Nigerian observer 23 06 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 NO. 018 • MONDAY, JUNE 23, 20 14 •N 100.00 OPINION Pg 13 Chibok:

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An Ostrich Policy

ARCHIVAL MATTERS Pg. 21

A Pedogogy Of Courage

Jonathan lauds Eagles victory

ABUJA – President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja said the victory of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Saturday peaceful election in Ekiti were signs of unfolding

greatness of Nigeria as a nation.

The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated their Bosnia and Herzegovina counterparts by 1-0 at the ongoing world football tournament in

Brazil, while the PDP candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, won the state governorship election.

The president, who was speaking at the Aso Villa Church, Abuja, after

his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade, Nigeria, noted that the Eagles, by their performance, made Nigeria and Nigerians proud.

Continues on page 2

UYO - The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, at the end of its 2014 retreat, sought for financial autonomy for state Houses of Assembly in the country.

This is contained in a effective and efficient in communique issued in the discharge of their Uyo yesterday and legislative duties.

“The importance of signed by Mr Eugene Odo, Speaker of the financial autonomy for Enugu State House of the state houses of for the Assembly and assembly Chairman, Committee effective and efficient discharge of their on communique.

According to the legislative duties was communique, the brought to the fore.

“And the state autonomy will enable assemblies to be lawmakers reiterated

their commitments towards ensuring the passage of the clauses as related to the autonomy of state legislature in the ongoing constitution

amendment,’’ it stated.

The conference called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing process of constitution amendment and

Conference of Speakers seek financial autonomy transmit same to state assemblies for further legislative actions.

It also appealed to state lawmakers to ensure stability in the polity and entrenchment

of democracy by avoiding frequent and unconstitutional change of leadership of the assemblies.

It sought for an

Continues on page 2

Taxation crucial to development - EIRS boss

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – For a struggling economy like Nigeria, the taxation system has been described as a crucial requirement for meeting the developmental yearnings of the people, especially the down trodden.

Executive Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah gave this indication as a guest Lecturer during the Law Week organised in Benin City by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Edo State Branch.

Chief Elamah who delivered his lecture on the topic. “Taxation in Nigeria, its Implication

for Nationhood: prospect and challenges”, said the state EIRS was able to brave all odds to achieve its success geared towards the betterment of the people as evident across the nooks and crannies of the state.

This, he attributed to the political will demonstrated by the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

According to Elamah, since inception Nigeria’s independent, tax administration has played a vital role towards the nation’s development, with the promulgation of the Income Tax Management Act (ITMA) in 1961, which was repealed by the personal Income Tax Act, Decree

TIT BIT “It is only when we are cheating on our work, or on our resting period that we find the time to be criticising others”.

- Kingsley-Ogbeide-Ihama

104 of 1993.

On taxation as an implication towards nation building, the EIRS boss noted that the recent unprecedented economic crisis witnessed a shift from the overdependence on the oil sector which necessitated the need for the country to seek alternative and sustainable means of revenue generation with a view to addressing the

Continues on page 2

AGREEMENT: Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (right), Executive Director, PPP, Mr. Igbinidu Inneh, Managing Director, Azura Power Plant West Africa Ltd., David Ladipo, during the signing of the share subcription agreement for the development of the Edo Azura Independent Power Plant recently in Government House, Benin City. Photo: QUEENETH A. OREBEDO

Steer clear of Edo Assembly

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

BENIN CITY – The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Foluso

Adebanjo has warned that the police would not spare any political thug found in and around the State House of Assembly Complex, today.

- Police warns thugs

The police boss recalled with satisfaction that over 47 suspected

political thugs apprehended at the

FAO launches report on state of World’s forest

ABUJA - The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will on Monday present the key findings of its biannual flagship publication on the State

of the World’s Forests (SOFO), according to a statement.

The statement

released from organisation’s headquarters in Rome, Italy said the FAO’s

Committee on Forests (COFO) would review the report in a meeting this week.

“This year ’s issue focuses on the role of Continues on page 2

wake of the crisis at the Assembly were charged and remanded in prison custody. Mr. Adebanjo stated this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, recently.

While advising youths to resist any attempt to be used in the political crisis rocking the House, the COMPOL enjoined Continues on page 2

News

Jonathan lauds Eagles victory

Continued from page 1 He further stated that the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti poll was an indication that Nigeria could get the conduct of elections right. ‘‘I’m particularly happy today because of the two events that happened on Saturday. ‘‘First was the election in Ekiti State. I’m quite happy not necessarily because my party won the election. ‘‘Yes, as a leader of the party, I’m supposed to be happy, but it is beyond that. I was told that there may be crisis in Ekiti because the report I got before the election, the feeling was that yes, one party might win or lose, but there will be fire and brimstone. ‘‘I have to commend the Nigerian police and other security agencies for the way they were able to manage the election.

“Today, Ekiti is in a peaceful state, elections are over and of course to cap it all, those of you who watched the late night match, the Eagles made us proud. ‘‘I only see this as a sign of unfolding of a greater nation coming; Nigeria will surely take its rightful in the comity of nations; all the challenges will surely pass away,’’ he said The president also expressed appreciation to those who had been praying fervently for the success of the efforts by government to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency. ‘‘First, let me use this opportunity to appreciate all Nigerians because those of us who are from the Eastern Region know what civil war was. ‘‘But since that time, this country has not passed through these threats. I appreciate the feelings of Nigerians, the endurance and the support they have been giving to the government.

Speakers

Continued from page 1 amendment in the Electoral Act and promulgation of high impact legislation to ensure stability in the country.

The conference advised state lawmakers and the members of national assembly to engage in the legislative practice of lobbying with caution with a view to avoiding corrupt tendencies.

The conference affirmed its support for President Goodluck Jonathan in the fight against terrorism and urged Nigerians to unite and restore peace in the country.

The retreat was attended by speakers from the 36 houses of assembly with its theme: “Legislature as an instrument of stability in democratic governance.”

“Let me also appreciate those of you who are prayer warriors for interceding day and night for God to intervene. ’’I always believe that any journey to where it is good will pass through bumps. And Boko Haram is one of those obstacles but my conviction is that good will always overcome evil.’’ he added He commended the efforts of Bible Society of Nigeria,

which had earlier presented to him copies of the Holy Bible, translated into Nigerian languages.

The president was decorated as the National Grand Patron of the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria.

The ceremony, which was supervised by the National President of the brigade, Prince Yandev Amaa-Bai, witnessed the presentation of the flags of Nigeria and those

Taxation crucial to development Continued from page 1 numerous socio-infrastructural challenges facing the people.

This, Chief Elamah said, as evident in Edo State, could be done through the promotion of fiscal responsibility/ accountability, economic stability, wealth creation/ employment and equality before the various tax laws.

He asserted that the state governor, comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration is committed to running a peoples participatory, result oriented and responsive government.

He posited; “We can categorically state that the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration has repositioned the internal revenue service built on professionalism, transparency , integrity and value for money to enable the government optimize its internally generated revenue for the provision of basic amenities and infrastructures.

Chief Elamah however canvassed that the revenue/ tax generation should be utilized towards meeting the maximum potentials as a catalogue for nation’s building.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Benin District and Society, Dominic Eichie has described taxation as the only vital source that can emancipate a responsive and even development of any developing nation.

Eichie stated this when he led the new executive of the CITN on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah in Benin City.

Eichie stated that the visit was to specifically appraise the phenomenal achievements of the Executive Chairman, his support towards the CITN through the EIRS staff participation in the CITN’s activities as well as to encourage him on his good work towards the development of the state.

He noted that Chief Elamah’s quest to encouraging EIRS staff towards participating in the CITN programmes with a view to gaining tax knowledge has helped to broading the institute and the operations of the EIRS agency.

Responding, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah who noted that tax was as old ad mankind attributed the EIRS success story to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who provided the necessary political will.

On assumption of office, he said his administration focused on building the internal capacity with the purpose of ensuring professionalism that would ensure accountability, honesty, integrity and value for taxpayers money, he added, culminated in the establishment of the premium tax training school of the agency.

The EIRS boss stated that he has been partnering with stakeholders in the state with a view to creating the necessary tax awareness amongst them.

According to him, the filing of annual return was important, urging taxpayers to file in their returns as that would guarantee them the right on tax related matters.

political gladiators solve their problems”. He advised.

He also appealed to the political class to sheathe their sword in the over-all interest of peace and development in the state. He however enjoined them to call their supporters to order as the

police are neither for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor All Progressives Congress (APC), and would not fold their hands when some persons or group of persons distabalize the peace in the state.

HOS condoles family of retired Perm Sec BENIN CITY – The Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele has commiserated with the family of late Dr. John Adagbasa, a retired permanent secretary who died recently.

Mr. Obazele described the death of the late permanent secretary as a great lost to the people and government of Edo State, saying that while Dr. John Adagbasa was alive, he made great and useful contributions to the development of the state.

The Head of Service, who was represented by the duo of Mr. E.T. Idahosa, permanent secretary, Directorate of Administration and Barrister Sam Okoese, permanent secretary, Cabinet stated that the late Dr. Adaghasa played a key role in the then Bendel State now Edo State in the Urban Planning of Benin City.

According to him the marks of the late permanent secretary will remain indelible in the history of Edo State and

Steer clear of Edo Assembly

Continued from page 1 them to keep away from the face-off as the political gladiators can resolve their differences amicably without their services.

“Do not allow yourself to be used, keep away, let the

of the brigade to the president.

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, also bagged the Honorary Matron award conferred by the brigade.

The Chaplain of the Villa, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, was also honoured as Honorary National Patron of the brigade.

The Bible Society of Nigeria, represented by its President, Dr. Aaron Nuhu and some of the members, were also at the Villa Church to show their appreciation to the president for his support to the society.

Special copies of the Holy Bible, translated into Ebira and Igege languages, were later presented to the president.

The first lesson, which was taken from Exodus 3: 1-12, was read by the First Lady, while the second lesson taken from the book of Matthew 25:14-30, was read by Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.

In his sermon, Venerable Onwuzurumba reminded human race that life was all about serving God and humanity. ‘‘I have arrived at the conclusion that life is all about service to God and to humanity. It is not about titles.

Whether you are a politician, a civil servant or whether you are in the Church, life is about service to the people and God. ‘‘Let us learn to appreciate God at any point in time. ‘‘Whatever position we are in and whatever we do, let us make time for the service of God and when God corrects you, humble yourself.’’

therefore advised the family members to take solace in the fact that their Husband, father lived a good life that is worthy of emulation.

He conveyed the condolences of the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhoel and the entire people of the state to the family while assuring the family that the state government will be fully represented at the funeral programme.

Wife of the deceased, Lady Olabisi Adagbasa and the first governor son, Engr.

Babatunde Adagbasa thanked the State Governor and the Head of Service for coming to sympathies with them in their hour of grief.

Mr. E.T. Idahosa and Barr.

Sam Okoese signed he condolence register on behalf of the Head of Service.

Community leaders appeal for UGHOTON – Prominent peace, devt leaders of Ughoton Community have joined forces with the head and traditional custodian, (Ohonkun) of Ughoton Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, HRH Victor Aigbovbiosa to appeal to government and host oil producing companies operating in the area for development of Ughoton, even as they have called on indigenes to promote peace in the area.

Idahosa Bazuaye, a patron of Ughoton Community who commenced a peace and reconciliation initiative among aggrieved parties in the land at the weekend maintained that to achieve the needed development of their community, sons and daughters need to be united and forge a common front for benefit of indigenes of Ughoton.

Bazuaye noted that, it is highly regrettable and grossly inappropriate that Ughoton being a major oil producing community in the Niger-Delta has no visible features of true government presence.

“We lack portable water, no accessible road network, basic infrastructures area

absent, our people have become subjugated to untold hardship from air pollution by oil firms operating in the land which is hampering the health of our people,” he asserted.

The peace initiative mediated by, Idahosa Bazuaye, Richard Edobor of Host Oil Producing Community (Hostcom) Victor and Ekpen Bazuaye (with the leadership of Hon. West Idahosa, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives for Ovia Federal Constituency) visited some leaders of the community including, Frank Edokpagbe; Robinson Iyonmahan, Augustine Omeregie, Rev. Osagie Iyonmahan (both former and present C.D.A. Chairman respectively) and appealed to them to rally round the Ohonkun to ensure that the rich mineral resources of Ughoton is exploited for the good of all.

They appealed to relevant authorities to visit and access the state of neglect of Ughoton thereby ensuring that the needed development the people deserve as host oil producing community is provided.

Religious leaders urged to live in harmony ASABA - Religious leaders in Delta State have been called upon to live in harmony and peaceably with one another without rancor as exemplify by Jesus Christ.

The Secretary to the state government, comrade Ovuzuorie Macauley gave the charge yesterday in Asaba at a meeting held with leaders, elders and Pastors of Assemblies of God church, Sapele District following the dispute and rifts rocking the Ministry for months.

Comrade Ovuzuorie Macauley who reminded the disputing parties of the need to be kindly affection one to anther with brotherly love, and in honour preferring one another however, warned that the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan is irrevocably committed to the peace and security and that he would not fold his hands to see any person or groups working contrary to derail its efforts.

He said the times we are in now is for everybody including religious leaders in particular to continue to pray for the peace of the nation and realization of its transformation agenda rather than allowing individual selfish interest to prevail.

The Secretary to the state government who also challenged the Sapeele District leadership of the Assemblies of God church to ensure that they live upto their calling of taking care of the flocks over which the Holy Ghost had made them Overseers, appealed that they should employ every lawful means to ensure that total peace is returned to the district.

Earlier in the meeting, the State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba urged the disputing factions to resolve their differences and never to engage in any act capable of breaching the palpable peace and order being enjoyed by the good people of Sapele, saying that the leadership of the church would be held liable in the event of any breach arising from their actions or inactions.

Leading others, the General Superintendent of Sapele District, Rev.(Dr) R.O Itotoh and his rivalry faction, Rev. J.A Ojemro in their undertakings and resolutions, amongst others assured that everything will be done withing their power to reach an amicable settlement so as to bring to an end the leadership crisis rocking the district.

FAO launches report on state of World’s forest Continued from page 1 socio-economic benefits provided by forests, including income and employment, wood energy and forest products in housing.

“It will also focus on the need to shift attention from trees to people, both for data collection and policy making.

“In this context, the meeting of COFO in Rome between June 23 and June 27, 2014 will review forest policy measures

which promote sustainable production and consumption.

“It will also discuss the ownership and management rights; access to resources, markets and financing; equitable benefit sharing; and valuation of forest products and services,’’ it said.

The statement also said FAO would at the meeting appoint Prince Laurent of Belgium as its Special Ambassador for Forests and the Environment.

It said the appointment was in recognition of Laurent’s longstanding efforts to promote global development and sustainable technologies.

Reports state that COFO is the highest FAO forestry statutory body.

The biennial sessions of COFO bring together heads of forest services and other senior government officials, international organisations and non-governmental organisations as well as other stakeholders.

News Anglican Church Honours Eminent Nigerians

By OSE EHEBHA EBELLE – The Anglican Communion, Diocese of Esan has honoured eminent Nigerians at its on-going third session of the 4th Synod of the Diocese.

Those honoured include Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih and Chairman of Tomline Industrial Company Limited, Elder Tes Sorae were on Sunday honoured with Episcopal Award by the Diocese of Esan, Anglican Communion.

Also honoured were managing director of Ray Royal Construction Company, Rev. Matthew Okpebholo and chairman of Don-P Communications Ltd, High Chief Peter Ojemen.

They were honoured during the On-going Third Session of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese, which commenced on Sunday at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Eguare-Ebelle, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.

The bishop of the diocese, Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai said the award was in recognition of their contributions towards the

development of the church.

Imaekhai who is also the Archbishop of Bendel Province of the Anglican Church, praised the awardees for using their wealth to finance the work of the God, praying God to continually bless them.

Chief Anineh who announced a cash donation of N50 million to the church, expressed appreciation to the church for the recognition, adding that nothing could be more fulfilling than been recognized by the house of God. He pledged to sustain his assistance to the church, noting that he would always be forthcoming in sponsoring work of God.

NBA Honours Council Boss

Governor Adams Oshiomhole presents a souvenir to His Excellency, Mr. Michael Arrion, The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the ECOWAS during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Benin City recently.

Govt Committed To Encouraging Participation In Agric - Commissioner

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh has re-affirmed state government commitment to encouraging young people to venture into agriculture as means

of livelihood and as well improve the living standard of its citizenry.

Hon. Oroh made the reaffirmation recently while playing host to members of the National Director and executive members of a Non-Government Organization, Initiative for the Development of the Next Generation (Next Generation

The Chairman Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Barr.(Mrs.) Lucy Omagbon displaying an award plaque after she was honoured by the Nigerian Bar Association, Edo State Branch during its 2014 Law Week in Benin City.

Youth World International), who paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City.

Commending the organization for encouraging unemployed youths to take to agriculture, Hon. Oroh stressed that the state government has been a responsive one that has brought dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the state.

He said government has created the enabling environment for agric business to strive in the state adding that government is committed to creating jobs through the out-growers and agro-premium scheme respectively in collaboration with the federal government.

While commending the National Director of the Organization, Mr. Samuel Chinedu, the 2012 Corps members who served in Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area, for impacting on the lives of people in the area, the commissioner called on other youths to emulate them in order to better their lots.

He appreciated the federal government for initiating the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme which he said was meant to foster unity, national integration and peaceful co-existence and development.

Bauchi Creates 78 Fertiliser Redemption Centres BAUCHI - The Bauchi State Government said it had set up 78 fertiliser redemption centres to ease farmers’ access to the commodity this cropping season.

The Commissioner for Agricultural, Alhaji Isa Wabu, said this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday.

Wabu said that the centres were more than the 20 established in 2012 and the 68 centres in 2013.

He said that the additional centres were created to ease the difficulties being experienced in accessing the commodity by the over 24,000 registered farmers in

the state.

Wabu said that under the old arrangement, “even if 1,000 farmers were to access the commodity in one week, the authorities would spend 24 weeks to complete the exercise as against the eight weeks allocated under the GES programme.

“We, therefore, requested for additional 32 new redemption centres but the Federal Government only approved eight new centres.

“We are pleading with the Federal Government to allocate more centres considering the fact

that the state has the highest number of registered farmers under the GES.” Wabu also said that the state government had engaged the services of 22 fertiliser companies as against seven companies engaged in 2013 to ensure effective supply of the commodity across the 20 local government areas of the state He said that 78 Agro Dealers had also been engaged by the state government to service the redemption centres while substantial quantity of the commodity had already been transported to all the centres.

Wabu said that a monitoring team had been set up to ensure effective monitoring of the sale of the commodity to farmers, to avert diversion.

The commissioner said that the state government would also not accept any bag of fertiliser less than 50kg, adding that the quality of the commodity must also be satisfied by agriculturalists.

He warned the supply companies against late delivery of the commodity to the designated redemption centres, adding that “any defaulting company will be de-listed from the arrangement”.

On his part the Director of Agricultural Services, of the Ministry, Mr. M. I. Anogie urged members of the group to register in the on-going farmers registration exercise to enable them benefit from the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

Earlier, the National Direcotr, Next Generation Youth World Int’l Mr. Samuel N. Chinedu informed the commissioner that the organization is a youth development and mentoring community – based one fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Edo State Government with the objective of assisting young people transit to responsible adulthood which is done through various youth engagement programs and activities held in communities and schools across the state.

Mr. Chinedu, 2012 Corp member, who did his compulsory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) at Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Areas of the State, also disclosed that they work to develop communities by attracting projects from grant-making organizations, noting that they are about commissioning a library project funded through them by the TY Danjuma foundation for Ewu Community.

Also informing the commissioner of their secured land for maize and cassava farm in the cropping season as well as the 3 acre land farm at Ehor acquired by them to be expanded soon, he sought the commissioner assistance in the area of provision of land and the use of mechanized farm implements, such as tractors, for the ministry to carry them along in their activities, to avail them of every opportunity to attract funding and support from Fadama III, to support their efforts through the provision of improved agricultural imputs such as fertilizers amongst other assistance.

BENIN CITY – The Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Council, Barrister (Mrs) Lucy Omagbon has bagged a ‘Service Award’, courtesy of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Edo State branch.

The honour was conferred on her at a dinner organised as part of activities for the 2014 Law Week of the association.

Presenting the award plaque to Omagbon, the NBA branch chairman, Barrister Akhere Oriane said the award was in recognition of her service to the state and the legal profession.

Oriane noted that the quality of service of the council boss to the state politically and economically endeared her to the organising committee of the 2014 Law week.

Speaking after receiving the award, Omagbon expressed satisfaction that her little contribution to the state is being appreciated by a credible professional body which she also belongs.

She thanked the association for the honour done her.

Ramadan Lecture To Hold June 29 IBADAN - The Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners (MMPN) will hold on June 29 at the National Mosque, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Chairman of the organisation, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, a copy of which was made available to newsmen yesterday in Ibadan Oyo State.

The statement said that the lecture, which would hold by 11 a.m, would be chaired by Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

It said that the Minister of State, Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, would be the father of the day while former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, would serve as guests of honour.

The statement said the lecture entitled: “Peace and Leadership: The Missing Link,’’ would be delivered by the duo of Prof.

Musa AbdurRaheem of University of Ado-Ekiti and Malam Nurudeen Lemu.

Other guests expected at the lecture were the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed as Chief Host, while Prof .Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), would be the spiritual fathers of the day, it said.

The statement said that the choice of the topic was to proffer solution to the current security challenges in the country as it affects Muslims and nonMuslims alike.

News Edo Commissioner Receives Award Of Excellence

BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc Francis Evbuomwan has been honoured with an Ambassador of ethics and conscience by the Centre for Ethics and Self Orientation (CESVO), an NGO over his contributions to the enthronement of ethical leadership in the state.

It noted during the presentation of a gold medal for the honour in Benin City that it was also in recognition of Evbuomwan’s “display of integrity, ethical stewardship and sincerity of purpose”.

Also the ministry has been presented a certificate of credence as the ‘Most Ethically Responsible Ministry in the state.

In presenting the award, the Executive Director of CESVO, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu disclosed that “national interest, office attendance, servicom compliance, integrity, public accessibility, ministerial policy performance, ethical conduct, and innovation were among the many factors considered and assessed independently to earn the commissioner a ‘score card’ as an ‘Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience”.

In his acceptance speech, the Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the honour done him, especially from an organisation that he has never come in contact with.

The Commissioner used the occasion to reiterate his commitment and determination to work harder and put in more effort of

attain higher grounds.

According to him, “there’s no reason why we cannot score a 100 percent”, particularly as hard work and service delivery is the hallmark and motivation for the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration.

Arc. Evbuomwan further noted that the award is a “challenge to work, even harder”, saying the “reward for hard work is more work” and therefore encouraged the team of CESVO to do more and discover more people who can be celebrated elsewhere outside Abuja.

Member, Breast Cancer Screening Committee, University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Mileani Obajimi addressing women at the free breast cancer screening in Ibadan recently.

Institute Identifies Causes Of Potato Blight Disease JOS - The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) has blamed the outbreak of the potato blight disease on inter cropping, global warming and human activities.

Dr Daniel Lenka, the Coordinator and Head, Potatoes Station of the institute, told newsmen in Jos Plateau state that potato blight was one of the most serious diseases around the world.

Lenka described the blight as a fungi infection caused by a pathogen that thrived well in humid environment.

“When there is high humidity and little sunshine and water settles on the potato leaves for a very long time, blight develops and causes the leaves to become yellow.he said.

“Once the leaves are yellow,

photosynthesis cannot occur, therefore the plant dies.”

Lenka said that factors such as inter cropping, global warming and human activities caused the disease.

“Our farming system or pattern is responsible for most of the blight cases; most of the potatoes in the state are inter cropped with maize.

“Maize plants create micro climate around the potato plants and once there is humidity, pathogens thrive very well.”

He identified poor sanitation of seeds in storage, field management, failure to spray fungicides and late planting of blight tolerant varieties as the

A cross-section of members of Kaduna State chapter of INEC Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voters Education and Publicity inaugurated in Kaduna recently.

cause of the spread of the disease.

He urged farmers to desist from inter cropping potatoes with other crops as the blight

could spread far and wide given the conducive environment within a short period.

Lenka advised farmers to

ensure that they plant pathogen-free seeds and as well fumigate their crops six or 10 times during the vegetative period.

Understanding Cultural Differences Panacea To Peace ABUJA - The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) said appreciating and understanding cultural differences is the panacea to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The NTDC Director-General, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Abuja .

Mbanefo said those cultural values of a community give it an identity, character and a personality of its own.

She said that respect and tolerance were liberating acts whereby the differences of others were recognised.

According to her, let us find a way to come together because all of us are linked by common goals, share common destiny and dream.

“All things are possible when we walk and struggle together, learn from one another and listen to each other.

“Our cultural diversity should bind us together but not to tear us apart or be a hindrance; and should as well help us in promoting peaceful coexistence.

“I have learn to believe in the unity of all creation and that everything and everyone is a reflection of God on earth,’’ she said.

Mbanefo said that peace was just and no matter the difference in religion or culture, we should

- NTDC strive to live together in harmony.

She said Nigeria was blessed

with natural resources, attractions and enormous culture, if explored, would become a source of sustainable revenue for the country.

ABUJA - Mr. Emenike Eme, the Corps Commandant-General, Environmental Ethics and Safety Corps (ESCORP) has called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws.

Eme, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said that the call became necessary because of the need for a cleaner environment nationwide.

He condemned a situation where people arrested for violating environmental laws were released without being made to face the law.

“You may arrest somebody today, the next day you get a call from some higher office, you release the person and the situation continues.

“Abuja Environmental Protection Board for instance will catch street traders, seize their goods and the traders simply go home and then the

relatives will sympathise with them and give them stuffs again.

“And the next day you find them again on the streets.

“So even that enforcement is not getting the expected result and that is why Environmental Ethics and Safety Corps thinks of growing compliance.

“And this can only come through sensitisation, enlightenment and of course government also has to make efforts to provide those things that are necessary.

“So that when you tell somebody not to “wee wee“ (urinate) along the road you have to show him where to do it.“ The commandant-general urged the public to shun acts capable of depleting the environment, saying, “prevention is better than cure“.

Expert Bemoans Poor Environmental Law Enforcement

Across The Nation Kano To Secure Release Of Indigenes Abia:

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kaduna State, Alhaji Haliru Tambawel (left), with the Administrative Secretary of INEC, Alhaji Nafiu Yusuf at the inauguration ceremony of Kaduna State chapter of INEC Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voters Education and Publicity in Kaduna recently.

KANO - The Kano State Government said it had dispatched a delegation to Abia to secure the release of the state indigenes among the 486 persons arrested by security operatives recently.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Danburan Abubabar, told newsmen that the delegation had since arrived in Abia and started discussion with the state government officials and security agents.

He said the team, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Gen. Idris Dambazau, was to find out the exact number of Kano

Skill Acquisition: NDE To Train 25 Graduates MAIDUGURI - The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Borno has said it would train 25 graduates on industrial attachment to enable them to acquire skills to be selfemployed.

Alhaji Wakil Kalanga, State Coordinator, NDE, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the graduates would be trained under the Industrial Attachment Programme of the Agency.

Kalanga said that the selected beneficiaries were state indigenes who graduated last year and had not yet secured job.

He said the programme was designed to train them to showcase their potentials, so that they could be gainfully employed and also be employer of labours.

According to him, during the six months attachment programme, each of the beneficiaries will receive N10,000 as monthly stipend.

“The graduate would be posted to different state and federal agencies, according to the areas of their specialisation and course studied,” he said.

say I am not a stakeholder in Wukari”, he said.

Hussainatu Buhari, who lost five of her relations in the recent crisis - the fourth this year - said government must take proactive measures to curb the senseless killings.

She called on the state government to, as a matter of urgency; find a new settlement for them since it could not guarantee their safety in Wukari. lhaji Danladi Shehu, an elder in Wukari, wondered why the peace deal recently signed by all the ethnic groups in Wukari collapsed.

He insisted that traditional rulers in the area had not done enough in instilling discipline and tolerance amongst their subjects.

Shehu urged the Taraba government and security agencies in the state to review the security situation in Wukari with a view to finding lasting solution to the intractable crises.

The Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, Mr. Kefas Sule, said officials had been directed to visit the Investment

Quarters, evaluate the situation and recommend relief materials for the displaced persons.

He added that government was considering the establishment of another camp in Jalingo to compliment the ones in Gasol, Wukari and Ibi. He said all victims of the crises would be given treatment free of charge at

The coordinator said the gesture was in line with the President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda to create job opportunities and reduce

Education Minister Commissions JAMB CBT Centre ASABA - The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has established and furnished a Computer Based Test (CBT) centre in Delta, the Supervising Minister of

Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has said.

Wike stated this while inaugurating a new JAMB office complex in Asaba, Delta.

He said that the CBT

700 Displaced Persons Flee Wukari JALINGO - No fewer than 700 internally displaced persons in Wukari arrived Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Report state that the displaced persons, who arrived in trucks, were fleeing Wukari due to communal clashes, the latest of which occurred on June 15.

Reports state that the displaced persons had converged at Investment Quarters in Jalingo, complaining that they had no shelter and food and needed assistance urgently from the State Government.

They appealed to the Taraba government to provide them with relief materials to cushion the effect of the heavy losses they suffered in the crisis, adding that their safety was no longer guaranteed in Wukari.

Alhaji Sani Sale, President, Wukari Federation of Muslim Ummah, blamed the crisis on intolerance, saying that people must learn to tolerate one another for peace and stability.

“My grandparents died in Wukari. So, you can see that there is no way someone will

unemployment.

Kalanga said last year, NDE trained 50 graduates, saying that most of them were now gainfully employed or self-employed.

indigenes among the detainees and the nature of their offences.

Abubakar said the delegation had been directed to also take care of the welfare of the indigenes among the detainees in Abia.

“We directed the team to secure their release, if they were not found guilty of any offence and bring them back home.

“We will not accept a situation where the fundamental human rights of our innocent citizens are infringed upon.

“The committee has been directed to immediately report back its findings to the government for necessary and appropriate action,’’ Abubakar said.

It will be recalled that about 486 persons suspected to be Boko Haram members were arrested recently in Abia by security operatives.

government hospitals.

It was recalled that there was breakdown of law and order in Wukari on June 15 which led to death of scores of people and destruction of property worth millions of naira.

About 170 people who sustained severe injuries are receiving treatment at the Jalingo Specialist Hospital.

comprised of three classrooms of 120 sitting capacity each, a server room and offices for members of staff.

He described the complex as a very proactive step and a phenomenal achievement in Delta, and commended JAMB officials for the project.

He urged JAMB to upgrade its offices outside its headquarters to CBT status to enable them discharge their services effectively.

Wike said that tax payers, parents and students would benefit from the centres, especially the people at the grassroots.

He urged the state governor,

Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to provide at least one CBT centre in each local government area of the state.

Responding, the governor pledge that more than one CBT centre would be provided in each local government area of the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof.

Patrick Muoboghare, the governor said that Delta was the second to inaugurate a CBT JAMB office in the country.

He said beyond public schools, seven private schools with CBT centres were already in place each with 120 sitting capacity.

L-R: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada; Sole Administrator, Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd., Mr. Isah Onobere and Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Umar Sani, during a news conference after a meeting of the National Council on Privatisation in Abuja recently.

South West

School Girls Lagos Chibok To Develop Tourism

Chairman, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Barr. Vincent Uwadiae (left) being congratulated by a member of the Commission, Mr. Victor Ekhator after his (Uwadiae) investiture as patron of the National Association of Nigerian Polythecnics Students recently.

LAGOS - The Lagos State Government says it will continue to develop tourism in a bid to create wealth for the people.

Mr. Oladisun Holloway, the State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, said this at a workshop in Badagry.

“The government is investing heavily in tourism because God has so much endowed Lagos State and we need to tap into it to create more wealth.

“Not everybody or states need to concentrate on oil as tourism also creates wealth,’’ he said.

Holloway was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Oluwafumilayo Balogun.

The reports that the workshop was jointly organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The theme of the workshop is “Efficient Management of

EDSOGPADEC Boss Invested NYCN Patron

BENIN CITY – In recognition of his sterling qualities and contributions towards human capital and infrastructural development of the oil and gas producing local government area and Edo State in general, the Chairman of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) Barrister Vincent Uwadiae has been invested as the patron of two youths bodies.

The events which took place at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Benin City saw the investiture of the EDSOPADEC boss as the patron of the National Association of Nigerian Polytechnics Students (NAPS) as well as the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ovia North East Chapter.

In their speeches at the separate events, Comrade Armstrong Ovie-Afara who spoke for NAPS and Wilson Ekhomogiazin on behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ovia North East Council Chapter commended the oil and Gas Commission’s boss for ensuring that the dividends

of democracy as exemplified through the developmental strides of EDSOPADEC is enjoyed by everyone within and beyond the boundaries of the oil and gas producing local government areas.

They sited the construction and asphalting of a 10 kilometres road in Orhionmwon, Ikpba Okha, and Ovia North East Local Government Areas.

As well as clearing and evacuation of water hyacinth from the riverine areas as unbeatable proofs of EDSOPADEC’s desire too improve the welfare of the people and therefore sued for its sustenance.

They called on the EDSOPADEC board members to use their good office to draw relevant authorities attention to resolving the impasse that has kept them at home for over eleven months now, Barr.

Vincent Uwadiae thanked the organizations for finding him fit and proper to be their patron.

He advised them to eschew violence and always seek the

path of peace as there can be no development in and atmosphere of devoid of peace.

Present at the event were members representing Orhionmwon, Ikpoba-Okha and

Edo North Senatorial district on the board of the commission.

Hon. Fidelis Okunzuwa, Mr. Victor Ekhator and Hon. Lugman Muhammad respectively, Permanent Secretary Barr. Duke Osunbor, and other top management staff of the commission.

Tourism Assets in Badagry.’’

The commissioner restated Gov. Babatunde Fashola’s administration’s commitment to alleviate poverty through a welldeveloped tourism sector.

He said the workshop was organised to sensitise Badagry community on ways of preserving the available resources in the coast.

Holloway said the government would harness the natural resources in Badagry to develop tourism.

He described the state’s master plan for tourism and the Badagry Local Government as assets.

“And all we need is to create an enabling environment to generate revenue and create employment.

“Tourism will generate revenue for the government, hoteliers, market men and women, craftsmen, tour guide among others,” he said.

According to Holloway, the state’s tourism potential will be used to attract tourists just like Israel and Saudi Arabia earn money from religious tourism.

“Brazil, for instance, is noted for sports tourism among other nations.’’

He urged the people to support the government in transforming the community to a world-class tourist centre by not engaging in deforestation and pollution.

Mr. Adama Bah, the Chairman, Institute of Travel and Tourism of the Gambia, called

for multi-level collaboration for effective management of tourism assets in Badagry.

Bah said tourism was a serious business and should be beneficial to the community.

“Nigeria has a coast and a lagoon, all it needs is to invest in culture and conserve the environment to be attractive and friendly,” he said.

Mr. Ola Oresanya, the Managing Director, State Waste Management (LAWMA), said a clean and hygienic environment would promote tourism.

Oresanya, in a paper entitled, “Need for Efficient Drainage for Sustainable Tourism in Badagry’’, urged the community to keep their environment clean by disposing their waste appropriately.

“Collect the waste container free with your Land Use Charge receipt and properly dispose such waste.

“They should subscribe to private service providers to ensure a clean environment that will attract tourists, ’’ said Oresanya, who was represented

by Mr. Olajuwon Akinyemi.

Mr. Olatunde Ibilola, Deputy Director, the Ministry of Environment, said effective drainage system must be in place for a sustainable tourism.

He urged members of the community to desist from building houses on canals and dumping of refuse in drains and water channels.

Council Chapter commended the oil and Gas Commission’s boss for ensuring that the dividends of democracy as exemplified through the developmental strides of EDSOPADEC is enjoyed by everyone within and beyond the boundaries of the oil and gas producing local government areas.

They sited the construction and asphalting of a 10 kilometres road in Orhionmwon, Ikpba Okha, and Ovia North East Local

evacuation of water hyacinth from the riverine areas as unbeatable proofs of EDSOPADEC’s desire too improve the welfare of the people and therefore sued for its sustenance.

They called on the EDSOPADEC board members to use their good office to draw relevant authorities attention to resolving the impasse that has kept them at home for over eleven months now, Barr.

Vincent Uwadiae thanked the organizations for finding him fit and proper to be their patron.

He advised them to eschew violence and always seek the path of peace as there can be no development in and atmosphere of devoid of peace.

Present at the event were members representing Orhionmwon, Ikpoba-Okha and Edo North Senatorial district on the board of the commission. Hon. Fidelis Okunzuwa, Mr. Victor Ekhator and Hon. Lugman Muhammad respectively, Permanent Secretary Barr.

Duke Osunbor, and other top management staff of the commission.

Don Urges Varsities To Partner Foreign BENIN CITY – In Government Areas.

Counterparts recognition of his sterling As well as clearing and qualities and contributions towards human capital and infrastructural development of the oil and gas producing local government area and Edo State in general, the Chairman of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) Barrister Vincent Uwadiae has been invested as the patron of two youths bodies.

The events which took place at the corporate headquarters of the

commission in Benin City saw the investiture of the EDSOPADEC boss as the patron of the National Association of Nigerian Polytechnics Students (NAPS) as well as the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ovia North East Chapter.

In their speeches at the separate events, Comrade Armstrong Ovie-Afara who spoke for NAPS and Wilson Ekhomogiazin on behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ovia North East

Court Remands Man

Pipeline Vandalism: IBADAN -A middle-aged man, Rasaq Jeje, has appeared before a Federal High Court in Ibadan over alleged vandalism of oil an pipeline and theft of 140 litres of petrol.

Jeje was arraigned on a fourcount charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, willful destruction and stealing.

Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Adedeji Olayiwola, said that Jeje was arrested while vandalising the pipelines at 2.15a.m. on May 2 in Oyo Town, Oyo State.

Olayiwola submitted that the accused committed the offences in conspiracy with others at large.

He said that the pipeline and

petrol belonged to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He told the court that the offences contravened Sections 518 (6) (7a), 177 (a) and (b) and 390 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act No. 17, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

Counsel to Jeje, Mr Gbenga Falade, did not apply for his bail but prayed the court for accelerated hearing of the case.

He said that his client had no family to perfect his bail, if given.

Justice Ayo Emmanuel ordered that Jeje should be remanded in prison custody.

He adjourned the case to July 10 for hearing.

Chairman, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Barr. Vincent Uwadiae (left) being congratulated by Mr. Uyigue after his (Uwadiae) investiture as patron of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ovia North East chapter recently.

Lagos Customs Nab Smuggler Of Military Camouflage LAGOS- The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) says the suspect who was caught attempting to smuggle military camouflage and boots among other goods into the country has now been handed over to the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).

The Custom Area Controller, Port and Terminal MultiService Limited Command, Folorunsho Adegoke, made this known to newsmen in Lagos.

Adegoke said the NCS handed over the suspect to the DMI when the State Security Service (SSS), which had earlier taken custody the suspect on Wednesday, returned him to the command.

The reports state that the suspect was arrested by the Customs and handed over to the SSS. Adegoke said that the SSS returned the suspect on Friday and urged the command to hand him over to the DMI for further investigation.

He said that the SSS officials told the command that the DMI was in a better

position to investigate the case.

It will be recalled that items found with the suspect include military uniforms, bullet proof jackets, boots, ear protectors, hand gloves, chemical protectors and helmets.

Others are jack knives, belts, water bottles, weapon service equipment, face masks, communication radio gadgets, and raincoats.

Authority Yet To Determine Cause Of Boat Mishap

L-R: A Medical Laboratory Scientist, Federal Medical Centre, Mr. -Zuberu Malik, conducting free Genotype screening on Miss Akpan Mary, a pupil of Herbert Macaulay Junior High School, during 2014 World Sickle Cell Day in Lagos recently.

L-R: Officials of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Inspecting one of the three uncompleted storey buildings that collapsed within one month in Onitsha, Anambra recently.

LAGOS- The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos Area, said that it is yet to ascertain the cause of last’s week boat mishap in the state.

The Head of Marine Operations of NIWA, Mrs Sarat Suleiman, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

According to Suleiman, all the 10 passengers on board put on life-saving jackets.

“All passengers wore life saving jackets; no one could determine the cause of the incident.

“One out of ten passengers on board died, and the body was immediately recovered,’’ she said.

Suleiman said that the body of the deceased had been handed over to the family.

Reports state that the Coconut Island-bound passenger boat capsized at about 4p. m. between Ojo and Tin Can Island in Apapa Local Government Area.

The mishap happened at Ibasa Operational Area of NIWA. It occurred barely a month after a passenger boat capsized at the Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which a middle-aged woman lost her life out of the 10 passengers on board.

Suleiman urged ferry operators and commuters to ensure that all necessary safety measures were put in place before any travel.

Welfare: Lagos Assures People With Disabilities LAGOS- Dr Enitan Badru, Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has said that the state government was committed to enhancing the welfare of People With Disabilities (PWD).

Badru, the governor’s aide on Youth and Social Development, spoke at the First Bi-Annual Stakeholders‘ Forum organised by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in Lagos.

The programme had the theme “Toward Achieving an Inclusive Society in Lagos’’.

According to Badru, there is no way poverty can be effectively tackled without addressing the welfare and wellbeing of People with Disabilities (PWD) in our societies.

The special adviser noted that people with disabilities represent a large chunk of the society with many of them facing the biting economic challenges currently facing the nation.

“For instance, lack of basic infrastructure like electricity, good roads and potable water leads to impoverishment of the people generally, with cost of living on the rise.

“And, if lack of social

amenities can lead to poverty among the generality, how much more for the people with disabilities?”

Badru said that the state government was making ceaseless effort to ensure that no one suffered discrimination on account of his disability.

The Chairman of LASODA, Mrs Tolu Animashaun, said achieving an inclusive society called for collaborative efforts from families, governments, civil society groups, the private sector, the media and non-

governmental organisations.

Animashaun said that the state government had taken steps to make life bearable for PWDs through the establishment of LASODA to enforce the Lagos State Special Peoples’ Law, 2011.

According to her, LASODA has concluded plans to partner with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency for the registration of all disabled persons in the state.

She said that the registration would assist the state

LAGOS- The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE),has said that it has set up a School for Early Childhood and Primary Education (SECPED) for training of specialised teachers.

Dr Ganiyu Olaosun, the Dean, SECPED, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Ijanikin, Lagos, told newsmen in Lagos that there was the need for teachers to specialise in early childhood education.

He said that before now, teachers were being trained in

general education to enable them to teach various subjects in primary schools.

Olaosun said the school came about through re-orientation programme to emphasise professionalism and specialisation in early childhood, due to its importance to national growth.

He said “we think that early childhood is perhaps the background.

“But in our system before now, some students have not been supported from their early ages to understand that Nigeria is their own.

government to make informed and inclusive decisions that would incorporate the interest of PWDs. Also, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, a visually impaired, called for a social model angle to issues relating to PWDs as against the charity model, which, he said, was discriminatory in nature.

Adebayo said that PWDs were being denied their rights to education, free movement, employment, accessing information, obtaining proper

health care and exercising political rights, among others.

According to him, people tend to treat them with prejudice and cruelty only because they do not understand their needs.

He said that PWDs were dynamic, complex and multidimensional in nature.

“People need to change their perception that every disabled person is a beggar or in need of assistance.

“People living with disabilities get offended when people refer to them with derogatory phrases

such as “disabled person or physically challenged.

“Don’t judge anybody based on his disability. Nobody chooses to become disabled, “he said.

In his remark, Dr Babatunde Awelenje, the General Manager of LASODA, advised the public to relate and show empathy rather than sympathy to them.

Awelenje said there was the need for proper orientation of Nigerians on how to deal with people living with disabilities.

The lecturer said early childhood education was for children between 0-5 years, while primary education was from age 6-12; “but according to UNICEF standard, it is 018.’’

He, however, said AOCOED had the privilege to be the first tertiary institution to initiate the SECPED concept in the country.

Dr Fowowe Simeon, the Head of Department of Early Childhood Education of AOCOED said the importance of early childhood education in the life of a child should not be

compromised.

“There has been this negligence of the early years, and the only thing that will rejuvenate it is to establish a school where teachers can be trained to impact it,” he said.

Fowowe said no fewer than 1,500 public schools in Lagos State have what was called linkage classes, known as nursery classes in private school.

He said government should invest in early childhood education if the country wanted to move to a higher level.

NCCE Establishes School For Specialised Teachers “We feel that if we promote early childhood programme, we will have citizens who are more committed, loyal and interested in national growth.

“We will also have people who believe that the society is interested in their growth, and this should be taken seriously and not regarded as a waste of money.’’

The dean said countries that were progressing had more patriotic, committed and loyal citizens because of their exposure to early childhood education.

Across The Nation Chibok Girls Protest

Police Withdraw Case Against Journalist

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Borno Ministry of Works, Alhaji Ahmed Sanda; Deputy Governor, Zanna Mustapha; Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Head of Service, Alhaji Bukar Yakubu at the inspection of facilities at the Maiduguri Area Engineering office recently.

LAFIA - The Nasarawa State Police Command has withdrawn a case it has instituted against a correspondent of Daily Trust Newspapers, Mr Hir Joseph.

It will be recalled that Joseph was on May 13, arraigned in a Lafia Magistrates’ Court II for allegedly anchoring a news report where he alleged that some women police in the command participated in the #BringBackOurGirls protest.

It will be recalled that the protest was organised by various women organisations in Lafia, the state capital, following the abduction of the over 200 schoolgirls on April 14, in Chibok, Borno.

Mr Maidawa Adam, a Superintended of Police, announced the withdrawal of the suit at the resumed hearing of the

Minister Urges Collaboration On Malaria Eradication

GWAGWALADA (FCT) Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, the Minister of State, FCT, has urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to collaborate with governments at all levels to ensure total eradication of malaria in the country.

Akinjide made the statement during the 2014 World Malaria Day celebration at the Gwagwalada Area Council.

Represented by Mr Yahaya Gwagwa, the Secretary of the area council, Akinjide said the celebration was organised to articulate the progress made so far in the control of the disease.

According to her, this is also to create awareness about the disease and its unwanted health and economic effects on people.

“It is also to sensitise the people into having health seeking behaviour and adopting the preventive and adequate malaria management modalities that will help to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

“The commemoration of the day also provides a way of

urging all stakeholders to increase efforts in providing malaria commodities, while still being reminded of the Abuja target.

“In the FCTA, through the Health and Human Services Secretariat Public Health Department, various activities have been planned to ensure the success of malaria control.”

According to her, the FCT administration is working hard to see that malaria is eliminated in the territory.

“It has provided counterpart fund to augment the fund provided by the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, ‘’ she said.

Akinjide said that the Health Secretariat had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the FCTA, thus making the FCT Malaria Elimination Programme a subrecipient of the Global fund.

Communal Crisis

CP Urges Dialogue LAFIA - Alhaji Ibrahim Idris , the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, has urged the Eggon and Gwandara communities in the state to resolve their lingering communal crises through dialogue.

He gave the advice at a peace and reconciliation meeting with the warring communities on Thursday in Iggah, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

Idris said that the meeting was part of the peace measures mapped out by the command to ensure peaceful coexistence among the warring communities.

He said that dialogue was the only way crisis could be averted in any society, adding that “all communities in the state should adopt dialogue as a means of resolving disagreements”.

The police boss condemned the senseless killings of innocent citizens in the state over issues that could be resolved amicably.

He stressed the need for the people to live in peace with one another in spite of their

differences.

“We strongly need this unity if we are to continue to forge ahead as an indivisible entity,” he said.

According to him, peace and unity are necessary ingredients for socio-economic development.

In his remarks, Mr Daniel Ayubuga-Yaro, National President Eggon Youth Movement (EYM), said that the two communities had agreed to live in peace.

He said that the people had also agreed to report any the breach of the peace to the appropriate authority.

Also, the National President of Gwandara Youths, Mr Mohammed Usman , promised that the Gwandara people would adhere to the agreement reached and called on all the warring factions in the area to give peace a chance.

NAN reports that as sevenman committee was set up to ascertain the level of damage during the crisis and submit its report within one month.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Health had mapped out strategies to tackle the malaria menace in the FCT in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

“These strategies include provision of adequate malaria commodities to 90 centres in the FCT,’’ Akinjide said.

She said that the ministry would also carry out diagnosis, adequate and timely treatment of malaria and distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN).

According to her, the ministry will carry out indoor residual spraying in designated areas, environmental sanitation and fogging as well as advocacy, communication and social mobilisation.

“The FCTA is also collaborating with other development partners and NGOs who work in FCT to fight malaria,’’she said.

Also speaking, Dr Ademola Onakomaiya, the Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA, said the celebration had activities to capture every level of government at multiple venues.

According to him, this is designed to achieve high level of

acceptability and sustainability of control measures.

He said that Gwagwalada Area Council, in collaboration with the FCT Health Secretariat, marked the World Malaria Day celebration with environmental sanitation at Agwan Dodo community.

Onakomaiya said that other side events were testing and treatment, decoration of some

chosen malaria ambassadors and mosquito nets distribution to pregnant women and children under five years.

He said that today’s events signified the administration’s commitment to eliminate malaria by bringing services closer to the people.

“This is aimed at galvanising the grassroots into united action and behavioural change which will ultimately lead to the defeat of malaria with great reduction of morbidity and mortality attributed to malaria.’’

case.

Adam told the court that he had been directed by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ibrahim Idris, to withdraw the case.

He said that the command had realised the need to sustain the cordial working relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and the media, being the fourth estate of the realm, and urged the magistrate to grant the application.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Mohammed Danjuma, said that the withdrawal of the suit demonstrated the maturity of the police in the state.

“The withdrawal is in conformity with the provisions of the constitution for the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press,” Danjuma said The magistrate, Mr Yakubu Egga, granted the application.

Meanwhile, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Dan Yakubu, who was in court, hailed the decision of the police to withdraw the case against the journalist.

He commended the commissioner of police in the state for his maturity and promised that journalists covering the state would continue to support the police through objective and balance reportage of activities of the command.

Kebbi Records 66,825 Sickle-Cell BIRNIN KEBBI - No fewer Anaemia Patients than 66,825 people have sickle Hadiza Yahaya, said the She advised people to avail cell anaemia disease in Kebbi.

A Sickle Cell specialist and consultant haematologist, Dr Umar Kangiwa, made the disclosure in his address to mark the 2014 World Sickle Cell Day in Birnin Kebbi.

Kangiwa said recent projections indicated that between 1 per cent and 2 per cent of the population of 4.3 million in the state were carriers of the disease.

He attributed the source of the disease to infected blood that was transfused to people due to lack of modern sickle-cell screening facilities.

The state Coordinator, Sickle Cell Patients Association, Hajiya

association had procured testing kits and equipment worth three million naira for treating the disease.

She said sickle cell screening centres would be established in the four emirates of the state that included Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru.

“We will intensify efforts on enlightenment campaign about the disease, especially on symptoms and dangers on Radio and Television,’’ Yahaya said.

Yahaya called on the state government to assist the association with additional equipment, drugs and medical experts to reduce the rate of prevalence of the disease.

Students taking lecture at the skills entrepreneurship centre for unemployed youths on Agricultural skills initiated by National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Dutse recently.

themselves of the free screening against the disease currently ongoing in some of the hospitals in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Hussaini Raha, represented by Dr Aminu Bunza, the Director Medical Services, commended the efforts of the association for procuring the testing kits.

Raha assured that the state government would support the association financially to enable it establish screening centres.

“We will continue to support any positive initiative aimed at promoting the health of our people,’’ Raha said The Minister of State for Health, Dr Haliru Alhassan, said the Federal Government had established six sickle cell treatment centres in the six geopolitical zones.

Alhassan was represented by Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the centres would provide accurate diagnosis, treatment, training and research, community mobilisation and partnership with the private health facilities and improve capacity building on marriage counselling.

The Deputy Governor of Kebbi, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, called on the association to be steadfast in enlightenment and control of the disease.

Aliyu said the state government would support the association toward eradicating the disease in the same manner it eradicated polio and HIV and AIDS.

Abuja NANS Fixes July 24 For National Convention ABUJA - Mr. Yinka Gbadebo, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said that the union would hold its National Convention from July 24 to 27.

Gbadebo told newsmen that the convention would hold tentatively in Benue.

He said that Benue, Delta and Ondo were the states that sought for the hosting right of the convention.

He said that the association’s National Executive Council had set up a Convention Planning Committee with Mr Abokko Kennedy as chairman, and the Secretary, Mr Jitro Annun.

He said the convention committee comprised the four zonal coordinators, selected joint campus committee chairmen and some students from across the country.

ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has described terrorism as a sad event and assured Nigerians that the evil the Boko Haram sect represented would not last forever.

Jonathan made the remark while receiving a report from the presidential fact-finding committee on the abducted Chibok female students at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Reports say that Jonathan inaugurated the committee on May 6 to provide government with accurate information about the abduction.

The Chairman of the committee is Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo.

The president said he would not rest until terror was crushed in the country because “Nigeria can no longer live with the monster called Boko Haram.”

Jonathan described the abduction as painful, especially as the Chibok girls were still in the hands of criminal elements.

He reiterated his position that he and the security agencies would not sleep until the girls were rescued.

Jonathan said that terror attack anywhere was an attack on everyone.

He said that contrary to the belief that security agencies were not doing enough to end terrorism, “they are doing their best but they should do more to end insurgency in the country.’’

Jonathan commended the chairman and members of the committee for their commitment and patriotism in the discharge of their responsibility even at personal risk.

Presenting the report, Sabo confirmed that a total of 219 of the girls were still missing.

He disclosed that a total of 276 girls were abducted by members of the Boko Haram Sect at the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Chibok, Borno on April 14.

According to him, 119 students escaped from the school’s premises before the insurgents took away their classmates, while 57 of those abducted escaped and have been reunited with their families.

Sabo said: “The committee here wishes to lay to rest any residual doubt as to whether or not any student was abducted at Chibok.’’

“As most Nigerians already know, there were some persons who doubted whether in fact any student was abducted.

“On the other hand, for those who believed that there was

abduction, there were lingering doubts as to how such a number of kidnap victims were conveyed, considering also that information was sparse as to how the insurgents evacuated the victims.

“A total of 276 students were thus abducted.

“As of today, 57 of the abducted students have been reunited with their families after escaping along zig-zag transport route taken by the insurgents or by bolting to safety when the insurgents were resting.

“Sadly, 219 students remain unaccounted for,’’ he said.

The chairman said that the committee received the full cooperation of the people and interacted with different stakeholders considered relevant to the fact-finding mission.

He, however, said that a particular senator from Borno, whose name he did not mention, shunned the committee after he had initially agreed to an appointment.

“The singular exception was a senator from Borno who, after agreeing to an appointment with the committee, turned around to avoid the meeting on the excuse that he had another appointment and would thereafter be unavailable for one month or so.

“Not that his non-appearance has materially or in any way affected the outcome of the committee’s findings, but the senator’s avoidance of an interface with the committee may well speak to a motive not too difficult to discern,’’ he said.

Jonathan Promises End To Terrorism Iranian Minister of Industry, mines and Trade/Head of Iranian delegation, Mr Mohammad Nemaizadeh (left) and Minister of State (1) for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri, signing Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism, Geology, Mining, Mineral Processing and Industrial Cooperations at the 5th Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission meeting in Abuja recently.

Italy To Repatriate 700 Nigerian Prisoners ABUJA - Nigeria and Italy would soon conclude negotiations on a Prisoners Transfer Agreement (PTA) to facilitate the return of over 700 Nigerian prisoners serving in various prisons across Italy.

Mr. Fulvius Rusticu, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, made this known to newsmen in Abuja.

Rusticu said Nigerian and Italian officials would meet in the first week of July in Rome to finalise the agreement and possibly work out modalities for

the immediate return of the prisoners.

The ambassador explained that under the agreement, Nigerian prisoners who qualify for the transfer must return home to complete their prison terms.

He said that government was not obligated to help improve the condition of prisons in Nigeria as a pre-condition for signing the agreement.

“Each country is responsible for its prisons; the logic in signing a PTA is that we think that it is better for Nigerians and

even Italians to serve their terms at home.

“Already to be in prisons is not a nice experience, being abroad is even worse, so given the prisoner the chance to return home is in their own interest.

“It is very rare for a prisoner to want to stay in a foreign country, we have cases of Italians serving in prisons abroad and they look forward, and are happy to return home,’’ he said.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, no fewer than 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad with the largest number of 752 in the UK. In January, Nigeria and the UK signed a PTA to repatriate some of the 521 Nigerians currently serving their terms in that country.

Prior to the signing, a major challenge on deportation had been the condition of prisons in the country.

But the UK had pledged one million pounds to Nigeria to help improve its prisons.

Rape: Pastor’s Counsel Stalls Court Proceedings ABUJA -Counsel to Pastor Emmanuel Matthew, General Overseer, Choice Bible Church, Mpape, stalled proceedings in an FCT High Court, saying his office was shut down by the FCT’s Department of Development Control.

Mr. Uy Yamah, counsel to the accused, told the court that he was not prepared for the trial, and prayed for a short adjournment to enable

him to put himself together.

The 52-year- old Mathew, who was alleged to have raped minors in a school, where he was the proprietor, was arraigned on a six-count charge.

At the continuation of the trial, the counsel to the Attorney-General’s Office, Mr. Ejike Orji, applied for the matter to be held at the chambers.

Justice Hussieni BabaYusuf granted the request of

L-R: Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Saeed Koozechi; Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade/Head of Iranian delegation, Mr Mohammad Nemaizadeh; Minister of State (1) for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri and Nigerian Ambassador to Iran, Alhaji Tukur Mani at the 5th Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission meeting in Abuja recently.

the counsel and adjourned the matter to July 25, for definite hearing.

It will be recalls that Mrs. Jacintha Ejiofor had told the court that her daughter was molested by the pastor in his bedroom on March 12, 2012.

Ejiofor, during examination by the prosecutor, said her child, a pupil in the accused school, was lured into the pastor ’s bedroom for unknown reasons.

She alleged that her daughter was lured into the accused room where he laid a white bedspread and a red curtain after which he inserted his finger into her private part.

She further alleged that the accused also had canal knowledge of her daughter.

According to her, another victim’s mother, along with her pastor, confronted the accused on the same allegation but was asked to return the next day for settlement.

She alleged that the victim’s mother and her pastor were arrested by the police upon their return, adding that the accused later reported the matter at the Mpape Police Station.

She said that she and her daughter were later arrested by two police men from the station.

Ejiofor said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) interrogated her daughter upon their arrival at the station.

“My daughter narrated all she had told me to the police and they asked the three girls to describe the accused person’s bedroom.

“They mentioned seven items and when the police got to the accused house, they confirmed five, with two other items the white bedspread and the red curtain missing. “ she said She added that the DPO ordered a medical test to be conducted on the girls and the accused person at the Asokoro General Hospital.

According to her, the result of the test confirmed that the girls where no longer virgins.

It will also recalled that the police prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, told the court that the accused allegedly raped two seven-year-old girls and a nine-year-old pupil on different occasions in his school.

The offence, Nwodo said, contravened the provisions of Section 283 of the Penal Code and if convicted, he would be liable to 14 years imprisonment, with an option of fine or both.

Mathew had pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge.

Business + Economy Capital Market Appreciates By N12bn LAGOS - The downward trend of equities in the last two days at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rebounded as the market capitalisation gained N12 billion.

Reports state that the market capitalisation which opened at N13.582 trillion, increased by

0.09 per cent or N12 billion, to close at N13.594 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index rose by 35.46 points or 0.09 per cent to close at 41,171.16, from the 41,135.70 achieved on Tuesday.

Nestle led the gainers’ chart by N10, to close at N1,070 per share.

MRS Oil gained N5.52 to close at N56.61, while SIMCAPVAL grew by N4.91 to close at N103.24 per share.

Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N2.58 to close at N167, while Oando Oil chalked up N1.85 to close at N25 per share.

On the other hand, Conoil recorded the highest price loss of N6.38, to close at N59.27 per share.

Mobil trailed with a loss of N3 to close at N129, while Dangote Cement dipped by N1.99 to close at N227.01 per share.

Presco lost N1 to close at N36,

while GTBank depreciated by 20k to close at N30 per share.

Oando Oil emerged as the investors’ delight, accounting for 39.37 million shares worth N992.90 million in 962 deals.

Wapic Insurance exchanged 28.06 million shares valued at N19.82 million in 322 deals, while Transcorp sold 24.23

million shares worth 106.60 million in 344 deals.

In all, the volume of shares traded decreased by 5.48 per cent as investors exchanged a total of 295.94 million shares worth N5.43 billion in 6,335 deals.

This was against the 313.09 million shares valued at N4.06 billion traded in 5,066 deals.

KADUNA (KADUNA) - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the over 20 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country could accommodate over 20 million unemployed Nigerians.

Mr Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi, the CBN Head of Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 Unit, said this at a seminar for financial journalists in Kaduna.

Jokosenumi spoke on “Rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP and Implications for FSS 2020".

Jokosenumi said that the MSMEs were handicapped because they had not been encouraged.

He said the government should provide access to finance for MSMEs and ensure that there were consistent capacity building programmes to grow the sub-sector.

According to him, there is the need to increase the provision of long-term loans and promote financial reporting for Nigerians to appreciate government’s efforts on the development of the

sub-sector.

He also called for collaboration among the players in the financial sector to support the sub sector.

He added that the lack of belief in Nigeria’s MSMEs was responsible for the importation of most goods and services.

“As we speak, we have over 20 million units of MSMEs that are not doing well and that are not encouraged.

“There are those that are not patronised, that we do not believe in, that we do not use, that we do not even want to use.

“We need to collaborate with the quality control organisations so that they can ensure that what these people are turning out can meet international standards.

“We need to couple the enhancement of access to finance with business development support and collaborate on development of financial services.

“If we can attend to these six areas, our MSMEs will grow and we will be able to put them on a good step,” he said.

CBN To Support MSMEs

L-R: Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Balarabe Dawul; Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigema and Deputy Chairman, Jama’atu Nasir Islam, Alhaji Garba Abdulkadir, at the religious Ethnic/Community leaders meeting in Jos recently.

Ibadan Flood Management: World Bank ABUJA - The World Bank has approved 200 million dollars, (about N32 billion) to support Nigeria’s flood management in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Bamidele Oladokun, Communication Associate to the World Bank in Abuja.

The statement said the bank Executive Directors approved the money to improve disaster risk management capabilities in the state.

Approves $200m

“ The board also intends to strengthen community-based resilience capacity and provide support for risk assessment and early warning systems in Ibadan’’, it said.

According to the statement, Ibadan’s poorest and most vulnerable residents are the most affected by the floods.

It said the floods in August 2011 caused significant human and economic losses primarily

Work Begins On Second Niger Bridge ABUJA - Preliminary works have commenced on the construction of the long awaited Second River Niger Bridge in Anambra.

The Chairman of the construction firm - Julius Bergerretired AVM Nurudeen Imam, said this in Abuja at the company’s Annual General Meeting.

Imam said the company successfully entered the Public Private Partnership (PPP) market and was selected as preferred bidder for the second River Niger Bridge project.

The chairman stated that the firm also commissioned the Lekki-Ikoyi (AdmiraltyAlexander) Link Bridge, West Africa’s first cable bridge.

He said the construction firm also completed works on some other major and impressive projects.

Imam identified the projects as Procter and Gamble Baby Care Expansion Facility; the Central Bank of Nigeria branch office in

Lagos; the Bonny River Terminal Airstrip and the Lagos Oando Jetty.

“We have also completed the Uyo-Abak road and several phases of the Uyo Government House as a direct result of our positive performance and partnership.

“The lifespan of these projects continue to be prolonged through award of extensions’’, he said.

Imam told the shareholders that the company was diversifying and delving into other business areas as a deliberate policy objective.

“In this respect, project identification and prospective business potentials in the power, oil and gas as well as the private sector, are currently under due diligence” , he said.

Imam said that “in 2013, we continued to nurture the development of the Julius Berger group of companies as a means of supporting provision of integrated construction solutions.

in housing, education, agriculture and transport.

The statement quoted the Director of the bank in Nigeria, Miss Marie-Francoise Nelly as saying that “Nigerian cities are growing at a scale never seen before and are exposing more people to disaster impacts. “ Floods and other climaterelated shocks are a severe threat to the achievement of the country’s development goals. “ It is critical that these cities are able to face these significant challenges, and prepare for potential natural disasters and climate change.”

The statement explained that the State Government had appealed to the bank to support it in its bid to find an integrated

and long term solutions to flooding in Ibadan.

“The Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project will benefit the 3.1 million people living in the city, and specifically the 40,200 people who reside in flood prone areas. “ The project will establish early warning and flood response actions and will also finance the rehabilitation of Ibadan city drains, roads and bridges, as well as restoring Eleyele Dam. “ The project will develop a long-term flood risk management framework. It will reinforce government’s early warning and response capabilities.

“It will leverage existing World Bank projects such as the Community and Social Development Project in Oyo state’’, it said.

Corporate Governance

Association Tasks Insurance Practitioners whatever they are doing.

LAGOS - The President of Nigerian Council of Corporate Nigeria, Mr Segun Osunkeye, has advised insurance practitioners to take corporate governance seriously.

Osunkeye gave the advice at the investiture of Mr Oyebola Temowo as the 46th President of the Charted Institute of Insurance of Nigeria (CIIN) in Lagos.

He said that corporate governance would help to attract foreign and local investors into the country.

“As new president, encourage your members to entrench good corporate governance into

“Insurance is important to the growth of the economy and the nation at large.

“It influences investment decision as well as ensures financial security and provides long term capital for infrastructural projections,’’ he said.

He said that insurance reduced capital needed for business operation and for solid partners of social protection in retirement and health.

Osunkeye said that a strong and competitive insurance industry helped to devise businesses by contributing to overall economic growth.

Participants at maiden edition of the Police Public Relations Committee Seminar in Ijede, Ikorodu in Lagos recently.

THE unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and its eventual sale to independent distribution companies across the countr countryy had generated furore and intense controversy controversy.. vading fears among WHILE the per pervading electricity consumers who yearned for stable power supply was the success of the power reform programme in order for Nigerians to reap its maximum benefit benefit,, the issue of disengagement of the workforce and payment of entitlements remained at the bedrock of the programme.

THE electricit electricityy workers body under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employers (NUEE) had flexed muscles with government concerning their entitlements to a point that the body threatened the nation with a black out.

THE power sector reform which necessitated the unbundling of the PHCN and the quest to lay a new road map for Nigerians to benefit is still a long way off and that it is why a smooth transition and payment of entitlements was a major corner stone for the leap forward to begin.

DURING the Nigerian Power Investors Conference (PIC) in Abuja in Februar Februaryy , President Jonathan had announced that a total investment of $900 billion (about N144 trillion) would be needed over a period of 30 years to develop the nation’s energy sector sector..

ACCORDING to President Jonathan, under the National Infrastructure Master Plan, the country needs a total of $2.9 trillion

THE

NIGERIAN

For Efficient And Reliable Power Sector

for infrastructure development effor ts in the efforts next 30 years, from around 2014 – 2045. The energy sector alone, he estimates would need an infusion of about $900 billion during the period with a bulk percentage expected to come from the private sector sector..

AL SO the sector needs about $10 billion ALSO for capital expenditure for generation and distribution companies in the next few years to enable the nation raise additional 5,000 mw.

AGAINST this background, it is expected that the distribution companies who have fully bought off that share of the market settle down to deliver the gains of privatization to Nigerians.

BY now, the Nigerian OBSERVER notes that the issue of severance payments to disengaged workers should have been done with, given the payment of N380 billion to disengaged PHCN workers.

IT is imperative that the power reform programme should be made a success by the labour union in the sector sector,, the investors who have put in their money and the generality of Nigerians who yearn for regular power supply supply..

AV AIL ABLE facts indicate that labour AVAIL AILABLE in the sector had earlier collected N8 billion from the Federal Government as a condition for allowing last year’s disengagement of PHCN workers in order to assist the new successor companies gain a strong hold.

SOME disengaged staff from available record, collected as much as N100 million and those in the junior category going home with about N6 million each.

IT is therefore significant that having been paid off, the new investors should be allowed to hold the reins of control and be free to reabsolve competent ones while those not so lucky could find jobs elsewhere.

THE Nigerian OBSERVER remarks that electricity consumers demand the best of ser vices from the new investors and services should not be goaded into reappointing non productive workers who would be clogs in the way of efficient delivery of services.

IPSOF ACTO IPSOFACTO ACTO,, it appears that stakeholders are at the mercy of labour in the sector if the investors are not given the free hand to right size and inject new blood into the sector as the current national goal is for an efficient and reliable power sector to run a burgeoning economy economy..

ON this ground, we enjoin the electricit electricityy union to collaborate as they have always done with the new investors in order to improve the yearnings and aspirations of electricit electricityy consumers to shore up the power supply situation for the good of all Nigerians.

Opinion Chibok:

An Ostrich Policy

By DR. R.I.O EDEMAKHOFA-OGBONO

PRESIDENT Roosevelt who ruled the United States of America from his Wheel Chair once said: “I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life....

Far better it is to dare might things, to win glorious triumphs, even though chequered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.

The affairs, governance, sentiments, reasoning in the Nigeria firmament is everyday sliding into impassioned agitation desiccating into the oblivion of sophistry and unsavoury partisan agitation that neither consider the turf of critical judgment nor altruistic assessment for a stable political existence, but, trying to square the circle.

The political cycle is about to have a replay of partisan agitation between 1949 — 1954 which gave birth to the political crisis that led to the scenario of January, 1966, where political chicanery was misconstrued as political sagacity.

Today one can see the wisdom in some hardline decision of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Having grown up among his people and underwent a career that made internalisation of experience, imperative; he learnt from political experience thrust upon him, by the leadership of 1976 to 1979 and thereafter, in and out of government.

The people of Odi have learnt their lessons. The degree of relative peace in Plateau State compared with the incessant clashes with the internal insurgents wishing to take control from the aborigines and indigenes with the aid of their cohorts outside the state have ever since abated.

The immortal Shakespeare once expressed the dictum, “all is well that

ends well”.

Can there be external aggression without the people knowing the source of their invasion? Evidence of nature is often probatic presenting the scenario with the odds that are preternatural, absurd or out of place. Can there be internal uprising without evidence of source?

The elite, the ruling class in some parts of the country and those in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa display paradoxical bigotriness in their opinion, expectation and appreciation. If the averred statement of Borno State Governor is true that he gave assurance for security and now turn to make innocent pious statement, it is regrettable.

In a state, there is governor. As there are governors are their cabinet members. There are local governments with Chairmen and Counsellors! They all live, dwell and interact.

They gained their mandate from the people which presupposes the most popular, chosen by the people. People plunder their terrain, they can neither point to one person or group of persons in their midst that is either unleashing mayhem on the people nor can they point accusing fingers There are many who have ruled in the past with wide capacity to reach out and none can point accusing fingers to direction.

Can this be deliberate?

Could it be that the insurgents are a popular people in the midst? If there are outsiders, non Nigerians, they can only be circumscribed.

The abductors used more than three or four vehicles to convey the students without traces?

That the governors with security votes and their local government chairmen cannot fish out anybody speaks volume of the undercurrents.

Their conduct is more of a quislings than that of concerned Chief Executive desirous of resolution.

The state of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno should not have been exceptional but exemplary deterrence in accordance with all such development that must give way to an administrative set up responsible to the challenges at hand. The governors are part of the problem like the proverbial tsetse fly that menace between the spans of the feet.

The utterances of Governor Murtala Nyako, a retired naval top brass is rather arising from contemptuous hubris than a calculated attempt to solve the problem at hand.

The utterances of the Governors remind one of the campaigns for rationalised democracy of “It is our turn”. As that campaign opens up the eyes of the patriots, so also it awakened the ignorant populace vis-àvis the index of fairness, patriotism and decision making process in Nigeria among those who have ruled

and also the populace.

Yours sincerely was a diehard supporter of a military general for reasons that he easily makes a Uturn when his decisions are not palatable with the people, coupled with his unfathomable dept in the interest of state. After ruling the country for about nine years, and to be found canvassing for a factional interest made one a fool for

Nigeria today as the three dominants tribes are mere contraption for the capture of power in the political calculation of Nigeria that was backed by the British so that the dominant power may be buried.

It is time for new consciousness and political thought against tribal jingoists. That all the calls for Northern Interest; Yoruba Interest and Ibo Interest in their utterances and conduct should be marked down as those who must not sit in that seat of

the years of our mistakable belief that he can be above board. He has proved that after all, he was not in the hall of inimitable patriots for the Nigerian State but one seised and occupied with sectionalism, graduated love for state from the impassioned sensational regard to the insensate disregard for the fatherless nations, tribes and communities that are disregarded in the political calculations in the Nigeria project.

Yet it should be known that those considered in

presidential drive of the Nigerian State.

The template of the common place thinking, regard and compassion of some sections are read through their unguided statements.

“Crush Boko Haram in three month”. There in it is not only contempt laddened in the statement there is also the insolent command of a superior which is hubristic recalling that a citizen must spend a term for those who have ruled for 39 years to continue.Does a General go to war without his

subordinate commanders.

Where are the field commanders, the platoon commanders and the infantry?

A state governor who has no inkling of a single insurgent in his state where the insurgents are not in a hundred but more. No one caught to show that you are hell bent to protect your state. The insurgents do not live in tents or every Nigerian can locate them.

They live in houses mutually living with citizens of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. No sectional leader has condemned the habits of the Governors as people who are lackadaisical.

Who are the Boko Haram?

They are Muslims, they pray with you in the mosque daily and also during Jumat.

The attack on some of the Muslims are diversionary tactics that underscore the political dose in the dispensation, Or Else, there are several schools with more population in the states, they chose a particular school where few Muslims who have high degree of premium on education do not care about religious background of the school they send their children. It was designed for the abduction of the Christian children!

The stage we have got to is an uneasy calm. In 1980, was Matatsine group. There was the Bakalori. There was another sweep on Southern Kaduna by the Zango Kataf which led to the Christian retaliatory reprisal. The elite of the North, the former Ruler’s dossal quietness is not tacitness or taciturn but a gale of complacency.

Would anyone of them be quiet if over two hundred of their children were involved? More so, if it had happened anywhere else in Continues on pg. 14

“The attack on some of the Muslims are diversionary tactics that underscore the political dose in the dispensation, Or Else, there are several schools with more population in the states, they chose a particular school where few Muslims who have high degree of premium on education do not care about religious background of the school they send their children.”

Opinion Continued from pg. 13

the East, West, or, South-south?

If you ever ruled the country or any part of it, the grace was neither Northern nor Southern but Gods infinite grace to advance mutuality, cohesion, peace and concord.

If you fail in this, God also is the sole judge. If God gave you a whole house to look after, watch over and direct but you chose to look after a room in the house. God will certainly adjudge, if you were ruled by reason or by impassioned instinct.

There must be a caveat: Where wisdom yield no profit, to be wise is to suffer; according to Sophocles.

The conduct of Admiral Murtala Nyako, trained with Nigerian money, not a Northern finance is an index that patriotism is not part of their training but sectionalism. The Boko Haram once chose a former head of state as their choice for dialogue. So, that former head of state must know them.

The conduct of the Governor of Borno, his utterances are enough indices not only for a full blown Emergency but also for intensive questioning and restricted movement.

The Nigerian state after a protracted Military experiment and experience cannot comprehend that the Military was not the presidents constituency as background, where the military must have some loyalist in and out of government.

All who were concerned and part of democratic rationalization are either part of this problem or accessories

...Ostrich Policy or passive participants. The adage goes; the witches filed past yesterday, and a baby died the following morning. You do not need divination to say who killed the child.” It must be all of them or some of them clamouring for their “God endowed Northern Rule”.

All retired military men must be divorced of their influence inside the army. A section of this people are playing dumb game.

All retired military men, especially those that served in sensitive political positions among whom are former heads of state must know that Nigeria is not their property and if any among them serve sectional interests; their engagement, services and continued earnings are a tragic dimension to Nigerian statehood.

Those who kick-started the restiveness that snowballed into the Nigerian Civil war but were ironically not caught in the final heat must know that they will no longer have exfoliated simulacra for exchange in the setting that every discerning eye are seeing that is unfolding today reminiscing the alliances of NNA and UPGA. Edo adage says, whoever had the wheel of fortune smiling upon him never think enough that it is not his intelligence that bestowed wealth upon them. If insolent pride makes any one think he is indispensable, nature will surely

Intensifying The Campaign Against ‘Baby Factories’

By UGONNE INYAMA

STAKEHOLDERS and security operatives are worried about the illegal activities of operators of ‘baby factories’ in Imo. They are particularly worried that those licenced to operate motherless babies homes are turning the babies they ought to cater for into articles of trade.

The former Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr. Mohammed Katsina who conducted several raids, decried the posture of the operators, who had remained adamant.

The police had a running battle with one Dr James Ezuma, proprietor of Ezuma Women and Children Right Initiative.

The police raided the home in December 2013, after a girl reported that she delivered a baby girl at the home, and the baby sold to an unknown person.

When police stormed the home, 16 other teenage girls, at various stages of pregnancy were rescued, while Ezuma said the home was a shelter for stranded women and children.

The teenager said she was directed to the place after she got pregnant, with the promise that she would be catered for since she didn’t want to terminate the

pregnancy.

“I was told that they will take care of my baby after delivery, but was never told the baby will be taken away from me,” she explained.

A woman who gave her name as Celine Eze from Umuezeala-Ogwara in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo, was also recently arrested by security operatives for her alleged involvement in running a baby factory and child trafficking.

Eze, a nurse, runs a home in the village, where the pregnant teenage girls were kept.

The villagers said that “ people looking for the fruits of the womb’’ regularly come to home run by Celine Eze, who is now in police net.

Imo State Government, aware that some nongovernmental orgainsations are now using motherless babies homes to promote ‘baby factories’ and child trafficking, recently launched a revalidation exercise for all operators of orphanages, motherless babies homes, maternity homes and shelters for homeless.

The Imo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Love

Onyechere, regretted that the humane concept of motherless babies’ homes had been seriously abused.

Onyechere, who is also in charge of the campaign

The commissioner explained that the revalidation became necessary as many of the homes were actually ‘baby factories,’ trading babies for

Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State

against baby factories and human trafficking in the state, described the business as a crime against God and humanity.

“Operation of baby factories is a crime against God and humanity, criminals masquerading as proprietors of motherless babies homes have infiltrated the movement; what started out as a humane endeavour is now a cold business venture.

“It negates all known religious, social and cultural values associated with the sanctity of life, motherhood and child bearing,” she said.

money, while disguising as motherless babies homes.

rationalise and upstage the despicably disregarded as a sure candidate for sublimity to the consternation of those who fell from the heights of exaltation and preferment. Chaucer’s prologue is instructive: “Thanks to fortune and its treacherous wheel that suffers no estate to feel secure ever for a moment”.

Dual Nationalism that had existed from Gobir to Chad to Cameroon must end. The boundaries of Nigeria must not only be determined but must be strictly demarcated and guarded with equal strength of number of Immigration Officers and National Guard with few number of citizens who are indigenes of the area with a commandant Any nation whose borders are porous cannot claim nationhood! The Chibok affair reminds one of the fugitive coup makers who hid in a village a few kilometers from his hometown and was close enough to the borders, to be able to escape if he had failed. The National Border Guards must not be within the direct military command nor directly under the Command of Immigration Service. The time is now!

The conduct of the governors, the uneasy quietness in the various organs and those who slided from statesmen to partisan sectional agitators of 2010/2011 and are today expressing uneasy quietness exhibit indices of pious political fraud likened to the proverbial ostrich that hid its head but exposed its body to public glare.

Mr Uzor Uzor, the Chairman, Campaign for Democracy, South-East zone, attributed the thriving of ‘baby factories’ in the zone and other parts of the country to poverty and illiteracy.

He urged government at all levels to create employment opportunities, adding that the rate of unemployment in the country was alarming.

The chairman said that about 1,800 pregnant teenagers and babies were rescued from ‘baby factories’ in the last 12 months with the number still rising.

The Imo State House of Assembly has also joined the campaign to the check the activities of baby factory operators in Imo. The assembly recently set up a 5-man committee to look into a bill for a law to prohibit baby racketeering, through baby factory operations.

Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, Majority Leader, Imo State House of Assembly, who sponsored the bill, frowned at the alarming rate of baby factories in the state.

She said that trafficking innocent babies is a crime against humanity, stressing that perpetrators must be adequately punished.

Mr Celestine Ngobiwu, representing Obowo state constituency , who shared similar sentiments, suggested life imprisonment for operators of baby factories.

Perceptive analysts had continued to express concern why people should patronise baby factories for adoption of babies, instead of following legitimate path.

They however urged the Imo State Government and Imo State House of Assembly not to relent in their campaigns to stamp out baby factories in the state.

“Eze, a nurse, runs a home in the village, where the pregnant teenage girls were kept. The villagers said that people looking for the fruits of the womb regularly come to home run by Celine Eze, who is now in police net.”

Housing

Addressing The Housing Deficit In Nigeria

BY most accounts, Nigeria has yet to develop an effective and workable mortgage mechanism that will enable citizens to own houses and participate in the housing for all initiative in a more pragmatic way.

Available records indicate that attempts by successive governments since the country’s independence in 1960 to address the housing challenge have not yielded the desired results.

Ironically, gigantic housing programmes initiated by successive administrations since independence have been jettisoned because of what observers describe as policy somersaults.

Statistics showed that between 1973 and 2006, more than 30,000 housing units were constructed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) but these houses have also failed to tackle the nation’s housing deficit.

Besides, the sale of Federal Government property, including government-owned staff quarters, to their occupants by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration has also failed to remedy the situation.

As laudable as the sale of the government quarters sounds, analysts insist that the policy ought to have been sustained to enable it to have a lasting impact.

They note that even the public-private partnership in housing delivery, which was introduced by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, has equally failed to reduce the housing deficit.

This is because most Nigerians, especially civil servants, still cannot afford the exorbitant cost of buying or renting houses built by private developers.

For instance, it is absolutely difficult for an average civil servant earning N18,000 minimum wage to buy a onebedroom apartment from private estate developers in Abuja or anywhere in the country.

A market survey shows that a two-bedroom apartment, offered by private estate developers in Abuja, costs between N15 million and N25 million.

This, perhaps, underscores the concern expressed by the World Bank on the widening housing deficit in Nigeria.

Statistics released by the bank revealed that Nigeria would require N59.5 trillion to bridge the spiralling housing deficit of 17 million units.

This development aptly highlights the need for the government at all levels to

By SANI ADAMU begin to think of how to embark on direct massive construction of houses in major cities and towns across the country, so as to cut down the housing deficit.

However, Dr Omobola Johnson, the Supervising Minister of Science and Technology, urged all stakeholders in the building and construction industry to explore avenues of meeting the growing housing needs of the citizens through

Government to adopt the social housing scheme in its efforts to address the housing deficit facing the country.

Social housing scheme is the provision of affordable houses by the state or nonprofit organisations or by the combination of the two.

Williams said that the key objective of a social housing scheme was to provide accommodation which would be particularly affordable to low-income earners.

other hand, are allocated according to the needs of the people.

“Each social landlord operates an allocation policy, stating in advance what factors will be taken into account when deciding who gets preference,” he said.

Industry experts, nonetheless, cite the inability of the Federal Government to amend the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests all land in the hands of government, as a major obstacle to the actualisation of the housing for all initiative.

He said that rents charged on housing units under the scheme were usually kept low through government subsidy.

“The social housing scheme should be governed by a strictly defined system of rent control to ensure that rents are kept low.

“Unlike the private sector in which rents are dictated by the landlord, houses in a social housing scheme, on the

However, Mr Tunde Makanjuola, a property consultant, urged the three tiers of government to reduce the trouble, which people often encountered while processing title deeds on landed properties, so as to boost investment in real estate.

He noted that less than three per cent of landlords in the country had valid title deeds on their landed property.

As a result, only about three

President Goodluck Jonathan

innovative strategies.

The minister, who spoke at a recent International Housing Summit in Abuja, said that researchers have argued that Nigeria, with an estimated population of 170 million, required at least additional 820,000 housing units per annum.

Nevertheless, Dr Abiodun Talabi, the Director of Technology Acquisition and Assessment in the ministry, stressed that the provision of affordable housing would entail the active input of the public and private sectors as well as the citizens.

“Achieving affordable housing in Nigeria requires dogged determination on the part of government, private sector and citizenry towards surmounting the challenge,’’ he said.

All the same, Mr Adeyemi Williams, a private property consultant, urged the Federal

per cent of property owners were paying taxes on their property, as there was no way of mounting surveillance on the remaining 97 per cent, he added.

“This means that many illegalities were being perpetrated in transactions on landed property, while the government is being shortchanged.

“The proceeds from taxes levied on property can be used to address the current housing problems facing the country,’’ he said.

Makanjuola, nonetheless, urged the government to create a database on property owners to ensure their proper registration and regulation.

“This will help the government to keep track of any transaction on landed property, while reducing problems caused by fraudulent property agents and family land owners,’’ he said.

Makanjuola argued that property tax was a more stable way of generating revenue than other forms of taxes.

“If the governments can exploit this avenue of revenue generation, it would be useful in efforts to provide the needed infrastructure.

“Also, property owners will be able to exploit the potential of their property to the fullest because the title can be used as collateral to get loans for other investments,’’ he said.

Besides, Makanjuola called for the establishment of a land commission that would be empowered to formulate policies on land matters, title registration and property development.

Acknowledging the gravity of the housing challenge in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated plans to construct N960billion housing estates for workers in all the 36 states, including the FCT. The project, which involves the construction of affordable houses, is being executed in concert with Kriston Lally EPC Nig. Ltd., a private property developer.

The NLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project with the company on April 6, 2013.

“To make the scheme worker-friendly, the interest rate is put at 2 per cent of the

total amount of the property per annum; and payment can be spread over five, 10 or 15 years, depending on the choice of each subscriber,’’ Comrade Abdulwahab Omar, the NLC President, said.

The labour leader said that the houses would comprise two and three-bedroom bungalows, semi-detached or fully-detached bungalows; blocks of two and threebedroom flats; as well as four-bedroom semi-detached and fully-detached duplexes.

Mr Mustapha Madawaki, the Group Managing Director of Kriston Lally EPC Nig. Ltd., said that President Jonathan would perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the housing project.

“All the equipment for block making and materials for the construction of the houses have been imported,’’ he said.

Apart from this, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, the National President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), also said that the union had concluded arrangements to build 100 houses for its members and other citizens in Taraba State.

He said that the houses were the first set of the 500 houses that would be built in the state by the congress.

Kaigama said that the project would be executed in partnership with the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company.

He said that contributors to the National Housing Fund across the country would benefit from the scheme.

Kaigama said that the project was aimed at minimising the housing deficit in the state, adding that it would particularly cater for the housing needs of civil servants.

He pledged that the 100 houses would be delivered to the beneficiaries before the end of the year.

All in all, mortgage experts underscore the need to make concerted efforts to ease the process of obtaining mortgage loans in the country.

“If the citizens are given liberal access to mortgage loans with good interest rates; many people will be encouraged to own houses and the current housing deficit in the country will be reduced considerably,’’ some say. NAN

“If the governments can exploit this avenue of revenue generation, it would be useful in efforts to provide the needed infrastructure.Also, property owners will be able to exploit the potential of their property to the fullest because the title can be used as collateral to get loans for other investments’’

Footprint

TODAY’S piece peruses the astounding life and landmark accomplishments of one of Europe’s greatest leaders; one of the arrowheads of the evolutionary movement that ultimately laid the foundations of what has become modern Europe – Emperor Charlemagne, “Father of Europe”.

Around the time of his birth - conventionally held to be 742, but likely to be 747 or 748 - his father, Pippin III (the Short), was Mayor of the palace, an official serving the Merovingian king but actually wielding effective power over the extensive Frankish kingdom. What little is known about Charlemagne’s youth suggests that he received practical training for leadership by participating in the political, social, and military activities associated with his father’s court. His early years were marked by a succession of events that had immense implications for the Frankish position in the contemporary world.

In 751, with papal approval, Pippin seized the Frankish throne from the last Merovingian king, Childeric III. After meeting with Pope Stephen II at the royal palace of Ponthion in 753–754, Pippin forged an alliance with the pope by committing himself to protect Rome in return for papal sanction of the right of Pippin’s dynasty to the Frankish throne. Pippin also intervened militarily in Italy in 755 and 756 to restrain Lombard threats to Rome, and in the so-called Donation of Pippin in 756 he bestowed on the papacy a block of territory stretching across central Italy which formed the basis of a new political entity, the Papal States, over which the pope ruled.

When Pippin died in 768, his realm was divided according to Frankish custom between

Charlemagne and his brother, Carloman. Almost immediately the rivalry between the two brothers threatened the unity of the Frankish kingdom. Seeking advantage over his brother, Charlemagne formed an alliance with Desiderius, king of the Lombards, accepting as his wife the daughter of the king to seal an agreement that threatened the delicate equilibrium that had been established in Italy by Pippin’s alliance with the papacy. The death of Carloman in 771 ended the mounting crisis, and Charlemagne, disregarding the rights of Carloman’s heirs, took control of the entire Frankish realm.

Charlemagne assumed rulership at a moment when powerful forces of change were affecting his kingdom.

By Frankish tradition he was a warrior king, expected to lead his followers in wars that would expand Frankish hegemony and produce rewards for his companions.

His Merovingian predecessors had succeeded remarkably well as conquerors, but their victories resulted in a kingdom made up of diverse peoples over which unified rule grew increasingly difficult.

Complicating the situation for the Merovingian kings were both the insatiable appetite of the Frankish aristocracy for wealth and power and the constant partitioning of the Frankish realm that resulted from the custom of treating the kingdom as a patrimony to be divided among all the male heirs surviving each king. By the early 8th century these forces had reduced the Merovingian rulers to what their Carolingian successors dubbed “do nothing” kings.

Real power had been assumed by an aristocratic dynasty, later called the Carolingians after Charlemagne, which during

Charlemagne: The Ho

the 7th century clawed its way to dominance by utilising the office of mayor of the palace to establish control over the royal administration and royal resources and to build a following strong enough to fend off rival Frankish families seeking comparable power.

During the 8th century the Carolingian mayors of the palace Charles Martel (714–741) and (prior to becoming king) Pippin III (741–751) increasingly turned their attention to activities aimed at checking the political fragmentation of the Frankish kingdom.

Charlemagne was thus heir to a long tradition that measured a king by his success at war, which in turn required him to devise means of governance capable of sustaining control over an increasingly polyglot population. New forces were at work in the mid-8th century to complicate the traditional role of Frankish kingship.

As a result of Pippin’s reliance on the ecclesiastical authority to legitimate his deposition of the Merovingian dynasty and his usurpation of the royal office, the Carolingians had become, in the idiom of the time, rulers “by the grace of God,” a role that imposed on them new, not yet clearly defined powers and responsibilities.

The assumption of that new burden came at a time when religious renewal was gathering momentum to add a new dimension to the forces defining, directing, and sustaining the Christian community.

The 8th century witnessed intellectual and artistic stirrings throughout Latin Christendom which focused on reestablishing contact with the Classical and patristic past as a

crucial requirement for the renewal of Christian society. The Frankish social system, which had been based on kinship ties, on bonds linking war leaders and their comrades in arms, and on ethnicity, was being overlaid by social bonds created when one individual commended himself to another, thereby accepting a condition of personal dependence that entailed the rendering of services to the superior in return for material considerations granted to the dependent party.

Moreover, the world beyond Francia was being reshaped politically and economically by the decline of the Eastern Roman Empire, the triumphal advance of Arab forces and their Islamic religion across the Mediterranean world, and the threat posed by new invaders from Scandinavia, the Slavic world, and central Asia.

What distinguished Charlemagne’s reign was his effort to honour the ageold customs and expectations of Frankish kingship, while responding creatively to the new forces impinging on society. His personal qualities served him well in confronting that challenge. The ideal warrior chief, Charlemagne was an imposing physical presence blessed with extraordinary energy, personal courage, and an iron will. He loved the active life—military campaigning, hunting, swimming—but he was no less at home at court, generous with his gifts, a boon companion at the banquet table, and adept at establishing friendships.

Never far from his mind was his large family: five wives in sequence, several concubines, and at least 18 children over whose interests he watched

“Charlemagne’s most demanding military undertaking pitted him against the Saxons, longtime adversaries of the Franks whose conquest required more than 30 years of campaigning (772 to 804).”

By OBUSEH JUDE carefully. Although he received only an elementary level of formal education, Charlemagne possessed considerable native intelligence, intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn from others, and religious sensibility—all attributes which allowed him to comprehend the forces that were reshaping the world about him. These facets of his persona combined to make him a figure worthy of respect, loyalty, and affection; he was a leader capable of making informed decisions, willing to act on those decisions, and skilled at persuading others to follow him.

The first three decades of Charlemagne’s reign were dominated by military campaigns, which were prompted by a variety of factors: the need to defend his realm against external foes and internal separatists, a desire for conquest and booty, a keen sense of opportunities offered by changing power relationships, and an urge to spread Christianity. His performance on the battlefield earned him fame as a warrior king in the Frankish tradition, one who would make the Franks a force in the world once contained in the Roman Empire.

Charlemagne’s most demanding military undertaking pitted him against the Saxons, longtime adversaries of the Franks whose conquest required more than 30 years of campaigning (772 to 804). This long struggle, which led to the annexation of a large block of territory between the Rhine and the Elbe rivers, was marked by pillaging, broken truces, hostage taking, mass killings, deportation of rebellious Saxons, draconian measures to compel acceptance of Christianity, and occasional Frankish defeats. The Frisians, Saxon allies living along the North Sea east of the Rhine, were also forced into submission.

While the conquest of Saxony was in progress, Charlemagne undertook other campaigns. As soon as he became sole king in 771, he repudiated his Lombard wife and his

alliance with her father, King Desiderius. Soon after, in 773–774, he answered the appeals of Pope Adrian I (772–795) for protection by leading a victorious expedition into Italy, which ended with his assumption of

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Emperor Charlemagne

the Lombard crown and the annexation of northern Italy. During this campaign Charlemagne went to Rome to reaffirm the Frankish protectorate over the papacy and to confirm papal rights to the territories conceded by Charlemagne’s father.

Additional campaigns were required to incorporate the Lombard kingdom fully into the Frankish realm, however; an important step in that process came in 781, when Charlemagne created a subkingdom of Italy with his son Pippin as king.

Concerned with defending southern Gaul from Muslim attacks and beguiled by promises of help from local Muslim leaders in northern Spain who sought to escape the authority of the Umayyad ruler of Cordoba, Charlemagne invaded Spain in 778. That illconsidered venture ended in a disastrous defeat of the retreating Frankish army by Gascon (Basque) forces, immortalized three

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Footprint

oly Roman Emperor

enturies later in the epic oem The Song of Roland. espite this setback, harlemagne persisted in is effort to make the rontier in Spain more ecure. In 781 he created a ubkingdom of Aquitaine ith his son Louis as king. rom that base Frankish orces mounted a series of ampaigns that eventually

Charlemagne’s military successes resulted in an everlengthening frontier, which needed to be defended.

Through a combination of military force and diplomacy he established relatively stable relations with a variety of potentially dangerous enemies, including the Danish kingdom, several Slavic tribes inhabiting the

tablished Frankish ntrol over the Spanish arch, the territory lying tween the Pyrenees and e Ebro River.

In 787–788 Charlemagne rcibly annexed Bavaria, hose leaders had long sisted Frankish verlordship. That victory ought the Franks face to ce with the Avars, Asiatic omads who during the late h and 7th centuries had rmed an extensive empire rgely inhabited by nquered Slavs living on oth sides of the Danube. y the 8th century Avar ower was in decline, and uccessful Frankish mpaigns in 791, 795, and 96 hastened the sintegration of that mpire. Charlemagne ptured a huge store of ooty, claimed a block of rritory south of the anube in Carinthia and annonia, and opened a issionary field that led to e conversion of the Avars nd their former Slavic bjects to Christianity.

territory along the eastern frontier stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Balkans, the Lombard duchy of Benevento in southern Italy, the Muslims in Spain, and the Gascons and the Bretons in Gaul. The Italian scene was complicated by the Papal States, whose boundaries remained problematic and whose leader, the pope, had no clearly defined political status relative to his Frankish protector, now his neighbour as king of the Lombards.

In general, Charlemagne’s relations with the papacy, especially with Pope Adrian I, were positive and brought him valuable support for his religious program and praise for his qualities as a Christian leader. The expanded Frankish presence in Italy and the Balkans intensified diplomatic encounters with the Eastern emperors, which strengthened the

Frankish position with respect to the Eastern Roman Empire, weakened by internal dissension and threatened by Muslim and Bulgar pressure on its eastern and northern frontiers. Charlemagne also established friendly relations with the ?Abbâsidcaliph in Baghdad (Hârûn al-Rashîd), the Anglo-Saxon kings of Mercia and Northumbria, and the ruler of the Christian kingdom of Asturias in northwestern Spain. And he enjoyed a vague role as protector of the Christian establishment in Jerusalem. By boldly and resourcefully combining the traditional role of warrior king with aggressive diplomacy based on a good grasp of current political realities, Charlemagne elevated the Frankish kingdom to a position of leadership in the European world.

While responding to the challenges involved in enacting his role as warrior king, Charlemagne was mindful of the obligation of a Frankish ruler to maintain the unity of his realm. This burden was complicated by the ethnic, linguistic, and legal divisions between the populations brought under Frankish domination in the course of three centuries of conquest, beginning with the reign of the first Merovingian king, Clovis (481–511). As a political leader, Charlemagne was not an innovator. His concern was to make more effective the political institutions and administrative techniques inherited from his Merovingian predecessors.

The central directive force of the kingdom remained the king himself, whose office by tradition empowered its holder with

the right to command the obedience of his subjects and to punish those who did not obey.

For assistance in asserting his power to command, Charlemagne relied on his palatium, a shifting assemblage of family members trusted lay and ecclesiastical companions, and assorted hangers-on, which constituted an itinerant court following the king as he carried out his military campaigns and sought to take advantage of the income from widely scattered royal estates.

Members of this circle, some with titles suggesting primitive administrative departments, performed on royal orders various functions related to managing royal resources, conducting military campaigns and diplomatic missions, producing written documents required to administer the realm, undertaking missions across the kingdom to enforce royal policies, rendering justice, conducting religious services, and counseling the king.

A critical component of the king’s effectiveness and a matter of constant concern for Charlemagne was the army, in which all freemen were obligated to serve at their own expense when summoned by the king.

Increasingly important in maintaining the military establishment, especially its armoured cavalry, was the king’s ability to provide sources of income, usually land grants, which enabled his subjects to serve at their own expense. The resources required to sustain the central government were derived from war booty, income from royal estates, judicial fines and fees, tolls on trade, obligatory gifts

from noble subjects, and, to a very limited degree, direct taxes.

To exercise his authority locally, Charlemagne continued to rely on royal officials known as counts, who represented royal authority in territorial entities called counties (pagi). Their functions included administering justice, raising troops, collecting taxes, and keeping peace. Bishops also continued to play an important role in local government. Charlemagne expanded clerical involvement in government by increasing the use of royal grants of immunity to bishops and abbots, which freed their properties from intervention by public authorities. This privilege, in effect, allowed its recipients or their agents to rule over those inhabiting their property as long as they enjoyed royal favour.

The effectiveness of this governance system depended largely on the abilities and the loyalty of those who filled offices at the local level.

Charlemagne recruited most royal officials from a limited number of interrelated aristocratic families who were eager to serve the king in return for the prestige, power, and material rewards associated with royal service.

One of Charlemagne’s most innovative political measures involved strengthening the linkages between his person, his palatium, and local officials. He made full use of the traditional Frankish annual assembly, the mustering of those called to military service in a context which highlighted the common bond entailed in their willingness to follow their leader into war.

Charlemagne expanded the function of these meetings to make them an instrument for cementing the king’s personal ties with counts,

bishops, abbots, and powerful magnates. At these assemblies, he heard their complaints, accepted their advice, gained their assent for his policies, and delivered to them in his own words his commands for ruling his realm.

The network of families from which the king selected most of his officials provided important channels through which pressure could be applied to assure that royal commands were executed locally. In addition, Charlemagne required all his free subjects to swear under oath to obey the king and to conduct themselves in ways that contributed to peace and concord.

Especially important in strengthening the king’s hand politically was Charlemagne’s practice of establishing personal ties with powerful figures by accepting them as royal vassals in return for benefices in the form of offices and land grants to be exploited for their personal benefit as long as they remained loyal.

Charlemagne integrated the central and the local administration by regularizing and expanding the use of missidominici, royal agents charged with making regular circuits through specifically defined territorial entities to announce the king’s will, to gather information on the performance of local officials, and to correct abuses. The greatly expanded use of written documents as a means of communication between the central and the local governments allowed for greater precision and uniformity in transmitting royal orders and in gathering information about their execution.

Among these documents were the royal capitularies, quasi-legislative documents dispatched across the kingdom to set forth the king’s will and to provide instructions for enacting his orders.

“The network of families from which the king selected most of his officials provided important channels through which pressure could be applied to assure that royal commands were executed locally. In addition, Charlemagne required all his free subjects to swear under oath to obey the king and to conduct themselves in ways that contributed to peace and concord.”

Encounter Insecurity In Nigeria Precariously Unhealthy Insecurity has become a major challenge in Nigeria and the nation is now on her knee as the upsurge in criminality continues to increase on a daily basis.

Armed robbery, assassination, kidnapping, and terrorism have become the order of the day even as Boko Haram’s unending destruction of lives and property continue unabated.

In a chat with newsmen recently, the two time Military Administrator of Taraba and Oyo State respectively Dr. Amen Oyakhire who is a welltrained detective said the state of insecurity in Nigeria is precariously unhealthy. He said the advent of militancy in Niger Delta resulted to kidnapping, assassination and sabotage of NNPC installations. He added that the insurgency of Boko Haram in the North East of Nigeria poses grave threat to National security. He said intelligence is the pivot on which security operations are predicated. It forms the cradle on which health, stable and progressive society is built. He spoke on this and other issues affecting the development of the nation. security will lead to stability, Excerpts: development and growth.

Sir, insecurity of lives and property has become the country’s major challenge.

How in your opinion, can this challenge be overcome?

Security in Nigeria is precariously unhealthy.

Security is a basic requirement for human existence being the essence of Countries and Nations.

Security is a prime duty of Government.

Indeed, insecurity undermines the authority of Government.

Security is a fundamental concept that guarantees the safety of mankind. Insecurity renders mankind useless.

Candidly, Security is a key responsibility of Government. Government must protect citizens effectively as its constitutionally bound duty but when it fails, its legitimacy diminishes particularly in a Democracy.

Security is a costly commodity. Money spent on security is wisely spent because without law and order, peace and security, there can be no sustainable development. Security has overriding consideration over all other necessities.

Government must handle Security matters seriously and fund Security Agencies adequately. A Country is destroyed when Security is undermined. Excellent

Sporadically, illegally held guns are being increasingly used by outlaws to commit violent crimes of armed robbery, assassination and kidnapping Nationwide.

Kidnapping has become a National embarrassment.

There is an intolerable upsurge in criminality, unemployment, inflation, insecurity, poverty, social tension and low industrial growth. Candidly, there must be the primacy of purpose for qualitative education, energy (power), security, health care delivery services, agriculture and infrastructural development.

General insecurity could easily be linked to economic, political and religious reasons.

Nowadays, we live in dangerous times where counter norms, criminality, insecurity, indiscipline, social tension and vices are rapidly on the ascendancy.

Security is also a principle of war because in times of peace we must be prepared for war and with necessary changes, in war times, we must be prepared for peace (ci vis pacem bellum para et mutatis mutandis). Security is the aggregate of all measures taken by Government to preserve, protect, promote and secure societal peace, safety, stability, prosperity and the well-being of all citizens.

Security has no alternative being the basis of human

existence.

There is a wide held view that the activities of the Boko Haram sect gained much ground because adequate intelligence gathering has been lacking within the security forces.

As a former Military Administrator and a welltrained Detective, what is your view?

divide had been established at a time when there is a yawning leadership vacuum.

Islam prohibits attack or indecent assault on women, girls and children. The serious lack of proficiency in “Intelligence gathering” by security agents generally and particularly the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) has gravely compounded

The advent of militancy in Niger Delta which resulted in kidnapping, assassination and sabotage of NNPC installations and the insurgency of Boko Haram in the North East of Nigeria poses grave threats to National security. Some militants have emerged from criminality to Community Service. Boko Haramists have ignored to dialogue with Government. Boko literarily means Education in Western language (book) and haram means abomination (evil). Education and abomination are i n c o m p a t i b l e , uncomplementary and are at variance in philosophy and practice. Boko Haramists are cowards, senseless and ungodly in general activities.

Government must deal decisively with deviant Boko Haramists. The insurgents are enemies of Nigeria. They have continued to kill people even in places of worship.

They are ignorant of Islam which regards life as sacred.

The framework for Nationwide spread of mindless mass murders of innocent citizens, North and South, as well as across religious

Nigeria’s security situation.

Intelligence is the key to the success of an Administration and because of poor intelligence gathering among the Security Agencies, the Boko Haram insurgents are increasing their subversive activities daily against Government. Intelligence gathering is critical for societal stability, development and the survival of mankind.

Intelligence gathering is worldwide and exchange of ideas from time to time is desirable. There must be sustainable nexus among Security Agents in terms of intelligence relationship.

Training is fundamental for efficiency and impressive performance. Most officers today need serious continuous training and exposure. Officers must be regularly trained in other to grow into National pride in performance.

Intelligence is the pivot on which security operations are predicated. It forms the cradle on which healthy, stable and progressive society is built. It is a sinequa-non for peace, development and growth.

Intelligence gathering must indeed be the prime focus of Security Agents generally.

Information as basis for intelligence is knowledge, power and security. The tragic episode of Boko Haram is the greatest insurgency (evil) Nigeria has ever had to contend with in terms of general insecurity.

Growing unemployment among the youths is said to

be a major threat to peace and security in the county.

How in your opinion can the problem of unemployment be effectively tackled?

Youths constitute a prodigious resource that is indispensable in the race to transform society and develop the World. Our youths must be mobilised for realistic productive dispensation. It must be done through the instrumentality of knowledge which remains a potent tool for emancipation, dignity and integrity. Youths, whether defined from the context of age or state of the mind, represent the harmony and coherence of society. Society is sweet when it has the right youths.

Youths are therapeutic.

Today, ubiquitously, one is confronted with declined virtues, perverted values and vast space of human desert.

The flagitious pursuit of unearned wealth, fame and materialism along with primitive accumulation has gravely corrupted the polity and compromised our youths. Society has gone dystopian. There is no

society or nation that is better than those who dwell in it.

Nobody queries or interrogates the integrity of any man’s wealth anymore.

The end is foolishly said to justify the means. The flame of lust and degeneracy is fast eating up the soul of our Country. Forty, million unemployed but employable and productive youths constitute great threats to security, society and development. Many youths are also not empowered because they are either unlettered, unskilled or near illiterate in calibre. Youths need Education which is for public good but is rather poorly funded by Government.

Youths need changes in concepts, goals, resources and capabilities. A draught of men with the strength of character threatens our Country. Most of those who exercise authority on our behalf are men who are lean in ethical resources. They have caused the ship of the Nation to founder. The inordinate conspiracy of a few robs the majority of the benefits of good governance.

The failure of a Country begins with serious policy somersault, inconsistencies and when others also continuously fail to guarantee security and create jobs for educated, strong, vibrant, patriotic and productive citizens particularly the youths.

Youths are pivotal in National development. They have the capacity, when properly guided, to delineate the knowable in society.

They could shape, construct, reconstruct and deconstruct the realities around them.

When they have sorrow, despondency and misery tattooed on their faces, with cyclonic fury, they can destroy society. By then, they would have lost the patience to interrogate prodigious issues that confront them.

Young people need to be nurtured, mentored and monitored so that they can progress along the path of profitability, success and sustainability. In plethora of development paradigms, only youths with robust scholarships and mental adequacy can address the variegated issues connected to development.

Nigerian leadership has decayed in terms of core Continuea on pg. 20

Family Planning

Family Planning Methods For Men

MEN may choose their own contraceptive method for a variety of reasons, but perhaps none is more important than relieving themselves of the emotional and financial burden unwanted pregnancies bring.

Family planning methods for men either prevent sperm from leaving a man’s body, block it from entering a woman’s body, or render sperm immotile or interfere with its ability to fertilize an egg. For many couples, contraception is largely the responsibility of the woman.

Many of the most reliable forms of birth control are designed for women, although men can take an active role in preventing unplanned pregnancies. The most effective nonpermanent form of birth control focuses on blocking sperm from fertilizing eggs in the uterus. However, research continues on new methods of effective contraception designed for use by men.

Withdrawal The technical name for withdrawal or “pulling out” during intercourse is “coitus interrupts,” which refers to the interruption of sex before the male ejaculates, Planned Parenthood explains. Using the withdrawal method requires no prescription or equipment, but a man must be able to determine when he is close to climax, and possess the discipline to pull out beforehand.

However, pregnancy can still occur even when withdrawal occurs in time, because preejaculation fluid may still contain sperm, according to Dr. Roger Harms, writing for MayoClinic.com.

The withdrawal method has a failure rate of 17 percent to 27 percent, according to MayoClinic.com.

Condoms Condoms prevent pregnancy by forming a barrier between a man’s

BY ISAAC ERANGA

semen and a woman’s vagina and uterus, according to Healthline.com. The three types are latex, polyurethane and animal skin. Latex condoms are the most common and least expensive, but also more likely to cause irritation due to latex allergies, according to Epigee.

Latex and polyurethane condoms also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms can break, which creates the risk of semen entering the uterus. Condoms have a failure rate of 1 in 50, according to MayoClinic.com.

Vasectomy A vasectomy is an operation to cut the vas deferens, which carry sperm into the penis during sexual intercourse. After the operation, sperm count decreases gradually until the man is considered to be infertile. Vasectomy is considered to be a permanent form of birth control, although vasectomy reversals for men who later wish to father children are approximately 50 percent successful, according to MayoClinic.com.

Vasectomy do-..es not adversely affect a man’s sexual performance.

Research has also determined that a vasectomy does not increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer, according to Dr.Todd B. Nippoldt, writing for MayoClinic.com. When performed correctly, the chance of a man impregnating a woman after a vasectomy is less than 0.1 percent, according to Epigee.

“The Male Pill” And Male Hormone Injections As of August 2010, the male birth control pill shared

a similar status with “female Viagra,”—more the subject of speculation and research

than a viable product for the market, according to Netdoctor.co.uk. Women who participated in research conducted at Teeside University in England, where trials for a male contraceptive

pill began in 2010, expressed doubts that men would actually take a pill every day, according to Science Daily.

Men do not get pregnant, and therefore lack the motivation women have to remember to take a pill daily, claims professor emeritus John Guillebaud of University College London, quoted by Netdoctor.co.uk.

Guillebaud favors implants on a man’s upper arm, where women can readily check for their presence. A 2009 trial conducted by the University of Manchester tested injections of testosterone combined with a second hormone designed to suppress sperm production, Science Daily reported.

Previous studies conducted in China showed that male hormonal injections had a similar rate of effectiveness as “the Pill” for women, according to Dr. Frederick Wu, lead researcher for the study.

Sperm motility Sperm motility is simply the ability of sperm to propel themselves forward to reach the goal of fertilizing the egg.

Immotile sperm are often the cause of infertility in couples.

Significance

There are three main things doctors look for when analyzing sperm: count, motility and malformations.

If any one of those things is abnormal, male fertility is compromised.

Types Sperm motility is monitored and given a score from A through D. A sperm move the quickest while D sperm don’t move at all, according to How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility,

by Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani.

Treatment Some men can correct their sperm’s lack of motility by taking L-carnitine and acetylL-carnitine protein supplements, suggests Thelaboroflove.com.

Alternative In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of fertility treatment used for those with sperm motility problems, according to an article by Dr. Jacob Rajfer, “Enhancement of Sperm Motility in Assisted Reproduction.”

Expert Insight Dr. Rajfer suggests it could be possible to “wake up” immotile sperm during IVF by using caffeine analogues.

Discovering Young Talents Via International Science Olympiads

STUDENTS from 17 countries participated at the 5th International Science Olympiad (ISO) competition which took place in Abuja recently.

The science Olympiad competition is designed to promote science education, and open to secondary school students worldwide who are 19 years and below.

The ISO which debuted in Nigeria in 2009 is coordinated by the Nigeria-Turkish Nile University (NTNU) Abuja, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre and the Federal Ministry of Education.

The students for the ISO competition are selected after the national science competitions of the participating countries.

The objectives of the competition are inter alia: “To dare and invigorate gifted science students to improve their talents and to further their career as scientists.”

“To give invaluable experience to students who may participate in the International Biology, Chemistry, Computer, (Informatics), Physics and Mathematics Olympiads.”

“To pick out the top young international science students at the annual ISO; to arouse the active interest of students in the sciences.”

“To advance and reward the quest of excellence in scientific attempt; to promote a positive and high profile image of science and scientists.

“To barter ideas and materials about science education among countries; to encourage greater contact and co-operation between secondary school students and

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

educators worldwide.’’

The 17 countries that participated in the competition which took place at the premises of NTNU are: Nigeria, South Africa, Chad, Iraq, Tanzania, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Kyrgyzstan, Uganda, Azerbaijan and Niger.

Five countries- Nigeria, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Uganda and Turkey won gold medals, while South Africa topped with five gold medals.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Huseyin Sert, the Chairman of the International Science Olympiads and Vice Chancellor, NTNU said the school hosted the international competition to ensure that science based students strived to make a mark in universities.

Sert said that some past winners of the competition had won scholarships in reputable universities in the world.

“I am elated to inform you that the intents of establishing the International Science Olympiad is beginning to yield positive results; some of the past winners of this competition are being sought after by the best universities in the world.

“NTNU believes that one of the ways to encourage the study of science is to reward the quest for excellence as exhibited by these students.

“That is why every participants in this ISO competition is already guaranteed a 50 per cent scholarship at NTNU, while those that would be decorated with gold shall enjoy a 100 per cent scholarship at the NTNU.

“In addition, I want to use this opportunity to enjoin our international visitors to educate their friends back home that the security level in Nigeria is being blown out of proportion.

“Let them know that Nigeria is safe and the people are very friendly and hospitable,’’ Sert said.

On his part, the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyeson Wike, said that the objectives of the ISO was in tandem with the Federal Government’s agenda of Nigeria being among the top 20 economies of the world by the year 2020.

Wike, represented by Mr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said that the ministry had put in place a robust curriculum that was targeted at helping the youths develop interest in the study of Science, Mathematics and Technology (STM) at all levels, According to him, one of such strategies is the restoration of the defunct Technology and Science Education Department, whose mandate is to coordinate all STM related activities in the country.

“In view of the collaboration established between the organisers and my ministry, I wish to state categorically here that future competitions both locally and at the international level, will enjoy good support of both the NTNU and the ministry in terms of providing support for the popularisation of sciences across the country,’’ he said.

Mr. Ugur Hulusi Patli, a teacher at Star College, Durban,

South Africa, said the five students of the college deserved the gold medals, going by the level of preparation.

“It is the fruit of hard work; they believed they can do it and they worked hard for it; they studied hard with our teachers especially the ones that are very good in Information Technology.

“Previously, the highest number of gold medals won by one country was three, but today we won five; that is a record.

“The students were selected after the national science Olympiad of our country in which our school got the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.

On his part, Joash Nailer, one of the gold medalists from South Africa expressed surprise at the feat, and attributed their success to their teachers.

“It is amazing and I am lost for words; for the past five days, we have been anxious; our teachers contributed immensely to our success; our school also represented South Africa last year.’’

The lone Nigerian gold medalist, Akanimoh Udombeh, a student of Nigerian Turkish International College, said he was happy for the award and thanked his teachers and colleagues for their support.

As the world tilts increasingly toward science and information technology, observers say competitions such as ISO are essential in the promotion of science education.

They say that testing students in Biology, Chemistry, Computer (Informatics), Physics and Mathematics is a veritable tool in achieving breakthrough in engineering, the medical sciences, among others. (NAN)

Continued from pg. 18

values, integrity, foresight, discipline, strength of character and patriotism.

What manner of patriotism can we legitimately expect from disillusioned youths who are abandoned to a life of penury, neglect and joblessness in a rich Country whose public officials count their loots in billions of naira? The loss of values in leadership particularly in youths symbolises the demise of a generation.

Leadership is central to the development of an equitable society.

Meaningful leadership must have a cerebral structure that is reinforced with discipline, self- control, integrity, sacrifice, values and strength of character. Our youths urgently need to be aided into productive efforts in order to become responsible citizens.

Education, skills and competence development are fundamentally desirable.

Our youths must be aided to pursue quality and functional education. Employment and sustainable livelihood are needed by most youths whose requisite skills and competence need reinforcement that would make them employable.

Youths without adequate skills cannot get quality jobs.

Skills create wealth.

Consistent youth leadership training and participation are desirable. This concept has become a compelling necessity.

Impunity, corruption and arrogant display of illgotten wealth by the political class is seen as a contributory factor to the problems of the Country.

How would you react to this?

Corruption is a World-wide phenomenon but its high level in Nigeria has negatively impacted on her development.

When corruption exists and manifests in governance, the potentials for dealing with a multitude of problems would severely diminish. Two

essential factors, public confidence and the ability to control the actors, mainly politicians would be undermined and substantially reduced.

Avarice, corruption, ineptitude and indiscipline are among Nigeria’s major problems. Corruption is unethical, criminal, immoral, irreligious and sinful: Nigeria’s core value System has over the years been weakened by mitoses of corruption, tribalism, insincerity, religion, poverty and infidelity. Sadly, the best part of Nigeria’s prosperity has been lost to corruption.

Some persons who occupy public positions in Nigeria currently earn more than fifty million naira quarterly (in three months) in a Country with over forty million vibrant unemployed youths.

Nigeria has gone on a tangent far from the blissful future once envisaged for her economically, educationally, ethically, morally and politically. Nigeria is currently in a state of anomie where hypocrisy is honoured as a King.

The Administration has left the generality of Nigerians since 1999 in a constant state of denial that neglects the basic needs of many citizens.

Political leaders have proved, time and again, that they are determined, indifferent, indolent, insensitive and out of touch with the plight of the people and are reluctant to enhance the general well-being of citizens. Leaders have continued to preside over a Democracy in which the State is gracious enough to rig in elections. Leadership deficiency and irascibility in both the Executive and Legislative Arms have progressively culminated in governance by ignorance, impunity, mediocrity, cupidity and gargantuan corruption. Leaders are majorly responsible for blood-letting in governance.

There has been visible display of Executive and

Opinion ... Precariously Unhealthy Legislative indiscipline, rascality, recklessness, indifference and lack of accountability.

Many Nigerian law makers have exposed themselves as unruly and have become law breakers on the floor of Parliament. The National Assembly (NASS) which consists of 109 Senators and

BY ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE poor and unimpressive.

Misrule by the elite has greatly consigned a vast majority of Nigerians to a parlous life of despondency, attendant misery and abject poverty (penury). The tenure of some is an anathema being vastly unsuitable and grossly

charlatans, reprobates, unrepentant rabble-rousers and political liquidators. Our democracy has not failed but many of our politicians have actually not fared well. A good Governor makes the welfare of citizens in his State the centerpiece of his

Mohammed Abubakar, IG of Police

360 members of the House Representatives (a total of 469 members) symbolises the Sovereignty of Nigerian people. NASS members in November, 2010 amended Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution and gave all the members jumbo pay regardless of the inexplicably parlous state of the Nigerian economy. They are the highest paid politicians in the World.

Steady rise in the price of crude oil greeted the inception of Democracy in 1999. In consequence, huge sums of money came into the hands of politicians in power at all levels of governance.

The performance of many has remained abysmally

incompetent. Many were not groomed for leadership.

Governance and leadership are serious global matters not usually left in the hands of megalomaniacs or scallywags but meant to be consistently handled by the best informed minds, brightest brains, creative, resourceful and most patriotic citizens. This practice religiously ensures that accountability, responsibility and prosperity are accomplished. Good governance secures, unites, protects and develops States.

A parasitic political class which constitutes an outpost of Nigeria’s political decay majorly peculates her wealth. It is a class of

“Nigeria has gone on a tangent far from the blissful future once envisaged for her economically, educationally, ethically, morally and politically. Nigeria is currently in a state of anomie where hypocrisy is honoured as a King.”

economic policy because governance is about people, security and welfare. When good people govern, citizens generally rejoice but citizens lament when bad people rule.

Today, there is lamentation, hunger, misery and despondency in the land.

Many Governors have also mismanaged and misapplied resources meant for Local Government Councils. By implication, they have retarded development in Local Council Areas. There is no meaningful development in most council areas because Governors have taken possession of Council funds from the Federation accounts. Many Nigerians are displaced, hungry, unemployed, heavily laden and sorrowfully depressed because of bad governance. Our future demands a change. Our destiny compels it.

Governors must imperatively leave the funds allocated to Local Government Chairmen from the Federation Accounts.

Governors should only supervise the utilisation of

the money in public interest.

It is a serious financial and grave operational error for Governors to interfere with funds allocated to Local Government Councils.

Nowadays, most Chairmen of Councils do not reside in the Council areas which they administer. They reside in the State Capitals where some of them who are petrol dealers sell petrol products at prices far beyond ninetyseven naira (N97) per litre as approved by the Federal Government. They attend to Council matters two or three days in a week sparingly, inexpeditiously and inappropriately. What is apparent in most Council areas in the Country is not good Administration but abuse of “financial autonomy”.

Many people feel that the outcome of the on-going National Conference would significantly address the problems of the country. What is your view on this?

It is interesting to be optimistic on how our problems can be realistically solved. It is good to come together and discuss issues affecting us as a people. We should ideally do this more often in the spirit of unity and brotherhood. Indeed, the National Conference should serve as a pivot of reconciliation of all of us in totality. The decisions that would be unanimously arrived at over diverse issues must guarantee social harmony, economic growth and political stability.

Sincerity in the Presidency in handling this Conference will assist to take Nigeria out of the Woods. A Referendum in the circumstance, if considered desirable for legitimacy, may be an alternative in arriving at the most acceptable solution to our problems. There must be true Federalism in practice.

We must return to Regionalism. The six Geopolitical Zones will in the process become six Regions with Regional Autonomy. We must immediately jettison the costly, wasteful and heavily corrupt Presidential System of Governance. We must return to Parliamentary System. It is better, simpler, less costly and more accountable.

Archival Matters

A Pedogogy Of Courage TWO weeks ago, a memorable event happened.

A UNILAG course mate of mine living in Kwale in Delta State called me up and for over ten minutes we discussed life in that University. Of focal interest to us was Prof. J.B. Schuyler, an American who taught us Social Philosophy and Value Systems. A very, very difficult course.

Only five of us out of 120 students too the course.

Today, in retrospection, I have come to consider all of us, which included two great ladies called GBEMI and KEMI as the five, courageous academic musketeers. Why? Read on.

Prof. J.B. Schuyler was himself a no nonesence man of courage in the University at a period in Nigeria’s history when courage itself was already undergoing diminishing returns.

Imagine, he supervised the master’s degree thesis of the best student in his department who was already lecturing there on account of his scholarship. The student’s thesis was scored high. Following this, he was awarded his master’s degree with Ivory tower ovation.

Months later, Prof. J.B. Schuyler discovered through the eagle-eye of a colleague at the University of Ibadan that the student had lifted part of a research work from a Ph.D dissertation without duely accrediting the source.

This lapse could be deliberate or an error, but in academic circles the offence is intolerably called plagiarism. No paradon for it.

Trust Prof. J.B. Schuyler!!

He blew the whistle of plagiarism on the student Behold, the student’s master ’s degree was withdrawn. Had Prof. J.B. Schuyler not had the lionic courage, the brilliant student would have been left off the

By MICHAEL ODIGBE hook to carry on despite his glaring lapsus calami. He wouldn’t have maybe learnt his lesson, the hard way, to be meticulously careful in “little” matters of indexes and bibliographies in research.

However, what do we have these liliputian days?

Academic courage is on sabbatical in Nigeria.

Examination malpractices are condoned in schools while degrees are awarded to terrestrial pirates of theses and dissertations.

Well, it is not only in Prof.

J.B. Schuyler’s academic world that rare courage has been effort in other worlds of endeavour. Follow me on a trip to the NTA. If you are keen viewer of its programmes, you will discover that the station’s AM Express breakfast show has been laid to rest in the editorial graveyard. A new robust, matured intellectually driven and indigenised programme titled God morning Nigeria has taken over since June 1, 2014. Anchors of the programme are the gender mix Kingsley Osadolor and Claire. It took the bold courage of Mr. Sola Omole, the new managing director of the NTA to effect the r e v o l u t i o n a r y transformation of the outfit run by those who stood Heraclitus on his head by making status constant.

The giguatuan feat of Sola Omole reminds me of May Ellen Ezekiel, the late publisher of Weekend Classique. She was a true amazon in journalism who always stood by her editorial staff. Whenever the security agencies invited any of her reporters or editors for questioning, she followed them. Infact, she carried them in her car to the offices

of these agencies, taking them under her wings.

When they got there, she would say: “Oga, we have come. We got your letter of invitation”. Expectedly, she would be told that it wasn’t her that was needed but her reporter or editor as the case might be. Hmmm, she usually ignored such

Ben Charles Obi, her editor from the likes of Lt. Col. Omenka. The editor was arrested for treason by Abacha and jailed.

Now, enter hardworking Prince Tony Momoh who recently celebrated his 75th birthday. He is one of Nigeria’s living media brain boxes with a courageous fire fight in his bones. In the mid-

But the fearless Prince Tony Momoh told the robbers to their faces. “I don’t have money anywhere again in the house. You have already taken all we have. I am a poor man. But I have plenty of books which I spent a lot of money to buy.

The books are in my library.

You are free to carry all of them away if you like”.

The cowardly robbers were piqued by his implacable statement. One of them in reaction shot him in the foot before they left poorer than

Late Major General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi

deceptive homily, standing her grounds. Through this dogged display of a mother’s protective editorial instinct, she saved her staff from the impunity of dictatorship during military rule in Nigeria.

Well, life is not a win-win affair. That was why she lost the titanic battle to save Mr.

nineties, armed robbers invaded his modest home in Anthony Area of Lagos. The hoodlums, after ransacking his apartment, didn’t find much money. So, in anger and frustration, they ordered him to surrender all the money he had, thinking he was hiding them somewhere in his apartment.

“Fajuyi courageously however refused to give him up to the coup plotters. Consequently, Ironsi and Fajuyi were arrested, taken away by the coup plotters and killed together.”

they came, anyway. By all standards, too, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi could be designated a man of courage not by words of a gaseous mouth but by his action. On July 29, 1966 coup plotters stormed Fayuyi’s government house residence in Ibadan where Nigeria’s Military Head of State, MajGeneral J.T.U Aguiyi – Ironsi was his guest. The target was Ironsi, not Fajuyi.

Fajuyi courageously however refused to give him up to the coup plotters.

Consequently, Ironsi and Fajuyi were arrested, taken away by the coup plotters and killed together.

Similarly, Col. Joe Achuzia (rtd) is another cathecism of

courage. He demonstrated this feat fighting as a soldier on the side of Biafra during the Nigerian civil war from 1967-1970. His brave exploits in the war earned him the nicknames air raid and Hannibal.

Too true, he was such an unrepentant loyalist to the Biafran struggle that he refused on three occasions to abandon Biafra for safety abroad. Yet it was obvious the struggle would be lost and military officers like him would be tried by a victorious Nigerian side.

Of course, he was later put on trial with other Biafran soldier at the end of the civil war in January 1970.

Thereafter, because he was the most dreaded Biafra soldier, he was in carcerated for about eleven years for this activities. It was the longest for any Biafran soldiers jailed at the time.

When I met him in 1995 at Asaba his hometown for an interview I could still see courage in his eyes, speech, mien and swagger. Also, I had more insight into his courage from his book requem Biafra which he gave to me with an autograph.

At this juncture, one must not fail also to acknowledge the courage of our women folk. For lack of space, I want to recall only that of a female security staff of Fatima Catholic Cathedral, Jos. During one of those mad days of unrest in the city, a mob attacked the priest of the church. He was shot and then sprinkled with petrol.

However, before he was set alight, she emerged tactically from behind and shot down the mob thus saving the priest’s life.

Ooops, courage is traly not for the lily-livered. All the same, methinks, Nigeria needs courageous men and women if we must survive these dire times. So this is calling on our president, governors, legislators, speakers, politicians and elder statesmen to choose walking away if this would give us peace in 2015. I say this with all candour as I think about who wants to be a millionaire programme eared every Sunday from 8pm – 9pm on NTA…. Yes, Mr. Politician if you cannot win peace for Nigeria in 2015 after the election, walk away.

Science

With Oyakhilome Clementina

“Lysosomes digest tissues of starved animals which produce energy for the animal. They are found in great number in phagocytic cells like the white blood cells that attack bacteria.”

Cell Theory IT STATES THAT 1. All living things are made up of cells or cells 2. The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living things.

3. New cells arise from pre existing cells by cell division.

4. The activity of an organism is the outcome of its constituent cells 5. All cells are basically similar in chemical composition.

CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF CELL COMPONENTS After many years of scientific research by biologists it was discovered that both plants and animals are composed of cells with a cytoplasm and nucleus protoplasm.

CELL MEMBRANE Through research, it has been discovered that plants and animal cells are enclosed by a thin flexible and semi-permeable membrane. The function of the cell membrane is that it keeps the content of the cell in place and controls the going in and out of water from the cell.

CELL WALL The cell well is outside the cell membrane, they

keep the cell in shape due to their cellulose content and because of the cellulose content, it can stretch to permit the growth of the cell to its full size after which it does not allow further expansion.

Only plants have cellulose cell wall, animals do not have cell wall, hence their cell cannot expand.

This cellulose is permeable to gases and water.

CYTOPLASM The cytoplasm is a semi-fluid substance that surrounds the nucleus. it is a place where subcellular parts are suspended, organelles like vacuoles, ribosomes, mitochon drion, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes golgi bodies, plastids and centrioles.

NUCLEUS It controls all the activities of the cell like the transference of trait of mother cell to daughter cells.

The substance responsible for heriditary traits is called the chromosomes through the influence of certain chemical substance called Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).

Plants and animals possess these hereditary substances except the reproductive cells.

In human beings they have 23 pairs of chromosomes. The nucleus is surrounded by a nucleus membrane. Its function is, it permits the movement of materials in and out of the nucleus.

PROTOPLASM This is the living substance of the cell. What makes

“After many years of scientific research by biologists it was discovered that both plants and animals are composed of cells with a cytoplasm and nucleus protoplasm.”

up the protoplasm is the cytoplasm and nucleus.

ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM They are associated with the transportation of materials in the cell, in the synthesis of certain protein substances and in the absorption of fats. They also provide a large surface area for chemical activities in the cell because of its complex structures that looks like a factory with many machine rooms.

Endoplasmic reticulum is made up of a complex network of membrane, with a lot of sacs and swollen areas with all types of interconnections.

THE MIDDLE LAMELLA After a plant cell has been divided into two, there is this lawyer formed between the cells this is the middle lamella. In older plants it is becomes invisible.

RIBOSOMES Ribosome’s are usually associated with either Endoplasmic Reticulum or with Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum. They are the sites where protein is manufactured in the cell.

MITOCHONDRIA This is the power house of the cell, they are responsible for the control of certain proteins because they contain DNA. It plays an active role in complex chemical reactions like respiration.

They form sausage shape when viewed with the light microscope.

GOLGI BODIES They may be associated with the storage of fats and maybe the secretion of enzymes and hormones.

They are made up of tubes and flattened sacs with smell vacuoles.

LYSOSOMES Lysosomes digest tissues of starved animals which produce energy for the animal. They are found in great number in phagocytic cells like the white blood cells that attack bacteria.

They are sac-like in nature, and they are distributed all over the cytoplasm. They are able to digest nucleic Acids, protein and carbohydrates.

CENTRIOLES When they are viewed with an electron microscope they are seen as two dark granules located near the nucleus in animals and a few algae.

They are tiny rod – like tubules which lie at right angles, to one anothers. They form spindle doing cell division, and also in the movement of chromosomes. They are capable of reproducing daughter centroles,, movement of celia in Englena, paramecium and Vorticella.

PLASTIDS Plastids are found in plants and algae members here are responsible for the red colour of tomatoes, the best known plastids are chloroplasts which are the sites for photosyn thesis in plants.

Book Review

Title of Book:

Author:

Publisher:

A Compendium of Marriage Rites and Values In Nigeria Prophet Gideon K. Osarumwense Eigbierhemhonlen Adodoh Kenosa Books Resort Limited, Benin City

Year Of Publication: 2014 No. Of Pages:

197

Reviewer:

Aiko Obobaifo (Executive Secretary, Institute For Benin Studies)

This book which is billed for public presentation at the palace of the Benin Monarch on Friday, June 27, 2014 is significantly geared towards protecting marriages.

OVER VIEW Pointedly, the author attacked some existing stereo THE review of a 197 page typical practice in book is ordinarily a small communities that either matter but when the book is a requires change, adjustment ‘compendium’ of issues or outright discard when he relating to the very foundation analyzed the ‘tragedy of of life and existence - expensive marriage marriage, then the matter is ceremonies’ surmising that wont to attain such marriage is eventually what compelling heights that a you make of it, and not review would now become an determined by the invited extra-ordinary matter. guests.

Marriage Rites constitute the Another high point of process every intending success was the author’s groom has to undergo to be commendable understanding recognized as an active player and portray of the principles and achiever in the and operation of the Same fundamental mandate of Sex Prohibition Act. From the renewing and sustaining African perspective, the humanity. author reiterated that the ‘Its Value (talking of rites) average African was not in Nigeria’ is embedded in the afraid or ashamed to align fact of the ‘rites’ being with the God given injunction compulsorily indispensible in that marriage is known to be most societies leaving little between man and woman. room for maneuvering. Even Nothing more and nothing the religious matrimonial less! ceremony recognizes the From the ‘Preface’ in which frontline placement of the author clearly stated the Traditional Marriage before course the book was headed, any other, therefore, the value he introduced the eternal attached to traditional value of culture in the marriage in the Nigerian following word, “Culture is society is very high and it is entertaining and also very nation-wide. informative. Through cultural The compiler / author enactments, tradition is successfully wadded through employed to help people the various ethnic group’s internalize core values and details and arrived at a benefits that are germane to commendable presentation development’ Therefore, that is undoubtedly adequate traditional marriage rites as a guide and which will being an indispensable definitely instigate further cultural identity of a people research in areas not fully do internalize core values and covered by this monumental are germane to development. work. He was mindful of its CHAPTER ONE TO application as being of FOURTEEN ‘details-reminder’ for The book can be safely members of particular separated into three broad communities and or families, sections with the first dealing as a legacy for the young ones with marriage rites, articles of as they mature to adulthood; celebration, obligations of ready for marriage and also to couples and families and then guard all practitioners of the dos and don’ts as they matrimony against excessive relate to the married man and tendencies capable of woman. disrupting free flow of The custom of marriage matrimonial bliss, which is opened the first chapter to the ultimate desire and goal indicate that the book, written of all married couples. as a guideline is, to prevent

Marriage Rites And Values In Nigeria

the ever re-occurring mistakes on the day of Traditional Marriages, and to ascertain the facts and proceedings concerning various tribes in Nigeria with regards to their different traditions, native laws and custom.

In the second chapter, the different phases of the marriage custom especially of the Edo people of Southern Nigeria identified family arrival and introduction, acknowledgement and prayers, presenting the groom, identifying the bride,

itemized and as a reference material, this compendium derives its strength from the available list of items that just anybody can refer to.

Then followed the next seven chapters devoted to marriage stability, sustenance and development with real life experiences sourced from virtually everywhere which greatly enriches the knowledge of couples because it is mostly talked about in matrimony that, ‘there is no need to marry if the desired commitment for its survival is lacking? Going

the bride’s consent and approval, prelude to the marriage rites, paying the bride price, joining the couple, blessing the couple and concluding rites. Thirteen communities were mentioned in Edo State and the different articles needed to be presented by the groom’s family for a successful marriage ceremony were itemized.

Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 dealt with Hausa Traditional Marriage with Bauchi State in focus, the Yoruba Traditional Marriage as it obtains in Osun State, while the lgbo Traditional Marriage fielded presentations from Anambra and Imo States including the Ebira tribe of Okenne in Kogi State. In each of the aforementioned traditional marriage ceremonies the accompanying articles to be presented were dutifully

through these man induced crises that could mar an otherwise well suited marriages, the couples all at once feel a sense of pride and satisfaction for having survived the pit-falls that sank other marriages.

Here also we saw, Tragedy of Expensive Marriage Ceremony, The Ethics of a Woman, What Pregnant Women Should Avoid and admonishment for Men to Pay the Bride Price for their wives including the consequences of failure to do same.

Enter the ‘Horseman’ theory under the topic; How to Make Your Marriage Work.

Perhaps, this is the most eagerly anticipated tonic and or magic in virtually all marriages today. The author virtually overreached himself to present a bouquet of real life reflections where-in a

complaint like, ‘we don’t go out as much as I like to’ can be expressed by any of the couple; whereas ‘you never take me any where’ is seen as accusing one party (Page 97).

This can immediately drive the accused party into self preservation antics and n quick succession, counter accusation, insult and contempt; defensiveness and finally stonewalling would occur which inevitably almost always lead to divorce or separation.

The second section which includes mainly CHAPTERS 15 and 16 offers a menu of spiritual and earthly counseling for couples in marriage with even an attempt at cosmic intervention in the matrimonial process.

According to the author, ‘the institution of marriage is being controlled by some spiritual laws. Though marriage is the most private of all human experiences, its repercussions are incredibly public, in spite of what contemporary wisdom may have us believe’. He drew on scriptural reflections to let us know that, ‘private morality is intimately tied to public activity, and especially in marriage’ Page 111 He then went through Marriage and the Cosmos, Marriage and Culture; both in Genesis, Marriage and the Couple Earthly Wisdom from Proverbs and Marriage and the Christian in Ephesians.

From there we are taught how to understand our spouse; temperament, mood and idiosyncrasies. Knowing yourself he said would manifest in perfect personality and a combination of these traits would guarantee the much yearned for ‘bliss’ in marriages.

Then the third section of CHAPTERS 17 and 18 handled the devastating effects of social pressure on the growing up child, the one at puberty, at maturity, and then at marital and post marital life of the average Nigerian with copious wise tracking of words of wisdom from all over the globe.

Effects of teenage marriage; it leads them to move out of their family house and evidently these teens cannot support themselves and their new family adequately therefore, they are more likely to become indebted. Teenage pregnancy with all its emotional consequence 91 confusion, fear and frustration were treated alongside possible Health Risk a teenage mother faces. Sex education was a fitting inclusion of this chapter to

avoid the problems associated with teenage marriage and pregnancy.

Why Men Cheat and Why Young Girls Date Older Men as contained in the last two chapters (19 and 20), brought the book to a very interesting end. I am not going to discuss these issues, for it is my firm belief that reading the book itself cannot be avoided if the full benefit of its content is to be gained.

OBSERVATIONS Though, the book is well bound, better editing and avoidance of common mistakes could have been possible especially as a text that inevitably must serve as guide and counsel to the young ones who are stilt impressionable and therefore, tendentiously copy others without proper discernment.

Table of Content was unconventionally presented to the extent that chapters and sub titles within the chapters are indicated clearly but the corresponding page numbers were not provided.

Extra effort should have been taken when including experiences from other parts of the world, though they were indisputably useful in explaining situations, the incongruity of a phrase like “the darkening of cheeks and forehead” as some of the physical changes that can be observed in a pregnant woman could have been avoided. My ebony-black compatriot of the female gender would not blush visibly.

Under ‘Appendix’ Fact File came after the References which is indicative of the information there-in being original thought of the author and not supposedly ‘sourced’ in which case it should ideally have been credited too.

CONCLUSION Notwithstanding these few observations, the book remains a ‘compendium’ (described in the Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary as COLLECTION or COMPILATION) of inestimable value in our society and country both for the moment and for the future.

Every man, woman, girl or boy would find the book very useful in their daily individual and collective lives especially as a daily reference guide for almost all facets of marital life.

Do you believe that marriage is between man and woman? Say ‘Eye’, if you do.

Do you believe that marriages should be protected? Do you believe that our young ones should be properly guided in marriage? As we have no room for ‘nay sayers’ - The ‘eyes’ have it!

Kerry In Cairo For Talks With once there is evidence Egypt’s New President released that Sisi’s government is ruling in CAIRO - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Cairo yesterday for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over Egypt’s crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and the threat which the conflict in Iraq poses to the Middle East.

Kerry is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Egypt since Sisi, the former military leader who toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi after mass protests last year, won a May presidential election.

His visit comes a day after an Egyptian court confirmed death sentences against 183 members of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, including its leader Mohamed Badie, in a mass trial on charges of violence in which one policeman was killed.

The United States has said it looks forward to working with Sisi’s government but also expressed concerns over widespread human rights abuses and limits on freedom of expression.

“We have serious concerns about the political environment,” said a senior State Department official who briefed reporters en route to Cairo.

Still, the official said there had been “a few flickering signs of positive movement” in recent weeks. Among these was the release of an Al-Jazeera

Ukraine:

Putin Calls For Compromise MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged both sides in the Ukrainian conflict to sit down at the negotiating table and find a compromise.

He said such a compromise must guarantee the rights of Russian-speaking residents of eastern Ukraine, who must feel like they are “an integral part” of Ukraine.

Pro-Russian separatists battling Ukrainian troops have declared independence and asked to join Russia, but Moscow has rebuffed their appeals. Both Ukraine and the West, however, accuse Russia of supporting the insurgency.

Putin spoke yesterday after laying a wreath during ceremonies commemorating the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.

His comments followed a statement the night before in which he expressed support for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s decision to declare a cease-fire.

OFF NAME CHANGE O

UKP ABIA UKPABIA ABIA- I, formerly known as Chigozie Ukpabia now wish to be known as Osamudiamen Lucky Osaghale. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

journalist, steps to start addressing sexual violence against women and Sisi’s call during his first cabinet meeting for the revision of the human rights law.

The United States, which has counted on Egypt as a close Middle East ally for decades following its 1979 peace treaty with U.S. ally Israel, froze some of the $1.3 billion in annual military aid to Egypt following Mursi’s overthrow. About $575 million in suspended funds have been released over the past 10 days and will be used to pay existing defense contracts, the State Department official said.

Washington has also said it will provide 10 Apache attack helicopters to help soldiers battling burgeoning militancy in the Sinai peninsula.

The Obama administration has made clear that the remaining funds, which require congressional approval, will be

truly democratic fashion, the senior State Department official said.

During his meeting in Egypt Kerry will press Sisi to release imprisoned journalists and will raise concerns about the mass trials and death sentences of Muslim Brotherhood supporters, the official said.

“Those trials are a serious issue of due process concern for us and for others in the international community,” the official said, adding: “The judiciary is responding to a political environment that the government has created.”

The official said the United States did not believe that the Muslim Brotherhood posed a security threat to Egypt and had seen no information that substantiated a link to terrorist groups.

The official said the United States had asked Egypt to share the evidence “but at present we do not have that information.”

Iraq Insurgents Capture Fourth Town BAGHDAD - Sunni militants have seized another town in Iraq’s western Anbar province, the fourth to fall in two days, officials said yesterday, in what is shaping up to be a major offensive in one of Iraq’s most restive regions.

The officials said the militants captured Rutba, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) east of the Jordanian border, late Saturday.

Residents were yesterday negotiating with the militants to leave after an army unit on the town’s outskirts threatened to start shelling.

The latest advance has dealt another blow to Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is fighting for his political life even as forces beyond his control are pushing the country toward a sectarian showdown.

In a reflection of the bitter divide, thousands of heavily armed Shiite militiamen — eager to take on the Sunni insurgents — marched through Iraqi cities in military-style parades Saturday on streets where many of them battled U.S. forces a half decade ago.

The towns of Qaim, Rawah, Anah and Rutba are the first seized in predominantly Sunni Anbar province since fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant overran the city of Fallujah and parts of the provincial capital of Ramadi earlier this year.

The capture of Rawah on the Euphrates River and the nearby town of Anah appeared to be part of march toward a key dam in the city of Haditha, the destruction of which would damage the country’s electrical grid and cause major flooding.

Taking Rutba gives the insurgents control over the final stretch of a major highway to neighboring Jordan, a key artery for passengers and goods that has been infrequently used for months because of deteriorating security.

Rutba has a population of 40,000 but it has recently been home to 20,000 displaced from Fallujah and Ramadi.

Iraqi military officials said more than 2,000 troops were quickly

dispatched to the site of the dam to protect it. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The Islamic State and allied militants have carved out a large fiefdom along the Iraqi-Syrian border. Control over crossings like that one in Qaim allows them to more easily move weapons and heavy equipment. Rebels control the Syrian side of the crossing.

Al-Maliki’s Shiite-dominated government has struggled to push back against the Sunni militants, who have seized large swaths of the country’s north since taking control of the second-largest city of Mosul on June 10 as troops melted away.

The prime minister, who has led the country since 2006 and has not yet secured a third term after recent parliamentary elections, has increasingly turned to Iranianbacked Shiite militias and volunteers to bolster his beleaguered security forces.

The parades in Baghdad and other cities in the mainly Shiite south revealed the depth and diversity of the militias’ arsenal, from field artillery and missiles to multiple rocket launchers and heavy machine guns, adding to mounting evidence that Iraq is inching closer to a religious war between Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Al-Maliki has come under growing pressure to reach out to disaffected Kurds and Sunnis, with many blaming his failure to promote reconciliation for the country’s worst crisis since the U.S. military withdrew its forces nearly three years ago.

In Baghdad, about 20,000 militiamen loyal to anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, many in military fatigues, marched through the sprawling Shiite Sadr City district, which saw some of the worst fighting between Shiite militias and U.S. soldiers before a cease-fire was reached in 2008 that helped stem the sectarian bloodshed that was pushing the country to the brink of civil war.

Issues

Okah 1 And Okah 2 Are Independent Communities

OKHA II community is a metropolitan settlement on kilometer 15, BeninSapele Road in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

It has Okha I, Obaretin, Uhiere and Uhuoro as its neighbouring border communities.

The names, Okha I and Okha II are a deliberate creations in 1950s during the oil boom in Nigeria by the then Cooperative Board, with headquarters in Ibadan.

It was gathered that officials of the board framed the names to distinguish the inner part of Okha community (Okha I) from the outer part (Okha II).

The two communities form part of Oghobaghase Dukedom, presently presided over

by His Royal Highness, Barrister Idu Akenzua.

A source disclosed that, for easy delivery of letters sent from the cooperative in Ibadan, the cooperative named Okha II for the community along the BeninSapele Road and Okha I for the on off-the-Road community. Since then, the communities have been known as Okha I and Okha II. Notwithstanding the name tag, the two communities have always had cause to live together peacefully and sometimes do things in common by displaying traits of responsible neighborliness, including vending of landed property to prospective land developers.

For instance, in 2004, the two communities, under the headship of former Enogie, based on mutual agreement, jointly transferred a large expanse of land to authorities of Benson Idahosa University, with proceeds shared among them.

A community leader in Okha II, Pa David Okunbor who spoke on behalf of Okha II community said the situation started to degenerate

since 2006 when youths from Okha I encroached on a portion of land belonging to Okha II and started selling it to prospective land developers without recourse to Okha II community.

This, he said was in spite of subsisting High Court judgment and a pronouncement by the palace of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa to the effect that the two communities should exist independently and manage their resources as such.

The Elders Council of Okha II accused the present Enogie of connivance, to perpetrate the illegal act.

Specifically, the council accused the Youth Chairman of Okha I community, Mr Monday Ikuvbogie, his Vice, Saturday Ibizugbe and the Bush Inspector, Taiwo Ighodaro of masterminding the sale of land belonging to Okha II community.

It cited the land sold to include, but not limited to the 1,200 x 1,200 Square ft transferred to the Staff Cooperative Society of College of Education, Ekiadolo (now subject of litigation in an Edo State High Court) and that of the state High Court.

Pa Okunbor said the community Lawyer had written to the Staff Cooperative Society of the state High Court since last year while plans are on to take legal action against the Cooperative Society of Egor Local Government Council which also bought from Okha I community.

It was alleged that presently, with the suspension of Monday Ikuvbogie, ìTaiwo Ighodaro and his boys are now selling the land in Okha II using fake documents, whereas they are from Okha I, claiming that the Enogie gave them approval.

Before the situation degenerated, he said the matter was reported to Enogie Idu Akenzua who is also in

By ANDY EGBON

charge of the Okha I and Okha II communities.

His intervention urging both communities to maintain their border in line with the Palace ruling was said not to have yielded the much desired result.

Pa Okunbor added that ìWe were surprised that the youths brought police from SARS to arrest members of our eldersí council, saying we are the robbers operating in Sapele Road, Benin City.

ìWith that letter of clearance from the police, we took them to court for false accusation and we won the case. ìWe protested to the Enogie about the encroachment and sale of our land by these youths from Okha I and up till now, the Enogie has not been able to them to order; making us believe that these youths are backed and that the Enogie does not want to act against these erring

civil matter.

He said the Enogie on discovering that the community land was sold had called for a meeting of the two villages while there was a pending suit in Area Customary Court sitting in Benin City.

At the meeting, the Enogie was quoted to as urging the communities to live independently while actual demarcation will be carried out soon.

Notwithstanding this recommendation, few months later, Imasuen said it was discovered that people from

Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin

We were whisked to Lagos; on getting there, the police officer in charge discovered that the least age amongst us was 74years; he then asked them whether they are not afraid of curse from those old men.

We were asked to go back to Benin. We later received a letter from the police in Lagos clearing us of the allegation by these desperate youths who are the criminals terrorizing our community.

“We were whisked to Lagos; on getting there, the police officer in charge discovered that the least age amongst us was 74 years; he then asked them whether they are not afraid of curse from those old men.”

youths despite the fact that we have been paying to the Enogie according to Benin customs and tradition. ìWe are aware that many plots of land belonging to our community that have been encroached on and sold illegally by these youths who are from our community. ìWe will retrieve all our land, including 600ft x 600ft sold to Benson Idahosa University recently; all those who bought from them recently did so at their own riskî, Pa Okunbor said.

Corroborating the position of Okunbor, Elder Isoken Osaigbovo called on government and security agencies to wade into the matter to avoid breakdown of law and order.

The Chairman, Okha II Community Development Association Mr Joseph Imasuen said the matter was taken to the Police Area Command where they were advised to consider the option of a civil suit because it is a

Okha I were still lands belonging to Okha II. Consequently, he said the matter was again reported to the Enogie who said, ìWe are not willing to sell, so, they are selling; that Okha is oneî.

Not satisfied with the Enogies position on the matter, Imasuen said a suit was instituted at a law court in Benin City where Okha II had judgment in its favours.

Following series of controversies and protest over allegation that the two Okha communities are one, Imasuen said the Palace directed the Enogie to go on air to state that the communities are independent which was done via a press release of March 12, 2012 and signed by the Enogie.

The Enogie had in a letter, titled, ìRequest for a copy of ruling on land disputeî dated October 3, 2007 stated that the two communities are one and the same with a single

Odionwere and a single Oguedion.

The letter was addressed to Elders and people of Okha II Community The letter stated that both communities ìare separate only to the extent of the administration and control of the parcel of land belonging to the two communitiesî. ìThat in the interest of peace, security and avoidance of breakdown of law and order, all the parcel of land belonging to and situateî in the communities be administered by the respective communities. ìThat the legal action initiated by members of Okha II against Okha I in respect of the dispute which is pending at the Customary Court II, Oregbeni,Benin City, be withdrawn/ or discontinued as soon as reasonably practicableî In another letter of March 9, 2012, titled, ìRequested for a copy of ruling on land disputeî, addressed to Elders of Okha (Along-the Road) and copied ìElders and people of Okha-Off-the Roadî, stated that the two communities, ìare separate only to the extent of the administration and control of the parcel of land belonging to the two communitiesÖdecision was reached at a meeting held at the Oba Palace on 28th day of January, 2012 in the presence of Oloi, the Obarisiuwa NíErie of Benin Kingdom and eldersî of the two Okha communities.

The letter also copied Elders and people of Okha I community, added that, ìNecessary steps shall be taken in due course to ensure proper demarcation of the boundariesî of the communities.

In an October 22, 2013 judgment in suit No.B/88/ OS/2009, Justice I Acha of an Edo State High Court, said the Enogie cannot sit as an appellate body to set aside his (Enogie) earlier verdict on a dispute between the two communities where he acted as Customary Arbitrator.

The suit was instituted by Mr. John Imasuen and five others (Plaintiff) against the Enogie and five others (Defendants).

Contacted on telephone, Enogie Akenzua said series of meetings were slated for last week over the matter.

As at press time, the outcome of the meetings was not known.

International US Seeks To Thaw Egypt Relations Despite Concerns

Second Day Of Protests Over Afghan Election Fraud KABUL - Hundreds of supporters of Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah held protests over alleged electoral fraud for a second day across Kabul yesterday, as a political stalemate deepens in the country.

The protesters, some of whom gathered by the presidential palace, chanted “long live Abdullah” and called for the death of Afghanistan’s electoral commission chief, who is handling fraud allegations relating to votes cast in the election’s second round.

A similar-sized gathering in Herat, western Afghanistan, saw a group largely composed of students burn their voter registration cards in protest against alleged irregularities in the contest between Abdullah and rival Ashraf Ghani.

Abdullah has boycotted the election vote count, pitching Afghanistan into crisis as NATO combat troops withdraw from a 13-year war against Taliban insurgents.

The former foreign minister has alleged that the turnout figure of seven million in the June 14 run-off was exaggerated, and that in several provinces there were more votes than eligible voters.

Yesterday’s protests came a day after more than 1,000 of Abdullah’s supporters marched through Kabul in another largely peaceful demonstration.

The two days of “anti-fraud” rallies were not organised by Abdullah’s campaign, but the crowds appeared to be made up of Abdullah supporters.

Asar Hakimi, an activist who was one of the main organisers of Saturday’s protests, said Sunday’s protests seemed to have started spontaneously, and that his pro-democracy group was to hold a meeting aimed at co-ordinating ongoing direct action.

“We will be discussing the ongoing situation of our movement, how to stop rallies turning violent,” he said.

The United Nations, which Abdullah and Karzai have asked to help solve the deadlock, on Saturday urged Afghan security forces to “act with full neutrality and professionalism at this difficult time”.

“We would call upon supporters of the candidates to refrain from inflammatory statements, or statements that promote divisive ethnic mobilisation,” UN mission deputy chief Nicholas Haysom told reporters.

The threat of ethnic unrest is a grim prospect for Afghanistan, where tribal loyalties are still fierce after the 1992-1996 civil war.

South Korean army soldiers stand guard on the road to search for a South Korean conscript soldier who is on the run after a shooting incident at a temporary checkpoint in Goseong, South Korea.

CAIRO - The United States, seizing on Egypt’s weak economy and shaky security, is seeking to convince its new president to embrace more moderate policies to achieve stability — and deliver more American aid.

In the few weeks since President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi officially took office, U.S. officials say they have seen some small encouraging signs that he is prepared to protect his people’s rights, including issuing severe penalties for sexual assault against women and freeing a jailed journalist.

But Washington remains concerned about the Egyptian government’s widespread crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood, which el-Sissi ousted from power last July when he was serving as the

Iraq Air Strike Kills 7 In MilitantHeld Tikrit

TIKRIT (IRAQ) - An air strike on the insurgent-controlled Iraqi city of Tikrit killed at least seven people yesterday, as the authorities seek to stem a swift Sunni militant offensive.

The air strike, reported by state television and witnesses, comes after a lightning advance earlier this month in which insurgents including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant jihadist group overran a swathe of territory, including Tikrit.

The television said the strike targeted a group of militants and killed 40 of them, while witnesses told journalists the attack hit a petrol station in the centre of the city, which is the capital of Salaheddin province north of Baghdad.

The witnesses said seven people were killed, but did not know whether the casualties were fighters.

Beginning late on June 9, militants led by ISIL but also including a number of other groups such as loyalists of executed dictator Saddam Hussein, overran most of one province and parts of three others

north of Baghdad.

The security forces wilted in the face of the initial onslaught, in many cases abandoning vehicles, equipment and even their uniforms.

They appear to have recovered in the past few days, with officials touting gains against militants, though insurgents have made territorial progress elsewhere.

The United States has offered up to 300 military advisers to help Iraq stem the tide, but has stopped short of acceding to Baghdad’s request for air strikes, calling instead for more inclusive leadership by the Shiite-led government.

Afghan students march in Heratin protest against alleged election fraud

Military Surrounds S/Korean Soldier Who Fled Post

SEOUL - South Korean military authorities have surrounded a soldier who fled his border outpost after killing five comrades the day before and were trying to persuade him to surrender, a defense official said yesterday.

One platoon leader was wounded when the runaway soldier, identified only by his surname Yim, fired on the military personnel closing in on him, according to a defense ministry official who asked not to be named, citing department rules. It wasn’t clear how officers were communicating with Yim. Yim had opened fire Saturday

night with his standard issue K2 assault rifle at an outpost near the North Korean border in Gangwon province, east of Seoul, killing five fellow soldiers and wounding seven others.

Villagers in a nearby area have been warned not to leave their houses. The village head, Jang Seok-kwon, told YTN news channel that he heard guns fire about 10 times.

Yim, who was scheduled to be discharged from the military in September, fled with his weapon, but it wasn’t clear how much live ammunition he had.

Thousands of troops from the rival Koreas are squared off along the world’s most heavily armed border.

There was no indication that North Korea was involved. But tensions between the two countries have been high recently, with North Korea staging a series of missile and artillery drills and threatening South Korea’s leader. The Koreas have also traded fire along their disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea. South Korea has repeatedly vowed to respond with strength if provoked by the North.

Shootings happen occasionally at the border.

In 2011, a 19-year-old marine corporal went on a shooting rampage at a Gwanghwa Island base, just south of the maritime border with North Korea.

Military investigators later said that corporal was angry about being shunned and slighted and showed signs of mental illness before the shooting.

In 2005, a soldier tossed a hand grenade and opened fire at a front-line army unit in a rampage that killed eight colleagues and injured several others. Pfc. Kim Dong-min told investigators he was enraged at superiors who verbally abused him.

All able-bodied South Korean

nation’s army chief. And Egyptians frustrations with the U.S. have grown in recent months, spurred by Washington’s reluctance to release hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to help bolster the country’s security.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Cairo on Sunday to meet with el-Sissi in the highest-level American visit since the new president took office this month after winning election in May. “Obviously this is a critical moment of transition in Egypt, enormous challenges,” Kerry said at the start of a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Kerry said the U.S. hopes to work closely with el-Sissi despite what he called “issues of concern.”

Shoukry said he looked forward to a “fruitful discussion.”

The Brotherhood, an Islamist political organization, has responded with protests that have turned into violent clashes between demonstrators and government security forces.

Egypt is also facing a growing jihadi threat in the Sinai Peninsula, where militants are thriving on a flood of heavy weapons that are easily smuggled in from Libya.

Taken together, the security problems have contributed to a severe slowing of Egypt’s tourism industry that began in early 2011 when a popular uprising overthrew its longtime leader, President Hosni Mubarak. In 2012, and with the Muslim Brotherhood’s backing, Mohammed Morsi was elected president in Egypt’s first democratic vote. He was overthrown by el-Sissi almost exactly a year later.

U.S. officials say they now see an opportunity to guide Egypt toward a more inclusive government that Washington believes will help stabilize the country by curbing the violence and, in turn, attracting tourists to boost its economy.

Kerry’s visit signals an attempt by the U.S. to thaw its decadeslong relationship with Egypt, which has bristled at the American criticism and refusal to release hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid that Cairo has come to depend on over the years.

Earlier this month, the U.S. quietly agreed to send an estimated $572 million to Cairo in military and security assistance on top of $200 million in economic aid that was already delivered. But Egypt is still calling for the U.S. to send the rest of its annual $1.5 billion in aid, most of it for the military, which has been suspended until Washington believes Cairo is committed to democracy.

Issues

NAFDAC And Dignity Of Herbal Product

NOTABLY, just as the globally detested fake, substandard and c o u n t e r f e i t e d pharmaceutical products are very harmful and highly destructive to human health, so also are traditional /herbal products of similar status.

Indeed, the Nigeria alternative medicine market is in dire need of modern sophistications, dynamic development and critical overhaul for global competitive practice in the sector.

Historically, the use of medicinal herbal products in the curing and prevention of numerous diseases and ailments is ancient in practice. However, the emergence of western civilisation brought in its wake, orthodox or modern medical practice. Despite the various enormous technological and scientific sophistications that have characterized this mode of medication, it could be simply considered as an improvement on the aged traditional and ancient approach to medicine practice.

Such is its dependability and effectiveness in both curative and preventive medicine practice that the usage of herbs for medication purpose is maximally acknowledged and embraced globally particularly in Britain, United States of America, Germany, India, China etc.

It is in this regard that Nigeria, a highly revered Giant in the Africa continent has expressed outright unwillingness to be shoved aside as the World progressively tilts towards blending modern with traditional /herbal cum alternative medicine in an attempt to proffer varieties of suitable medications for the avalanche of deadly diseases which abounds in all the nooks and crannies of the World .Apparently, this explains the current posture of Government in this regard through the Dr Paul B. Orhii led National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC} .

Undoubtedly, indeginous herbal preparations or mixtures emanates from the blending of plants medicinal

By MARTINS F. O. IKHILAE

properties such as flowers, bark, leaves ,roots, berries, seeds, fruits etc .The end products which could be in form of dry extracts {ie capsules or pills},tinctures ,liquid extracts, oil, syrups, teas etc are used for the treatment of various ailments and diseases. They are equally termed as alternative ,complimentary or supplementary in medicine practice and therefore not alien.

In Nigeria, for instance, the ancient/traditional and seeming hereditary nature of its practice over the years seems to have encouraged its massive infiltration by quacks, illiterates and saboteurs who are merely masquerading as herbal experts. More embarrassing is the unsubstantiated and non-verified effectiveness , efficacy and potency claims ascribed to herbal products by marketers such that users are misled to believe that a single product can cure a retinue of diseases including AIDS,HIV while at the same time boost sexual libido etc Some herbal practitioners and marketers have resorted to unauthorized, desperate and highly insincere means of advertisement in a deliberately calculated attempt to fraudulently garner mass patronage from unsuspecting buyers including using NAFDAC numbers as a guarantee for their claimed herbal products efficacy and reliability. These obnoxious practices has inturn made herbal medicine practice an all comer affair with an attendant negative consequence on the innocent consumers.

As a legally authorized healthcare regulator, the onus of sieving the grains from the shafts rest on NAFDAC which is determined to bring to bear on the sector outright sanity through thorough examination and standardization of the various processes, preparations and products culminating into effective and efficient herbal

are non poisonous{nontoxic},safe, non – complicative ,efficacious and are in accordance with globally acceptable / specified good manufacturing practice standards.

It is in an attempt to maximally guarantee safety for the human life ,that NAFDAC has urged all herbal medicine practitioners nationwide to henceforth forward mandatorily to it ,herbal preparations and products

Dr. Paul Orhii, NAFDAC DG medicine practice.

It is in this regard that the agency has evolved modernized scientific techniques to adequately regulate and promote herbal products manufacturing and marketing with a view to according it due relevance through proper repositioning for outright acceptability both locally and internationally.

NAFDAC is indeed determined to ensure that herbal medical products being put across to the public for use or consumption as a reliable means of medication

for a proper cum professionalized scientific and medical examination before being accorded a partial approval status known as NAFDAC Listing status which is not a guarantee on herbal products curative and preventive capacity or effectiveness {efficacy}which constitutes the first approval stage.

In the same vein permission/authorization is to be compulsorily obtained from the agency by practitioners for their herbal products before being

advertised for public acceptance and patronage in the mass media-Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Bill boards, Electronic boards, etc. This is believed will entrench sanity in herbal products advertisement.

Similarly ,the agency is putting in place a dynamic second and final herbal products approval phase which comprise scientific based herbal products e ff i c a c y / e ff e c t i v e n e s s verification mechanism which will involve series of clinical trials. To this end, a high powered committee comprising seasoned intellectuals and scientific egg heads duly sourced from both the academia{universities}and research agencies{eg NIBRID},has been constituted .

These medical and scientific Think-Tanks are to among other things, thoroughly examine, assess and consider herbal composition , preparations and products to ascertain efficacy status or where necessary ,recommend appropriate rectification measures. They are also to unfold the nature of government support or assistance required to upgrade herbal medicine practice through herbal products development and standardization to compete with international quality ,efficacy and safety output standards.

Further more, the Agency has resolved not to rest on its oars as it has restrengthened its public enlightenment approaches and measures aimed at ensuring that herbal medicals are effectively and efficiently regulated thereby ensuring that they are safe for use. Interestingly, the Agency has remain consistent in the hosting and co-ordination of enlightenment and interactive workshops for

“Ideally, herbal products ability and competence must be thouroughly substantiated through necessary laboratory analysis and other relevant medical experimentations for curative and preventive assurance before favorable public pronouncement can be made on such products capacity .”

herbal practitioners and other stakeholders in the sector in an attempt to adequately equip and update them with modern requirements/international best practices as well as standards and knowledge in the development and upliftment of the sector.

Obviously, the social, political and economic benefits accruable to a Nation from the production and marketing of herbal products are indeed enormous. Apart from boosting foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, dignifying our Nation and herbal products, it will further empower government to provide social armenities, avail the citizenry a reliable alternative source of health care while helping to ensure that our pride as a progressively focused Nation is maximally sustained through the production of standardized life saving herbal medical commodities to mention but a few of its advantages.

Ideally, herbal products ability and competence must be thouroughly substantiated through necessary laboratory analysis and other relevant medical experimentations for curative and preventive assurance before favorable public pronouncement can be made on such products capacity .It is only by so doing that herbal medicine can be maximally and relevantly integrated into the Nation’s healthcare delivery system to provide the required complementary, supplementary or alternative role.

In all, the various numerous and scintillating advantages ascribable to embracing of herbal products could become outrightly elusive if adequate urgent measures are not adopted to regulate, control and standardize its production and administration such that only very competent persons who are knowledgeable in herbal medicine composition, preparation and use are allowed access to its practice which invariably, is the position of NAFDAC as it relates to herbal medicine practice.

Martins F. O. Ikhilae, is a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst Tel: 08023405821 Email:martinsikhilae@ymail.com

Emenike And Odemwingie Inspire Nigeria To Victory Analysis By SOLACE CHUKWU

SO the Super Eagles finally did it, eh? For the first time since France ’98 (my favourite World Cup, though this one is giving it a good run), the Nigerian national team has won a game at the Mundial. If that doesn’t swing it in favour of Brazil 2014, what will?

The starting line-up with Michael Babatunde featured a surprise selection starting in the hole, though he, Ahmed Musa and Odemwingie often interchanged. Captain Joseph Yobo was brought in for the injured Godfrey Oboabona.

Safet Susic made two alterations: out went Sead Kolasinac and Ermin Bicakcic, in came Toni Sunjic and Haris Medujanin.

Zvjezdan Misimovic played on the left with Miralem Pjanic in the hole.

Nigeria just about deserved the win on the balance of play, but profited from a terrible decision from the assistant referee at 0-0, and had goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to thank for a super save at the death.

The plan was clear from the Super Eagles: sit deep-ish and counter-attack into the channels with great pace. I noted pre-game: With Babatunde Michael, usually a winger, in the hole behind Emmanuel Emenike, there is an indication the Super Eagles’ strategy will be based on quick transitions, rather than

Emenike and Odemwingie

My Team Showed Character THE Super Eagles gaffer has praised his men for putting up a strong performance in their victory against Safet Su+ic’s men on Saturday night Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has expressed his delight over his side’s 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday night at the ongoing 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil Peter Odemwingie’s 29th minute strike was all the African champions needed to record their first victory in the competition after 16 years and also inch nearer the last 16 as well as knocking out their highly rated European opponents.

The striker slotted past Stoke City team-mate Asmir Begovic at the Arena Pantanal, although Bosnia were unfortunate not to have led eight minutes earlier when an Edin Dzeko goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

“I am happy that we won the game and the boys

showed a little bit of character,” Keshi said after the game.

He also admitted to the fact that he was panicky during the course of the game as his men failed to increase their lead while claiming that his side is making a steady

- Keshi

progress in the tourney.

“Well, that is football. You can never have a smooth ride because you always have something on the way but the good thing is that we won and everyone is happy.

Super Eagles’ Coach Stephen Keshi

“In summary, I will say we are getting better at every game.”

Nigeria will face Argentina that have already secured a second round place in the last group game on Wednesday at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

careful build-up. Look for the team to allow Bosnia’s centrebacks, who are limited technically, have the ball before pressing the pass into midfield aggressively.

The Bosnian centrebacks are susceptible to pace: Emir Spahic is a feisty captain who is no stranger to disciplinary problems, while Ermin Bicakcic is not overly mobile. If the pressing is properly executed, the Super Eagles may have joy running at that defence.

The lack of technical quality in the Bosnian defence meant Haris Medunjanin had an important role to fulfil dropping deep to take the ball off the centre-backs.

However, he seemed uncharacteristically shaky in possession, and was booked for a foul on Ahmed Musa when he undersold a simple square pass.

Babatunde | Stepped into the Breach Of course, the fact the CSKA Moscow forward was in a central position with a Bosnia attack only developing was indicative of a pattern in the game. The Bosnian defence was incredibly high up the pitch, and faced a twin threat in both full-back positions. On their left, Osaze Odemwingie dropped deep to receive the ball to feet while Emmanuel Emenike pulled off into the channel. On the opposite flank, Ahmed Musa was stretching the play horizontally with quicksilver arching runs in behind from outside-to-in.

The first time he got in behind, but failed to control a raking pass from Odemwingie to set up a oneon-one opportunity. The second time he narrowly missed a fizzing delivery across the box. His pace was clearly an outlet.

The downside here was that in playing so high, Musa was unable to help out his fullback Juwon Oshaniwa, who got double and even tripleteamed and passed around.

Muhamed Besic was brave with his positioning, breaking forward past John Obi Mikel, whose ball retention and positioning were dire.

There is a sharpness lacking in Mikel’s play, and his turn-overs caused numerous problems between the lines. Ogenyi Onazi is not a natural holder and gets drawn out too easily. Bosnia will rightly feel aggrieved with the offside call on Edin Dzeko’s goal; it demonstrated the lack of compactness in the midfield zone of the Super Eagles.

As the game settled, Musa was instructed to sit deeper

and afford Oshaniwa some aid, so Emenike became the outlet. For his bulk, the Fenerbahce man is really more about aggressive running than brute strength and enjoys pulling out the flank to isolate his marker.

He set up the one real opening against Iran this way but did not pick the pass right, this time there was no mistake. Odemwingie found him in the channel, he powered past Emir Spahic and cut back for Nigerian football’s ‘Prodigal Son’ to finish past his club teammate.

Odemwingie | The Prodigal Son returns...Keshi vindicated?

That was a bit of a one-off though; generally Nigeria struggled to get runners close to Emenike, leaving him frequently isolated.

Babatunde should have worked harder in this regard, but he was a willing runner and his passing was always simple and progressive, keeping the tempo high when it was needed.

For the second game running, Safet Susic made substitutions that disrupted his own team. Three introductions all within ten minutes is not very healthy for balance, surely incremental changes are the way to go.

The Super Eagles defended deep and narrow and bar a heart-stopping moment at the death when Dzeko swivelled and hit the post via Enyeama, were comfortable in the end.

A few headline performances: Emenike shone doing what he excels at; Odemwingie took his goal well and was intelligent in transitions and passing; and Kenneth Omeruo was faultless at the back. Stephen Keshi sent out a message to Victor Moses, refusing to turn to him when Babatunde came off in the second half with a knock. The onus is on Moses to fight for his place, something he really has not had to do since he made the decision to represent Nigeria in 2011.

The win was of the essence, and with this Nigeria moves up to four points. A draw against Argentina on the 25th in Porto Alegre will definitively settle things; a loss would still do it, but that would depend on Iran not beating Bosnia.

The Super Eagles are masters of their own destiny though, and showed tremendous improvement befitting a Keshi team. He must now fix a midfield lacking proper structure, but it is a credit to the team that they won even without it.

Nothing Extra Ordinary About Messi, Says Onazi THE Super Eagles midfielder has said the Argentina talisman will be played against like every other opponent when they meet on Wednesday.

Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has said that Argentina talisman Lionel Messi is a ‘normal human being’ and would play him as a team of ahead of their final Group F game on Wednesday.

The African champions defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 10 in Cuiaba on Saturday to move second in the group, with four points, behind the South Americans, who have six and already qualified for the second round.

Wednesday’s match would determine who tops the group. A draw in Porto Alegre will serve both teams well with Iran still in with a chance to qualify if they defeat already eliminated Bosnia and Nigeria lose by more than two goals.

“Messi is a normal human being, a football player,” said Onazi to journalists. “Of course we have to strategize and make our plans to make sure we get things done [against Argentina].”

After a drab opening game against Iran, the Super Eagles played a better match with Bosnia, scored and defended in numbers. They were sometimes too cautious as they tried to hold on to their lead.

“We improved on our passes and our attacking and made sure we did everything as a team,” the Lazio midfielder said.

“The coach gave some instructions for me to do, and I had to do it. I’m the one in charge

GHANA showed what they are capable of offensively. They are a very good team and due to their performance on Saturday you have to admit they deserve a place in the round of last 16.

Whether they will get it, we will see.

Germany have for a long time had problems in their second games at tournaments. There is no explanation. I don’t know why that is. In the first game everything went well. The Portuguese helped with their red card and now Ghana played much better.

I thought that Germany looked tired in the first 60 minutes. They were lethargic and slower than Ghana. This only changed when Schweinsteiger and Klose entered the match.

Then a jerk went through the whole team. In general the team seems to be in good shape. They played with a good rhythm. Özil seems to have stepped up and Müller has been scoring. Now Schweinsteiger will come back

and that is why I am in a good mood!

Against the USA I think Schweinsteiger will start, but Klose won’t and Khedira will stay out. He plays in a position that he is not accustomed to. He is a defensive midfielder who destroys and covers spaces. But against Portugal he was the midfielder who played the most upfront. I believe we have more effective players in that position.

I expect Schweinsteiger to get into the team now and I am sure this will have a positive effect.

I guess one point against the USA will be enough to progress and they will get at least that. The pressure will be huge. The last thing you want is to be thrown out of the tournament by your former coach (Jurgen Klinsmann) who is in America now!

As for my favourites after two games, France is the most impressive team so far. And when I look at who is sitting on their bench I have to say I’d like

in the midfield and I had to calculate how to move forward, when to come back. It was the game plan for the team.”

Next week’s match against the Albiceleste will the fourth time both teams have played at the World Cup, with the South Americans having won all three encounters, albeit narrowly.

After watching Iran hold them for more than 90 minutes before Messi scored a late clincher, the Super Eagles will hope to be able to stand their ground.

“We’re taking every game step by step. No one gave us a chance and we are not ready to say much, we just want to go step by step,” Onazi said.

Nigeria And Iran May Face Lottery THE ESPN FC panel break down how Group F could shape up after BosniaHerzegovina were eliminated

by Nigeria.

Nigeria and Iran could see their World Cup fate decided by the drawing of lots.

Argentina play Nigeria and Iran face BosniaHerzegovina in Group F’s final matches on Wednesday, and if Argentina and Iran were both to win their games by the same one-goal margin then the FIFA Organising Committee would need to draw lots to determine whether the Super Eagles or Team Melli would advance.

Iran and Nigeria drew 0-0 in their opening match, with Iran then losing 1-0 to Argentina and Nigeria beating Bosnia-Herzegovina

Nigeria’s Ogenyi Onazi in action

Ghana Deserve To Make Knock-Out Stages - Hamann to meet a team that can beat them!

Argentina and Brazil have two extraordinary players in Messi

and Neymar. They are the ones who have to make the difference. These teams have no rhythm, no flow, no harmony.

Ghana Black Stars against Germany

But Germany and France do have this. They are combining well, there are always four or five players involved in the attacks.

That is fun to watch.

1-0 in their second games.

FIFA rules determine that teams should be separated first by points, then goal difference, then goals scored and then their head-to-head record. However, lots are used as a last recourse if they cannot otherwise be set apart.

World Cup tiebreaker: a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches; b) goal difference in all group matches; c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches; d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned; e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned; f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned; g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Ireland and Netherlands were forced to draw lots after finishing level behind England in Group F. Both teams advanced under the rules of that year’s competition but the lots were used to determine which team would advance in second place and which in third to decide their opponents in the knockout stage.

In 1954, Spain missed out on a place in the World Cup as a result of the drawing of lots. Having been drawn in a qualification group consisting of only themselves and Turkey, they won the home match 4-1 before losing 1-0 in Istanbul but were forced to contest a playoff in Rome as goal difference was not taken into account.

After a 2-2 draw in Rome, an Italian boy drew lots and Turkey travelled to Switzerland for the finals.

Lionel Messi Saves Gambler $350,000 LIONEL Messi’s dramatic late winner in Argentina’s World Cup match against Iran rescued one Las Vegas gambler from losing $350,000 (205,000 pounds).

Messi curled in a stunning finish from outside the area in injury time to seal a 1-0 win in the Group F clash.

That strike, Messi’s second of the tournament in Brazil, came as great relief to the Argentina fans at the stadium Belo Horizonte who are dreaming of a third World Cup triumph for their country, but one punter 6,000 miles away will have felt a huge weight lift from their shoulders for a very different reason.

An unnamed better staked $230,000 on Argentina to beat Iran at a William Hill outlet at Las Vegas’ Tuscany Casino. Such were the short odds of such a bet, it would only return a profit of $20,000.

According to company spokesman Michael Grodsky, it was the largest wager on the World Cup taken by William Hill, but that did not stop the same customer returning on Friday

to put another $120,000 on the same outcome.

That pushed their potential winnings up to $30,000, just less than 10 percent of the amount that would be lost if Iran upset the odds and achieved a positive result.

Carlos Queiroz’s side were just minutes away from doing just that, as they resisted the star-studded Albiceleste attack for the 90 minutes, only to succumb to four-time World Player of the Year Messi’s strike in the first minute of injury time and see one very relieved gambler collect their winnings.

Daniele Rossi Injury Blow To Italy

Messi’s shot in extra time found the back of te net to give Argentina a 1-0 win over Iran

Memorable World Cup Saving Blatter

SEPP Blatter is a very, very lucky man. His allies might have turned against him, the British press might have got their claws Cup has been a complete into him, the Qatar World Cup might be an unlanceable boil, but success.

Even by the standards of this FIFA’s unimpeachable president may yet leave Brazil next month tournament, the clash between smelling of roses.

Germany and Ghana was The protests that marked the have died down, the goal-line something special. After a first opening day of the tournament technology hasn’t gone wrong, half that would be diplomatically everyone loves the shaving foam described as, ‘tactically and thus far nothing big has intriguing,’ both teams flicked fallen over and killed anyone. off the safety catch and ran at And long may that continue. But each other with little thought to most importantly for Blatter, the trivialities like defending. football has been blow-yourGermany took the lead. Ghana laughed in their faces and He backed Hodgson to remain spectacles-off-and-singe-youreyebrows amazing. As snatched it back. Germany in his job, but added: “For Costa distractions go, the 2014 World Rica to top the group by beating Italy and Uruguay... that tells you all you need to know.

“For me, it’s the worst Italy team for years. Uruguay have two world-class strikers but then not too many players you’d fancy in the Premier League, let alone playing for your country.”

He said England had players who “are good week-in, weekout in the Premier League” and claimed: “We’ve got better players than them but for some reason, with good manager after good manager, we just don’t get Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s President results.”

brought on Miroslav Klose and somewhere in Brazil, Original Ronaldo’s blood ran cold. With good reason too. Within a matter of minutes, someone was on his Wikipedia page, adding the word ‘joint’ to his bit about all-time leading World Cup goalscorers.

Neither side could secure the win, but then neither side deserved to lose and that has been something of a trend in this tournament.

Blatter ’s position is as precarious as it has ever been, which is to say that it’s only slightly precarious. But if this World Cup had been a disaster, or even just dull, his hopes of claiming a fifth term in the top job would have been seriously damaged. Instead, it seems that he’ll now be able to brag about high viewing figures, particularly in the United States, whopping advertising revenue and he’ll have a wave of feelgood factor that he can surf all the way back into power.

We’ve all been arguing over who has had the best World Cup, but I’m afraid that Sepp’s been winning all along.

NIGERIA striker Shola Ameobi has spoken of the joy of being part of Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, with the Super Eagles having won their first match at the competition in 16 years.

The former Newcastle United striker came on as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba. He was brought on to help protect the lead in his second appearance at the competition.

While England have been eliminated from the tournament, the former English U-21 player is on the verge of sealing a second round ticket with the African champions.

“This is a dream for me, every second I spend with these guys, with this team is a blessing,”

showed that in truckloads.”

For many periods in the game against the eastern Europeans, one felt the Super Eagles take their feet off the throttle when they could have counter-attacked to score more goals.

“In the bigger scheme of things, you want to protect what you have and it’s sometimes very difficult when you’re trying to hold the lead,” he said.

“You know that they are pressing because they have got a lot of talent. Automatically you go on the defensive.

“There were times where I thought that we could have maybe broken, we threatened them but all in all, we thank God that we were able to hold out and get a great victory for

Players ‘Dodged’ England - Redknapp HARRY Redknapp has claimed some English players tried to find ways to skip international duty during his time as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Redknapp — speaking after England were knocked out of the Brazil World Cup with one group game still remaining — said the Italy and Uruguay teams who had defeated them were “average” and that Roy Hodgson’s squad had more talent.

The QPR boss, who had been tipped to become national manager before Hodgson’s appointment in 2012, told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme: “I can tell you that, when I was at Tottenham, when full internationals came around there were two or three players who did not want to play for England.

“They would come to me 10 days before the game and say: ‘Gaffer, get me out of that game, I don’t want to play in that game’ — that was how it was.

“That is the truth, so it makes you wonder... and I think it’s only going to get worse. You see the stick the England players get.

They’re earning fantastic money at their clubs, they’re all playing in the Champions League. They wonder: ‘Do I need the aggro?’”

Redknapp, whose England stars while at Spurs included Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Scott Parker, said this year’s failure in Brazil was a missed chance because Group D’s opponents should have been beatable.

DANIELE De Rossi is almost certain to miss Italy’s crucial final Group D game against Uruguay on Tuesday with a leg injury, the team’s doctor has said.

De Rossi played the full 90 minutes in both the Azzurri’s opening 2-1 win over England and their 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, but a muscle injury means he is set to watch from the sidelines on Tuesday.

“He has a muscle problem in his leg and it is highly unlikely that he will be able to play,” Enrico Castellacci told a news conference on Saturday.

“If I was being positive, I would say it is possible that the injury to the muscle would improve — but it is highly improbable he will play.”

De Rossi’s likely absence means Thiago Motta is poised to come in alongside Andrea Pirlo for a game in which Italy need a point to go through with Costa Rica at Uruguay’s expense.

If the Italians do progress, Roma player De Rossi may not be fit for their round of 16 game, with doctors suggesting he could need a week or more to make a full recovery.

But coach Cesare Prandelli has been given better news about defender Andrea Barzagli, whose tendinitis problem should not prevent him from playing his third game of the tournament.

His fellow defender Mattia De Sciglio, who did not play in either of the opening two matches because of a calf strain, is back in training and available for selection.

Castellacci said there were no further fitness concerns — but stressed that Italy’s players needed to be wary of the heat of Natal in their early kick-off.

“The players felt it [the heat against Costa Rica],” he said.

“Against Uruguay, it will impact both sides in the same way.”

Ameobi Enjoying World Cup Experience Ameobi told Goal.

“I’m just trying to appreciate every minute and enjoy it because it is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.

“That is why we play this game. We’re at the top of our game and you just have to grab all the opportunity, take all of them but enjoy most of all.”

Coming on for their first game against Iran, the 32-yearold looked like the team’s best striker in a side that struggled to break down Team Melli.

However, against Bosnia they looked better put together and played like a team in control of things.

“Obviously, after the first game we were disappointed that we didn’t really attack as we wanted to, with the aggression

and the style we know we can play with,” he said.

But against Bosnia, “We showed that we are ready to fight to stay in this tournament.

You need the spirit, you need the commitment and I thought we

Ameobi

Nigeria.” igeria take on Argentina in their final group game in Porto Alegre needing at least a draw to finish second behind the Albiceleste.

The talking point has been about facing the super stars of the side like Lionel Mess, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria but Ameobi says their approach would not be different.

“We have our philosophy and we know how the coach wants us to play,” he said. “We’re going to come up against good teams in this tournament but the most important thing is for us to focus on what we have to do.

“You can talk all day about all the stars in this tournament but if you don’t look after your own house, you’re going to come up short.”

Football Fans Hail Super Eagles’ Victory Over Bosnia-Herzegovinia FOOTBALL fans in the country have hailed Super Eagles Saturdays 1-0 victory over debutants BosniaHerzegovina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brasil.

The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, congratulated the Super Eagles on their hard-won victory over the Dragons of BosniaHerzegovina.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Uche Anichukwu, his Special Adviser (Media) in Abuja yesterday.

Ekweremadu noted that it was a night that the Nigerian side found their rhythm to the delight of all football loving fans.

“This is a very important victory after 16 years of drought at the FIFA World Cup and after the hard start against the Iranians,’’Ekeremadu said.

He described the victory as highly deserving and noted that the team was a much more hard-fighting, confident, brilliant, mobile, blended, and entertaining Super Eagles.

The depute senate president expressed the hope that the victory would give the team the needed confidence and elixir to bring down the Argentines from their high horse.

Ekweremadu was optimistic that the Argentines were beatable, their array of stars notwithstanding.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to support and pray for the Super Eagles.

The Director of Competitions, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Mohammed Sanusi, advised the team to be more purposeful in front of goal.

Sanusi told newsmen yesterday that the African champions created chances which they did not utilise.

Osaze Odemwingie’s 29 minute goal gave the Super Eagles the needed three points in a must win match for both teams.

“The win is a dream come true because one cannot underrate any country because in football, it is not over until it is over.

“We all saw what Iran did to Nigeria and also to Argentina, and this is a country that many people believe are just in that group to give others points but that was not to be.

“Right now, I believe the coaches have watched very keenly and noticed areas where they need to work on.

“But one thing I notice about the defence is that the Bosnia-Herzegovina wanted to commit our players into fouling inside or close to the 18 yard box which they did

not submit to, so I must commend them for that.

“Upfront, we need to be more purposeful and take our chances because when you lose your chance you are likely to put yourself at risk.

“We had opportunities that we did not make use of, so we need to be taking our chances,’’ Sanusi said.

He also noted that the connection between the attack and the midfield should be improved upon before the team’s next match against Argentina.

“The connection between the midfield and the attack need to be improved upon.

The midfielders have done a good job; they need to cement that relationship between the attack and the midfield.

“So that by the time we play Argentina, we can beat them and probably top our group,’’ the Director of Competitions, said.

Sanusi was optimistic that that in spite of the Super Eagles’ poor start they would win the trophy.

Coach Kasimawo Laloko, a former NFA Technical Director, who spoke in Abeokuta, commended, Vincent Enyeama, for putting up a good show to win the Nigeria/Bosnia match.

Laloko told newsmen shortly after the match, that the goalkeeper’s dexterity and resilience kept Nigeria in the lead.

He said the match was “not spectacular” but it was better than the Iran match.

“I say congratulations to Nigeria. If all goes well, I’ll say we’re crossing to the round of 16, but we have to get a draw at least in our next match against Argentina,’’ Laloko said.

He also commended Coach Stephen Keshi for his selection for the match, saying it was better than the first one.

He, however, said that Victor Moses should have replaced Onazi Ogenyi in the match.

“I don’t see what Onazi has done there; the guy was just running about; he should use key players who are very resourceful and can do anything, anywhere at any time.

“The combination of Moses and Osaze will help this team to go places,’’ the Pepsi Football Academy boss, said.

Also, a former Green Eagles Midfielder, Felix Owolabi, urged the Super Eagles not to rest on its oars in the team’s bid to qualify for

the next round of the World Cup. Owolabi told newsmen in Lagos that there was improvement in the team’s coordination as well as level of confidence.

“At this point in time the team needs to keep working towards perfect, they should not rest on their oars. We want to see the team in the next round they can do better.

“The players have done well by listening to instructions they should be commended,’’ Owolabi said.

On areas the handlers of the team should work on in the team, Owolabi called on Keshi to beef up the defence and midfield.

“Our defenders still have more to do, we are lucky to have Enyeama on the goal

post if not we might have conceded a goal or more yesterday.

“The midfield need to be coordinated too, not forgetting our attackers, chances are being created for them but they need to utilise it by converting it into goals,” he added.

However, football fans in Okitipupa, Ondo State, have expressed dissatisfaction over Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Bosnia.

They told newsmen that the Super Eagles missed lots of chances which supposed to have been converted to goals.

They, however, said the team should exhibit confidence and team spirit in their next match against Argentina.

Meanwhile, a former coach

of Bendel Insurance of Benin, Tony Otah, yesterday applauded the Super Eagles Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup in Brazil.

Otah said that what he expects from the team now was an improvement in the ability to score goals.

He told newsmen in Lagos that “they did well compare to their opening match against Iran.

“And it goes to show that the technical bench is responding to their mistakes which are good for us.

“But what I am praying for is for them to be able to score more goals than what we have been able to do because possession alone will not win the match,’’ he

said.

The coach said that he believed that the team would be able to defeat Argentina in their last group match if they remain focused.

“I said it before the world cup started that we can defeat Argentina and looking at how Iran stressed Argentina shows that we can do better than Iran.

“All we need to do is ensure that we become more clinical at the front of the goal post which I believe we can be,’’ Otah said.

Eagles have a goal in the competition, while Argentina had three and conceded one.

Argentina tops Group F with six points followed by Nigeria with four points, Iran had a point and BosniaHerzegovina had none.

Super Eagles of Nigeria

Etsako West Teams Lift Aishetu Oshiomhole Cup

THE 2nd Edition of the prestigious Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole National Under 18 tournament for boys and girls held in Auchi may have come and gone but the memories will be there for a long time to come.

Host Etsako West Local Government teams emerged champions in both categories at the end of the week-long soccer fiesta organised by the Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC) in honour of the respected mother of the state governor, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole whom they

described as a woman of virtues and the mother of the state.

Edo State FEYSOC Secretary, Friday Erhumwunse, in a heartwarming speech thanked the cup donor for the opportunity given to them to engage these youths who came from different parts of the country.

He also expressed gratitude to the host local government chairman, Hon. Hassan Kadiri for the wonderful reception accorded the teams and the Supervisor for Sports,

Culture and Information, Mr. Yaya Abu for ensuring a hitch-free tournament.

At the end of the final matches decided on Friday, June 20, 2014 host Etsako West Local Government Area Female team, defeated Etsako East 11 – 10 on penalties after full time scores stood goalless to lift the trophy in the girls category.

Owan East local government female team came third after a 1 – 0 win over Divine Queens of Anambra State.

In the male final, host

Etsako West pipped hardfighting Rising Stars FC of Auchi 1 – 0 to emerge champions while United Stars finished third at the expense of Akpekpe FC, also of Auchi.

The Ikelebe Sports Complex, venue of the tournament was filled to capacity crowd, including the host Local Government Chairman, Hon. Hassan Kadiri, his wife, Rabiat Kadiri, members of the Legislative and executive arms of Etsako West Local Government Council among others.

Celebrating Nigerian Youth (1)

TOWARDS the end of last year, an important and unusual event happened in Nigeria.

A major newspaperThe Nation considered by many as having the largest circulation in the country announced the Nigerian Youth as its “person of the year 2013”. It was a refreshing departure from the old habit of hero- worshipping any man of wealth no matter how foul the source. However not many people took important notice of it or joined in the celebration of the youth in their moment of honour and joy. This should not be surprising.

Since the early 1960s when the ruling elites began to oppress and jail their opponents, Nigeria has steadily become a land without moral conscience and shame. Besides, not many people appreciate the power of youth as a reliable tool for societal development. The recognition and celebration of the Nigerian youth thus represent a welcome deviation from the indecent practice of promoting filthy and profane values in the name of Honours Awards for dishonorable people- crooks and breakers of public trust. It is a r e a s s u r i n g , empowering and m o t i v a t i n g development that ignites hope for the imminent dawn of a new era of sane values in the country.

I therefore congratulate both the giver for their thoughtfulness and good judgment and the receiver of the Award for outstanding record of achievement.

The celebration of people with good cause can be very motivating and soullifting in society. The youths were recognized for c o n c r e t e achievements and glorious feats in sports, scholarship, counter –insurgence activities aka civilian

joint task force variety, b r a v e r y , entertainment and selfless services to fatherland. As the paper puts it “the youth have upturned by acts of sports, soldiery, grassroots intelligence, entertainment and personal example the familiar narrative of drift and pointed the right way out’ for a society lost in the wilderness of misery and poverty in the midst of plenty. To the Paper ‘throughout the year they played roles that touched all the senses: they fought terrorists, worshipped, learned and recast the story of the year in a different image of their own. They were music to the ear,….’ and their various feats reassure us that Nigeria may ‘reverse its steps from the verge of predictable failure’ and fulfill its promise of a greatness(The Nation on Sunday 29/ 12/2013). The citation was not only convincing, the contents were easily verifiable such as Youth escapades in sports especially sweet victories in football, prowess in education and journalism as exemplified by computer and Tv presentation whiz kids as well as music where we are told that they ‘played, sang and danced to the world and’ the world loved us back’ and ‘altered the texture of international pop’ with local touch’.

It is a shame that that persistent policy flop, family failure and wrong education have combined to make some monsters out of our children. As the saying goes one bad apple spoils the rest.

The nefarious activities of some youth have tended to define all of them as good for nothing group - the harbinger of doom and purveyors of violence and destruction, willful breakers of laws and disturbers of peace and stability. Reports of endless senseless maiming, killing and kidnapping of innocent people especially in the North

East by some highly misguided and negatively developed and wrongly indoctrinated youth in notoriety reinforce this ugly and frightening image of the Nigerian youth. For sure they divert attention from the good boys and girls who have made the country proud.

Now thanks to the Nation Newspaper, we now know better that water can also be

wasteful and dangerous to neglect the positive development of the youth in society.

Today Nigeria is faced with serious security challenge.

The youth as active participants- both as proponents and opponents of insecurity hold the ace for solution. The situation leaves room for competition for the soul of the youth by the state and anti-

Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo

found in the desert.

The well groomed youth is asset while the ill-prepared ones are liabilities. This where sound youth policy counts. It is proper and collectively rewarding to celebrate the youth, ensure their positive development and proper empowerment for effective participation in society. As can easily be gleaned from the destructive activities of Boko Haram sect in the North and armed robbers and kidnappers in the south, it is costly,

state agencies. The state can only gain advantage through hard work, positive and ideological development of the youth. Unfortunately there has been a failure of policy, character education, family responsibility and public enlightenment here.

The anti Nigerianstate agencies seem to be winning the ideological struggle for the soul of the youth.

The state has been less concerned with what is taught to children or preached by religious leaders

.The average youth is not well socialized and empowered to be patriotic to play responsible role in nation-building. It explains the negative activities of our children including the needless spilling of innocent blood in our land.

There has been much false and d a n g e r o u s indoctrination of children without counter-balance. No one seems to be educating our children deeply about the danger of evil- murder and other crimes in both heaven and on earth.

It takes c o n s i s t e n t indoctrination and ideological conviction to take to a life of killing in the name of God. And it will require counter blast to make people realize that such way of life is evil and against God’s injunction: “Thou shall not kill’’. But how well and deep have parents, family, the state and relevant institutions imparted this injunction to our youth? The effort here is feeble.

The depraved youths need to be taught and convinced that criminality is bad and morally wrong on earth and spiritually unacceptable in heaven. It is highly sinful and thus condemnable before God to maim, kill kidnap and to visit arson on society. The youths appear not to be encouraged enough to be positive towards others including the nation state. It is a failure of national ideology.

Perhaps the regular celebration of remarkable feats of youth may be helpful in showing better ways to make useful contribution to national

By JOHN ABHUERE development.

The task here is collective: it could be symbolic- a mere but genuine word of encouragement, a pat on the back, simple correction, constant preaching of peace, love and tolerance in our abode or even directed education to make youth say NO to violence and embrace peace. This is why I deeply appreciate the Nation’s selection of the youth as the man of the year. It teaches the correct lessons.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO NYSC PRESIDENT’S HONOURS AWARD? I was still reflecting on the moral import of The Nation’s gesture and mourning of children and many others executed in their own innocence by a mindless, faceless murderous group without a just cause and iota of human feeling when a call came from an excorps member. He was anxious and trying hard to find out why the NYSC Presidents Honours was not part of the Centenary Honours Award. As I was a director of the NYSC in charge of corps welfare, it was not surprising to receive such inquiry.

According to him, many ex corps member were concerned that since 2011 the NYSC President’s Award has been sitting in the limbo thereby denying the outstanding ones among them the goodies associated with it such as employment, cash, medals, certificate,

“The celebration of people with good cause can be very motivating and soul-lifting in society. The youths were recognized for concrete achievements and glorious feats in sports, scholarship, counter –insurgence activities aka civilian joint task force variety, bravery, entertainment and selfless services to fatherland.”

public recognition and recently post graduate scholarship as announced by President Jonathan during the last edition.

‘What is happening to the award sir?’

The Inquirer was visibly angry and projected a feeling of neglect and frustration.

On checking, it was hinted that some disagreement between the NYSC and a Ministry over hosting rights put matters on hold. This should not be so because of the motivational and empowering value of the Award itself. And the NYSC had always hosted it with amazing results.

It should not be abrogated or delayed. The youth are watching and anxiously waiting positive action.

The youth often look unto the elites for enablement, empowerment and direction. But the elites have always failed here. The Nigerian elites exhibit a misunderstanding of the nature of the youths, under – appreciation of their feats and gross under –estimation of their power to make or mar the fortunes of society. There has also been the unhelpful tendency to treat issues of youth as secondary which explains the scanty attention paid by the public to the youth in their hour of glory.

While it has been usual to read advertisement in the mass media felicitating with the winners of award, this was not the case with the youth’s. It reflects the general age- long poor attitude to youth development and empowerment in Nigeria - the lack of due attention to their welfare. To be contd.

JOHN ABHUERE, PhD, FNIM, Oven of Ebelle , Centre for Child care and Youth Development Abuja.

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