Omoataman, the resolution on the floor of Executive Chairman, parliament yesterday Hon. Roland followed the hearing of Ibierutomwen, the Vice

Orhionmwon Councillors

Chairman, Secretary to the council and all the 12 councilors of the legislative arm embarked on a foreign trip without authorization.

This development invariably provoking a public outcry from

members of Orhionmwon Communities and also posing an embarrassment to the state government.

Initiating debate on the Governor’s request, Hon. Philip Shaibu said that the action of the

executive and legislative arms of Orhionmwon council area negates good governance at the grassroots.

Shaibu further said that the request of the Governor to suspend the council boss and the 12

councillors draws its strength from section 20 (16) of the amended year 2000 local government law.

The section states that, if “the Governor is satisfied that the Continues on page 2

... Approves Virement for 2013 Appropriation Law

By KEN ABU BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution approving Virement in the year 2013 Appropriation Law. The approval of the virement in the year 2013 Appropriation Law is sequel to the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Appropriation and Budget on the virement of the amended 2013 budget which was later followed by the

consideration of the vired 2013 budget at the committee of supply.

According to Hon. Peter Aliu, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, November 11, 2013, the supplementary budget earlier submitted by the executive was amended as virement for the amended 2013 budget when it was observed that some heads and sub-heads estimate in the year 2013 budget had monies in excess.

This resulted in

TIT BIT “One of the biggest problems in today’s world is the vast number of persons, who are looking for those to assist them in understanding the manual of how to use their talent.”

- Kingsley-Ogbeide-Ihama

accessibility of funds and while others had overshot their budget estimate.

This, according to Hon. Aliu, was done in collaboration with the effort of the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning which will allow for easy payment of salaries.

In doing this he said the Continues on page 2

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, watching Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) removing some wares displayed on the walkway on New Lagos Road in Benin City yesterday. Photo: CHARITY OZIGBO-ESERE.

Oshiomhole redeploys Transport Commissioner, sacks 5 EDSTMA officials

By ADAMS OYIBOKE / OYENMWEN OMOROGBE

BENIN CITY – Worried by the dismal performance of the officers and men of the

Edo State Traffic Management Agency, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday sacked 5 Officials of (EDSTMA)

even as he ordered the redeployment of the Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Iriogbe Isimeme as General Duties Commissioner.

A release signed by the Chief of Staff (COS) to the Governor Patrick Obahiagbon, Esq said that the Commissioner for Special Duties (Oil

Prof. James Epoke, who made the declaration after collating results from

the 21 local governments, said he could not announce the overall winner because Continues on page 2

INEC declares Anambra election inconclusive

AWKAThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Saturday’s gubernatorial

election in Anambra inconclusive.

The returning officer,

and Gas) Mr. Omo-Ojo Orobosa now takes charge of the Ministry of Transport.

The statement added that the decision was designed to further strengthen the government and step up its developmental agenda to a higher pedestal.

The redeployment according Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

News

Edo HOS retires at 60

Continued from page 1

Thessalonians chapter 5: 17 and 18 which encourage everyone to live a life of thanksgiving which is a door for the Lord to do more for his people.

Princess (Mrs.) Inneh, her husband, Mr. Daniel Inneh, children and well wishers, later danced to the alter for their thanksgiving offering.

At reception which followed the church service, the chairman of the occasion, Major General Godwin Abbe (Rtd) poured encomium on Princess (Mrs.) Inneh for her simplicity inspite of her royalty which he said, endeared her to many.

While appreciating guests who graced the occasion, Princess Inneh said she owed her gratitude to God who gave

her the opportunity to serve the state.

She thanked the entire royal family and Oba Akenzua II who contributed to her educational pursuits.

Continued from page 1

chairman of the local government council is not

discharging his council function under the law in a manner conducive to the welfare of inhabitants of his area of his (chairman) authority as a whole, upon the request of the Governor, the Edo State House of Assembly by a resolution may suspend the local government chairman for a period not exceeding two

monies under various heads and sub-heads of the 2013 budget estimates.

Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe in his submission directed that clean copies of the vired and amended 2013 budget estimate be forwarded to the governor for his immediate action.

Oshiomhole redeploys Transport Commissioner

Continued from page 1

to the release “takes immediate effect”.

M eanwhile, Governor

Adams Oshiomhole was perturbed at the flagrant display of wares/goods by traders on walk-ways around mission road and New Lagos road by new Benin market area.

Governor Oshiomhole apparently dissatisfied with the attitudes of the traders in both areas inspected ordered the confistication of their wares/goods.

He also impounded about nine-teen vehicles that were wrongly parked at the right of way.

At mission road axis by Kings Square, a total of six (6) vehicles were towed on the orders of the Comrade Governor to Government House while thirteen others from new Benin market indiscriminately parked on the road side were also towed to government house.

The action which could be described as total raid on traders using the walk-way was hailed by other lawabiding traders and passersby as a way of entrenching sanity and sustaining government’s developmental agenda especially at the state capital.

Speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER shortly after the inspection, the former Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Iriogbe Isimeme expressed government’s determination to discourage traders from

members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and all who contributed to her success story.

Edo House suspends 2 council Chairmen

Continued from page 1

... Approves Virement for 2013 Appropriation Law

size of the 2013 budget was still intact as monies for personal cost was only vired under the various heads and sub-heads of the budget estimate.

Parliament at the Committee of Whole approved the virement of

She also thanked the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu,

using the walk-way for trading purposes.

He said “all goods seized will be destroyed in line with government’s policy as deterrent to other traders”.

The former commissioner for transport, however, advised commuters and motorists against indiscriminate parking on the right of way stressing that government is mapping out strategy for adequate parking lots in the state capital.

It will be recalled that two weeks ago, the Comrade Governor while on inspection to construction site stopped over at Mission road and new Benin market respectively where he warned traders against the use of walk-way for trading activities.

months.”

The Majority Leader further said that the resolution of parliament asking council chairman to reside in their respective council area for effective governance at the grassroots has not yet been observed, thereby posing a major challenge to development at the grassroot.

The request of the governor attracted strong criticism from the majority of the lawmaker’s suspension of the council functionaries.

Presenting his submission, the speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe while condemning the actions of the of council functionaries also called on the House Standing Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to investigate the extent of compliance with the resolution of parliament directing council chairman to reside in their council area, with a mandate to report to parliament.

The suspension of the chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council followed the hearing of a matter of urgent Public Importance presented by Hon. Kabir Adjoto during yesterday’s plenary session.

Hon. Adjoto in his presentation disclosed that Hon. Alari on November 14, 2013 stormed the legislative chambers of the council with thugs who with dangerous weapons inflicted bodily harm on councilors.

The lawmaker further said that the actions of the council boss amounts to executive rascality and recklessness which must be investigated.

The majority leader of the

House, Hon. Philip Shaibu in his contributions to the matter called on parliament to take a tough position through the resolution in checking the abuse of executive powers at the grassroots by council chairman, which, according to him, may be spreading from council to council if unaddressed by parliament.

Majority of the lawmakers supported the call for his immediate suspension to allow for investigation into the violent conduct of the council boss.

Parliament in its submission resolved that Alari proceed on suspension for two months in the first instance while the conduct investigation into his violent conduct is on.

Hon. Uyi Igbe in his submission directed that all properties in the chairman’s possession be handed over to the Vice/Chairman while an Ad-hoc Committee headed by Hon. Paul Ohonbamu is to investigate the violence credited to Hon. Alari at the Secretariat on November 14, 2013 with a view to submitting its report within two weeks.

Meanwhile, Last week, the Orhionmwon Local Government Area Youth Congress in Edo State had passed vote of no confidence on the local government administration and called for their resignation from their various positions in the council.

The congress chairman, Comrade Mike Eghaghe said that the Local Government Chairman, Chief Roland Ibierutomwen had not carried out any single project in the local government area. He had berated their trip to Italy.

Epoke said the figure of registered voters in the affected areas was 113,113.

“For us to have a winner, we must have a result where the difference between the two leading candidates will be more than the number of registered voters in those areas where election did not hold.

“The difference between APGA’s 174,710 and PDP’s 94,956 is 79,754 which is less than the votes in the areas where the election was cancelled. Because of this we cannot return the winner in this election.

“The commission will arrange a date for, not a rerun, but a supplementary election in only those areas

that election was cancelled.

“In that case we have this election as inconclusive because the total number of cancelled votes is more than the difference between the candidate with the highest number of votes and the runner up.

“We want to appeal to the political parties to allow the election to go on smoothly whenever it will hold and not disrupt the supplementary election as was done in this case,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the result released so far, the local government areas won by APGA are Aguata, Orumba North, Orumba South, Onitsha North, Onitsha south, Ihiala, Ayamelum,

FG appoints Obi Dunkwu into NOA board BENIN CITY – The Federal Government has appointed Omu of Okpanam, Obi Martha Dunkwu as a member of the National Orientation Agency Board (NOAB).

The Board was inaugurated on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the NOA Headquarters Abuja.

She has similarly been appointed into the Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Obi Dunkwu is the public Relations Consultant to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa.

Born at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Martha Dunkwu attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Barkin Ladi, Plateau State and St. Mulumba’s College, Okpanam, Delta State, worked for a couple of years in the Ministry of Finance, Benin City, Edo State before proceeding to L.T.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies, London, England.

She also attended South West London College, England, Henderson State University, Arkansas and University of Nevada, United States of America.

Obi Martha Dunkwu was crowned Omu of Okpanam on 26th January, 2002 and Omu Anioma on 15th January, 2010.

Also on 7th October, 1998, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin presented Obi Martha Dunkwu Royal Beads (Ivie-Urhu-Beaded Necklace).

She is a member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member,

Institute of Administrative Management (MIAM), England, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM), Past and first female President, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Past and first female President, Delta State Council of Chambers of commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DELCIMMA) and member of Executive, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

In 2001, the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England selected Obi Martha Dunkwu to be included in the “2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st century.” Excerpts of the award read: “The Oxford English Dictionary defines intellectualism as the “Doctrine that Knowledge is wholly or mainly derived from pure reason” and it follows by saying that an intellectual is a person possessing a good understanding, enlightened person.” Surely, therefore, this definition is the reason for your selection to be included in this prestigious publication.

Obi Martha Dunkwu

INEC declares Anambra election inconclusive

Continued from page 1

of irregularities in some

parts of the state.

Epoke, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said the number of registered voters in the areas where election was cancelled was significant and above the difference between the leading candidate and the closest rival.

According to him, result collated so far showed that Chief Willie Obiano of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) scored 174,710 votes and is closely followed

by Mr Tony Nwoye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with 94,956 with a difference of 79,754 votes.

Nnewi South, Njikoka,Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Awka North, Awka South, Anambra East and Anambra West.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won in Dunukofia and Oyi local governments to place second with a total of 94,956 votes.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won Idemili North and Idemili South with a total of 92,300 votes to place third.

The Labour Party came fourth with 37,446 votes and Progressives Peoples Alliance fifth with 5,056 votes.

The total number of registered voters in the state

is 1,763,751; the number of accredited voters was 451,825; the number of votes cast was 429,549 while valid votes were 413,005 with 16,544 rejected.

Epoke said that Idemili North had the highest number of canclled votes with 89,997 from six wards or 160 polling units and other areas affected included Omor and Ayamelum, while in Aguluzigbo, Anocha Local Government Area, a ballot box was snatched.

The other areas involved in the the supplementary election include parts of Onitsha South, Ihiala, Ayamelum, Oyi, Orumba North, Aguata, Idemili South and Awka North.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

News Inconclusive Governorship Election

Ohaneze Sues For Peace

NKWELLE EZUNAKA (Anambra) - The Ohaneze Ndigbo, a pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has urged the people of Anambra to remain calm amidst challenges surrounding the November 16 i n c o n c l u s i v e governorship elections.

The President of Ohaneze in the state, Chief Chris Eluemunoh, made the call in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, yesterday in an interview with newsmen.

Eluemunoh, who was reacting to the announcement of an inconclusive election in the state by INEC, urged the people not to engage in any form of violence.

“The people should not allow politicians to use them because at the end of the day, they will wine and dine in one table,” he said.

Eluemunoh, however,

commended the people for being law abiding during the election, urging them to go about their normal businesses.

The president urged the electoral body to ensure that it addressed all the problems experienced during the election.

He advised aggrieved politicians to go to court rather than resorting to violence.

According to him, politics is a game where you have winners and losers. ”We should learn how to be good losers and not bad losers in any game,” the president said.

The November16 governorship election in the state witnessed some hitches that led to rescheduling of election in 65 wards in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

Other challenges experienced included cases of missing names in

the voters register and late arrival of election materials.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, earlier said that the circumstances surrounding the election were not strong enough to cancel the entire election in the state.

INEC, however, declared the election inconclusive, saying that a supplementary election would be conducted in some parts of the state at a later date.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) congratulating Chief Manson Uwmwen Odubu, the father of the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, Okaevbo of Urhomehe after his installation as the Okaevbo at the weekend. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

UCH Begins Programmes To Mark 56th Anniversary

IBADAN- University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has commenced three days of activities to mark its 56th anniversary.

The anniversary programmes with the theme, “Rebirth of Excellence; Caring for the Elderly’’, will end tomorrow, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said.

Alonge told newsmen that

the year had given unprecedented attention to the plight of the elderly in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the hospital keyed into this current global health focus by choosing the theme to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the hospital,” he said.

Alonge said activities lined up for the programme included a hospital grand round, morning walk by the elderly and the inauguration of the hospital’s new multipurpose hall.

He enumerated few of the hospital’s achievements in the past 12 months as the inauguration of two new wards for the use of the Paediatric Department.

“In response to the desire to expand healthcare needs and improve service delivery of our children, we commissioned: South East Ground Ward and Infectious Diseases Ward.

“In addition, the hospital has commissioned a new Paediatric Surgery Ward exclusively for children requiring surgical attention.

With this dedicated Ward, it is believed that surgical services for children will be on the upward trend,” he said.

Alonge also said that the management completed a multipurpose hall to provide a befitting hall for conferences and other needs.

“Needs assessment were

P/HARCOURT - Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers has urged Nollywood practitioners to put more professional touches into their movies in order to create a more responsible film industry.

Amaechi said this night at the Government House, Port Harcourt, at a Dinner organised

for nominees of the Best of Nollywood Awards 2013.

The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnabuihe Imegwu, described the Nigerian film industry as a very important mirror meant to portray

carried out by the management of the hospital before embarking on these projects and I believe that as other needs arise, management will also rise to meet them as best as she can,” he said.

He said that UCH remained the pride of the nation in respect of healthcare delivery.

On the issue of the resident doctors’ strike at UCH, Alonge stressed that it remained a national issue and not local.

“Their salaries should be paid by the Federal Government and I believe they are doing everything possible to pay them the money.

“I hope they will be paid before the month end so that they could start work,” he said.

Amaechi Urges Nollywood To Protect Nigeria’s Image

Ohen-Osa, Harrison Okao, Holy Aruosa Cathedral (left) congratulating the Okaevbo of Urhomehe, Manson Umweni Odubu after his installation at the weekend. Photo: MOSES OBOH.

LG Commissions More Projects

OTUA-IHIEVBE(Edo State) – The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Hon. (Bar.) Jimoh Ijegbai has commissioned another sets of three classrooms blocks and a Primary Halth Care Centre in furtherance of his administration’s commitment to education and health care delivery.

The blocks of classrooms fitted with modern furniture, ceiling fans, headmaster’s office and toilet facilities are sited at Otuajabor Primary School, Otua-Ihievbe; Ekpenga Primary School, Ikhin and Ogholugbo Primary School, Imabun-Otuo where a

Primary Health Care Centre was also inaugurated.

Speaking during the inauguration of the projects, the council boss reiterated the importance of education to his administration, stressing that any investment on the child was not a wasted one.

He said gone are the days when politicians make promises without fulfilling them, noting that his administration has kept faith with its electioneering campaign promises with he construction of modern primary schools in each ward of the Local Government Area.

The chairman acknowledged

the contributions of the benefiting communities to the electoral victories of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last elections, and assured that the APC-led administration in Owan East is determined to use the resources of the council for the benefit of the people.

Barrister Ijegbai enjoined the people of the locality to continue to support the APC as there are more projects billed for execution in next year’s budget, including the fencing of some of the schools already commissioned.

He charged all the benefiting communities to ensure adequate protection of the

facilities, saying government may not be disposed to replacing any vandalised property in the face of its dwindling resources.

In appreciation of the Chairman’s developmental strides, the village Head of Imafun-Otuo High Chief Jorom Jatto, on behalf of the entire community, passed a vote of implicit confidence on the council boss, assuring him of their continued support.

He particularly thanked Barrister Ijegbai for completing and equipping the Primary Health Care Centre which was abandoned for several years and assured that the first male

child to be delivered in the Centre will be named after the council chairman.

Venues of the inaugurations witnessed large turnout of school children, community leaders, women and the elderly who showered encomium on the chairman and his entourage including the council executive, councillors, politicians, party leaders as well as APC admirers/supporters for the local government developmental stride.

The commissioning brings to 12, the number of blocks of three classrooms constructed by the Ijegbai administration, while four more are awaiting commissioning.

the society in a responsible way.

“Nollywood represents Nigeria both at home and overseas. It is part of our everyday life here in Nigeria.

“Overseas, it is an export commodity and the world sees us through most of the movies we shoot and send out.

“The film industry should, therefore, be responsible in representing the country and we should always support it.’’

The organiser of the awards, Mr Seun Oloketuyi, said that the awards had come a long way in its five years of existence.

“We are seeking to uplift the industry and encourage professionalism among our practitioners.

“We will maintain a responsible industry.’’

Oloketuyi also called for more government’s support for the Nigerian film industry.

Among the popular Nollywood actors at the event were Segun Arinze, Fathia Balogun, Adaora Ukoh, John Okafor, Foluke Daramola and Eniola Badmus.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

News

Frequent Dehydration Of Skin, Major Cause Of Eczema -Dermatologist

ABUJA - A dermatologist, Dr. Hastrup Ibikunle, has attributed eczema to frequent dehydration of the skin.

Ibikunle also said that avoiding extreme temperature and known irritants could help to reduce the severity of eczema.

Ibikunle told newsmen in Abuja that eczema was a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also called dermatitis.

“The most common form of eczema is a topic dermatitis; sometimes these two terms are used interchangeably.

Wikipedia, the online dictionary, says eczema is a Greek word “to boil over” also known as a topic dermatitis.

It is a form of chronic inflammation of the skin.

Eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions; these include dryness and recurring skin rashes.

Ibikunle, however, said that there were many different forms of eczema.

“Eczema is most common in infants and young children. All races can be affected.

“Triggers of eczema outbreaks can be environmental irritants or allergens, substances like soaps, perfumes, or chemicals; food allergies, lifestyle stress or changes in temperature or humidity.

‘Up to 20 per cent of children and not less than two per cent of adults are believed to have

eczema.

‘Eczema is slightly more common in girls than in boys. It occurs in people of all races.

‘Eczema is not contagious but since it is believed to be, at least, partially inherited, it is not uncommon to find members of the same family affected,” the dermatologist explained.

According to him, the prevalence of the disease worldwide depends upon the region; up to 10 per cent of adults and 30 per cent of children can be affected.

‘The prevalence of the condition is increasing. No clear risk factors have been identified, although those with a family history of allergic diseases are likely to be at greater risk,’’ he said.

Ibikunle said any region of the body could be affected by eczema but noted that it typically occurred on the face, neck and the insides of the elbow, knees and ankle.

“In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

“It causes dry, reddened skin that itches or burns, although the appearance of eczema varies from person to person and varies according to the specific type of eczema,’’ he said.

He said it could sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only led to symptoms for a few hours or days.

“However, in other cases, the

symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis,’’ Ibikunle said.

He said there was no cure for eczema “but one can take steps to manage symptoms and reduce the severity of outbreaks.

Ibikunle said one could reduce the symptoms by avoiding overbathing, applying moisturiser frequently, especially after bathing.

“Others are bathing in warm, not hot water, and using a mild soap, limiting or avoiding contact with

known irritants like soaps, perfumes, detergents, jewellery and environmental irritants.’’

He said death from eczema was rare but the morbidity (discomfort and disability) with eczema was significant in both adults and children, which

led to absence from work and school.

“Itching also increases the financial and psychological burden within a family,’’ he said.

Ibikunle said that as with any condition characterised by itchy skin, scratching could lead to skin wounds and secondary bacterial

L-R: Former PDP Secretary Anambra State, Dr Tony Akachukwu, Deputy Director Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation, Mr Chike Anyaonu and PDP Governorship candidate for Anambra election, Mr Tony Nwoye during a news conference on the conduct of the election at Awka, Anambra State on Sunday.

Austin-Susan Traditional Marriage Holds Nov 23 Dismantling of pavilions at Tafawa Balewa square at the end of Lagos International Trade Fair recently.

IT will be a moment of joy, celebration and exchange of bounties as the families of Aghayo Onaghise and Chief Ojo Enoma come together on Saturday, November 23, 2013 to formally witness the traditional marriage ceremony of their children, Susan Onaghise and Chief Austin Enoma (The Enobare of Benin Kingdom).

LG Commends Forum’s Commitment To AFUZE- The Chairman of as pace setter in the state.

Owan East Local Government Afemai Cause Responding, Hon. Ijegbai Council, Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai has commended the leadership of Afenmai forum for keeping the spirit of Afenmai alive.

Hon. Ijegbai said Afenmai forum is ore desired now, especially when the Comrade Governor of Edo State is a son of Afenmai land.

He assured that his administration would support Afenmai Forum in all ramifications in order to make the forth coming Afenmai day celebration a success.

Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai made these known when he played host to the financial subcommittee of Afenmai forum in his office in Afuze.

Hon. Justice Abdulsalam Abiri, Vice- President of the forum and leader of the delegation commended the council boss for his outstanding performance through the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of Owan East.

He said the essence of the visit was to intimate the council boss of the upcoming Afenmai Day Ceremony which would hold in Sabonbgidda-Ora later this year.

The celebration he said would feature important activities including, display by Afenmai musicians, interactive session amongst Afenmai indigenes and public lecture by prominent

infections.

“People who develop atopic dermatitis often progress to develop other forms of allergic disease.

‘Up to 30 per cent of people with atopic dermatitis will develop asthma and about 35 per cent develop allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies),’’ he said.

Afenmai sons.

In a related development, the National Association of Private Proprietor of Schools (NAPPS), Afuze Chapter, led by its chairman Rev. David Aghaghowa paid a courtesy visit to the Owan East Council Boss in his office.

During the visit, Rev Aghaghowa remarked that Hon. Ijegbai’s complimentary efforts in developing the education sector is visible to everyone.

He commended the Council Boss for the primary schools commissioned so far, distribution of free notebooks to pupils and provision of desk with chairs in order to create a conducive learning environment, describing Owan East

said that education must be treasured and supported at all rimes in order to produce better future leaders.

Hon. Ijegbai said that his administration is not competing with the private schools, but only complementing their effort in order to provide standard education to every child in the Local Government Area.

He frowned at the high level of examination malpractice and charged private school s owners to be more dedicated to teaching of their pupils and students just while urging them to inculcate morals in them.

Austin and Susan

The ceremony will hold at the bride’s family compound, No. 3, Igouvenmwen-Iyoha Town in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State at 12.00 Noon prompt It will be chaired by Chief (Hon.) Benson Osifo, the Agbomoba of Benin Kingdom and supported by other dignitaries.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Across The Nation Abia NUT Denies Mismanaging N92m UMUAHIA - The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abia has allegedly mismanaged N92 million accruing from Teachers Retirement Scheme (TRS), a source said.

A reliable NUT source made the disclosure to newsmen in Umuahia.

The source told newsmen that N5.8 million of the fund was excess deduction from the salaries of teachers in Aba South Local Government Education Authority.

“The latest data we collated indicate that more than N91 million has so far entered into the account of the union from TRS alone,’’ the source said.

The source accused the NUT Caretaker Committee led by Mr Enoch Omeoga, of embarking on “spending spree’’ by acquiring cars and choice property across

Eguavoen Community Gets New Exco BENIN CITY – A new executive has been constituted for Eguavoen community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The executive which has Mr. Ogbewi Emumwen as chairman Monday Otasogie, secretary and Charles was sworn-in by the Odionwere of the community, Pa David Iserhienrhien at a brief ceremony in the community.

With this development, Pa Iserhienrhien and Mr. Obasogie said in a statement that the dispute between the Odionwere and the community chairman has been resolved by the Association of Community chairman of the local government area.

the state.

“For instance, the Caretaker Chairman, Mr Omeoga, was reported to have bought three jeeps within one week.

“The treasurer established an oil mill worth more than N15 million in addition to embarking on the construction of a high-rise building.

“Other members of the committee are equally linked to execution of one money consuming venture or the other,’’ the source said.

The source told newsmen that Omeoga failed to conduct the union’s election within three months.

Reacting to the allegations, Omeoga denied misappropriating funds accruing from TRS, insisting that the funds were judiciously utilised.

“I cannot tell you how much we have spent in the payment of TRS but I do know that we have paid about 300 persons more than N40 million for TRS. “The claim that I bought three jeeps at a time is also false because what I have is only one old Highlander Toyota jeep,’’ he said.

Omeoga accused Mrs Ubani Ukaoma, a suspended member of NUT from Aba South Local Government Area of mismanaging the fund from the NUT Shopping Plaza at No. 35 Pound Road, Aba. “Ukaoma claimed that she collected about N1.5 million between 2010 and 2011 from the NUT shopping Plaza and this money was not duly remitted to the union.

He claimed that since the discovery Ukaoma had been fighting the union.

On her part, Ukaoma denied the allegation, and alleged that she was not carried along as a member of the executive in the financial dealings of the union.

She said proceeds from

Modern Car Repairs Not For Iliterates - Auto Mechanic

OSOGBO Mr Dele Olawumi, an automobile mechanic at Mekute Garage in Osogbo has said that modern day automobile repairs had gone beyond what illiterates could learn.

Olawumi, the owner of Rauf and Dele Automobile Mechanical Works, told newsmen that car manufacturers were producing modern and sophisticated vehicles into the market and mechanics trained in the old art of car repairs were no more relevant.

He said that because of the sophistication of modern vehicles and automobile technologies, only apprentices with a minimum of SSCE education could be taught the new automobile repairs work as they needed to read and understand the codes.

He said that the mechanics must know how to use the computers and other automated tools in detecting faults and repair vehicles.

Olawunmi said that acquiring such skills did not come cheap as some of his colleagues spent over N120, 000 to acquire modern

knowledge on how to repair sophisticated and electronically driven vehicles.

He said that car technology had advanced drastically over the years and this had made it mandatory for them as mechanics to update and upgrade their art and service skills.

“I bought an On Board Diagnostic 2(OBD2) machine at the cost of N320, 000 which is part of the required tools needed in handling and repairing modern and sophisticated vehicles.

“In addition, I bought computers and specific mechanical software which are required in detecting and repairing modern day automobile,” Olawunmi said.

He said that with the knowledge acquired and equipment bought, he could handle any kind of vehicle either old or new technology.

Olawunmi said that with the new trend in car repairing, no modern day automobile mechanic would take up an apprentice without formal education, as it would be difficult to explain computer and electronic terms to a stack illiterate.

Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh performing the symbolic presentation of (Williams Specie) Banana Sucker to one of the farmers at the inauguration of improved banana suckers in Benin City

Anambra Poll: Candidates React To Conduct AWKA - As the result of the Anambra governorship election is being awaited, some of the candidates expressed mixed feelings about the conduct of the poll.

In separate interviews after casting their votes, some of the governorship candiates condemned the election process while some took it in good faith.

In his reaction, Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, the candidate of the Labour Party, said in Otolo Nnewi Ward 1 that he had no reason to fault the election until the results were released.

“I am hopeful they will do well, for now, no complaint,” he said.

Similarly, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Dr Willie Obianor, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election.

However, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Chris Ngige, accused INEC of betrayal by the “shoddy manner” it conducted the election.

Ngige accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof.

Chukwuemeka Onukogu, of rigging, saying he singlehandedly went to the Central Bank of Nigeria to collect the voting materials without party agents.

Ngige said the voters’ register given to the parties by INEC before the election was not the same with the one they saw in the election proper as some names were missing.

Ngige alleged that in areas considered to be his stronghold, voting materials were brought without result sheets, stating that he was still watching the situation.

He also said that in his ward in Alor community and other communities in Idemili North

and Idemili South, accreditation was delayed to disenfranchise the people.

In his reaction, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Mr Tony Nwoye, said he was disappointed at the disappearance of his name from the voters’ register.

“I am disappointed at the turn of events here. I was here as early as 8 a.m. to be accredited with my father and uncle, but found out that our names were missing in the INEC register.

“I was an honourable member candidate for Anambra East and West in 2011 and I voted in this same polling unit.

“At which point did my name get missing from the register?” he queried.

Nwoye berated INEC for the mistake and wondered how the commission would perform in 2015, if it failed to get it right in a state election.

“The development does not augur well for the country since INEC cannot get it right in an isolated election,” he said.

The candidate, however, said he was sure of victory in spite of the shortcoming.

On his part, the candidate of the People’s Progressive Alliance, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, criticised the late start of accreditation in his area.

Ezeemo called on INEC to ensure that people were not disenfranchised by its own action.

(GIS).

Head of its GIS, Mr Akubo Adegbe, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna during an interactive session.

Adegbe said each of the

50,000 participants to be recruited for the internship programme would earn N25,000 monthly.

He said the scheme was aimed at providing participants with requisite experience in various disciplines preparatory to securing jobs.

Adegbe said that the graduates would be placed in firms and organisations, non-governmental organisations and selected government agencies on a oneyear internship.

“The interns are expected to acquire professional skills, training and work experience to improve their job-placement opportunities.

“The Federal Government will be responsible for paying monthly stipends to them, while participating institutions will be expected to provide adequate opportunities for training and mentoring,” he said.

Adegbe said that the scheme would enhance chances of the 50,000 unemployed graduates through improvement on their skills during the internship programmes .

He urged the graduates to ensure that they registered for the scheme.

SURE-P Votes N15bn As Allowance To Unemployed Graduates

MINNA - The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) has set aside N15 billion to pay allowances of unemployed graduates participating in its Graduate Internship Scheme

Hajia Nana Audu, Permanent Secretary, Post Primary Education Board, (left) presenting a gift item to Mrs. Popoola Margaret, Director, School Monitoring and Evaluation Post Primary Education Board, during a sendforth party organised for her on the occasion of her retirement from service, while Mrs. Flora Egbadon (middle) looks on.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

South West Mimiko Pleads With ASUU To End Strike

L-R: Principal Government Girls Arabic College, Alkaleri, Hajia Safiya Idri, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yahya Miya during Governor Yuguda’s visit to Government Girls Arabic College Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi recently.

AKUREGovernor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end its strike action.

Mimiko made the appeal when he declared open the 28th Annual Conference of the Association of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), hosted by the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Reports state that the conference drew delegates from 129 public and private universities in the country.

The governor, who expressed worry at the strike’s effect on university education, however commended the intervention of the Federal Government in resolving the

Theft: Police Drags 30-Yr-Old Man To Court ADO-EKITI- The Police in Ado-Ekiti has dragged one Daniel Olalekan,30, before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of scanning machine.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Olasunkanmi

Bamikole, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 9.

He said that Olalekan the driver of a bus shuttling between Lagos and AdoEkiti stole one Autobus diagnostic scanning machine with serial No.

IBADAN- A 38-year old, Adeyinka Babalola has appeared before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku for alleged fraud involving N330,000.

Babalola was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

The accused allegedly conspired with others now at large to commit the offence.

The prosecutor, Insp. Aliu Samad, told the court that Babalola fraudulently obtained the sum of N330,000 from one Ramoni Ali, a resident of Ibadan.

Samad said that Babalola allegedly collected the money under the pretence of purchasing a Golf 3 car for Ali, but converted the said amount to his own use.

He accused Babalola of

stealing the sum, adding that all the offences were committed between Aug. 20 and Aug. 22 at about 7: 20 a.m. close to the University of Ibadan.

Samad said the offences contravened sections 383, 419, 516 and were punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olaide Amzat, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

Amzat, who said the surety must be a resident of Ibadan, adjourned the case till December 12.

Man, 38, Docked For N.33m Fraud

V30252368 valued N250, 000.

He said the scanning machine is the property of Automatic Fit and Energy Ltd, Ado-Ekiti.

Bamikole said the offence contravened Section 390 (a)

of the criminal code cap C 16, Vol.1, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

When the charge was read to him, the accused pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Mr Tiamiyu Lawal, prayed the court to grant his client bail,

promising that the accused would not jump bail.

Magistrate Bayode Owoeye granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 and one surety in like sum, and adjourned the case to December13 for further hearing.

accused forged the resolution of a meeting involving Lasokun community after the revocation of the Power of Attorney given to a firm, Stad Property Nigeria Limited.

The offence was said to have been committed on Dec. 28, 2011 at Adeoyo Agbadagbudu area, Ibadan.

Samad said the offences contravened sections 465 and 516 and was punishable under section 467 of the

The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence counsel, Mr John Alao, prayed for bail for his client on liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olaide Amzat, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Amzat, who said the surety must be a resident of Ibadan, adjourned the case to December 12.

Octogenarian Arriagned For IBADANAn Code Cap.38, Vol. Forgery Criminal octogenarian, Ganiyu II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Oladigbolu, has been arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku for conspiracy and forgery.

Oladigbolu, 82, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and forgery of a document.

The prosecutor, Insp Aliu Samad, told the court that Oladigbolu conspired with others now at large to commit the offence.

Samad alleged that the

crisis.

“Teachers should appreciate that teaching is both a profession and a vocation, and it should be able to boast of people who have special interest in teaching and the ability to do so,” he said.

Mimiko however called for improved funding of the country’s education system, saying “it is high time we realise that academic excellence, which is the hallmark of education, does not come cheap.

“Our universities, therefore, deserve increased funding, not minding the overriding challenges of the various sectors of our polity,” the governor said.

Earlier, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, the ViceChancellor of FUTA, had also commended Federal Government’s efforts at revamping the university system through the recent injection of a N100 billion intervention fund.

“This meeting will afford us the opportunity to have a debate over the issue of increased funding that will enhance our public universities.

“We should also be able to proffer solutions, leading to increased understanding and commitment to dialogue by all striking staff unions in the universities,” he said.

Prof Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), commended the ViceChancellors for the constructive roles they played in trying to end the crisis.

Okojie, who was represented by Prof Sola Akinrinmade, a Visiting Professor at NUC, said ASUU should begin to develop new approaches to pushing its demands.

Ondo Assembly Appoints New AKURE- The Ondo State Clerk

House of Assembly has appointed Mr Bode Adeyelu as its new substantive clerk.

Mr Dare Emiola, the Deputy Speaker of the house, announced the appointment after the house had unanimously endorsed it.

“Section 93 of the 1999 Constitution states that the house can confirm an acting clerk found capable after six months as a substantive clerk. “ Having found Mr Bode Adeyelu competent and capable, he is hereby confirmed as a clerk of Ondo State House of Assembly,” he said.

Earlier, the Majority Leader, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, said that Adeyelu had been working in an acting capacity since June.

“ The six months stipulated by the constitution as maximum will elapse this Thursday. “ Therefore, looking at him, we are not in doubt that he is capable to be the substantive in charge. “ I therefore move a motion that his appointment be confirmed as a substantive clerk of the house,” he said.

His motion was seconded by Hon. Akindele Adeniyi, representing Akure North Constituency, who advised the house to give full support to the motion for confirmation.

Adeyelu thanked Gov. Olusegun Mimiko and the lawmakers for their unflinching support.

A cross section of students of Government Girls Arabic College Alkaleri Local Government, during the Governor’s visit to the school recently.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Lagos

Trader Docked For Falsely Obtaining N131,000 From Student

LAGOS- A 29-year old trader, Onyekwere James, was arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining the sum of N131, 000 from a student.

James, of no fixed address, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretences and unlawful conduct.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP Nicholas Atumonye, told the court that the accused, with four others, now at large, committed the offences on October 31 at Ikotun, a suburb of Lagos.

Atumonye said that the accused obtained the said amount from Miss Veronica Egbuonu, under the pretence that he wanted to wash and duplicate the amount for her.

“The accused conducted

himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by obtaining the said amount from her,” Atumonye said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 166 and 312 of the Criminal Law of

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) presenting keys of 4 buses to the Controller of Prison, Lagos State Command, Mrs. Catherine Nkolika Ononye (left) at the Lagos House, Ikeja. INSECT: Cross section of the 4 buses donated to the Lagos Command of the Nigerian Prison Services.

N9.5m Debt: Aero Drags Ex-Staff To Court LAGOS- Aero Contractors Ltd has dragged a former employee, Charles Onyekwu, to court over an alleged N9.5 million debt.

The suit is being heard by Justice Oyejoju Ojewumi of the National Industrial Court, Lagos.

Onyekwu worked with Aero Contractors as a Human Resource Manager until his

appointment was terminated on July 17, 2009.

Reports say that Aero Contractors was represented in court by Mr Fatai Kazeem, an accountant with the company.

Kazeem told the court that Onyekwu allegedly applied for and obtained a loan of N14.5million in 2009.

Waste Management

UNILAG To Partner Japanese Embassy LAGOS- The University of Lagos (UNILAG), said the institution would collaborate with the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria to organise a seminar on current trends in waste collection and management.

Mr Oluwatoyin Adebule, the Deputy Registrar, Information, who said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos, added that the seminar would hold on November 20.

He said that the seminar with the theme: “Solid Waste Management; Promoting Environmentally Sound Disposal and 3R’’ would focus on current trends in Waste Collection and Management.

He said that the seminar would also throw more light on lead recycling, pollution control from

recycling industries and ecotown recycling projects.

He said that stressed the seminar would also focus on incineration and power generation from waste.

Adebule said that the one-day seminar was expected to proffer solutions to the various environmental challenges that were usually faced by fast developing cities.

Meanwhile, the statement said that the 8th Annual Conference of the Zoological Society of Nigeria earlier scheduled for November 11 had been postponed to December 9 to December 13.

The statement said that the theme of the conference is: “Zoology and the Nigerian Transformation Agenda’’.

According to Kazeem, as at the time Onyekwu left the company, he had repaid only five million naira, leaving an outstanding debt of N9.5 million.

The Defence Counsel, Mr D.C Kemdirin, told the court that Aero Contractor. still owed the defendant arrears of his entitlements.

Kemdirin claimed that the alleged debt was actually part of Onyekwu’s entitlement as a senior management staff of the company.

He alleged that documents proved that the debt was given to the defendant as a grant and not a loan.

However, counsel for Aero Contractors, Miss Sandra Nbakwe, alleged that Onyekwu applied for a loan which far exceeded the amount normally given by the company to senior management staff as grants.

The matter was adjourned to January . 13, 2014, for further hearing.

Lagos State, 2011.

According to Section 312, the accused could be jailed for 15 years, if convicted.

The accused, however,

pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs M. B Folami, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Folami, however, adjourned the case till November 27, for mention.

5 Men Charged With Damaging Man’s Car IKEJA- Five men, who allegedly damaged a Toyota car valued at N400, 000, were docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The accused are Semiu Rasaq, 22; Joel Oyewunmi, 20; Quadri Yusuf, 20; Taofik Lamidi, 26; and Lukman Tijani, 35.

All the men, who reside at Sari-Iganmu in Orile, a Lagos suburb, are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, willful damage, threatening violence and armed with dangerous weapons.

The prosecutor, Insp.

Roman Unuigbe, told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences on November 3 at Amusu St., Sari-Iganmu.

He alleged that they “willfully and maliciously damaged’’ a Toyota Condor car with registration no. KSF 604 BW valued at N400, 000, property of Mr Daniel Bankole.

Unuigbe also said that the accused, armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, threatened to break into and damage Bankole’s house.

The offences, Unuigbe said, contravened Sections 56 (1), 310 (1), (a), (c), 348 and 409

Cross-section of buses donated to 7 Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State during their presentation at the Lagos House recently.

of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The five accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs Olufunke Hamzat, granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned to December 9, for mention.

Court Remands Drug Suspects

LAGOS- Two persons suspected of dealing in hard drugs, were remanded in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

A man, Afeez Isa, 30 and a woman, Toyin Raimi, 50, were alleged to have been caught with 29.kg of a substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

The prosecutor, Mr J. I. Aernan, told the court that the suspects were apprehended with the substance on June 14, at No. 30 Atobaje St., Agege, Lagos.

Aernan said that the accused were charged on two counts of conspiracy and dealing in Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug.

He stated that the alleged offences committed by the suspects contravened the Criminal Code and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Laws.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and their counsel, Mr O.O. Besong, pleaded for bail for his clients.

But the prosecutor urged the court to remand the suspects in prison, pending the trial of the case.

Consequently, the judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, ordered that the suspects should be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to November 20.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Across The Nation

Agency To Partner Stakeholders In Anti HIV/AIDS Campaign N A S A R AWA - E G G O N (NASARAWA STATE) - The Nasarawa State Aids Control Agency (NASACA) has restated its readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in efforts to intensify the campaign against HIV/AIDS in the state.

Dr Umaru Zakri, the Executive Secretary of NASACA, gave the assurance at the monthly review

meeting of the agency in Nasarawa-Eggon, headquarters of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area.

Zakari, who was represented by the agency’s Management Officer, Aishatu Hadikaseem, said that the agency had decided to partner with all local government councils, traditional rulers, non-governmental

Warn Children Against Drug Abuse, NDLEA Tells MAIDUGURI – Mr. Ona Parents Ogulegwu, the NDLEA Commandant in Borno, has urged parents to warn their children against the use of illicit drugs and abuse.

Ogulegwu made the call in Maiduguri during an interview with newsmen.

He said NDLEA had noted the rising trend of the abuse of drugs especially codeine, Indian hemp, tramol, diazepam, rubber gum solution and forte-win injection by youths in the state.

He said about 70 per cent of youths, aged about 30, were engaged in drug abuse.

Ogulegwu said that the command, in collaboration with the State Government, had set up a committee to fight drug abuse and trafficking.

He said the committee members were drawn from the Police, Army, NSCDC, Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, NAFDAC, SSS and the Ministry

of Health.

The commandant said that the command had conducted several enlightenment campaigns to sensitise students on the dangers inherent in drug abuse.

‘We urge parents to talk to their children before someone else does because NDLEA law would not spare a minor on criminal culpability in drug-related crimes.

“We have conducted several sensitisation campaigns on the effects of drug abuse in the University of Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic and El-Kanemi Islamic School.

“We have also conducted rapid awareness campaigns at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)’s motor parks, asking them to caution drivers to desist from all forms of drug abuse’’, he said.

organisations and foreign partners, among others, in the campaign.

“This new approach to partner with all stakeholders in efforts to take the campaign against HIV and AIDS to the nooks and crannies of the state would help significantly in reducing the spread of the disease,” he said.

Zakari stressed that the strategy was in line with the state government’s drive to ensure that by 2014, no child in the state would be born with HIV, while no new infection would be recorded among adults.

“The agency has mapped out strategies to enlighten pregnant women who tested HIV-positive to take proper medication and counselling so as to ensure that the children they give birth to are free from the disease,’’ he said.

He said that all the citizens should be involved in the campaign against HIV and AIDS, adding that there was, therefore, the need for all the stakeholders to continue to educate the public on the dangers of the disease.

Zakari, therefore, appealed to the government at all levels, public-spirited individuals and other bodies to join hands with the agency by supporting the campaign to enable it to be successful.

Reports state that traditional rulers, religious leaders, NYSC members, heads of primary and secondary schools, as well as NASACA monitoring officers, among others, attended the forum.

People waving at Gov Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State during official launch of 83km AlkaleriFutuk Road in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State weekend.

l-R: Bauchi State Commissioner for works and transport, Mr Bukata Bukar; Gov Isa Yuguda of Bauchi; Gov Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and Acting Governor of Taraba State Alhaji Garba Omar during an official launch of 83km Alkaleri-Futuk Road by Gov Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, in Allkaleri LGA of Bauchi State weekend.

Nigeria Raises Awareness On ABUJA - Dr Wapada Premature Births Balami said Nigeria will continue to raise awareness about prematurity, concerns for preterm babies and their families as the country joins the rest of the world in marking “World Prematurity Day’’.

Balami, Head of Family Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Health, stated this in Abuja.

Prematurity Day is celebrated worldwide on November 17 to raise awareness on prematurity and highlight the burden of preterm birth.

“It is imperative that negative practices and views are completely eradicated through education of the general populace.

“Cultural misconceptions of pre-term birth impacts negatively on the care of premature babies.

“A preterm baby is simply a tiny baby, born too soon (before 37 weeks of gestation) that needs the best available care and support to have a chance of survival,’’ it said.

According to a statement, of the 15.1 million preterm babies born worldwide, 13 million survive beyond the first month

of life.

“Of the survivors, 345,000 (2.7 per cent) has moderate or severe impairment and 567,000 (4.4 per cent) has mild impairment.

“Infants born preterm represent the largest child patient group in the world,’’ it stated.

“In Nigeria, preterm birth rate is 12 per 100 live births (United Nation Inter Agency Group UNIAG 2012).

“And prematurity accounts for 33 per cent of Neonatal deaths, translating to about 87,800 deaths. (UNIAG 2012) “Despite tremendous improvements in maternal and neonatal care, preterm delivery remains the leading cause of infant mortality (about 75 per cent of women deliver at home, NDHS 2008).”

According to the statement, in Nigeria, it accounts for over 10 per cent of neonatal deaths and 50 per cent of long term neurological impairment in children.

The statement said that the problems of prematurity included hypothermia (problems with keeping warm),

state.

He, however, urged women to use their numerical strength to elect credible persons into political posts in the state.

Nyako defended the recent action of the “G-7 Governors’’, saying that they were out to ensure justice and true democracy in the country.

He said that the governors would soon meet in Sokoto to conclude talks on their next line of action.

In her remarks, wife of the governor, Dr Zainab Nyako, thanked the women for their visit and assured them of her support in efforts to promote women and youth empowerment.

Reports say that the women groups that visited the governor include the Market Women Assocaition, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and National Council for Women Society (NCWS).

Skill Acquisition: Adamawa Trains 19,800 YOLA - The Adamawa Government has trained 19, 800 women in various skills in 2013.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hayatu, made this known in Yola while addressing women groups that came on a solidarity visit to Governor Murtala Nyako at the Government House.

She said that the women were trained in skills such as tailoring, bead making and knitting, among others, at women development centres across the state.

Besides, Hayatu said that the Social Welfare Unit of the Ministry of Women Affairs had resolved 4,697 family disputes within the year.

She thanked the women groups for their support for the Nyako-administration, saying that the administration, due to its commitment to women welfare, had ensured that women were given 35-per-cent representation in government.

“We have seven women

Women

commissioners, several permanent secretaries and special advisers,’’ she said.

In his address, Nyako thanked the women for their sustained support for his administration and pledged to make extra efforts to promote their wellbeing.

He noted that the women had played vital roles in his election and other PDP victories in the

infection, feeding, breathing difficulties, and delayed developmental milestones, among others.

“Although there are many known risk factors for preterm, we still do not fully understand why preterm happens.

“Education is needed at the national, state and local levels to raise awareness for this public health problem.’’

It added that a number of strategies, including simple and cost-effective methods, had been developed to prevent and manage premature births.

“The strategies include antenatal corticosteroids given to mother in preterm labour, Kangaroo mother care whereby the infant is held skin to skin on the mother’s chest, administering medication and continuous positive airways pressure,’’ it said.

The statement noted that the Ministry of Health had put newborn interventions on priority agenda, and that campaign for antenatal care and hospital delivery had been intensified.

“Integration of programmes to build synergy in tackling the issues of the newborn has been highly effected such as the use of intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy.’’

It said that insecticide treated bed nets, environmental sanitation to prevent breeding places for mosquitoes, and treatment of clinical malaria with Artesunate combination therapy, had been incorporated in the antenatal programmes.

A midwives’ service scheme is in place to ensure that mothers are delivered of their babies by skilled birth attendants to promote neonatal survival.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Clergy Charges Nigerians To Live In Peace ABUJA - Pastor Joseph Akpan, Field Superintendent, Apostolic Church of Nigeria in the FCT, has called on Nigerians to live in peace irrespective of their religious, ethnic and social differences.

He made the call in Abuja in his sermon to mark the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the church with the theme “Overcomers in Christ’’.

He said that if Nigerians lived in peace, the country would experience true development.

Akpan described the security challenges facing the country as a “setback’’ to national development.

“There are so many things affecting the peace of the nation that needed to be put in prayers.

“If every leader in the FCT should come together and pray, things would get better for Nigeria and its people,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Pastor James Umoh, the Supervisor of the New Karu area of the church,

stressed the need for every Nigerian to preach peace at all times.

He said that without peace there would not be progress in any society.

“We are praying for peace in Nigeria; our leaders should seek peace and the face of God for this country to move forward.

“They should allow Nigeria to be at peace. If we have peace in Nigeria, nothing will stop our development, and we will be greater than any other African country,’’ he said.

Reports say that the 10th anniversary was marked with ordination, presentation of award to members of the board of trustee and cutting of the anniversary cake.

Abuja

Cross section of members of Electronics/Computer Dealers Association, Benin City.

Green Wall Project In Fullswing 2014

ABUJA- The Federal Ministry of Environment has said the Great Green Wall Programme (GGWP) will be in full swing next year.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Taiye Haruna, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Haruna said the project was part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle desertification in the Northern states.

He said the project was expected to rehabilitate about 222,000 hectares of degraded lands in the 11 frontline states in the North.

Korean Cuisine Gaining Popularity ABUJA- Korean cuisine is Worldwide - Ambassador gaining popularity around the world, especially for those concerned about healthy lifestyle, Ambassador of Republic of Korea, Mr Choi Jong-hyun, has said.

Jong-hyun said this in Abuja while declaring open the 2013 Korean Cultural Festival week as part of activities to mark the country’s National Day. “With its natural ingredients and slow cooking methods, Korean cuisine is in harmony with the current aspiration for healthy life styles,’’ he said.

The envoy said that the cultural festival was part of efforts being made by the embassy to build on the achievements made so far in the country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.

“The event will serve as another avenue to share with our Nigerian friends Korea’s rich heritage in cuisine, music and films to help our two countries get closer,’’ he said.

Jong-hyun said that since his country established diplomatic relations with Nigeria in 1980, Korea and Nigeria had continued to foster strong political, economic and cultural ties.

He said that economic ties between the two countries were getting closer, adding that bilateral trade between both countries was expected to exceed three billion dollars this year.

The ambassador said that the

agreement on cultural and educational cooperation signed by both countries last year would help to “deepen and widen’’ collaboration in cultural areas.

Reports say that the eight days event opened with Korean fusion musicians called Yeorang, performing both traditional and modern songs from Korea, Nigeria and Western nations.

The festival also featured a popular non-verbal performance called Nanta and display of Korean dishes jointly prepared by culinary experts from Woosong University in Korea.

The festival will continue with the sale of a special Korean delicacy called Hansik and the performance of traditional Korean music.

- Perm Sec

The 11 frontline states are Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kastina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Borno.

According to him, the ministry is collaborating with the state governments and the local communities to execute the project.

He said the ministry had supported the states to plant some tree seedlings, saying: “come 2014, the project will be in full swing.

“We are also in the process of sinking boreholes, procuring tractors for planting purposes.

The symbolic launch will soon be done by President Goodluck Jonathan,’’ he said.

Haruna recalled that the ministry had earlier inaugurated the project in Kebbi, noting that the ministry could not go round

Women at the Free Medical Treatment organised by Rep. Aishato Dahiru at the Specialist Hospital in Yola recently.

all the 11 states.

The project, he added, was expected to be implemented in Arewa and Dandi Local Government areas of Kebbi as stipulated in the GGWP route.

It was learnt that the project would also generate employment for people in its first year of implementation.

Reports say that the GGWP was introduced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 and adopted by the

African Union in 2007.

It is aimed at taking concrete measures to solve the problem of environmental degradation in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project will see 11 countries, including Nigeria, constructing a ‘wall of trees’ stretching 4,300 miles long and nine miles wide across the entire width of the continent from Djibouti to Senegal.

The other countries in the project are Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.

Oyo: NGO Hails Employment Of Physically Challenged

ABUJA - Persons with Disabilities Initiatives, an NGO has lauded the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Abiola Ajimobi for employing 66 Persons With Disability (PWD) into the state civil service.

Mr Augustine Onwuamegbu, the President, PWD, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi on October 30, employed 66 people with disabilities into the civil service.

Onwuamegbu, however, called on the Federal Government to emulate the Oyo state governor.

He said that if the state could employ 66 persons with disability, the Federal Government could afford to employ 600,000.

The President of PWD gave kudos to Governor Ajimobi, while calling on other state governors to emulate the good gesture.

He said that Ajimobi was the type of person the country needed in governance in Nigeria, adding that such gestures would assist persons with disability.

He called on the Federal Government to establish a special ministry for PWD, adding that such ministry would take care of their needs.

“We have been advocating for special ministry for persons with disability to take care of the special needs and to streamline issues bothering on the welfare for persons with disability,’’ he said.

Onwuamegbu said that PWD members were estimated to be about 32 million, adding that establishing a ministry for them just like the ministry of women and youths, would go a long way in solving their problems.

“We want a special ministry because all over the world, except in Nigeria that there is no agency or ministry for persons with disability,’’ he said.

Onwuamegbu further called on the Federal Government to reserve a portion of the SURE-P fund to enable its members benefit from the scheme.

He said that the belief that persons with disability could not contribute meaningfully to the development of the country, would be eroded when given opportunity to showcase their talents.

He advocated for special attention for persons with disability, adding that since the inception of the SURE-P people with disability had not benefited.

“There should be SURE-P for persons with disability and 50 per cent of whatever goes to SUREP should be for persons with disability,” he said.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Business + Economy Technology: Lagos Expects 40 Per Cent Increase LAGOS-The Commercial Agricultural Development Project (CADP) in Lagos State has introduced aquaponics into fish farming to boost production by 40 per cent.

The Lagos State Coordinator of CADP, Mr Kehinde Ogunyinka, told newsmen in Lagos that aquaponics would reduce fish maturity period by, at least, two months.

Reports say that aquaponics is a relatively new approach to food production that cultivates fish and plants in a symbiotic relationship.

It is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic

In Fish Production

environment.

According to Ogunyinka, the system enables fish wastes to fertilise plants while the plants keep fish healthy by cleaning the water.

“Aquaponics is capable of reducing the time of fish production by two months; it will

take just four months to produce mature fish instead of six months.

“We want to increase fish production by 40 per cent and this is one of the ways to do so.

“He told newsmen that tanks for aquaponics were expensive, but gave the assurance that the CAPD would support farmers interested in acquiring them by allowing them to pay in instalments.

He told newsmen that by-

products from fish and plants in aquaponics could be used as nutrients for rice plantations.

“The water from aquaponics is enriched because it is a mixture of animal and plant wastes.

“This can be used to nourish a rice farm; this will in turn increase rice production.

“Rice, aquaculture and poultry are fortunately part of the three value chains of the CADP, and we have Lagos, Cross River,

Kaduna, Kano and Enugu as the participating states,” Ogunyinka said.

Reports say that in normal aquaculture, excretions from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity.

In an aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrogen-fixing bacteria into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilised by the plants as nutrients.

The water is then re-circulated back to the aquaculture system.

Domestic Bond Market Capitalisation Hits N5.65bln

Presentation of Certificate of Participation to the President of Electronics/ Computer Dealers Association, Benin, Edo State, Sir Ejike Eneinuo, (left) by Mr. Ojo Ilesanmi Akogun, Head Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Edo/Delta Office (right) at yesterday’s seminar. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

BADAGRY (LAGOS STATE)- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said that market capitalisation of the domestic bond market hit N5.65 billion in 2013.

The SEC Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh, said this at a workshop in Badagry, Lagos.

The workshop with the theme: “Transformation of Nigerian Bond Market and Its Benefits”, was organised by the Capital Market Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria.

Oteh, who was represented by her Communication Adviser, Mr Obi Adindu, spoke on the topic: “Recent Reforms in the Nigerian Bond Market”.

She said that the growth was as a result of increased interest by

12 Ships To Discharge At Lagos Ports LAGOS- Twelve vessels carrying petroleum products have berthed at the various terminals in Lagos ports.

The information was contained in the “Shipping Position” of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) made available to newsmen in Lagos.

The vessels are to discharge their products at various terminals including the Single Bouy Mooring, Ibafon, the Atlas Cove Jetty, the New Oil Jetty and the Fishing Wharf.

The NPA said that another vessel carrying containers was waiting to berth at the APM Terminal.

It said it was also expecting 73 vessels carrying various goods from November 13 to December 9, 2013.

It said that 26 of the expected vessels would arrive at the ports with containers, while 13 others would sail in with vehicles.

The breakdown also showed that 10 of the vessels are carrying petroleum products including diesel, fuel, aviation fuel and kerosene.

Nine of the vessels are coming with various food items, while another nine vessels are laden with bulk fertiliser.

The remaining six vessels are expected to arrive at the ports with general cargo.

L-R: Christopher Ezeagu, Vice President, Sir Ejike O. Eneinuo (KSC) President, Electronics/Computer Dealers Association Benin (middle), addressing members, electronics/computer Dealers Assoc. while Mr. (J.U.J) Obijuru (Secretary) of the Association, listens. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE

corporations and state governments in the bond market.

She said that state governments had issued bonds worth over N421 billion from 2010 to 2013.

“The amount of corporate bonds raised from 2010 to date is more than two and a half times all the bonds issued by corporations from 1960 to 2009.”

The director-general said that the Nigerian debt market was

meeting up with the stock market, with domestic debt stock of over N12 trillion.

Oteh said that the domestic debt stock comprised N4.2 trillion FGN Bonds, N2.5 trillion Nigerian Treasury Bills, N334 billion Treasury Bonds, N4.35 trillion AMCON Bonds and over N1.45 trillion State/Corporate Bonds.

She said that the commission would remain committed to a vibrant bond market for infrastructure development.

SON Holds Seminar On Fake, Substandard Products

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN BENIN CITY – In order to create awareness on Federal Government’s Pronouncement for Zero tolerance to all substandard/fake products in Nigeria, the Edo/Delta Office of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with Electronics/Computer Dealers Association, Benin City, Edo State yesterday held a oneday seminar for electronics dealers.

The seminar, with the theme: “Sanitising the Down Stream Sector of Electronics/Computer through standardization” featured an interactive session with all stakeholders, following a lecture delivered by Engr. I.A. Lawal of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).

Earlier in a keynote address, the Head, Edo/Delta Office of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Ojo Ilesanmi Akogun said the seminar was put together, against the backdrop that Nigerian market was now

saturated with all forms of substandard/fake Electrical Electronics Products, which has put the life of citizens at risk.

Akogun also said the incidence of fake products had also deprived Nigerians of their hard earned money and had turned the country into a dumping ground, thus affecting the country’s foreign reserve.

Delivering a lecture around the theme of the seminar, Engr.

Lawal averred: “most of our electronics are from China where standard/qualities are compromised. The imported DVD cannot play original DVD disc/plate except pirated ones.”

He, however, reeled out measures by SON to sanitize the country of substandard products and urged electronic dealers to cooperate with the Organization to reduce incidence of fake and substandard electronic products.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to participants at the seminar by the Head, Edo/Delta Office of SON.

different organisations.

“When the tide flows it can carry any pollution from one point to another. This can cause encroachment, but there should be control from the source or origin of the waste,” he said.

Ebubeogu said that with NPA’s ‘Tier 2’ pollution control and management status, it was required to have all it took to contain pollution originating from its own limit.

He explained that a “Tier 1”status demanded the NPA to ensure that marine platforms within the environment had the facility to contain pollution within.

“We maintain the waste management standards because without such facility, the ships would be tempted to dispose their waste overboard. ‘’So we ensure that Tier 1 and Tier 2 are contained,” Ebubeogu said.

He said the ACPM also made efforts at various times to keep clearing the marine environment of hyacinth pollution.

“The company still works to push the water hyacinths which come from River Majidun in Ikorodu and other places to where they are able to take them off to avoid pollution of the environment,” Ebubeogu said.

NPA Applauds Company For Managing Ship Wastes LAGOS- The Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) has commended the efforts of the African Circle Pollution Management (ACPM) in managing waste generated by ships in international and coastal voyages.

Capt. Iheanocho Ebubeogu, General Manager, Public Affairs, NPA, told newsmen in Lagos that ACPM had been able to contain wastes from ships and prevent environmental pollution.

“Since 2003 the company was engaged for a 20-year contract and it has been working within stipulated environmental protection convention, MARPOL

72/78, in evacuating wastes from ships,” Ebubeogu said.

He said the ports owned, managed and administered by the NPA were International Maritime Organisation(IMO) solar spots because they hosted safety convention for ships engaged in international and coastal voyages.

Ebubeogu said since IMO stood on four trusts of safety, maritime security, environmental protection and human factors in shipping, the NPA was ensuring that ships’ operations did not impact negatively on the environment.

“As IMO solar spots, the NPA ensures standard environmental protection by engaging professionals in evacuating the wastes from these ships.

“It is the approved manner recommended by the IMO that warranted the port reception facility outfit that NPA initiated as a public-private partnership.

“The NPA has this facility in all the ports to make sure that both liquid and solid wastes are disposed according to the regulations,” he said.

Ebubeogu said it was important to control pollution from the source since nature did not mark out management limits for

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Commentary

An Open Letter To Chief Dan Orbih MY dear Dan Orbih, as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, I know this letter may come to you as a surprise, not only because we certainly have not met, but also because you may not be expecting to receive a ‘personal’ letter such as this through this open medium. You do not have to worry much, as I will introduce myself shortly. I am an Edo man from the Central Senatorial District but resident and working in Bayelsa State. Let me assure you that I am not one of the many Edo people who live outside the state and have willingly relinquished their attachment to their roots. I am not an Edo man in the diaspora but visit home where I am a registered voter so often many do not realise I live in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This introduction is merely to assure you that I have followed, and will continue to follow closely, political developments in my state as much, if not more than, can be expected. I am not a partisan politician, but as you also know, every man is a political animal, and anytime I have the opportunity to exercise my right to vote, I have done so not on the basis of how much mud was thrown or received by candidates and their party during campaigns but on the strength of issues canvassed.

This short letter has been prompted by your recent outburst against the celebration of the fifth

anniversary of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s government in Edo State which took place on Tuesday November 12, 2013. The day after the celebration, you called a news conference in Benin City where you told the world that despite the billions of naira spent by Comrade Oshiomhole’s government in the last five years there was nothing to show for it except 200 metres of road. You made this claim in the presence of, and to, Edo people who know that you were obviously telling a blatant lie. I am not in a position to know exactly how much Comrade Oshiomhole has received and spent in the last five years but I strongly believe that if you could say that there is nothing to show by the present government in five years then you could not be right about anything else.

It is either that you were hallucinating or simply being downright mischievous. You know, like every Edo man, woman and youth, that the road leading to your village, Ogbona, has been reconstructed from Auchi to River Ogio, a distance of not less than eight kilometres. Each time you travel on this road do you not feel a sense of shame that your party could not in ten years honour you with such a project? I am sure that the people of Ogbona will chase you away if you were to tell them that there is nothing to show for the billions of naira spent by

By BLESSING YAKUBU

Comrade Oshiomhole in the last five years. This is because they see the much that has been done by this government to turn their village as well as their lives around during the period.

Chief Dan Orbih, why have you shut your eyes to the red roof revolution that has swept through the two public primary schools, Oboarekpe and Imhakhena, in your village? Certainly, you cannot see the water project executed in Ogbona by this government because it is along the highway to Fugar and Agenebode. Is it that you would not have acknowledged these developments if they had been executed by you? Let me ask this: Why did you abandon the road project you hurriedly flagged-off in Ogbona in the heat of the governorship election campaign in June 2012?

Did you think that the Ogbona electorate would be deceived by such feeble attempt at development when you and the PDP had almost ten years in government and did nothing?

From Edo North Senatorial District through the Central Senatorial District to the South Senatorial District this government has provided water, electricity, hospitals, good roads, schools buildings, mass transit buses and given our state capital a befitting look. Yet, you would want Edo people to believe that nothing has been done for

“Chief Dan Orbih, why have you shut your eyes to the red roof revolution that has swept through the two public primary schools, Oboarekpe and Imhakhena, in your village? Certainly, you cannot see the water project executed in Ogbona by this government because it is along the highway to Fugar and Agenebode. Is it that you would not have acknowledged these developments if they had been executed by you?”

them in the last five years?

My dear Dan, you have in the recent past tried unsuccessfully to make great capital out of Oshiomhole’s date of birth as much as you had done about the new development in his country home at Iyamho.

On both occasions, you and your

home your opposition to the sale of the decaying building by the government. I felt sorry for Edo state because you had reduced a serious legal matter to the cooking sands of kindergarten school children. You attempted to sway public opinion but you failed. I am sure that it was when you realised that your case against the sale

viable option during elections. What you are engaged in is destructive, not constructive criticism aimed at painting a wrong picture of the person of the Comrade Governor as well as the image of the APC as a party. It is not good for you, your party and our state.

I do not expect you to publicly admit and acknowledge the good

Chief Dan Orbih, Chairman Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Edo State.

party failed woefully to convince Edo people that Oshiomhole was a bad choice for governor. The resounding victory of Comrade Oshiomhole at the gubernatorial election of July 12, 2012 where he won in all the eighteen local government areas of the state spoke eloquently of what the people of Edo state think of the governor they first elected in April 2007.

You also disappointed your followers recently when you hired a handful of miscreants in Lagos to demonstrate at the premises of Edo House in Lagos ostensibly to press

of Edo House had collapsed in the court of public opinion that you decided to go to a law court. I wish you luck. Can you actually stop a man from selling his car? I wonder!

Your youthful exuberant ranting could be excused because our democracy allows not just opposition but a robust opposition capable of generating and articulating alternative ideas, programmes and policies to put the government on its toes.

This, I am sure you know, is the only way the electorate could be assisted to see opposition as a

works that this government has done in the last five years. I do know, however, that most members of your party, the PDP, privately praise Comrade Oshiomhole for the landmark achievements recorded so far in the state.

There is nothing wrong in all of that but if you must come out in the public do so with incontrovertible facts in a way that the people will believe and respect you. This last showmanship has served to denigrate your integrity.

You certainly do not need that. I wish you well always.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation.

ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological know-how, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together.

HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development.

THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country.

Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society.

Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations.

LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the

THE NIGERIAN

Growing The Nigerian Economy country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders.

THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary.

HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, be-dismissed as mere cynicism.

AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation.

REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an all time low. There is massive under utilization

resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely.

Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development.

THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria.

WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times.

AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socioeconomic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.

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WHEN, on two occasions – 2007 and 2012 - the good people of Edo State trooped out en masse to cast their votes for a man they believed had the Magic wand to lead them into a fresh dawn, they were playing their roles in a divinely orchestrated drama. Both were historic occasions when Edos spoke out objectively, passionately, and vociferously in concord; an accord that gave two separate mandates to a proven gladiator whom they knew was ready to fight to the death for their freedom; a battle-tested Spartan warrior in every sense of the word: the quintessential former “President of the Masses”, His Excellency, the amiable Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, of the All Progressive Congress, the architect and lynchpin of the new democratic order – the man we celebrate this month, as Edo State marks five years of uninterrupted, transparent,

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

projects in Benin City completion of the Gani Fawhinmi Layout comprising six roads, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Oba Market road complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; stadium road complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Sokponba road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; 2nd West Circular

Adams Oshiomhole

Cutting Edge With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173

Architect Of Modern Edo State and accountable popular rule.

The exhilarating fanfare that accompanied the two swearing-in ceremonies that followed the electoral victories that gave Oshiomhole his two successive mandates were quite understandable. They were practical demonstrations of the general euphoria that pervaded the whole of Edo land, as the people anticipated better lives for all during the period covering both tenures - the scenarios of a people boisterously enamored in anticipation of the good things to come from a man they had given the go-ahead to chart a new course for their violated land. So, when they converged at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on those memorable dates, it was to say resounding “welcomes” to their illustrious son, and to wish him “good luck” in his future assignments.

Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole was born on 4 April 1953 at Iyanmoh, near Auchi in Edo State. He was born Muslim, but was led to Christianity by his late wife Clara. He is Catholic and his Christian name is Eric. After his secondary education, he obtained a job with the Arewa Textiles Company, where he was elected Union Secretary.

He became a full-time trade union organizer in 1975. He furthered his studies at Ruskin College, Oxford in the United Kingdom, where he majored in economics and industrial relations. He also attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. In 1982, Adams Oshiomhole was appointed as the Secretary General of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria – a body with approximately 75, 000 members. As the operational head of this union, Oshiomhole became a major player and driver in the Nigerian Labour Congress and the wider radical movement in Nigeria. In 1999, consequent to the return of democratic rule to the country, Oshiomhole became the 4th President of the NLC. As head of the NLC, he led the union and the general public to resist several unpopular government policies that were considered anti-people and anti-democratic, ranging from arbitrary increases in the prices of petroleum products to other social and economic policies.

On the international front, Oshiomhole has served two terms on the executive board of the International Labour Organization, representing African workers; served as a member of the executive board of the African Regional Organization of the International Confederation of free Trade Unions; served on the Executive Board of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU); and the Committee on Freedom of Association of the ILO, the world’s only tribunal on workers’ rights. Oshiomhole won his first term as Governor of Edo State in 2007 on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (now All Progressive Congress). This was consequent to his court appeal against the results of a massively rigged April 2007 election in which the candidate of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor had initially been declared the winner. He assumed office on 12th November 2008 after winning the appeal. In July 2012, he won another landslide victory for a second term on the platform of the same party.

When he assumed office in 2008, Governor Oshiomhole had plethora of challenges to contend with: a dearth of functional infrastructural facilities and basic amenities that had turned the state into a living hell; a completely scruffy political system where graft had become a pastime; a dejected populace in dire need of purposeful leadership; a decapitated public service staffed by a disgruntled workforce; a stoneage educational system that was turning out ill-equipped individuals without the required productive capacities to contribute to the development of the state; a lethargic health sector that left the infirm at the mercy of charlatans; a regime of joblessness that had bred a high degree of hopelessness, helplessness and desperation in the psyche of the youths; a state of mind-bending insecurity spurred by widespread disenchantment within a section of the populace against the system and its operators; to other equally formidable challenges.

But since assuming his hallowed position five years ago, Oshiomhole has striven to correct all the systemic incongruities that had bedeviled the state since its creation, performing feats that have confounded even his harshest critics, proving once and for all that governance is not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk as well.

A sprinkling of Oshiomhole’s outstanding achievements – which are legion -within his five calendar years in office includes: Road

road, complete with covered drains. Walkways and street lights; Akpakpava road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Sapele road dual-carriage way, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Siluko road, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Airport road dual-carriage way, complete with covered drains, walkways and street lights; Upper Siluko road, complete with covered drains and walkways; laying of a brand new FIFA turf at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with refurbished dressing rooms; completed street lights at Upper Sokponba; completed street lights at Ramat Park-Agbor road; Oro street, Uwa Lane, 3rd Gov Adams Oshiomhole Cemetery, Ihenyan, all completed with covered drains, street lights and walkways; the Kings square at the city centre, rehabilitated and beautified with a modern water fountain.

The schools refurbishment projects in Benin City includes: rehabilitation of Adolor College, St Maria Goretti, Niger College, Idia College, Agbado primary School, Ohonba Primary School, Payne primary School and Olua primary. Mention must be made of the ongoing 5-Star 120-bed hospital Complex at the Central Hospital, and the Benin City Storm Water Master plan. Several other roads, schools, and beautification projects – completed and ongoing – are scattered all over the Benin landscape.

In Edo Central, some of the completed projects include: Roads - the Isua-Uzenema road, Igueben road, Amedokhian-Ugboha road, IruaUsugbenu-Ugbegun-Ujogba roads et al. Some of the completed schools include: Ewu Juniour Secondary School; St John Bosco, Ubiaja; Annunciation Catholic College, Irua; Ibhedu Primary School, Ohordua; Okaigben Primary School, Ewohinmi; Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma; Our Lady of Lords, Urhomi; and Our Saviour Primary School, Iruekpen. All these roads, schools and water projects are in tandem with several rural electrification projects in many hinterland communities.

Some of the completed road projects in Edo North include: the EwanOjirami-Makeke-Dangbala-Lampese road; Otuo-Ihievbe-Ogben road; Ayu-Jattu road, completed with side drains; Iyamo-Iyora road, completed with side drains and a bridge; Apana-Jattu road, completed with side drains among others. The completed schools projects are: Oghomere Primary School, Etsako West; Iyereku Primary School; Evbiobe Central School, Sabongida-Ora; Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora; Emai Primary School, Afuze; Ohobo primary School, Afuze; Uokha Juniour Secondary School, Uokha; Erevhe Primary School, Utuo; Etuno, Model primary School, Igarra; and others. Together with these roads and schools project are: Borehole, rural electrification and hospital projects across the three Senatorial Districts, extending to all the local governments in the state. Also worthy of mention are: the massive reformation of the public service, which has turned this once lethargic Dinosaur into a fluid working machine; the job creation scheme that has created reasonable means’ of livelihood for a large pool of unemployed youths in the state; Criminal Justice Reforms, which aims to check acts of crime and criminality in the state, and speed up judicial processes; and support for security agencies – Police, State Security Services, Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Army et al – in their efforts at checking insecurity in the state. Oshiomhole’s achievements are legion. But due to lack of space, we shall restrict ourselves to the few aforementioned ones.

It is pertinent at this juncture to note that despite all the evil arrows that have been shot at the governor and his people-centered reform

programs by the trouble slingers in the state, since the onset of his cleansing exercise, he has forged on unperturbed. Like a moving bullet train, he has continued to outpace his pursuers. In the same manner the Jamaican sprint sensation, Usain Bolt, has continued to re-define the face of athletics, Oshiomhole has continued to reform the face of governance in the state, forcing the naysayers in the opposition camps to chew and swallow their noxious words. From one colossal step to another, he has consistently conquered every Everest in his path – their sizes not withstanding - demonstrating in full public glare that mere theoretical postulations can be translated into practical realities by those who are not intimidated by the sheer size of life’s many challenges.

Any objective, non-partisan, informed, and impassioned observer of the evolution of Edo politics since - the state’s creation - August 27, 1991, will agree without much ado that Adams Oshiomhole has succeeded – where others have dismally failed - against all expectations, in creating a fluid working machine out of Edo State - a state where there is no fever of speculation; where there are no inflamed desires for sudden wealth among government officials, as had been the tradition in the days of the ousted regime; where the poor have no fear of the future, and the rich live and act within the ambits of the law; and where governance is in the hands of only the capable, altruistic and patriotic – a state founded on the ideals of freedom, opportunity and progress. He has activated in the minds of Edos the belief that if they continue to stand on the side of progressive change, by remaining steadfast in their support of his administration, then, they, their children, and children’s children will be better off in the long run – politically, economically, and in other significant ramifications.

There is a saying that “most people don’t value what they have until they lose it”. In the same vein, Edos might not appreciate fully what they have in Oshiomhole until his stewardship in Government House ultimately comes to an end in 2016. I dare to add here – without fear of contradiction - that whether anybody wants to accept it or not, Adams Oshiomhole remains unarguably the most outstanding governor in the checkered history of Edo State – just check the records.

He is in a class of his own; a Janus – the double-faced Roman god whose ability to look into the past and future before making crucial decisions, sets apart from the crowd. His god-like achievements within just five years are practical testaments to his divinely mandated winnowing mission to Dennis Osadebey Avenue. He is a man mandated by divine oracular fiat to “transform past dreams into contemporary realities”, and take Edo State and its beautiful people to “The Next Level”. That is what he has been assiduously doing since 2008.

Happy fifth anniversary on top, sir!

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Nutritional Health & Dietetics Why We Can’t Live Forever WE can never escape aging because nature’s plan builds it into our genes, some says because, nature cares little about us after forty or fifty when we have performed our duties of reproduction, providing fresh gene pools for evolution. It becomes more difficult with time to fend off the free radicals that are taking away our youth.

In the natural, universal order of things, as we get older, two critical things happen biologically to hasten aging. The rate of increase of cell-damaging free radical reactions accelerates dramatically, even worse news, your inborn abilities to defuse and repair the damage from the free radicalsyour detoxification systems-lose steam also, as you age.

This means that the older you get, the more damage accumulates in your cells and the more the aging process speeds up. Thus, getting older puts you in the inevitable position of having to mount ever stronger defenses against free radicals in futile attempts to beat the unbeatable, eventually, of course, we all lose the battle to one thing or other.

Which disease wounds you the deepest and finally mortally depends much on the shake of the genetic dice and your individual vulnerabilities. Dr. Harman puts it; it is almost a matter of chance how life is terminated. If an organism does not die, for example, of cancer, it will soon die from some other rapidly developing diseases, such as one of the cardiovascular system.

Aging is a disease. The human life span simply reflects the level of free radical oxidative damage

that accumulates, cells can’t survive properly anymore.

How To Stop The Dance Of Destruction Since antioxidants can block, interrupt or repair the free radical rampages that promote aging. It makes sense to have a great deal of them around in your cells.

The more that are present to protect cell’s fragile membranes, proteins and genetic DNA, within toxic

limits, the less able the free radicals are to strike and impose their damage and the less damage, the less likely the telltale signs of aging and ultimate breakdown of the body. What’s needed is a dedicate balance, enough antioxidants to keep the free radicals under tight control so that they can not over run the body, causing havoc, When you have far more free radicals than antioxidants, another word for free radical overload is stress. This imbalance nicks away at cells, setting the stage for accumulated

damage that eventually becomes so severe, we experience it as symptoms of one disease or other and overall aging.

Much aging, then can be chalked up to a global antioxidant deficiency, pitted against an environment, both internally and externally, rich in free radicals. If you get it, run, don’t walk to find more antioxidants, if you want to combat those rampaging free radicals that

are stealing your youth.

Right off, there are three major ways to buck up your arsenal of antioxidants: The first obvious defense is to eat plenty of antioxidants, flooding your blood stream and hence, your cells with neutralizers of free radicals. This includes the powerful big three antioxidants vitamin E, beta carotene and vitamin C as well as more exotic antioxidants in supplements, herbs and foods such garlic, broccoli, tea and tomatoes.

Second, you can shun

foods that are easily altered by ubiquitous oxygen so they generate free radicals inside your cells, wrecking them. Some prime examples are corn and safflower oil, margarine and dried eggs put in many processed foods.

A third strategy is to ingest supplements, herbs, vitamins and other food constituents that indirectly stimulate enzymes to rev up the body’s detoxification systems that zap free radicals. Notable is

broccoli, which contains sulforaphene, a chemical that Johns Hopkins researchers recently found stimulates mechanisms that vapourize specific free radicals.

By feeding your cells with antioxidants, you give them a powerful youth potion.

Generally speaking, the diet of the Mediterranean is a healthy one, based on grilled meats and fish, raw vegetables, broad fruit, herbs and yoghurt.

To the uninitiated, it may provide a limited choice of raw ingredients, but with the clever use of herbs in the

“Which disease wounds you the deepest and finally mortally depends much on the shake of the genetic dice and your individual vulnerabilities. Dr. Harman puts it; it is almost a matter of chance how life is terminated. If an organism does not die, for example, of cancer, it will soon die from some other rapidly developing diseases, such as one of the cardiovascular system.”

With

O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608

“The first obvious defense is to eat plenty of antioxidants, flooding your blood stream and hence, your cells with neutralizers of free radicals. This includes the powerful big three antioxidants vitamin E, beta carotene and vitamin C as well as more exotic antioxidants in supplements, herbs and foods such garlic, broccoli, tea and tomatoes.” north and spices in the south, each country has developed a culinary style to be envied.

The only disadvantage of the region is the lack of pasture land which results in little dairy produce being available. But this has been overcome by the use of olive oil in place of butter and goat’s or ewe’s milk for cheese. Because, cattle cannot be grazed for long enough to fatten up, beef is not widely consumed. Veal is however and lamb and poultry are the meat most enjoyed.

Each country has developed its own style of flavouring but the most prominent use of herbs is probably in southern France where so many grow wild Rosemary, thyme, bay and juniper are all rich in fragrance and they flavour the dishes of province.\ In Italy, basil is the favorite herb and used in such recipes as vivid green recto sauce, followed by oregano used in many fine meat dishes and sprinkled on pizza. In Greece, dried organo is used in many dishes including the popular country salad with fatta cheese, delicate dill is added to bean and white meat dishes. In Turkey, the use of chervil, Parsley and dill are present in many recipes, whereas, the closer you move towards the middle East, the more mint is encountered.

As you travel through the recipes of the North African countries, spices begin cinnamon, being use extensively in Egyptian food alongside ground coriander

and cumin seeds. In Tunisia, the combination of coriander, caraway, garlic and chillies are ground together to flovour a multitude of dishes, pounded chili pastes are added to soups and stews like the Moroccan couscous, so popular in France. Herbs such as mint, chamomile and lime leaf are used in refreshing teas too.

The three main crops of the Mediterranean are cereal, olives and vines. Wheat is mainly the hard durum varieties, and are grown for the bread and pastry so popular in France, Pizza dough in Italy and the wafer thin sheets of filo pastry used all over Greece, Turkey and North Africa. The same wheat provides the semolina for couscous and the gnocchi for Italy.

Short grain rice is grown in various places for Italian risotto, Spanish paellas and Greek pilafs and maize is grown in Northern Italy for making polenta.

The olive crop is of great importance to Mediterranean countries for the thick, green oil with its distinctive taste and the sharp-tasting fruit.

The olives for eating are picked when they are green (unripe) or block and then immersed in brine, they become the delicacies we serve with drinks. Those left on the tree to shrivel are used for the oil. The really good oil from the first pressing is expensive and used with great care.

The third crop of Mediterranean is the vine which is healthful.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Seminar

Role Of The Media In Identifying, Reporting Potential Conflict Sources

Introduction JOURNALISM is perhaps one ‘profession’ in which every other citizen has some opinion or other on how its practitioners should carry out their trade. Journalists all over the world pride themselves by referring to their trade as a profession. If it were a profession, does it have the defining characteristics of other professions like medicine, law, pharmacy, engineering or advertising? Among journalists themselves this debate has gone on for a long time and it appears we are not about to end it too soon. In Akwa Ibom, for example, businessmen and politicians have set up ‘newspapers’ which rightly qualify to be called scandal sheets where their major preoccupation is muckraking. Many of these papers are a disservice and dishonour to those professionals who make a living out of the profession.

The Nigerian Press Council and the Nigeria Union of Journalists have provided guidelines for membership and practice of the journalism profession which guidelines have become tenuous and ineffectual arising partly from a failure of the regulators to ensure compliance and also because of the emergence of the nebulous and ubiquitous form called social media and its inchoate cousin, citizen journalism. The Internet, that system of computer that allows people in different parts of the world to exchange information through a network described by the former American Vice President, Al Gore, as the new information superhighway has provided all of us with! The citizen journalist with his cellphone operates in cybersphere. They have no offices, no training in reportorial skills and journalism but are eye witnesses to an event. Armed with a computer and a story they report what tickles their fancy.

Now the big question is what role can you ascribe to this category of ‘reporters’? How can you really define a role for them? Do they understand what social responsibility entails?

Certainly, it is not for this category of practitioners that the NPC and NUJ made its regulations for. To the real journalists, the NUJ prescribes a minimum training programme up to the diploma level especially for secondary school leavers with no other form of training. Those who possess degrees in other disciplines are expected to take a Higher National Diploma like the one provided by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). Even these constitute remedial measures because the real craft can perhaps be effectively learnt through tutelage under the masters. The unfortunate situation is that these new entrants are themselves the editors and ‘senior’ journalists who lead other new entrants without experience. This has become a worrying situation where the blind are leading the blind. Unless, we are able to bring this situation under control, it will be difficult to sanitise the profession. In effect ‘journalism’ will gradually become the channel for conflict generation than for conflict management and peace building.

Key terms In this presentation, some key terms have/been chosen to underscore our discussion’ They are: the media, identify, report and conflict. The Media are generally known to be those social institutions or channels through which messages, news, current affairs, documentaries and human interaction take place such as radio, television, newspapers, paperbacks, the Internet, oramedia etc.

Identify refers to the recognition of something and understanding exactly what it is, that is, to be able to say exactly what something is and what category it belongs to. For example, in this presentation we should be able to identify and define the potential sources of conflict and say exactly how and what the media can do in the process.

To Report is to give, provide, produce or tell about something that exists including crime or something detrimental to an individual, group or society in a news article or document which is made available for public consumption.

A conflict is a violent disagreement or situation between groups, states or individuals which may make it difficult for them to cohabit or exist together. In journalism, it is usually a state of unhealthy rivalry between groups or states. In normal circumstances, conflict is viewed as an inescapable part of human condition; and societies have advanced most when conflict has been recognized as an

“Today, there are numerous conflicts around the world for which you cannot really ascribe clear causes. All we know is that some persons or group are not happy with one another and have decided to take up arms.”

By DES WILSON, PHD

inevitable and even healthy aspect of human interaction. The media as channels of communication have also constituted themselves sometimes into channels of conflict generation.

Clearly, there can be communication without conflict but certainly there cannot be conflict without communication. This fact underscores the critical importance of communication in conflict management and peace building.

Whenever conflict has been creatively managed it has always resulted in ‘richer more effective solutions and interaction.’

(Enema, 2007, p.1) the media can act as catalyst in this situation.

And as experience has shown, human conflict is inevitable. As far as conflict is a product of a communication behaviour, it is only through communication that we can reduce conflict. The media therefore act as mobilizers, sensitizers and educators of

Mohammed Garba, NUJ President

members of a society.

Identification of conflict sources The media should be able to help society identify conflict sources if their operators know their environment well. Some of the likely sources of conflict and conflict drivens are: • • •

Ethnicism and ethnic rivalries -.— Nigerian state Electoral fraud— Nigerian state, AKS, Delta, Rivers Political and economic imbalances-— Niger Delta militancy, Edo, Anambra • Poor leadership — Nigerian state • Lack of transparency and accountability — Nigerian State • Monopoly of power by a group northern Nigerian military/Civilian oligarchy • Lack of internal democracy in political organisations —New PDP phenomenon • Corruption — Nigerian State, Boko Haram insurgency • Denial of human rights to the citizens — Nigerian State • Inconsistent and corrupt judiciary— Pronouncements by various tribunals, courts • Executive lawlessness — Rivers, AKS • Extrajudicial killings e.g. APO 9, APO 10 • Cultism and violence — Akwa Ibom • Warped social values — Nigerian State • Inconsistent policies and double standard —Nigerian State • Trauma-sensitivity (especially in the aftermath of a terrorist attack).

• Religious bigotry and Fundamentalism — Boko Haram Reporting of Conflict The media must reflect on the consequences of their reports. Thus before the media present a story to the public they must examine the likely consequences or effects of such a story on the society.

This will be showing social responsibility. Apart from their usual role of being informers, educators and entertainers, they must see themselves as mediators, translators (of policies) the middlemen,

helpers of human rights defenders and activists, interpreters and watchdogs as well as serve as moral beacons or guide to leaders and followers. The media should not just report conflicts and their sources, they must place each event within contexts and be guided by the social responsibility theory of the media. We shall return to these issues presently but meanwhile let us also examine how the media currently handle conflict reporting.

How the media portray conflicts A study of how the world’s media report conflict around the world reveals the -following: They mostly just follow events as they happen. Readers need to know more than what is presented, that is, they need explanation.

At present, most of the media don’t explain what - led to those events.

They concentrate on bad news. They are problem focused. Well, they say ‘bad news’ is good news. And this is what sells the papers!

They are often sensational and emotional in tone. Reading the various tabloids in Akwa Ibom State today including the Lagos Sun, and Nation newspapers is like reading a war report. The Akwa Ibom papers even deal with scare mongering. You would almost think Akwa Ibom was going to experience a war between the ethnicities at no distant time.

• They tend to focus on powerful people, political leaders, the rich and the famous, who live in affluence in our towns and cities.

Even when they write about institutions, the focus is on those who run them rather than what they can do.

They often reinforce stereotypes. Stereotyping is a common media game. Once you see a member of the group, you- have confirmed the group’s characteristics.

All these portrayals are clearly influenced by personal values, professional standard, media ownership and control structure and the news ethics of the organisation.

In spite of these limitations and shortcomings it may be helpful to porpose the following as a template for conflict reporting borrowing largely from the well known 5Ws and IH formula of news structure: Who is affected by the conflict? — Groups, governments, institutions, individuals What triggered the dispute? (Backgrounding) — Identification of complete sources When did the conflict begin? — Location of disputants • Where: what geographical or political jurisdictions are affected by the dispute? — e.g. Boko Haram territory.

• Why do the parties hold their positions? e.g. lack of mediation, concern.

• How’ are they solving the conflict? Is there any mediation or negotiation taking place? — Third party intervention What options exist for the parties involved? — previous mediatory efforts and why they failed.

What common grounds are there between the parties? — focusing on the positives • Is there anything to learn from similar conflicts elsewhere? — Lessons from elsewhere Contextualizing Conflict Today, there are numerous conflicts around the world for which you cannot really ascribe clear causes. All we know is that some persons or group are not happy with one another and have decided to take up arms. The US war on Terror(ism) is a war with many facets and can be directed at any adversary ox- declared enemy, anywhere in the world from Al-Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram to DRC, Syria, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Mali and Nigeria. It can be in the manner of former US President’s declaration during the invasion of Iraq that ‘You are either with us or against us’. In other words, in his world, there is no middle ground.

The media have a responsibility of explaining to their audiences what these wars are all about without taking sides. Even when reporters are embedded with fighting troops, the media must provide independent commentary on the context of the conflict rather than merely report what the dominating power has provided as its vision of the war. In other words, other perspectives must be presented as well. There are so many lingering conflicts today which people have forgotten how they started or what led to them.

Once in a long while, the media provide some superficial reports on those conflicts and it is then we remember that such a conflict is still going on. Take a look at the conflict zones in the table below and see how many you can vividly recall their origins and the names of their chief actors.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Insight

Comprehensive Healthcare Delivery: Oredo

By IJOEMA UMEH

The Ancestor of every action is a thought – Emerson giving sensitive leadership FROM the perspective of a host of Nigerians who are hard beat as a result of policy insensitivity and the unwavering mask of poverty and retrogression, no government, whether at Federal, State and local tier should be trusted to deliver on the much touted dividends of democracy beyond promises made during politicking. By reason of this popular stance therefore, most administrations remained passive while the people continued to wallow in extreme poverty as social amenities remained in deficit, so much that human health continued to degenerate, while affordable health care became an elitist mantra.

For many, life became brutish and short. However, on assumption of office only but a few mouths ago, Hon. Osaro Obazee, Chairman Oredo Local Government Council in Edo State demystified that form of lip governance while clearly

a human face, even as he assured that electioneering promises can indeed be kept. He did this in more specific terms than could be argued: “Our administration when we are elected into office, would give priority to quality healthcare delivery. We will ensure that our people have access to affordable healthcare, one that can conveniently meet and compare with that of any international standard of healthcare delivery. We would ensure that our elderly live good old age in good health while our young ones equally grow safely into healthy maturity to join hands in collectively building a nation of our dream. We will consolidate on the Comrade Governor’s legacies.”

Barely a few months after those salient promises were registered in the marbles of history, the council Boss has continued to deliver. One of these leadership strides was witnessed recently when the local government

chieftaincy garnered supports from across international space and collaborated with the City of Moses Lake Medical Team from the United States and mixing team and whim in a major partnership, brought 19 Medical Professionals down to Edo State; an event which has been described as ‘a salvage mission’ and which was to last for two weeks, from the first to second week of November, 2013.

Leading the bandwagon of medics was Dr. Lateef Olaniyan, President/COFounder of Moses Lake Medical Team, U.S.A, who glowing in obvious excitement and satisfaction, told this writer, “I have never received as many thanks all my life as I have received from the people of Oredo and others in Edo State.”

He noted with joy that the medical team, comprising doctors, pharmacists, Nurses and surgeons were happy about the number of persons who have been positively affected by the two-week long medical intervention.

“Our purpose is for the common people who cannot

Cross section of patients waiting to be attended to.

afford the cost of medication. It is not possible to reach hundred per cent of the population, but if we in the long run change one person’s life, that, for us should be a basis to look back and be happy. So far, we have not only done that,

By IJEOMA UMEH

is a place in the United States. It’s population is 22,000. It’s a city full of people who love me. There is no bias, no racial colouration of people; they came together and

Government Council for the assistance they both gave in ensuring that this event is a success. They gave us a warm reception, accommodation, food, intra-city transport, and

Event facilitated by Oredo Local Government Council. but exceeded ordinary expectations of the people, and truly, I have never had so much “Thank you” in my life, resonating from all four angles!”

Dr. Olaniyan who had lived in America for over 30 years, stated that the whole idea of giving free medical care to Nigerians was birthed when he came to the University of Benin in company of his friend to do a study and in the course of his practice realized that “access to healthcare was different from where we were coming from,” and when they got back, he discussed the need for collaboration with his friends in Diaspora and the idea sailed. They got the name,. Moses Lake Medical Team, U.S.A registered with the Secretary of the State of Washington in 2007, with all relevant documents to boot.

“The City of Moses Lake

“The citizens of Moses Lake came together, put their contributions forward; you will find people putting forward a 100 dollars, some doing 1,000 and so forth. They gave their contributions, then some other persons, including corporate organizations, the Lions’ Club and others. They will organize auctions, fund-raising and other nice shows, drama, where Nigerian costumes which are highly regarded over there and people pay to see such shows and the proceeds are also put forward for the intervention in Nigeria.”

wholeheartedly supported the initiative and we hit it off. It’s been six years since we’ve been doing this and we have not missed a year since then.”

What does it cost and how does the medical team get funding to embark on a project of this magnitude?

Dr. Olaniyan was quick to give kudos to the people of Moses Lake.

“The citizens of Moses Lake came together, put their contributions forward; you will find people putting forward a 100 dollars, some doing 1,000 and so forth.

They gave their contributions, then some other persons, including corporate organizations, the Lions’ Club and others.

They will organize auctions, fund-raising and other nice shows, drama, where Nigerian costumes which are highly regarded over there and people pay to see such shows and the proceeds are also put forward for the intervention in Nigeria.

He also spoke on the collaborative effort with government at both local and state level, describing it as key in orchestrating the whole process. “”I wish to commend the Edo State and Oredo Local

security.

On our part, the team of 19 doctors that came here paid their own visa, ticket and so forth. They also have to pay for their own immunization.

Over N50m was contributed

by Moses Lake to the cause.”

The Umaran Kwara-born medical practitioner stated that he hopes to see more collaborative effort between and among individuals and corporate groups. “We have been on since 6 years now, but it is important for us to sustain the pace, to ensure we reach more people across the Nigerian State.

Our main aim is to collaborate with the local doctors. They will learn from us and we from them.

We also gave trainings to some Nigerian doctors and Nurses and we also learnt much from their own experience, cross – pollinating ideas.

Would he say his team had dispensed quality medicare to the people of the local government? What number of persons did they help and what ailment did they present with? Dr. Olaniyan says, “Yes! We have given quality medicare to the people, to over one thousand persons presenting with

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Insight Partners Moses Lake Medical Team, US * Partners City of Moses Lake Medical Team, U.S various ailmentshypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, pain-we saw a lot of pain – waist pains, ulcers and so forth.

We also brought 2,500 pairs of glasses. There’s an optometrist to attend to those who presented with issues pertaining to the eyes.

The Nurses take the vital signs, the medical doctors thoroughly do the examinations, if it’s in the ear, they use the otoscope, there’s a bed for abdominal examinations and depending on their findings, give the needed treatments, or make recommendations; there are pharmacists to dispense the medicines.

There are surgeons. We did surgeries too. Plastic corrections, core surgeries.

We have this small oscillators – breathing machines with an adaptor for each patient. The adaptor is disposable. That small oscillator costs 200 dollars but that doesn’t matter, what matters is how it functioned in helping

people who had breathing problems to breathe and recover.”

Dr. Olaniyan commended the huge crowd of excited people, describing them as “a well behaved crowed.”

Further saying that, “we have seen worst” crowds in other places that we went to.”

While also commending the local government council for its organization.

“The organization is good, there is the air of serenity in this health arena. There is canopy to seat under, there is privacy, seclusion and that there is nothing here that made the exercise a hectic one. It was a successful event altogether and my colleagues are also easy going, accommodating people.”

Also articulating the gains of the special event, Dr. Ifepo Ujusofola, a plastic surgeon also a member of the Moses Lake Medical Team, noted that the event realized the exact aim for which it was set out. “We

saw eagerness on every countenance; we saw faces of people who were willing to be assisted through their various issues from treatment to the process of recovery; we saw hope and gratitude and even warmth

and cooperation. That gave us joy and we thought the people deserve what they are getting – quality medical care that has been tested over the years from region to region. I am glad that my passion to help people is being realized and indeed people are getting what they

youth, with a ballish bump at the base of the head was seen jumping around in frenzy when the medical team announced that he was not billed for surgery the following day. His family members were also seen singing and dancing and thanking all those who facilitated the event.

On his part, John Fajimi, the Nigerian co-ordinator of Moses Lake Medical Team, U.S.A and a stakeholder with Project Hope Nigeria described the event as a huge exercise.

Also lauding the initiative, Augustine Ehico Eigbe, also a facilitator, stated that he had to muster all the supports he

Dr. Lateef Obaniyan, Co-Founder, Moses Lake Medical Team, USA

Dr. Uju Sofola, on the team “We saw eagerness on every countenance; we saw faces of people who were willing to be assisted through their various issues from treatment to the process of recovery; we saw hope and gratitude and even warmth and cooperation. That gave us joy and we thought the people deserve what they are getting – quality medical care that has been tested over the years from region to region. I am glad that my passion to help people is being realized and indeed people are getting what they truly desire and deserve.”

truly desire and deserve.”

He also commended both the state and local government for creating a conducive atmosphere for the event; however noting that there’s room for improvement.

“If governments at all levels would team up to duplicate this effort, the country would be a huge success story!”

A lady (name withheld) who was treated of cancer of the breast and was recovering after a successful surgery was full of gratitude for the way fortune had smiled upon her. She expressed gratitude to the Moses Lake Team and Oredo Local Government Council for bringing good health down to the ordinary masses.

Various other surgeries were also said to have been performed, ranging from corrective to plastic. A

could for the health project, to ensure that the plan of his ally and chairman, Oredo Local government Council, Hon. Osaro Obazee to deliver quality healthcare to the people succeeded, noting that he was solidly beside him in this project and also to ensure his tenure recorded huge success.

Pat Egharevba, a Matron with the Oredo Model Health Care Centre where the exercise took place, also stated that the exercise was a huge success.

When else would the good people of Edo State enjoy such treat?

Dr. Lateef Olaniyan smiled away. “Of course, like I said, we have other places in Nigeria lined up for this same exercise, same magnitude, same collective effort, same financial capacity and all that. In as much as we will love to always be here, it’s not often easy to always come; I have my business over there in the U.S and it takes two weeks off busy schedule to do this. Staff, Pharmacists, technicians have to get paid.

However, we look forward to growing and expanding our scope and frontier to the extent that we can always give quality health care service, free of charge as we’ve been doing for six years, to the same people, the same place, every time till we reach every single family and individual in Nigeria.

Indeed, that’s our hope.

The Medical Team is expected to leave the state at the weekend. While in Benin, they also visited the palace of the Benin Monarch and the Comrade Governor of Edo State, respectively. For the people of Oredo Local Government Council, memories will continue to linger!

THE NIGERIAN

18

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Issues Revenue Allocation Formula

Why States Should Be Favoured IT is not often that one sees a pique to a menu placed on the table for a child on Xmas day, because children, alike during festivity, are affably in an upbeat mood, deluding and expecting the day to claw back soonest and consequently wishing a never ending conclusion of the festival.

You see, there is no Nigerian who is not excited or captivated by Mr. Mbam’s delightful gesture to the nation – a national debate on revenue allocation formula that has epistemological phenomena of a child embroiling in festivity. Many Nigerian thought the day would never come as many damages have been done and incurred by Nigeria for the late awakening to this reality of fiscal federalism formula review. Any country that is a federation must have a formula for sharing nationally derived funds, (coded national cake in Nigeria) amongst the tiers of government that make up the federation. The formulae are similar in many forms but e n v i r o n m e n t a l circumstances demand that different countries formula’ takes note of their environments hence the difference in the formula’s characteristics. Therefore the Nigeria’s formula would be different from that of the USA, Canada, or Ethiopia.

Mr. Mbam the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has thrust the whole country into a pandemonium, by demanding a national dialogue in respect of revenue sharing formula.

The paradox could be one of high hopes with the resultant consequences of consolidated unity for

By IMUETINYAN PRESS JOHN UGIAGBE

Nigeria or a hoax that could result in discord, despair and which could finally put the nail on the coffin to seal the faith of Nigeria in disarray and possibly split. His call for review and national discourse in the matter has a salutary effect even though we have been in such a call before only to be covertly deceived.

For example, the 1979 Constitution was a brain child of a constituent Assembly and was opened to the nation for debate and opinion but in the end the head of state lordly directed the Constitution Drafting Committee to what must have been inscribed on the constitution, such as federalism and secularism.

The 1999 Constitution that ushered Nigeria’s 3rd republic was supposedly thrust into the public domain, in the end the then Army Junta head of state retired Army General Abdusalami Abubakar in a loquitur move, told the nation that “Nigerian wanted to continue with the 1979 constitution” and in the process deceived Nigeria and removed section one that protects and preserves Nigeria’s democracy and from future military usurpation.

This is why Mr. Mbam unequivocally moved to placing the review in public domain with all the stakeholders being given the chance to make their contributions. It is not new and must not been seen as anything but, with the exception that this time this man is wearing the face of a civilian. Well, may be Mr. Mbam would avoid previous injustices which have been covertly lashed out on the public in the name of public discourse in a situation like this.

Since the inception of federalism practice in Nigeria in 1948 under Richards Constitution and the ensued fiscal federalism practice introduced by Phillipson in 1949, many other reviews with the same objective as the one proposed by Mr. Mbam have come and go, failing the onrush of the demand of Nigerians. Since Phillipson’s, the formula used for allocation and sharing of

for the benefit of the nation.

At the moment in Nigeria, there are those that called for the sharing formula to be scrapped, not because of its short comings in delivering the aspiration of all the states but for their own selfish interests. They demand that the formula should be scrapped in favour of the U.S.A. and Canada and other foreign arrangements. They say the formula is an absurdity in a federal system and therefore must be scrapped to reflect the U. S. A. and

the populace, especially the states to be allocated more money from the Federation Account. There are others that call for total overhauling of the system, and to allow states to have control of the resources in their domain and subsequently to pay taxes and other royalties to the centre as it is done in the U. S. A. especially in Canada.

There are others who decry the allocation system based on the principle of derivation which they argue is too little and too small to meet their

Canada and other foreign arrangements. There are others who believe the percentage allocation is skewed in favour of the federal government and therefore Nigeria does not reflect a proper federalism.

They argue that this must be reversed in favour of the lower tiers of government, because of their proximity to

economic problems which oil exploration and exploitation has placed on them, and others on the basis that they are excluded from derivation payment as derivation is only paid to the nine oil producing states.

At the moment, under the current formula as recommended by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and fiscal Commission (RMAFC), local governments receives 20.6%, states 26.72%, federal government 52.68%. It was decreed in 1990, amended in 1992, morphed into an act of Parliament, which according to the law, the formula is subject to review every five years. Every month states rushed into Abuja to collect their hands out in revenue share, without which many of

President Goodluck Jonathan

revenues amongst the tiers of government in the federation has been a persistent and often controversial national debate.

Every rational thinking human being would agree that revenue sharing is not the best slate of things. It is concretively a hard nut to crack to the satisfaction of everyone but a balance of equity and fairness is required

“We really have to look into how some of the states were created by the Junta boys without due process to laid down rules. Why should a state be created out of nothing only in the name of politics, tribalism and nepotism? It is beyond human comprehension and the consequence of the Junta’s action is what we are going through today in Nigeria.”

those states cannot stand on their own feet and survive as a state. Fiscal federalism in Nigeria has become like a cancer with many states blaming it for their poverty.

Some states in Nigeria have actually taken the law into their own hands arguing that the money that gets to their community is painfully putting and pushing them into life of abject poverty, instead of ameliorating their lives, hence militancy in the Niger Delta, grievances in the Southern and Northern nonoil producing states, insurgency and terrorism in the North East.

We really have to look into how some of the states were created by the Junta boys without due process to laid down rules. Why should a state be created out of nothing only in the name of politics, tribalism and nepotism? It is beyond human comprehension and the consequence of the Junta’s action is what we are going through today in Nigeria. The Soldiers did irrecoverable damage to this country.

Because many states will not be able to stand on their feet and survive as a state no matter the force of equalization which the central government might apply. This is why I cannot and will not share the view of some fellow Nigerians who would like to see derivation scrapped and replaced by states autonomy and states control of resources in their own domain and to pay allegiance, both in taxes and royalties to the federal government.

Nigeria is perhaps the only country that uses derivation principle in its formula for sharing. Although the notion of giving states control of their resources is tempting as it might be the best option, if derivation principle was to be scrapped the consequences of this cause of action would be dire for the country.

On the issue of review of formula, Mr. Mbam has come out with a food for thought and in the process raising every Nigerian hope, aspiration and optimism that his commission “will come out with a formula that will affect the wishes of Nigerians.” I hope the end Continues on page 19

THE NIGERIAN

19

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Issues

...Why States Should Be Favoured Continued from page 18

will justify the means and previous déjà vu of previous reviews will be avoided and Nigerians can at the end take Mr. Mbam by his word. The RMAFC is mandated to from time to time review the allocation formula and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing circumstances and realities and “advise the federal, states, local governments of fiscal efficiency and methods by which their revenue is to be increased.,” a formula that starves some states in the country, goes against the ethics of federalism and human development. This is why, as I have previously said that control of revenue by states is a far cry for the country. It has been argued by some people that the federal government is distant segment of our society, again, far from it.

The federal government is infact an enigma, the engine, and the facilitator that collates and assures the functionalities of other jurisdictional governments in the federation. However, their ineptitude is well magnified and mirrored in their failure to live up to their task, expectation and name. Why should the states throughout the federation maintain the federal roads?

Therefore any attempt by the federal government to occupy this position of road provider is an otiose and nonsensical if the states can fend better.

Some motorized water borehole projects for rural areas development are executed from Abuja.

This does not pose any meaningful surprise, as we all know that it is a ploy and conduit for graft on the part of federal government. On the issue of road maintenance Ekiti state claim to spend N8 billion in repairs of federal government’s roads, Lagos state claim to have spent 50 billion naira to repair 117 federal roads, Akwa Ibom claim N100 billion in repairs.

The Police force is in shambolic pity state of affair.

The federal government runs a poorly, police force that cannot respond to any inconveniencies talk less of chronic emergencies, with the consequence that states now fund police operations. Along

with the states’ benevolence in looking after the policing of the country, individual landlords buy their sleep by forming a paid civil defense around the clock. The federal government response to a major disaster is a far cry from realities. The federal government contends that it has immense responsibilities of providing for education, health service, roads, energy and national security and other areas (exclusive legislation list, 1999 Nigerian Constitution). There is no doubt about their supposedly responsibilities, which although is of great importance, but unfortunately only appear on paper.

The federal government should detach themselves from the provisions of some of their duties especially that of primary and secondary education in the country, policing, health care and even road construction, to be the preserves of the state and local governments. Although there would be problem with spillover effects, regarding road construction if states were to take on that mantle but what is the purpose of federal government constructing roads if the states government can do better? I am yet to understand what the federal government of Nigeria actually stands for and their functions because they seem only to exist in effigy. It is for these reasons, that the lower tiers of government, that is, states and local governments must be favoured by Mbam’s Revenue Allocation Formula review.

The federal government should confine themselves to macro-economic adjustments and redistribution of income, while shelving some of their fathom self-imposed functions, but mandated by the 1999 constitution in the form of Exclusive Legislative List that is superfluous. With increased revenue appropriation to the lower jurisdictional governments, the state and local governments can build new roads, provide health services, build primary and secondary schools, education, transportation, and other needy services for everyone in the country especially for those in the rural areas.

The question is what percentage in revenue share is appropriate for the state and

local governments to be able to execute their duties to their local populace? This conundrum calls for mind searching, compromise and rational consensus amongst the stakeholders and the RMAFC. Let us be sure of one thing, in a recent survey

by Ugiagbe (2013) with the Nigerian Members of Parliament, Abuja, the MPs interviewed said that “no

the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission also recognised the bane of corruption in the system as evidenced in his speech on this matter.

Therefore agitating for more revenue allocation for lower jurisdictional governments also comes with public expectation of fiscal

The review would count for nothing if some irrational and irresponsible remarks and behaviour continue to pervade our society especially when President Jonathan has Mr. Alimensiga, the Madam Alice in high heels, as a mentor and asked every other person to take a cue from him- Ewo! Wonders will never end in Nigeria. For sure this would

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister

matter the review and how good a formula for revenue sharing might be, unless corruption was eradicated or wiped out from the system of governance and from the society, the formula will fail to bring the desired goals that would bring an effective tool for development and poverty alleviation.” I am happy that

discipline on the parts of the recipients. We often hear from different sources, albeit the media, reports of public funds diversion by Executives in some states leaves a sour taste in the bud and negates the purpose of the agitation for states to be well favoured over the federal government.

not help us, we must wake up.

In a recent interview conducted by Ugiagbe (2013) with the MPs at Abuja, the MPs agree that Nigeria’s problem was corruption, but majority of the Northern MPs interviewed accused the Southern echelon of corruption, most especially

the Niger Delta. One Northern MP comments angrily, regarding derivation principle, which only the nine oil producing states receive: “Instead of the state government using the revenues paid in derivation to right their environments and lives they swindle the revenue into their own private pockets thereby compounding the problems of the people in the area. I am sorry the Southern MPs are too corrupt. You need to go to states in the Niger Delta to see for yourself. You would be forced to ask where is all the money they receive in derivation and other transfers— aba!” (Northern MP 2.3.203) Some of the southern MPs interviewed also accused the North of hoarding their resources and in the event waiting for the Southern resources to dry out. Most of the Northern MPs interviewed simply discarded the claim by some Southern MPs as “innuendo, nonsense and conspiracy theory.” But some Northern MPs actually admitted that the resources in their domain such as Gold, Diamond, even Oil are effetely prospected by the federal government because they want to hold them down forever.” The federal government cannot pick and choose.

All natural resources in the country, whether it is mineral, agriculture, hard, soft mineral, should be given equal attention to avoid cheating on any state and boosting the aggregate revenue of the country. The country must and should not follow the path of states control of revenue, for the reasons I have given before. We are Nigerians and not Americans or Canadians.

“ The federal government is infact an enigma, the engine, and the facilitator that collates and assures the functionalities of other jurisdictional governments in the federation. However, their ineptitude is well magnified and mirrored in their failure to live up to their task, expectation and name. Why should the states throughout the federation maintain the federal roads.”

THE NIGERIAN

20

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Analysis

Sustaining Oshiomhole’s Legacy THE name “ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE” will never be flew in Nigerian politics considering his antecedents in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

As the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, he was a social critic, a defender of the people’s right and an advocate of the truth for many years During this period, no one would have thought that the man, Oshiomhole will one day be in the camp of those whose polities he had always criticized. But the man knew what he was doing; he was not just criticizing the government for the sake of it, but for good governance and for the good of the people. As evident in his four and half years of being the governor of Edo state.

m o n u m e n t a l transformation that has taken place in the entire state that even the blind can feel.

Schools-primary, secondary and tertiary are being built or renovated all over the state; hospitals, water health facilities are being provided; boreholes are being provided to give water to the people in places where conclusion has been made that borehole water cannot be provided. Roads are being constructed and reconstructed with streetlights and walk ways such as can only be found in the modern cities of the world.

The traffic control system has made driving much easier and less stressful in the Benin

“Schools-primary, secondary and tertiary are being built or renovated all over the state; hospitals, water health facilities are being provided; boreholes are being provided to give water to the people in places where conclusion has been made that borehole water cannot be provided.

Roads are being constructed and reconstructed with streetlights and walk ways such as can only be found in the modern cities of the world.”

After he won the battle to reclaim his mandate as the elected governor of Edo state in 2008, he swung into action immediately with the beautification project to change the face of the ancient city- Benin City. I can remember a former deputy governor of the state then, saying “this man that is using one year to plant flower has no good plan for the people of the state and will achieve nothing’. Today, I wonder what the man will be saying considering the

metropolis.

However, the question is how do we as the people of the state key into the good intention of the comrade governor and sustains his legacy?

This question has become necessary because there are many people out there trying to sabotage the good efforts of the governor and run down his government.

For example, employing people to control the traffic system was a good way of reducing unemployment problem in the state and making driving easier and

Governor Adams Oshiomhole

also reducing the rate of accident. But this traffic control officials have turned this to a personal business by their way of operations.

They are simply devoid of civility and decorum in the manner of approach to their job. What is supposed to be a succor to the people of the state has been turned

to a nightmare. These people, instead of being on the road to correct drivers will lay siege, do all sorts of things to cause confusion; jump into your car, drive you to a corner or their office and start making demands from you.

Sometimes at the slightest error, they block you with their towing van and begin to tow your vehicle. It is not

wrong when somebody is being fined or punished for offence committed. But in most cases the offence committed cannot be properly explained, only to ask you to go and pay.

Anyway, not much better can be expected from people who gather to smoke and drink early in the morning before they go to their duty post and in the

One of the roads recently commissioned by Edo State Governor.

afternoon after collecting money from motorists through crook and hook come back to do the same thing. Drinking joints around the offices of the traffic officials should be monitored to verify the authenticity of this claim.

These people should be well cautioned before they cause much havoc in the state.

On the issue of street lights being vandalized or broken by reckless drivers, I advise that phone numbers of the ministry or department in charge should be displayed in strategic places for people to immediately call and report such drivers. They should be made to pay for it.

Efforts should also be intensified by the War against Indiscipline officials to clear the walk ways at all times. It is not intended for trading My people, let us join hands to support the comrade governor and sustain his legacy.

O R O B O S A CLEMENT

THE NIGERIAN

21

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Issues Family Matters Love Of Money: Between

MONEY is a means of transacting the business of buying and selling of goods. According to economists, money is something that serves as a medium of exchange, a unit of accounting and a store of value.

The Longman Contemporary Dictionary sees money as what you earn by working and can use to buy things. Money can be in the form of notes and coins or cheque, and can be kept in a bank.

But we are talking about the love of money. Many people are doing things that are not right just because of the aim of getting money. What is the LOVE FOR MONEY? The love for money is a lustful means of acquiring riches in an unlawful or undesirable way. For something to be unlawful it means it’s against the laws guiding that state. For example, those who steal by trick, bribery and corrupt practices.

Between a rich and wealthy man there is a great difference, the rich man desires to acquire money and he is never satisfied in abundance of material acquisition. This is what lures him into horrible activities of ritual-killing, dispensing injustice, confiscating the properties of the poor to enrich himself the more.

The rich man takes delight in admiring his possessions and its abundance, which makes him restless. He is always gripped with fear of losing them.

In support of this, Saint Paul commented that, they that are rich fall into temptation and into many foolish and lustful lusts, which drown them in destruction. For the love of money is destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil which some coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through many sorrows. Riches are condemned while wealth is honourable.

Consider the story of the rich fool, who lost sight of God’s provision and praised himself as the sole provider of all that he had acquired. He ended up not enjoying his possessions.

God demanded for his soul and he died. Those who did not labour for him took over his possessions. (Matthew 12:1321).

The case of the rich man and Lazarus also portrays an extreme selfishness of the rich, who never cares for the poor.

His reward was eternal place of torment. (Hell).

Though, money is a defense, for with money, we can provide for ourselves the necessities of life-shelter, clothing, food, good health care service, education, etc. we can as well fight our cause legally and have justice done.

A healthy man is said to be a wealthy man. He gets an all round health when he is contented with what he has and extends some to the needy. He enjoys ample opportunity of seeing others happy, has a sound sleep and peace of mind. If the rich practised same, he is also blessed. King Solomon expressed it in this light, “Everyman also to whom God hath given riches and wealth and hath given him power and to rejoice in his labour”. This is the gift of God. (Eccl. 6:19-20).

This was the case of a noble man, who showed concerned for his sick servant and sought for Jesus to heal him. Also in the case of Cornelius who cared for the poor and used his riches for the development of the church and the community.

Such rich men made use of their money for the benefit of mankind. If this is done, riches will be honourable.

USE OF MONEY From the above explanations on how the men in the bible used money, we discovered that money should be used wisely for the various purposes. a.

Making provisions for our comfort, such as having a

And Poor

By BEAUTY OBAMWONYI

home (shelter), clothing and other necessities of life. b.

Paying school fees, water rate, electricity bill, taxes, community levies and dues. c.

Contributing to the welfare of orphanages, the widows, the aged, the disabled, the very poor in the society. d.

For the payment of tithes and offerings and church

development dues e.

Contributing to charitable organization such as the red cross, girls guide, in order to assist them in welfare scheme. f.

For the bible says “For it is blessed to give than to receive. In so doing, you will be blessed in abundance”.

DANGERS OF ATTACHMENT TO MONEY AND WEALTH (LUKE 12:13-31) The lord Jesus Christ taught of the dangers involved in attaching much interest on possession and money from the parable of the rich fool which was mentioned earlier. The man died that same night because, he gave all the glory to himself for the abundant harvest.

Christ advised us that, we should not be anxious of what we shall put on or eat or drink. For life is more than all these.

He gave instances of the trees, grasses, and birds. How God cares for them, how much more we whom He made in His image and likeness.

As children of God, we should stop doubting and seek God

“In conclusion, money is a spirit that man has to control and not the other way round. If we are aware that we brought nothing into this world and that none of our possessions will go with us when we die, we ought to mellow down and think of the things that are of great value.”

The Rich

first, other things we need will be given to us. When we attach importance on worldly treasure as the people of the world do, we will lose our lives and the worldly possession would fade away, that is where the bible ask every one “WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN IF HE GAINS THE WORLD AND LOSETH HIS SOUL”, for what reason? Material things! For where our treasures are, there will our hearts be also.

Let’s examine the life of Judas Iscarot. As the treasurer of the apostles, he loved money so much. A woman came to Jesus where he sat. she washed Jesus feet with her tears and cleans it with her long hairs, anointed the feet with a costly perfume, but I wonder “How many believers or Christians can do something that is similar to what she did?

Even as she did that someone in the crowd said, “Why is

she wasting the ointment”. Why not sell it and give the money to the poor? (Matthew 24:6-13) Christ replied”, you have the poor always with you. This woman would forever be remembered for this marvelous work she has done”. There are a lot of people like that but do they give the poor money?

The love of money lures people to commit all forms of evil practices, such as betraying others to face untimely death, ritual killings of innocent ones, kidnapping, joining of secret cults.

It leads people to be involving in diabolical ways opponents. People are lured in various crimes like theft, armed robbery, money doublers (419), forgery, receiving of bribe, taking risk in smuggling fake drugs, etc.

Acquisition of dangerous weapons of war to destroy others for money, it brings restlessness of the mind and continuous sorrow to those involved. It has lured many females to prostitution.

In all these, we find out that, money is the root of all evils, it has deadened the conscience of the people that, no one seems to see the evil involved.

In conclusion, money is a spirit that man has to control and not the other way round. If we are aware that we brought nothing into this world and that none of our possessions will go with us when we die, we ought to mellow down and think of the things that are of great value. For a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15) but on how he utilizes them for the benefit of others. So use your money for the right reason and having a good reason for acquiring money and from a legal and peaceful source, stay blessed.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

View Point Issues

State Of Nigeria’s Agriculture AGRICULTURE in Nigeria is a branch of the nation’s economy that plays a crucial role in the life of the economy. It is backbone of a nation’s economic system.

Agriculture, for decades, had been given different definitions by professionals in the field.

According to the Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary, Agriculture is defined as, “the science or practice of farming”. Some scholars see agriculture as the production of basic food crops and rearing of animals. From the above definition, agriculture includes farming, forestry, fruit cultivation, daily, poultry, beckeeping etc.

However, in the contemporary world, marketing, processing, distribution of agricultural products etc are all accepted as part of modern agriculture.

Taking an holistic view into the explanation of agriculture, it will be absolutely wrong not to notice the immeasurable importance that agriculture gives and due to the mismanagement and negligence that has been given to the sector, agriculture has suffered greatly in the nation and the economy at large. The sector has been given less attention or almost abandoned totally since the discovery of crude oil.

Before the discovery of oil in 1956 by shell-BP at the Oloibiri in the NigerDelta, Nigeria has solemnly depended on agriculture and the sector did not only improve the nation’s economy, it stabilize the economy by making it a major distributor in cash crops.

The emergence of oil

An Appraisal

which can neither be term as a blessing nor curse (that is, matter for another day) to the Nation’s economy has succeeded in displaying federal government as a ‘Oildriven’ government.

Citizens argued that they are yet to feel the economic benefits of oil and the Nigerian government officials remained the major shareholders in the profits generated from the petroleum sector and agriculture supposedly to be managed properly is given less attention.

In February 2013, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. (NACCIMA) claimed that the oil sector of the country “is killing the economy”. According to the Director General, Dr. John Isemede, he said the oil sector is affecting business in the country negatively by failing to add real value to the economy.

He said, “the oil sector had caused substantial decline in agricultural exports which began in the mid1960s and continued to date”. Note, the petroleum sector has its own importance and has also added much value to the nation’s economy up till now, but it remains a fact that part of the country’s overall vibrant and diversified economy development can never be boosted if ultimate and necessary attention is not given to the agricultural sector.

Looking at the nature of the agricultural sector in Nigeria, a nation that was once ranked sixth

By ERUKUBAMI OMOLADE

worldwide and first in Africa in farm output. The inconsistence and poorly conceive government policies, lack of basic infrastructure has reduce the strength of the nation’s agricultural sector. Still the sector accounts for over

to exporting farm produce, the nation now produce 180,000 tons annually, compare to 300,000 tons 25years ago. Palm oil and groundnut has also experienced dramatic decline in their production.

Oh Nigeria! A nation

26.8% of the GDP and twothird of employment.

However, due to negligence, Nigeria is no longer a major exporter of cocoa, groundnuts, rubber and palm-oil. The cocoa production that was claimed to be the nation’s power house when it comes

blessed with fertile land mass. The nation was once the biggest poultry producer in Africa, corporate poultry output has been slashed from 40millions birds annually to about 18million. Import constraints limit the availability of many

“However, due to negligence, Nigeria is no longer a major exporter of cocoa, groundnuts, rubber and palm-oil. The cocoa production that was claimed to be the nation’s power house when it comes to exporting farm produce, the nation now produce 180,000 tons annually, compare to 300,000 tons 25years ago.”

agricultural and food processing inputs for poultry and other sectors.

Fisheries are also poorly managed because the same crude oil the government is going ‘gaga’ over, has destroyed some of the rivernile areas. A case study is the Niger Delta regions.

Enough is enough! The government needs to remember that it is never too late to mend. The Agricultural Sector needs proper and adequate development, positive action that will help in reshaping the sector. The sector has suffered negligence for too long, ultimate attention should be given to the sector. A sector that can bless the nation’s economy needs to be restructured.

Is it that the government has forgotten the tremendous positive impact of agriculture to a

nation? The growth it can give to Nigeria’s economy?

The numerous advantage it can provide for the country? Thus, not that petroleum or other sector do not have their usefulness or importance resources they provide in boosting the nation’s economy. But ultimate attention must also be given to agriculture because of the high rate of income or revenue it

generate to the nation.

Agriculture, a saviour of a nation’s economy, the backbone of the economic system of a nation, is greatly important to the development and growth of the nation’s economy for it is a source of livelihood, contributes to national income, supply food and fodder, creates a longlasting international trade, produces raw material, improves transportation, contributes to foreign exchange, provides vast employment opportunities, and above all, it increases the economic development of a country like NIGERIA.

THE NIGERIAN

23

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Health High Risk Pregnancies: Preventive

By ERANGA ISAAC

THE basic interventions that are most effective in preventing high-risk pregnancies- thus saving the lives of mother and babies are: female education, nutrition and family planning.

1.

FEMALE EDUCATION: one of the most effective ways to reduce risks to mothers and newborns is to ensure that more girls enroll in school and stay in school. The more time girls spend in school, the later they marry and begin. Childbearing.

Educated girls also are more, likely to grow up to be mothers who are healthy, well-nourished, economically empowered and resourceful when it comes to carrying for themselves and their babies.

Educated women tend to have fewer children, healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries. Their babies are more likely to survive childbirth, the vulnerable first hours and days of life, and the critical first five years, says save the children state of the World’s mothers 2005. Sadly, more than 32 million girls around the world are not attending school at all, says UNESCO. 2. NUTRITION: The importance of good nutrition in improving survival rates for

mothers and newborns extends beyond the time that a woman is pregnant, gives birth, and attends to her baby’s needs.

Undernourished girls grow up to become small women.

Underweight mothers tend to have undernourished babies.

Promoting adequate nutrition and counseling women to gain enough weight during pregnancy are important. But equally important is promoting a healthy and varies diet through an adequate supply of food that improves the nutrition of girls and women throughout life. Some countries have addressed micronutrient malnutrition by fortifying foods (such as putting iodine in salt); others are providing iron and folic acid supplements and, where appropriate, vitamin A and zinc. Still, more than 55 million adult women in developing countries are stunted as a result of malnutrition during childhood and 40 per cent of all women in the developing world suffer from iron deficiency anemia, a major cause of maternal mortality, reports the Lancet, vol.371, issue 9608, January, 2008.

P.243.iron deficiency

Interventions

anemia is also a risk factor, for preterm birth and low-birthweight babies.

3.

FAMILY PLANNING: Effective use of family planning methods can help save the lives of mothers and babies by enabling women to avoid pregnancy when they are too young or old, and to

services empower couples to choose the number and timing of their pregnancies, leading to smaller families, improved survival, educational gains and economic growth. A recent multicountry analysis identified family planning as critical to improvements in

Vol.41, Issue December 2010, P.241-250.

T H E NEGLECTED TRAGEDY OF STILLBIRTHS Everyday, more than 7,300 babies are stillborn. Like newborn deaths, stillbirths occur mostly among the poor in developing countries, often in rural area, reports Joy Lawn, etal. In their “Stillbirths: An Executive summary” for

space their births at intervals that are healthy for them and their babies.

Family planning remains one of the most costeffective ways to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, as well as stillbirths. Contraceptive

newborn survival in Bangladesh and Brazilreports Joy Lawn, etal“Newborn survival: A multi-country Analysis of Decade of change,” Health Policy and Planning . Another analysis found that at least 228,000 babies could be saved in 2015 (and 345,000 by 2025) if 60 per cent of women had access to family planning. Unfortunately, more than 175 million women in developing countries who do not using effective contraception, and over 40 per cent of pregnancies are unplanned, says studies in family planning

the Lancet’s series. The loss is equally tragic, and often preventable, yet stillbirths have been largely neglected by the globe public health community until recently. And progress in reducing stillbirths has been even slower than progress for newborn survival.

In many developing countries, stillbirth deaths are not counted, but rates are thought to be highest in Pakistan and Nigeria (47 and 42 per 1,000 births, respectively). Both countries loss more than 264,000 stillborn babies each year. Stillbirth rates are lowest in Finland and

“In many developing countries, stillbirth deaths are not counted, but rates are thought to be highest in Pakistan and Nigeria (47 and 42 per 1,000 births, respectively). Both countries loss more than 264,000 stillborn babies each year.”

Singapore(2per 1,00 births).

Many of the 2.6 million stillbirth each year could be prevented with the same solutions that save mothers and newborns, such as quality care at birth, emergency obstetric care (including caesarean section) and prenatal care.

Stillbirths are not mentioned in MDG 4 or MDG5. and only recently (2011) have United Nations data

system included information on stillbirths. Failure to set global policy goals and targets to reduce stillbirths suggests that these newborns are particular need of attention. The Lancet stillbirth series in 2011 culminated in a call for action to the international community, individual countries, professional organizations, and families to take a stand for stillbirths and commit to halving the number of stillbirths by 2020 from the 2008 rate, submitted joy Lawn, etal. In their “Stillbirths. Where?

When? Why? How to make the Data Count?

The Lancet.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

International Cameroon Repulses Attack From YAOUNDE - Assailants from Central African Republic the Central African Republic raided a village in eastern Cameroon but the army repulsed the attack, killing five gunmen, Cameroon Defense Minister Edgar Allain Mebe Ngo’o said on Sunday.

One Cameroonian soldier and one villager died in the fighting after the army deployed troops to the Kadei Division of East Region on Saturday night, he said in a statement.

CHANGE OF NAME

EWIODAYLE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ewiodayle Favour Joy now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aigbe Favour Omon. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IWELUNMO – I, formerly called Miss Anthonia Ewere Iwelunmo is now known and called Mrs. Anthonia Ewere Aliagu. All former documents remain valid.

College of Education, Agbor, Delta State, Post Primary Education Board, concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AIDELOKHAI – I, formerly Mrs. Aidelokhai Arauwa Lilian now wish to be known, called and addressed as Unuigbokhai Arauwa Lilian. All former documents remain valid.

Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua and general public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AISIEN – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Faith Aisien is now known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Faith Summers. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Joy Dele Uyi Obulor wish to bring for the information of the genral public that I am the same person called. Joy Dele Obanor. Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Joy Dele Uyi Obulor. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

One attacker was also captured and would be interrogated to determine the identity and motive of the gunmen, Ngo’o said.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly cross-border raids since the Central African Republic, which is rich in minerals, descended into chaos after mostly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted President Francois

Bozize in March.

“For the moment the situation is under our total control, and order, peace and security has been restored in the attacked village,” said the statement, which did not name the village.

Authorities in Cameroon say the attackers could be searching for food and money in a region considered the breadbasket of central Africa.

MOSCOW - A Syrian government delegation met Russian officials yesterday to discuss plans for an international peace conference on the conflict in the Middle East nation.

The United States, Russia and the United Nations are trying to convene the conference in Geneva to try to end the civil war in the Middle Eastern nation.

Interfax news agency said a senior Iranian official was also due in Moscow for talks on Syria.

The meetings follow a telephone call last Thursday between President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad which the Kremlin said was their first since Putin returned to the Russian presidency in 2012.

Russia has been Assad’s most powerful backer during the conflict, sending arms and blocking Western efforts to condemn or pressure Assad.

The Syrian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, entered the Foreign Ministry building in Moscow, where Russian Journalists agencies reported they were to meet Deputy Foreign Ministers Mikhail Bogdanov and Gennady

Gatilov.

A Russian diplomatic source said the Syrians might meet Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on today.

Syrian Delegation Holds Talks In Moscow

fire fighters and rescuers work at the crash site of a Russian passenger airliner near Kazan, the capital of the Tatarstan republic, about 720 kilometers (450 miles) east of Moscow, on Sunday.

Russian Investigators Seek Clues On Plane Crash

MOSCOW - Russian investigators yesterday combed through the charred fragments of a Boeing 737 jetliner as they tried to determine what caused its crash that killed all 50 people on board.

The plane belonging to Tatarstan Airlines crashed Sunday while trying to land at its home port in the Russian city of Kazan, the capital of the oil-rich province of Tatarstan. The son of the provincial governor and the chief of the local branch of Russia’s main security agency were among the victims.

The plane crashed while making a second attempt at landing, said Alexander Poltinin, the head of the local branch of Russia’s Investigative Committee. He said the investigators are trying to determine why the crew couldn’t land at first try.

Poltinin said the investigators

are looking into possible pilot error or an equipment failure.

The traffic controller at the Kazan airport who contacted the plane before the crash said the crew told him they weren’t ready for landing as it was approaching, but didn’t specify the problem.

The plane exploded on impact, and its burning fragments littered the tarmac. Poltinin said it could take weeks to identify the remains of some of the victims.

Russian emergency ministry officials said that a British national, Donna Bull, was among the victims.

The investigators have found both of the plane’s black boxes, which contained the recording of its systems performance and the crew conversations and are essential for the crash probe.

Magomed Tolboyev, a highly

decorated Russian test pilot, said on Rossiya television that it wasn’t immediately clear why the crew was unable to land at first try in good weather, saying it could be linked to a failure of some of the plane’s systems or a crew error.

The plane that crashed was built 23 years ago and had seen service with several carriers prior to being commissioned by Tatarstan Airlines. The company insisted that the aircraft was in good technical condition.

The carrier has had a good safety record, but appears to have run into financial problems recently. Its personnel went on strike in September over back wages, and the Kazan airport authority has gone to arbitration to claim what it said was Tatarstan Airlines’ debt for

servicing its planes.

Investigators yesterday started looking through the company’s records as part of the crash probe.

Industry experts have blamed some of recent plane crashes in Russia on a cost-cutting mentality at some of its carriers, with safety sometimes neglected in the run for profits. Insufficient pilot training and lax government controls over industry also have been named among factors affecting flight safety.

Russia’s last deadly airliner crash was in December, when a Russian-made Tupolev belonging to Red Wings airline careered off the runway at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, rolled across a snowy field and slammed into the slope of a highway, killing five of its crew of eight who were on board.

A 2011 crash in Yaroslavl that killed 44 people including a professional hockey team was blamed on pilot error.

Philippines’ President, Tempted To Despair At Tyhoon MANILA - The United Nations expressed fear yesterday that some Philippine islands hit by a giant typhoon have not been reached 10 days after disaster struck and President Benigno Aquino said the scale of suffering “tempted him to despair”.

Authorities estimate more than 3,900 people were killed when Typhoon Haiyan, one of the largest ever recorded, made landfall in the central Philippines and the sea surged ashore.

Philippine authorities, the U.S. military and international agencies face a mounting humanitarian crisis, with the number of people displaced by the catastrophe estimated at four million, up from 900,000 late last week.

Bernard Kerblat, UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative for the Philippines, said the agency was still facing coordination problems and bottlenecks.

“As of now, personally, I am not so sure that we’ve reached every single portion of the territory where people are in need of aid,” he said.

“And, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised that unfortunately that there might still be, as I’m speaking to you, day 11 of this

disaster, there might be still very isolated islands.”

Orla Fagan, a spokeswoman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said it was a “logistical nightmare” to get relief supplies out at all.

“The size, the quantity of people that have been affected by

this, this is massive, between 10 and 12.9 million people have to be assisted to recover from this.

This is absolutely huge. It’s like taking the whole of Belgium and trying to assist.”

Aquino visited the town of Palo, just south of worst-hit Tacloban city, where engineers have salvaged generators from a flood IT park to light up the

streets and town hall again.

“One is tempted to despair, but the minute I despair, then everybody, it cascades down and everybody gets hampered in their efforts,” he said.

HUGE COST The World Bank is to extend a $500 million emergency loan to support reconstruction of

A boy plays in front of his destroyed house where a message is left asking for help at a port devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban yesterday. The Philippines is facing up to an enormous rebuilding task from Typhoon Haiyan, which killed at least 3,681 people and left 1,186 missing, with many isolated communities yet to receive significant aid despite a massive international relief effort.

buildings that can withstand winds of 250 kph (150 mph) to 280 kph and resist severe flooding, it said in a statement.

Haiyan slammed central Philippine islands with 314 kph winds, causing tsunami-like storm surges that swallowed nearly the whole of Tacloban, once home to 220,000 people, in Leyte and Guiuan town in Eastern Samar.

Nearly 95 percent of the deaths from the typhoon came from Leyte and Eastern Samar.

Amateur video has emerged of the storm at its peak as it washed away a structure on the coast of Eastern Samar.

Aid worker Nickson Gensis, along with five others, took refuge in the top floor of a boarding house and while the others were praying, he pulled out his camera and started filming.

His footage shows the storm surge wash away a house and turn the area from barren land to sea in less than 30 seconds.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the cost of rebuilding would be huge.

“It will be much more than the $500 million (from the World Bank), even the additional $500 million that the ADB (Asian Development Bank) is also promising to provide us,” he said.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

International Analysis

Philippine President To Camp In Tacloban PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said Sunday that he will stay in typhoonbattered Leyte province until he sees more progress in the aid effort following complaints from survivors that they have yet to receive proper help.

Aquino is expected to set up camp in Tacloban, the capital of hardest-hit Leyte province, but it is not clear where he will find suitable accommodations amid the ruins. Virtually every building in the city was damaged or destroyed by the Nov. 8 Typhoon Haiyan, which killed 3,974 people, according to the latest official count released Sunday. The storm left about 1,200 people missing.

Electricity is available only in small pockets through diesel generators.

There is no running water, and people must manage with water supplied by tankers. Many don’t even have that.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Tacloban, Aquino said that while there has been some progress in the aid effort, it is not enough. A massive effort by the international community, which has donated aid and

cash worth more than $248 million, is beginning to show improvements on the ground.

“We really want to ease the burden of everybody as soon as possible. As long as I don’t see any more improvements, we’ll stay here,” Aquino said, referring to his official team.

This is not the first time Aquino has taken a handson approach to a crisis.

When Muslim rebels

occupied fishing villages outside Zamboanga in the south in September, he set up a camp in the regional military headquarters in the city to oversee the offensive against the insurgents. The move won him wide praise.

Last month, the 53-yearold bachelor president slept overnight in an army tent to reassure jittery residents of a central town that was devastated by a magnitude7.3 earthquake.

Earlier in the day, thousands of Filipinos, many homeless and grieving, flocked to dozens of churches across the region for their first Sunday Mass since the typhoon. More than 80 percent of the 90 million people in the Philippines are Roman Catholic, a legacy of its history of Spanish colonial rule.

Some came to give thanks for surviving. Others came

to pray for the souls of the departed.

“Coming to Mass gives people hope that things will eventually get better,” said Marino Caintic.

One such service was held by the Rev. Amadero Alvero at his half-destroyed Santo Nino church, a landmark of Tacloban.

“Despite what happened, we still believe in God,” he said. “The church may have

A Philippine Air Force personnel officer (right) tries to push away survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan from the moving of helicopter, as its cre deploys aids into a remote area some 25km(17miles) west of tacloban city weekend.

Attack On China Police Station Kills 11 ELEVEN people were killed in an attack on a police station in China’s restive Xinjiang, state media reported Sunday at a time of heightened tensions in the region following a fiery attack in Beijing.

Nine attackers and two auxiliary police officers were killed in the incident Saturday in Serikbuya township, near the historic Silk Road city of Kashgar, the official Xinhua new agency said, quoting local police.

Xinhua said the attackers were armed with knives and axes and that two other police officers were also injured. The agency gave no further details.

The cause of the violence, however, was disputed by a Xinjiang exile group, which claimed that Chinese

security personnel opened fire on protesting Uighurs, the largest ethnic group in the vast western region.

Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress, a Munich-based advocacy group, said a clash erupted after a Uighur youth was shot dead, with the eight others subsequently being killed.

“Several tens” of Uighur demonstrators were arrested, he said in an email citing what he described as locally provided information, while also mentioning the deaths and injuries of the four Chinese.

“I again call on international society to take emergency measures to stop the Chinese government from directly opening fire to suppress Uighur protesters and depriving them of using

legal appeals and defending their rights,” he said.

The bloodshed comes at a time of heightened tensions in the area where several violent incidents have occurred this year and following a fiery attack late last month in Beijing that the Chinese government blamed on terrorism.

The incident follows the deadly crash of a vehicle that erupted into flames at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square last month. The government blamed the incident on “terrorists” from Xinjiang it said were backed by international Islamist militants.

The car, carrying three people from Xinjiang and also loaded with petrol canisters, drove into the gate of the Forbidden City on October 28. The incident

left two dead besides the three people in the car, and 40 injured, according to Chinese police.

Beijing said separatists backed by the violent Islamist militant East Turkestan Islamic Movement were responsible.

Police called it a “carefully planned, organised and premeditated violent terrorist attack”, adding that the vehicle also contained knives and banners bearing extremist religious content.

But that has largely failed to convince outside experts to accept the assertion of terrorism, citing the unsophisticated nature of the attack and the lack of an established Islamic extremist foothold in China.

Chinese state-run media have reported periodic bouts of violence in Xinjiang — a huge, resource-rich region that makes up much of China’s western flank — which Beijing often describes as “terrorist attacks”.

One such incident in June left 35 people dead, and 139 people have been arrested in recent months for spreading jihadist ideology.

The mainly Muslim Uighurs, the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang, routinely complain of rights abuses against them by the authorities and dismiss claims of terrorism and separatism as an excuse by Beijing to justify religious and security restrictions.

Information in the area is difficult to independently verify.

been destroyed, but our faith is intact, as believers, as a people of God, our faith has not been destroyed.”

Sun shone for the first service, but by the second, rain was falling through a gaping hole crisscrossed by wooden beams in the roof of the downtown church and landmark. Its windows were blown out, and winds snapped at a silver cross on top of its steeple, which hangs upside down.

“We are being tested by God, to see how strong our faith is, to see if our faith is true,” he said. “He wants to know that we have faith in him in good times, as well as in bad.”

Santo Nino and other churches have also been helping care for those who survived.

About 30 families are living in the church, and there are boxes of water and canned goods and food piled up on the promises. The seawater flooded much of the first floor of the compound.

Filipinos elsewhere in Asia also remembered their homeland in their prayers Sunday.

In Hong Kong, home to 133,000 Filipinos, volunteers outside one church were collecting food, medicine, blankets and clothing to send to the affected region. Most of Filipinos working in the city are low-paid domestic workers.

“We can’t really afford to give much money, but we can help them by praying,” said Jovie Tamayo, 32, who is from central Iloilo province. The roof of her family’s house was ripped off in the storm, but her family members were uninjured.

Chelly Ogania said she had been unable to contact her mother and brothers on Samar Island, where the storm made landfall, though she had heard from friends that the village was safe.

“We pray that they are really safe, we pray always,” said the 35-year-old. “That’s all the things I can do, just pray and trust the Lord, because I’m very far from them. No communications, just praying, praying.”

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

International Features

Philippines Corruption Magnifies Effects Of Typhoon

WHEN a newspaper for Filipino workers in New Zealand told readers how to donate to the typhoon relief effort in their homeland, it mentioned agencies like the Red Cross but not a list of government bank accounts that the Philippine Embassy had sent over.

“I’m not going to mince words,” said Mel Fernandez, the editorial adviser for the Filipino Migrant News. “We would like every cent to reach those poor people there rather than getting waylaid.”

Corruption is a concern after any major natural disaster, as millions of dollars in cash and goods rush in from around the world. But those worries are especially acute in the Philippines, where graft has been a part of life for decades.

The government of President Benigno Aquino III, who has made fighting corruption a priority, is promising full transparency in reconstruction spending in areas devastated

by Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda. It announced yesterday that it has established a website called the Foreign Aid Transparency Hub where funds given by foreign donors can be tracked.

“There’s an urgent call now for us to monitor the movement of foreign aid funds for Yolanda so they will go exactly where they’re supposed to: to the survivors of the typhoon,” Undersecretary of Budget and Management and Chief Information Officer Richard Moya said in a statement.

More than $270 million in foreign aid has been donated to help the victims of the November 8 typhoon, which killed at least 3,976 people and left nearly 1,600 missing, according to government figures updated yesterday. More than 4 million people have been displaced and need food, shelter and water.

The typhoon also wrecked livelihoods on a massive scale, destroying crops, livestock, coconut plantations and fishing boats.

Several battered communities appeared to be shifting from survival mode to one of early recovery yesterday. Markets were reopening, though with very limited wares. Some gasoline stations were pumping and residents were repairing damaged homes or making temporary shelters out of the remains of their old ones.

“The darkest night is over but it’s not yet 100 percent,” regional military commander Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda said.

On Sunday, Aquino toured the disaster area and promised to step up aid deliveries.

In one sign of how much work is ahead, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla pledged to restore power in all typhoon-battered regions by December 24, a job that will require erecting about 160 giant power transmission towers and thousands of electrical posts toppled by the typhoon. He said he will resign if he fails.

“It’s difficult to celebrate Christmas without light,” Petilla said.

The government wants to show that it will be more responsible than previous administrations were following other natural disasters, when that funds intended for reconstruction were allegedly siphoned off. Prosecutors are investigating allegations that $20.7 million in government funds for rebuilding towns devastated by a 2009 storm in northern Luzon island were stolen by local officials via bogus nongovernmental agencies.

On Nov. 7, a day before Typhoon Haiyan hit, Filipinos were glued to their television screens, watching Senate testimony in which Janet Lim Napoles denied allegations that she masterminded a plot to plunder millions of dollars of government funds intended for projects to relieve poverty.

It is far too soon to say how much aid intended for victims of last week’s Typhoon Haiyan might end up in the wrong

hands. Foreign donors demand strict anti-graft measures in projects they fund, but privately admit that “leakage” of funds is sometimes inevitable.

Much of the assistance in the early phase of a disaster response is in the form of food, water and other supplies. Far richer opportunities for graft occur later when rebuilding occurs and contracts are up for grabs.

But corruption probably has already made this typhoon worse. Money for roads was diverted, giving people less ability to evacuate. Hospitals didn’t get the resources they should have.

Some houses might not have been flattened if they had been built to code.

“Petty corruption in urban areas means that building inspections don’t happen and building codes are not enforced,” said Steven Rood, the Manila-based representative of The Asia

Philippines might finally be cracking down on corruption. In its latest global corruption report, Transparency International found the Philippines was just one of 11 countries in which people said they were noticing an improvement in corruption levels.

Rood said he believes Philippine government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development are less corrupt than they once were and can be relied on to take the lead after disasters like the typhoon.

Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, a Filipino and research fellow at the Australian National University, said the recent debate in the Philippines on corruption has been intense and people are demanding improvements. She said media scrutiny on places like Tacloban, a city devastated by the typhoon, will help ensure aid gets distributed.

“But some victims will be marginalized because they are not aligned politically,” she added.

Tecson John Lim, the city administrator in Tacloban, said the city is recognized for its good governance and its accounts

A plea for help in SOS is painted on a road in an aerial view from a U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter over San Jose, Philippines, yesterday. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced by Typhoon Haiyan, which tore across several Islands in the Eastern philippines.

Foundation, a nonprofit development organization. “Even middle-class homes are not built to withstand a typhoon, much less poor homes.”

Filipinos working abroad and sending money home to their families are an important source of cash in the country under any circumstances, but Fernandez, the New Zealand editorial adviser, expects that they will be skeptical about giving money to the government. He said he thinks they will simply donate to nongovernmental agencies providing aid to typhoon victims, but Rood wasn’t certain even of that.

“There’s a lot of cynicism, particularly in the expat community,” Rood said. “People are put off. You see it in the social networks. People are saying there’s no point — if they give money, it will just get stolen.”

The typhoon has come at a time when some feel the

are transparent. He added that corruption concerns tend to center around people like cement suppliers, and “right now, you can’t even buy anything.”

Valerie Amos, the U.N. humanitarian chief, said in Manila that the U.N. is not expecting to find widespread corruption as it responds to the disaster. “Everyone’s concern is focused on getting the maximum aid to the people who need it,” she said.

Aid agencies are taking their own precautions to avoid corruption.

Chris Clarke, the chief executive of World Vision New Zealand, has visited areas affected by the typhoon. He said World Vision has its own supply chains, collects donations directly, and even issues microchips to victims to record the amount of aid delivered to them.

“It’s always an issue we’re asked about,” he said. “Does the money get there, and does it get to the right people?”

“Corruption is a concern after any major natural disaster, as millions of dollars in cash and goods rush in from around the world. But those worries are especially acute in the Philippines, where graft has been a part of life for decades. The government of President Benigno Aquino III, who has made fighting corruption a priority, is promising full transparency in reconstruction spending in areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda. It announced yesterday that it has established a website called the Foreign Aid Transparency Hub where funds given by foreign donors can be tracked.”

THE NIGERIAN

27

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Development

Commissioner of Environment, Prince Clem Agba speaking during the commissioning of Princess Ukpomwan Ezomo Street recently. Photo: TESSY OTENE.

Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole (middle) with other officials during the commissioning of Princess Ezomo Street, recently. (L-R) the officials include Prince Clem Agba, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Hon. Idahosa and the Odionwere of Princess Ukpomwan Ezomo Street. Photo: TESSY OTENE.

Clem Agba Takes Stock, Commends Comrade Governor

Project Implementation:

By TESSY OTENE

PRINCE Clem Agha has commended Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole for his developmental strides and for taking Edo State from the “Sorry to Glory state”, noting that every achievement has a beginning and this was how it began.

Five years ago, precisely 11th November , 2013, when the Appeal Court declared Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole as the winner of the 2007 gubernatorial election, that automatically signified the dawn of a new era in Edo State.

Yes, he had antecedents, giving the fact that he was a former President of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and being a governor is a different ball game, it is dealing with the affairs and welfare of the people.

Some people thought he was not going to succeed,

some described him as an activist who is used to agitation and some also said it will be difficult for him to fit in as a governor.

Truly some of us as journalists felt it will really be tasking for him. Some of us predicted that he will be one of the best governors ever, but we were mainly concerned about the political terrain in the state.

We had so many uncertainties in our hearts as to what will Oshiomhole do first and what area would he concentrate on, giving the fact that at that time Edo State was very backward in terms of development.

Just like the popular saying that you can’t judge a book by the cover, you would need to look at the title, author, preface, introduction and patiently read the book page by page and for you to truly

understand the book, the word “PATIENCE” must be your guiding principle.

The comrade Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole came and took each and every one of us by surprise by doing the unbelievable,’ he started by first inaugurating a Task Force in 2009, precisely in April 2009, code named, Edo State Task Force demolition of illegal structures, street trading and removal of road obstruction, chaired by Col. Felix Igiebor (rtd) and the vice chairman, also in charge of the demolition was Major Lawrence Loye (rtd) (now Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public utilities) and this Committee functions were carved out from the Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Ministry of Lands, Survey and Housing and Ministry of Transport You may call it “The Three

Commissioner of Environment, Prince Clem Agba and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities during the commissioning of Princess Ukpomwan Ezomo Street in Airport Road, recently. Photo: TESSY OTENE.

Ministry Committee” if you like.

Comrade Governor brought these three ministries together to form the committee and the committee was to be over seen by the Ministry of Environment and public utilities which has Prince Clem Agba as the commissioner (and he is still the commissioner till date) and then demolition started, Prince Agba been a fearless comrade supported the committee to carry out most of the demolitions without fear or favour and no matter whose oxe is gored.

Major Loye was never afraid of pulling down any illegal structure, and when I as a reporter would ask him, sir what is your motivation in doing this tasking job? He would say I want the comrade governor to succeed, he is a good man. Then I would ask, what would happen to these roads that you are demolishing illegal structures on? Then he would reply me and say “wait and see, today indeed, I have seen. Permit me to say this writer have seen the wonderment of Oshio bulldozer, yes the comrade governors Oshio bulldozer.

Often times, the governor would come to the demolition site in company of the Hon. Commissioner of Environment, Prince Clem Agba to personally supervise the demolition of illegal structures. And he is never tired of working; he is very active even he knows what perimeter constitute Trunk A road, trunk B road and even trunk C road.

Recently the governor started commissioning more roads; he has vowed to roll out

more projects for commissioning before December.

He has something to show to the people who brought him to power, he did not fail his people who helped him in defending his mandate.

Some of the people who were affected by the demolition exercise told this writer in 2009 that they were happy that the governor is changing the face of the state even though they were affected greatly.

One said to this writer, “I know say my house e affect am but I happy if dem do dis road; water no go de enter we house again, e de pain me oh, but I no worry, na better thing na im we dey pray for everyday”.

Prince Clem Agba who is part of the “wonderment of Oshio- bulldozer” campaign in his speech during the commission of Princess Ukpomwan Ezomo Street at Airport road noted that when this administration came on board, the governor discovered that Benin -City had experienced a lot of infrastructural Urban decay so much so that the city became highly dysfunctional and assumed the status of a marginally liveable city with a population of well over 1500,000 inhabitants”.

He stated that the drive for a radical positive change for the state propelled the governor to start work in the face of numerous challenges and today, he is indeed an “achiever per excellence”.

Hon. Charles Idahosa, whose house is on the Princess Ukpomwan Ezomo Street, in his remark during the commissioning of the Street, said the road was very dilapidated and could not be fixed by the previous administration, even though he was part of that administration, he thanked the comrade governor for his good heart in constructing the road.

The Comrade governor has vowed to be rolling out his projects for commissioning, noting that if he chooses to commission projects every day, he will not be done in the next one year. This, indeed is laudable.

He added that the projects are too numerous to mention and thanked those in the moving train with him and charged them to continue the good work.

Now even a blind man can feel the “wonderment of Oshio bulldozer”, what we need to do is to pray for the governor to remain focused as we all know that losing focus is the worst thing that can happen to any leader.

“Major Loye was never afraid of pulling down any illegal structure, and when I as a reporter would ask him, sir what is your motivation in doing this tasking job? He would say I want the comrade governor to succeed, he is a good man.”

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Wayne Rooney Hails Mesut Ozil

WAYNE Rooney has talked up the talent of Mesut Ozil ahead of England’s friendly against Germany.

The two nations continue their respective preparations for the 2014 World Cup when they meet at Wembley this week, with England looking to bounce back from Friday’s 2-0 loss against Chile.

Rooney recently faced Ozil in the Premier League as Manchester United beat Arsenal 1-0 to reduce the gap between the champions and the league leaders to five points.

The United striker is looking forward to the test that awaits against Germany, who were 4-1 winners when they last met in the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup. Asked about Ozil, Rooney said in the Daily Mirror: “He’s a clever player, he doesn’t stick to one position.

“He (Ozil) moves along the line and behind opposition midfield and can score and assist goals so he is a fantastic player and a test for us to deal with.”

Hull May Lose Aluko To Palace

Rooney went on to highlight Germany’s quality throughout their squad, and he stressed the importance of England improving on their performance versus Chile last week.

He continued: “There are so many. Thomas Muller works really hard and scores big goals.

You can’t just pick one.

“The biggest thing they have got is that they are a team brought together that all know their jobs, that is why they are so difficult to

play against.

“I think we’re together, too. We have to take that out onto the pitch and that is why these games are important as we want to put the ideas of the manager into the game and sometimes you do a lot of it, sometimes if you are not fully focused or don’t do it then you get punished.

“Against Chile we did some good things but they caught us by surprise with the way they played.

“We’ve got these two games and then we have to go back to

our clubs. Then there is one more game before the summer comes.

So these two games are really important for us and we have to try to stay fit and prepare ourselves right.

“Germany will be a completely different game. It will be a game we are used to a bit more. Chile showed us how South American teams play. They were a difficult team to get near to them.

“The Germany game will be more similar to a Premier League game. We should be ready for that. We have to move on now and prepare for Tuesday.”

Clubs ‘More Confident’ At Old coming we will show who the MANCHESTER United Trafford real Manchester United are and winger Nani believes Premier will do much better.”

League rivals are “more confident” travelling to Old Trafford this season.

But the 27-year-old Portugal international believes the stadium’s fear factor will be quickly restored as the club continues its resurgence.

Manchester United failed to deceive as reigning champions early in the season as their fortress was cracked on multiple occasions with Chelsea and Southampton earning draws, while West Brom stunned the Old

Trafford crowd with a 2-1 win.

But the club is now unbeaten in nine games and Nani is confident their home ground will continue in United’s rise up the ladder.

“It looks like teams are more confident when they come here to play against us,” Nani told Sky Sports.

“But I’m sure we will change that because, at the moment, we are playing without all our confidence.

“I think once results start

And despite only starting just four games this season, Nani is happy to be playing his part under United coach David Moyes.

“The manager has been fantastic with me,” Nani continued. “He has been giving me advice and trying to help give me confidence.

“The coaches are trying to get my confidence higher to show all the qualities I have got. They are trying to get me back to my best level.”

SONE Aluko may join Crystal Palace in January for Hull City to cash in on him rather than let him go for free in the summer.

The injured Nigeria star has turned down the Hull City contract extension offer recently and the Achilles injury halted his contract talk and that may be counterproductive for City.

Palace are relegationthreatened and need goal getters like Aluko to strengthened their attack force, according to Hulll City Independent.

Aluko has scored a goal in eight appearances for Hull City this season in the English Premier League before he got injured.

Moyes Adds Murtough To United Staff

earmarked for a role working across a number of different areas at Old Trafford.

Murtough, 40, who has also worked at Fulham, joined the Premier League a year ago to work alongside director of youth Ged Roddy.

David Moyes

Chamberlain Blow For Gunners ARSENAL have suffered a huge blow with the news that midfield player Alex OxladeChamberlain has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury The England international is now unlikely to feature for the north London club again this year, according to reports in the Sunday Mirror.

The England international picked up the problem in the Gunners’ shock opening-day Premier League loss to Aston

2

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Villa at the Emirates, although it was initially expected that Oxlade-Chamberlain would be back in action by early December at the latest.

However, it is now believed that the wide man’s recovery is not going according to plan, with the 20-year-old unable to resume training much before next month at the earliest, meaning that Oxlade-Chamberlain will definitely not be seen on a football field again in 2013.

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TOTTENHAM Hotspur captain Michael Dawson believes that the North London club possess enough quality to go all the way and win the Premier League title this season.

Dawson is confident that Spurs can break into the Champions League spots and even finish atop the Premier League table come May. Spurs currently occupy seventh place on the log, five points behind leaders and rivals Arsenal.

“Our expectations are high.

There is no hiding at the start of the season our aim was to be in the top four, that hasn’t changed,” Dawson told Daily Star Sunday.

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United Gearing Up For Cardiff MANCHESTER United will hope all their international players return unscathed ahead of their trip to Cardiff City on Sunday.

The Red Devils have had a break since defeating Arsenal 10 on November 10, but obviously several of their stars have been away on international duty.

Next up for David Moyes’ men is a potentially tricky trip to Cardiff City, who may be newlypromoted to the Premier League but have already proven their potency at home with a shock win over Manchester City earlier in the season.

United’s match at the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales is set for 18h00 CAT on November 24.

MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes will add John Murtough, the Premier League’s head of elite performance, to his staff at Old Trafford.

Murtough was in charge of the academy at Everton when Moyes was manager, but he is not expected to take over from Brian McClair, who currently heads the academy set-up.

Instead, Murtough has been

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Sone Aluko

Szczesny Extends Arsenal Contract ARSENAL has revealed that shot stopper Wojciech Szczesny has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Szczesny has nailed down a number one spot for Arsene Wenger ’s side this season, continuing his from the end of 2012/13 when he finished strongly with four clean sheets in six games.

The 23-year-old joined

Arsenal’s famed academy from Legia Warsaw in 2006 and made his first-team debut in 2009, going on to pass a century of senior appearances last season.

Szczesny told the club’s official website: “I am very pleased to have signed a new contract.

Arsenal is like my family and I’m so happy to be committing my long-term future here.

“I’ve been at this club for over seven years now and I’d just like

to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support towards me during my time here.

“Many people have given me amazing support since I arrived as a boy, people like Tony Roberts, who helped my development as a player from a young age.

I’m so proud to be an Arsenal player and am looking forward to helping our Club towards success in the years to come.”

Wojciech Szczesny

• Michael Dawson “But we aim high and we believe that we have got the squad and the quality in the dressing room to go all the way.”

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Iniesta Close To New Barca Deal BARCELONA sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta says the club is close to agreeing to a new deal with midfielder Andres Iniesta.

The 29-year-old is currently contracted to the Catalans until June 2015 but Zubizarreta believes he will put pen to paper before the end of the year.

“We’re close to agreeing a new contract with Iniesta,” he told Radio Catalunya. “I think it could happen before Christmas.”

Zubi also confirmed that the club are still looking for a replacement for goalkeeper

Erick Thohir Sets Inter 2016 UCL Goal

Victor Valdes, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, but refused to single any players out.

“Valdes has decided that he won’t change his mind,” he added. “He’s playing very well; he’s very competitive now and very involved. I have the right relationship with Valdes.

“I don’t want to name names.

People talk, but all they know is that I travelled to Germany, not what I did there.

There’s a lot to chew over and we can’t rule out signing not just one, but two goalkeepers.”

Lionel Messi

Andres Iniesta

‘Messi May Miss Out On Ballon d’Or’ LIONEL Messi’s injury-affected year could count against him in the Ballon d’Or voting, according to the Barcelona attacker’s teammate Xavi Hernandez.

While Messi has taken the last four Ballon d’Or prizes by large margins, this year’s voting could be closer. Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery is the favourite after winning the Champions League last season, although France’s recent struggles could have a detrimental effect, while Cristiano Ronaldo is making a late burst with a run of goals for Real Madrid and Portugal.

Xavi — who is himself on this year’s 23-man longlist and an

outsider to appear on the fiveman shortlist to be announced in early December — told Sport that there was no doubt Messi remained the world’s best player.

However, he accepted that the Argentina international — currently sidelined with his fifth injury in six months — had not had the best of years. “[Messi] has already won four in a row,” Xavi said. “Maybe those who vote will think about that. Maybe he deserves another.

If we look at who is the best player in the world, it is Messi, no doubt. Now, if we talk about the best player in 2013, then I will admit there is some debate.

Winning four in a row might damage him when it comes to the voting.”

Bayern also have the favourite for the FIFA Coach of the Year award, with the Bundesliga side’s treble-winning ex-boss Jupp Heynckes a long way ahead of rivals including Sir Alex Ferguson, Juergen Klopp, Antonio Conte, Rafael Benitez and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Goetze Braced For Dortmund Return BAYERN Munich midfielder Mario Goetze has said returning to the Westfalenstadion will be one of the most difficult moments of his career.

Goetze, 21, left Dortmund for rivals Bayern in the summer for 37 million euros, much to the disappointment of his boyhood club’s faithful.

The Germany international is to face his former side for the first time since the exit when Dortmund host Bayern, who lead the table by four points, on Saturday.

“This will be one of the most difficult moments in my career,” Goetze told kicker. “But ultimately I have to cope with it, because it was my decision.”

Goetze added that he could “certainly” understand the animosity of the Dortmund fans, who are set to give the playmaker a hostile reception this weekend.

The meeting with Bayern will be followed by Dortmund’s annual meeting on Sunday and the crucial Champions League tie

against Napoli on Tuesday.

“At least, this is the most important week of the first half of the season,” Dortmund president Dr. Reinhard Rauball told kicker.

“The result of this match is decisive for the Herbstmeisterschaft [Bundesliga leader after the first half of the season, unofficial title in Germany].

“The whole Bundesliga will be watching this match. It will also have an international resonance like the Champions League final, which has gained us worldwide recognition.”

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque, himself also a candidate and the 2012 winner, told COPE radio that the German had his vote, along with Benitez and Scolari, who also won trophies last season.

“I voted for Heynckes, for Rafa Benitez because he is Spanish and the Europa League champion, and Scolari, who

won the Confederations Cup,” Del Bosque said. “I base it on trophies, which is the most objective.”

Del Bosque said he had voted for the two Spanish players on the 23man list — Xavi and Andres Iniesta — but did not disclose who else had got his vote.

He said: “I voted for the two Spanish players, and will leave the third as incognito.”

MILAN midfielder Sulley Muntari has admitted that he hopes to remain at Milanello for a long time.

The 29-year-old Ghanaian international made the switch across the city from rivals Inter in January 2012 and has become a vital cog in the Rossoneri midfield, scoring seven times in 38 appearances so far.

“Milan are a great family,” he told the Forza Milan magazine.

“From the technical staff to the people in the kitchen, from the gardeners to the warehouse workers.

“I would love to stay here for a long time.”

Muntari’s move to Milan was initially a loan deal but completed the switch into a

permanent one once he became a free agent at the end of the 2011/ 12 season.

Muntari Hopes To Remain At Milan

Sulley Muntari

NEW Inter Milan president Erick Thohir has made Champions League success in 2016 his number one priority after the San Siro was reportedly chosen to host the tournament’s final that year.

Erick Thohir, the Indonesian billionaire, is interested in buying Inter Milan Thohir was elected as the Nerazzurri’s new president last week, and he completed a visit to Italy with an appearance on RAI television in which he laid out his plans for the club he acquired from Massimo Moratti.

Regaining Europe’s greatest prize in club football tops Thohir’s wishlist, and he can see no better time to do it than when the showpiece could be coming to Milan in just over two years’ time.

“We’ve already laid good foundations for the next two to three years,” he said. “But Inter have got to be prepared for 2016 when the Champions League final will be in Milan. I have faith in [coach Walter] Mazzarri and I thank Moratti for choosing him.”

Thohir joked about signing Lionel Messi during a visit which endeared him to a previously-sceptical Inter fanbase, throughout which he never stopped smiling.

While that move is unlikely to be made, Thohir did suggest that money will not necessarily be an issue when it comes to strengthening the squad.

The Indonesian businessman said he wants to see the right players in the right places, and not necessarily the biggest names, but those who can guarantee a spectacle.

“We’re building a system and will choose the players the coach believes fit best in this squad, players who can delight the fans because it’s important that we play attractive football,” Thohir said. “You win games with your heart and if you give it all of your heart, then you can beat any opponents.”

Thohir will not be as present as his predecessor at Inter games, but he has vowed to follow them from afar, while he says he will be bringing his family to Milan for a holiday before Christmas.

“I can’t make it to every game, but I’ll be a longdistance Inter fan,” he said.

“I’ll get up at 2:45 in the morning to see the games from Indonesia.”

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Haye Advised To Retire After Surgery FORMER world heavyweight champion David Haye has been advised by doctors to consider retiring after undergoing shoulder surgery, the Briton said on Sunday.

Haye underwent five hours of surgery in Germany on Thursday to reconstruct his right shoulder and was advised to think about ending his 11-year professional boxing career.

Haye, 33, had been due to box compatriot Tyson Fury in a rearranged bout on February 8, 2014, in Manchester, but he has cancelled the fight for a second time.

The bout had been originally scheduled for Sept. 28 but was called off after Haye cut his left eyebrow in sparring.

“I genuinely believed the shoulder injury wasn’t that bad,” Haye said in a statement on his website.

“But the doctor sent me for a detailed MRI scan and within 24 hours I was told the full extent of the damage. Twenty-four hours after that I was in the operating theatre.

“It’s a crushing blow for me. I had big plans for next year and the ultimate goal was to win back the world heavyweight title, something my amazing fans deserve.

“What I didn’t anticipate was that this year would be the unluckiest of my career and that a number of injuries would

David Haye

2014 World Cup

Scolari Backs England To Shine

LUIZ Felipe Scolari has tipped England to shine at next summer’s World Cup. The Brazilian of course hopes they will not, for he is the coach of the Selecao, but says he has seen enough from Roy Hodgson’s men to suggest they could impress in South America.

The ex-Chelsea manager knows all about the Three Lions in major tournaments, having knocked them out of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 2004 European Championships.

Two of those defeats were on penalties and Scolari, now in charge of Brazil for a second

time, thinks England will be even more dangerous if they can conquer their spot-kick demons.

“England are one of the teams who could shine at the World Cup,” Scolari, who once came close to taking the England job, told the Guardian.

“Roy is doing a great job in bringing new players to the team and is overseeing a generational change. England have a good team and I think they are much better technically these days.

“People say I’m a specialist in defeating England but the

Wenger Backs France ARSENAL manager Arsene To Prevail Wenger insists France can progress to the 2014 World Cup finals Tuesday night.

Les Bleus trail Ukraine 2-0

Arsene Wenger

from Friday’s first leg and face an uphill task in Paris to reach Rio 2014. However the Arsenal boss remains positive, telling The Sun: “The team must unite around strong themes like solidarity.

“They shouldn’t rush.

“They’ll need to be consistent in their efforts but also patient and intelligent.

“The magic of team sport is in three or four days a position of strength can be reversed.”

Europe has 13 spots allocated at the World Cup. Nine countries from that region have already booked their tickets to Brazil whilst eight are battling it out in a two legged playoff match with four places left to fill.

victories with Portugal against them in Euro 2004 and in Germany in 2006 were on penalties, really tight games.

“You know how tense shootouts are.

“I think England are missing the confidence to take that step that finally puts them among the top four.”

Scolari’s experience with the English game extends to a spell in charge of Chelsea in 2008 which lasted just seven months.

The 65-year-old admits he is still scarred by his departure, but claims he would be willing to return to the Premier League one day.

“If I had to return, I would do it,” he added. “Chelsea are a

spectacular club and I still want them to do well.

“The supporters are amazing

CAMEROON captain Samuel Eto’o believes that the Indomitable Lions can go one better than Ghana and reach the semifinals at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Lions qualified for the 2014 edition with a 4-1 win over Tunisia in Yaounde on Sunday afternoon.

Eto’o now feels that the West African country can reach the semifinals at next year ’s tournament, subsequently going one better than Ghana did in

2010.

The Black Stars reached the quarterfinals in South Africa three years ago before controversially being dumped out of the tournament by Uruguay.

Following the encounter against the Eagles of Cartage, Eto’o, who now plays his club football at London club Chelsea, put Cameroon’s success down to hard work.

“The Indomitable Lions did a good job. The key for success in this game was our hard work.

and even though things didn’t work out I still remember how nice the fans were to me.

“I was upset by the way my departure from Chelsea happened. I wish my work at Chelsea could have lasted longer.”

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Eto’O Aims For WC Semi Finals Last time, I said that there is no magic in football, and it is what we have proved this Sunday. We understood that only the hard work leads to results,” said the 32-year-old marksman.

“Now that we have qualified, you [the directors of Cameroon football] know what you have to do for our trip to Brazil to be successful. The preparation must start right now. And if we start preparing on time, we may not win the World Cup, but can do better than Ghana three years ago in South Africa.”

disrupt my plans so much. Perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. The boxing Gods keep hinting that maybe enough is enough and that it’s time to finally hang up my gloves.”

Haye, who lost his WBA belt in 2011 to Ukrainian Vladimir Klitschko, called off his previous planned fight against Germany’s Manuel Charr in June when he suffered a hand injury.

“The surgery and subsequent results are a bitter pill to swallow because I truly felt I had a lot more to offer and was looking forward to paying back my loyal fans with some great fights in 2014,” he added.

“But I’ve been boxing for 23 years now, amateur and pro, and this has clearly taken its toll on my body.

“I can only offer my sincerest apologies to all those fans who have followed me over the years and, like me, wanted to finish on a real high. This wasn’t how I wanted to end 2013.

“If I’m now destined to have won the European Championship, the Unified World Cruiserweight Championship and the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the world - with a record of 28 fights, 26 wins, 24 victories coming via knockout and only two defeats then so be it. I’m proud of these achievements and consider my boxing career a huge success.”

Krol Quits As Tunisia Coach

RUUD Krol has announced that he is leaving his position as Tunisia head coach after their 41 defeat in Yaoundé against Cameroon in the return leg of their 2014 World Cup playoffs on Sunday.

“I am leaving the Tunisian national team, I wish them the best for the future,” said the Dutch technician in the postmatch press conference.

Appointed last September after the resignation of Nabil Maâloul, Krol was assigned the mission of qualifying the Carthage Eagles for the World Cup, which did not happen.

“For this game, we had set up a new strategy. But it did not appear to be a good one with a first goal conceded after three minutes of play,” added Krol.

“At half-time, we reviewed our plans. It looked like it was working after the break with the reduction of the score.

Unfortunately we conceded two more goals. Cameroon were better than us tonight.”

Krol will now solely focus on coaching Tunisian club side CS Sfaxien.

Ruud Krol

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CMYK

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ANY people were stunned to watch a senior school teacher, who had served for many years, stutter as she struggled to read out her own name on a paper she had supposedly written. It should not have come as a shock. There is a problem with Nigeriaís education sector. Sadly, we ignore the problem and its impending dangers. There seems to be a clear recognition of the fact that the federal governmentís thirty year control of the educational sector was responsible for its almost complete collapse, but this is hard to grasp considering its financial might and administrative potentials. If this abysmal performance is juxtaposed with the period when education was run by missions we find a clear distinction.

In closer inspection, the reasons for this total collapse become even more obvious. Political considerations in matters that were supposed to be handled with professionalism and an altruistic bent ensured a swift decline that successive governments have not been able to correct to this day. Lack of administrative dedication and an absence of candor on the parts of a stifled professional base have also contributed in no small ways to entrench a system of blind followership by an academic class that seems to carry out its duty with levity. With this attitude the downward spiral of this sector persists.

Calls for educational reforms persist to this day, and have been predominant in issues of national importance.

Many concerned academics have called the failure in the educational sector Nigeriaís greatest social disaster, and they are not wrong. In thirty years the public pre-tertiary school system is almost moribund, stricken by a mix of ineptitude and maladministration. The absence of educational facilities and corresponding infrastructure have made the public schools little more than store houses for children of low income earners where very little is taught. There are still many who will remember, with some feeling of nostalgia, the greatness of the public school system up until the late seventies and the demand for educational excellence imposed on pupils. This demand was a driving force that ensured a desire to excel beyond the average. The situation is not different at the tertiary level, where university lecture halls are nothing more than spacious dumps filled with broken furniture and leaking roofs.

The infiltration of the educational sector by unregulated private institutions is indicative of government inability to cope with the piling burden of

providing qualitative educational services. This is most evident at the pretertiary level but the wrath is evidebt on every level. With the constant growth in private sector pre-tertiary education there have been a number of devastating repercussions for the public school system.

First, the growth in private institutions has become a major pull for academic human resource base and this persistently creates a problem of lack of valuable

the persistence of an unworkable civil service.

Nigerians are grappling with excessively exploitative school fees and ancillary costs for services that are essential but not worth the values placed on them and imposed on parents by private educational institutions. Most private schools have gone beyond the reach of the average Nigerian and, as a consequence, have done very little to uplift the general population from an

The Stuttering Teacher And Nigeria’s Low Education Standards

professional hands for public schools; secondly, education has become more of a financial venture rather than a humanitarian duty. The consequence of this is the constantly rising cost of education which has gradually created palpable signs of class categorization.

While teachers in public schools enjoy better remuneration in comparison to the teachers in private institutions, there are administrative and infrastructural constraints that stifle professional challenges for the teachers in the public school system due to lack of funding and the provision of basic teaching aids that would help the teachers to improve professionally. There is also the lack of professional supervision and monitoring in the public school system that has given free run to unprofessional practices.

Many teachers have always complained that these administrative failures tend to portray them as unproductive and place the burden of responsibility for the failures of pupils on them quite wrongfully.

In many instances, this burden is not wrongfully placed; on several trips to public schools it is common to see classes where teachers are surreptitiously absent and students are given free run on disruptive and anarchic behaviors. In many instances the teachers show a total lack of grammatical grasp and sometimes appalling ignorance of the subjects they teach.

Teachers who recognise their worth and intend to make an impact naturally tilt towards the private institutions where educational materials are better provided.

Where these limitations do not apply, there is the political intonation; Nigeria in the twenty first century is still a nation run on ethnic steam and the political implications of this is exposed in demarcation of ethnic lines in state civil service jobs. How do we explain the denial of jobs to qualified teachers who have lived in a particular state for the better part of their lives based on their ethnic difference and are then forced to relocate to other states in search of employment? The failure to look into this administrative failure ensures

President Goodluck Jonathan educational slump. Over the years, the focus of a number of these schools seem to have been directed at the upper echelons of Nigerian society and their evaluation of the success of their services are more predicated on their financial gains rather than the mental improvement of their wards.

The Nigerian governmentís strides at rectifying this sector continue to experience glitches imposed by its own shortcomings. Accounting for the massive investments alleged to have been put in the educational sector remains a major constraint. Even as federal, state, and local governments persist in literally filling a hollow bottle, they reject the possibility of attempting daring programs that are both humane and non implicative. For example the government has consistently subsidised public education even as the facts show that maladministration will continue to mar the structures that oversee this sector.

Government may begin to see more result if it chose to divert some of these subsidies to private pre-tertiary institutions in the form of grants that will help these

institutions cushion the effects of the massive cost implications of running productive establishments.

The intention is to bring down the costs of tuition in these institutions and make them more accessible to the public in the interim while government strives to rectify the failures in an almost moribund public sector; this will be a temporary emergency plan of sorts to provide good education for the wards of the average civil servant who struggles to cope with the constraints of a minimum wage that affords little. The intention here is for pre-tertiary educational institutions that run on federal and state government subsidies but with private sector administration. It would be a public/private partnership that will ensure returns on the financial commitment of government through tax impositions. If grants are given for basic school infrastructure and for the provision of reading materials to schools that have been evaluated based on their achievements, a fifty percent slash in tuition costs can be demanded.

Scholarships could be granted based on the academic

performance of children and a clear indication of the inability by pupilsí parents to cope with tuition costs. There are very few parents who will not pay for qualitative education, not to mention when it comes at a subsidised rate.

However, government should not focus solely on financial returns in providing qualitative educational service.

The right of the child to pretertiary education is unquestionable. In every instance where schools, both private and public, send children home because of failure to pay tuition fees, there is a clear signal that education has become a financial service rather than the entrenchment of a demandable right and this further exposes the failure of government. For government, education is viewed more as a privilege which it stretches its ever benevolent and philanthropic hands to provide children with and not as a right to which these children can demand. A consequence of this is the consistent show of this benevolence through sparse provision of books that sometimes remain in stores for years without ever been dispersed to its target public.

It is also apparent that as

long as political considerations dictate the workings of the civil service, buttressed by ethnic sentiments, there will always be blatant favoritism in the disbursement of funds and a consequent lull in expected gains. State governments have attempted individual subsidization of the educational sector with varying degrees of success evaluated through yearly external examination results such as West African Examination Council (WAEC) School Certificate examinations, and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.

The state governments have mostly focused their efforts on acquiring the cost burden imposed by these examinations on their citizens as a show of strong support for the improvement of the educational sector. The recent dismal performances of students in these exams are an indication of the failure of these efforts.

Federal and state governments seem to have assumed, quite wrongfully, that the problem of the educational sector lie solely with the cost implications, lack of basic materials like text books in schools, and the need for scholarships. One major factor they seem to have ignored is the monitoring and professional supervision of teachers who seem to have been locked in a time machine perpetually trapped in the middle ages. It seems unimaginable but there are still teachers in the public pretertiary institutions who think that strong disciplinary qualities are imbibed through the imposition of servile duties on their wards. To this day, children are still instructed to come to teachersí homes to wash clothes, cook and sweep. Education to these teachers does not pretend to hold any value or respect for childrenís rights.

When there is a consistent denial of the rights of children in the public school and a failure to consider the implications of rising educational costs in the private school system, why do the federal and state governments not boldly attempt alternatives by providing financial subsidies and academic regulations based on an approved curriculum?

Printed and published by Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, 24, Airport Road, P.M.B. 1334 Benin City. Telephone; Lagos: 01 4930929, Benin: 052 257492, 257531 Editor: Barr. SOLOMON IMOHIOSEN (KSJI)- (07030699646), Deputy General Manager, Marketing (08023457566), Assistant General Manager, Advertisement (08023808856) Lagos Office: 3/4 Amode Close, Kudirat Abiola Way, By Olushosun Bus Stop, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Abuja Office: Floor 1, Edo House, 75 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Tel/Fax: 09-5237631. All correspondence to: 24 Airport Road, Benin City. E-mail: nigerianobserver@yahoo.com (ISSN 0331-2674)