Sunday observer 16 06 2013

THE

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The Sunday

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SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968

• Vol . XI NO.4,001

MOTHERHOOD

• SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013 • N100.00

SHOWBIZ

The Purpose For Children

Tonto Dike Collapses On Stage

Pg. 14

Pg. 20

F-l-o-o-d-i - n- g

FG To Delineate Flood Plains For Communities’ Safety - Minister THE Federal Government is to embark on the mapping and delineation of flood plains in the country, as part of efforts to control flooding and halt further dislocation of communities.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe disclosed this yesterday in Kaduna

during the 7th Engr.

Mahmud Armiya’u Memorial Lecture organised by the Kaduna

branch of the Nigeria Society of Engineers.

The lecture had as its theme: ‘‘Water Resources:

Its Management and Transportation.”

“Mapping and delineation of flood plains shall be embarked upon as a way of alerting

communities residing in these areas and keeping them off flood plains for safety sake,” the minister told the engineers.

Continues on pg.2

Former Minister Urges UN To Assist Flood Victims THE former Minister of External Affairs, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, yesterday called on the United Nations to assist flood victims in the states affected by floods in 2012.

Nwachukwu made the call in Asaba when Baroness Valerie Amos, the United Nations UnderSecretary-General for

SOCIETY Premarital Sex Can Be Deadly Vice President Namadi Sambo (right), being welcome by the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, during his courtesy call on the Emir of Katsina weekend.

TIT BIT “As the mention of a masquerade ceases to scare a growing child, so too has the mention of the second coming of Jesus Christ ceased to scare the growing sinner.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

RELIGION

Pg. 25

See God Face To Face (2)

Pg. 23

Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief visited Delta state.

“What we need is technical assistance to support the efforts of the federal and the state governments in rehabilitating those affected by the 2012 flood.

“This is the first time we are having your team in Continues on pg.2

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FG To Delineate Continued from pg. 1 She said the government would also vigorously construct dams “identified as having huge potentials of assisting in flood control”.

The minister added that the government would take inventory of all water infrastructure nationwide to determine their safety level and ensure that they could function “even under adverse conditions”.

Ochekpe described the increasing frequency of flooding in the country as alarming, saying an integrated approach to water management was necessary in checking the trend.

She advised state governments and agencies involved in water management to partner with her ministry to ensure proper management of water resources in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, retired Justice Mamman Nasir, said Nigeria must continue to invest in technical education if it hopes to attain any level of development.

“Any country without proper technical education will never make fruitful progress”, he said, adding that Nigerian engineers have made huge contributions to national development.

The former president of the Court of Appeal, advised the government to devise special

programmes to encourage indigenous professionals for the good of the nation.

“I support anybody bringing in capital into Nigeria, but not professionals, because our people have the capacity to do the work.”

The Kaduna NSE Chairman, Abdul Abdu, said the Mahmud Armiya’u Foundation was instituted in 2002 and had offered financial support and recognition to 45 engineering students from the North.

He said the foundation was

also instituting a professorial chair and fellowship in universities and polytechnics.

Reports say that late Armiya’u was the first executive and chartered engineer in the Northern region and was a corporate member of the NSE in 1969.

He retired from the Northern Region Government as permanent secretary in 1972 and was later appointed commissioner in the defunct North Central State (now Kaduna and Katsina states).

A total of eight engineering students from seven universities were honoured at the event.

NEWS Maigida Flags Off Monthly Market

By FUNMI BABATOPE

THE Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida has called on all women in the state, to take advantage of the monthly market exercise put together by Women Development (WDP) across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, with a view to purchasing farm produce and other items at lower prices.

Mrs. Maigida made the call at the weekend at Urhokpota

Hall, Benin City while flaggingoff the Monthly Market exercise designed to empower and encourage rural women to bring and showcase their farm produce to the state capital to enable urban women purchase them at competitive prices.

The Women Affairs Commissioner, who personally purchased food stuffs from the rural women commended the state governor, Comrade Adams

LG Boss Inspects Block Of Classrooms electoral promises, he said

AS part of his commitment to the yearnings and aspiration of the people, the chairman Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. (Prince) Abdumalik Suleiman Afegbua recently inspected a six class room block at Okpodi Primary School, Ivianokpodi, Agenebode.

The chairman said that the community wrote to the council to express the dilapidated nature of the school building, noting that he was prompted to assess the situation.

He stated that the works department have been

mobilized and directed to ensure that the project is completed within one month.

He further stated that quality materials should be used in the renovation of the school adding that children learn better under a conducive atmosphere.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders in the education sector to form a synergy in the war against illiteracy, noting that education remains a right for the children.

The chairman who also visited the Ogiorumuah of Egori, chief Iyamah Isedu

told the village chiefs and the community to protect government institutions and facilities in their domain.

The council boss maintained that it is imperative for people even at the rural areas to maintain culture.

Responding, spokesman for the community, Mr. Moses Oshiogwe expressed appreciation to the council boss for his timely intervention, adding that the votes cast for him in the last council polls were clearly justified.

While praising the council chairman for living up to his

that the people will accord his government every support.

Oshiomhole for providing good road network that has made it easier for the grassroot women to convey their farm produce and other wares from the rural areas to the urban centre and enjoined all the SDP Chairpersons in the three senatorial districts in the state to support and sustain the monthly market exercise which is slated for 2nd Friday of every month for the overall benefit of all the women in the state.

Also speaking, the Director, Women Affairs, in the Ministry, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret JosBazuaye described the exercise as a welcome development and expressed satisfaction over the large turn out of women from their respective local government areas in the state and sued for its sustenance.

Assist Flood Victims Continued from pg. 1 our country in response to disaster,’’ he said.

He noted that the challenge posed by flood was beyond the capacity of the state governments to handle.

Nwachukwu stressed the need to urgently assist those affected by the flood.

He also called for the assistance of the United Nations in tackling the infrastructure needs of the country to sustain the country’s democracy.

According to him, our

country does not only need assistance in the area of disaster management but also in other areas that can help to sustain our democracy.

“Your visit is also an opportunity for you to contribute to the progress of the states and the country at large,’’ he added.

He commended the Delta state government for tackling the challenge of insecurity in the state.

Amos assured the people of the state of the United Nations support.

Artists’ Colony Opens In Oghara ARTIST’s Colony, a subsidiary of Pyramid Art Gallery, Abuse, has been opened in Ogharefe, Delta State. The new artist’s haven is situated off the busy Benin – Sapele Road in Oghara, along Water Board Road, Ogharefe, Delta State.

Artists’ Colony is situated in a serene environment for creative contemplations, artistic experimentations, knowledge sharing and cultural opportunities in the Niger – Delta region of Nigeria.

The place promises to be home to many national and international art residencies and cultural exchanges as well as artistic collaborations and also the first of its kind in Nigeria, a place where artists, creative and cultural practitioners come around, live for some time,

Shode Weds Oses The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Aigboshode Audu and Mr. Osemudianmen Ehiguese took place on Saturday, 15th June 2013 at the Edo Hotel Hall on Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin City. Amongst those present were the Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Emmanuel Omokhomion (MD, Bervely Hills Ventures), Fathers of the Day, Alhaji D.E. Musa, Mr Yayah Audu, The Anchor of the celebration, Amb. D.E. Marthins Ojie (Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, Society Celebration Magazine, U.K.) family members, relations, friends and well wishers. The reception took place at the same venue.

Picture shows the couple at the reception. Congratulations.

Photo: Sonnie. E. Courtesy of Society Celebration Magazine.

CHANGE OF NAME OROBOR – I formerly known as Miss Ivie Tracy Orobor now wish to be known as Mrs. Ivie Tracy Ukere. All former documents remain valid.

Fidelity Bank Plc, concerned authorities and the general public please take note.

interact with each other and share knowledge and creative ideas.

Among the early birds at the Artists’ Colony was Erikan Ekefrey, based in Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast.

A graduate of the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos State, Erikan, who works mainly in oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas, told pressmen that he came to the Artists’ Colony with a view to making himself and his works known and appreciated also in Nigeria, his home country. The young emerging art master, who is being promoted to the arts community in Abidjan by his German manager, Stefan Meisel, simply says, poetically, “I find joy in what I do and it makes me express myself in front of my canvas and it finally impress to the people with lots of colours spreading all around”.

Next was Donald Onuoha, a Lagos-based contemporary artist who claimed to hold a HND from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. Donald thrives in expressing himself through acrylic on canvas, and as he did what he knows best to do at the Artists’ Colony that afternoon, the avid artist said with great verve, “I love painting and I

can’t stop because art is life and life remains interesting because it is colourful”.

Also at the Artists’ Colony was Ada Godspower, a prolific Nigerian contemporary painter based in France. He said he had a diploma from the “Ecole Beauxart De Lily Le Forestier” and enjoys being an artist. Says Ada: “Just do what you do right, the result is always beautiful”.

The only female artist at the new Artists’ Colony, Ogharefe, at press time was Patricia Mnena Ikpakyegh, who said she is a painter and an NCE holder from the College of Education, Kastina Ala, Benue State.

On the main objectives of the new Artists’ Colony, the curator of Thought Pyramid Art Gallery, Mr Jeff Ajueshi, said, “…I am the curative director of Thought Pyramid Art Gallery. We promote contemporary artists, and we support the artists as

well. But as of now we’re here in Delta State where we have the Artists’ Colony, an experimental studio and workshop where artists meet to experiment on contemporary arts.

“After their stay here, we’re planning to have an exhibition that will traverse Nigeria and some West African Countries…we’re expecting some artists from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Ivory Coast and others. We’ll be doing a moving exhibition as well.”

Mr. Jeff said the Artists’ Colony is open to any interested Nigerian and foreign contemporary visual artists who meet the criteria for participation. This is the first phase of the residency and experiments by African contemporary artists and applications are mainly via online.

Leadership Controversy In Ughoton:

Benin Monarch Clears Air THE Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa has affirmed the Ohen-Okun of Ughoton as the traditional head of the community.

A letter signed by the Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Mr. O. Oronsaye-Guobadia,

dated 7th of June 2013 and made available to The SUNDAY OBSERVER, stated that the Ohen-Okun is the Traditional Head and in-charge of the Ughoton Community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State.

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Nigeria Saves N254bn From Cassava Substitution For Bread Baking THE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said Nigeria saved N254 billion through the substitution cassava flour in bread baking Adesina made this known at the 2013 Ministerial Platform, a mid-term report on the progress and achievements of

President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the country has also trained master bakers on the application of the cassava flour in bread baking.

He said that government had encouraged market growth by

instituting the 40 per cent high quality cassava flour requirements in wheat bread.

He said investment opportunity abound for investors to build new cassava processing plants to capture share in the growing market.

“Processing is a highly lucrative segment of the cassava

value chain.

“An initial investment of approximately 30 million dollars is required to set up a plant with 75, 000 tonnes starch capacity or 50,000 tonnes sweetener capacity,’’ he said.

Adesina said the Federal Government was working to ensure that sufficient cassava

raw materials were available for intending processors.

He pointed out that government would facilitate low interest rates for processors and also implement other financial incentives such as tax holidays and capital allowances.

The minister noted that a number of leading indigenous and global firms had indicated interest in the market for cassava starch in Nigeria.

...NAFDAC Warns Bakers Against Substandard Bread THE National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned bakers in Nasarawa State against producing and selling substandard bread.

Eliyomade Matins, NAFDAC Nasarawa State Coordinator, gave the warning at a workshop organised by the state chapter of the Bakers Association of Nigeria in Lafia.

Matins said the workshop was aimed at enlightening bakers in the state on the need to maintain high standard in bakery in line with global practices.

According to him, we want to use this avenue to educate bakers across the state on the importance of maintaining high standard in their product.

“If standard is maintained by all of your members, it makes it better for the consumers, producers, and indeed, all of us.

“If every baker will do the right thing by maintaining high quality bread, the agency will not come after anybody,’’ he said.

He called on the general public to cooperate with NAFDAC by giving it useful information that would help in the fight against fake and substandard products in the state.

Judge Musa, the Head of

Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in charge of Benue and Nasarawa States, represented by Abigail Gbonko, urged consumers to buy products with NAFDAC number.

Tony Obiaha, Chairman of the association, thanked NAFDAC and SON for the enlightenment and called on his members to take the workshop seriously.

He promised to set up a committee to monitor the production of members to ensure compliance with the standard.

The workshop was attended by bakers from all the Local Governments and Development Areas of the state.

A truck which crashed into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Jos over the weekend.

Commuters Groan Under Abuja New Transport System COMMUTERS in FCT who now board the high capacity buses to various parts of Abuja have complained about the long queues and delays in accessing the services of the vehicles.

A cross section of them interviewed by the our correspondent in Abuja have complained about the problems experienced in boarding the

buses following the ban on smaller commercial ones from operating inside the city.

At the Nyanya terminus, commuters usually stand in long queues, waiting to pay their transport fares to conductors before boarding.

A civil servant, Mr. Banabas Jonas, said that the hardship caused by the banning of the small buses popularly referred to as “Araba” was taking toll on

commuters. ‘’We are really suffering now with the stoppage of ``araba’’ buses to move to town; now we have to queue for a long time before we board the long buses. ‘’Instead of one bus to Wuse or Area 1, you now board two buses; you have to use the ‘araba’ to come out to Nyanya before you board the long buses to Abuja town. ‘’Apart from the delay you have to endure, now you pay

Imbibe Blood Donation Culture, Health Worker the need for you to help; you child healthcare delivery.

Urges Nigerians She noted that blood was the can help in order to save the life AS the world marks the Blood Donor Day, a health worker, Miss Phoebe Peter, has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to imbibe the habit of donating blood.

Phoebe told newsmen in Dutse, Jigawa, the habit had the capacity to enhance healthcare service delivery in the country.

Recalled that the World Blood Donor Day is set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and celebrated on every June 14.

The aim is to raise awareness on the need to enhance access to safe blood products and

Adesina said that the Federal Government would establish ‘Staple Crops Processing Zones’ (SCPZ) across the country as incentive to these investors.

“Government has decided to provide the necessary infrastructure such as dedicated power lines and road networks and a one-stop-shop for business set up and registration.

He said that the cassava subsector was expected to reach 8.5 billion dollars before the year 2020.

encourage voluntary blood donation in communities.

It is also designed to extend appreciation to blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

This year ’s celebration, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the World Blood Donor Day, focuses on highlighting the value of donating blood to patients not only in saving life, but also in helping people to live longer and more productive lives.

Phoebe, a nursing officer at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Kiyawa, said that blood donation could assist in building sound maternal and

catalyst in the treatment of post-partum hemorrhage, eclanpsia and other pregnancyrelated complications.

The nursing officer said that blood donation could assist in the treatment of accident and disaster victims as well as reduce mortality resulting from acute blood-related diseases.

According to her, lack of blood in mothers and accident victims often results in death.

She said that she had been donating blood voluntarily to expectant mothers and babies.

“If a woman needed blood and there is no blood; the woman will die and if there is

of the mother and the baby because community is our concern; the life of the mother and baby is also our concern.

“Because of the sympathy I have for them; that made me to donate my blood willingly in order to give their life a meaning and start a new life again.’’

Malam Musa Hamisu, a resident of Dutse, called for effective measures to raise awareness and encourage blood donation in the society.

“People are wary of donating blood due to lack of awareness about its importance; it is desirable for government at all levels to educate the people so

nearly double for the same distance which means that more money is now spent on transport.’’

Another commuter, Mrs. Bolajoko Durojaiye, also expressed regret at the inconvenience that commuters faced because of the new policy by the FCT administration. ‘’Every policy government brings up must make matters worse for the masses, instead of alleviating their suffering they compound it. ‘’Now you pay more for transport and it is not that your salary is increasing but you are spending more because now you pay more for transport and you even spend more time on the road. ‘’Worst of it all is that the buses will even load people standing inside and they still pay the same amount as those sitting. ‘’I think the long buses are too time-consuming; I will advise that the government brings more of the coaster buses that we call `subsidy’; that one is faster and better,’’ Durojaiye said.

Mr Ehigie Akaya, an artisan who practises his trade in Wuse Market, FCT, said that the system of ticketing should be altered to make things easier for commuters. ‘’Just like people go to book

for their tickets for flights or luxurious buses, such can be done in their offices so that you only buy the tickets from the offices. ‘’The next day you only have to present your ticket to the conductor, this saves a lot of time for commuters and even the buses and people can better plan their time.’’

Akaya commended the government for the step in stopping the ‘araba’ buses from operating inside Abuja but advised that government should find ways to stabilise the situation.

According to Akaya, government must not compound the problems of the people in its effort to sanitise the transport system.

Commenting on the situation, Mr. Jonathan Ivoke, Secretary, FCTA Transport Secretariat, said the first batch of 323 buses were released on June 3, adding that more would be deployed.

He said the Nyanya route was the only one experiencing delay in the sale of tickets, promising that more workers would be employed to address the situation.

The FCT administration had on June 3 stopped the smaller commuter buses from operating inside the FCT and replaced them with the high capacity

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NEWS Why TUC Won’t Intervene In ASUU, Rivers Govt Face-Off THE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in Rivers says it will not mediate in the faceoff between the state government and the state University of Science and Technology

(RSUST).

Comrade Chika Onuegbu, TUC Chairman in Rivers, told reporters in Port Harcourt that the congress took that decision because ASUU reneged on a

previous agreement between them in 2011.

Onuegbu said that TUC had an agreement with the university branch of ASUU in 2011 not to

- Onuegbu embark on a strike before the April general elections so as to enable it arrange a meeting with

Ikarama swampy contaminated by crude oil spill in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa weekend.

Okorocha Directs Probe Into Death Of Family Of 8

GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo has ordered investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the death of a family of eight at Umueze Nguru, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of the state.

Okorocha, who gave the order when he visited the bereaved family in the company of other government officials, said the directive was to unravel the mystery behind the ugly incident.

He expressed sympathy over what he called a “colossal loss”, saying that not only the community but the state as a whole suffered because of the death.

He said the state government had set up a panel of inquiry to

investigate the cause of the incident.

The governor said government was collaborating with the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to find out what actually happened.

The governor advised the Nwosu family to remain calm and be prayerful and allow the panel to conclude its investigation.

He said government would shoulder the cost of burial of the deceased and help the remaining members of the family.

He expressed concern about the circumstance surrounding the death of the woman and her children, saying that

government would leave no stone unturned to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the death.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Imo State, I want to express my sympathy to the family of the deceased.

“I want to say that the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the remote and immediate causes of the death are ascertained,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ikechukwu Emeagha, cousin to late mother and widow, Mrs Gladys Nwosu, said that late Gladys died alongside the other seven children after the family consumed an oil bean salad

delicacy.

He said when their condition became critical, they were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, but in vain.

He appealed to the government to assist the family by unravelling the cause of the death.

Present during the governor’s visit was the only surviving male of the family, Mr Jideofo Nwosu, who was in Onistha, Anambra, on the day of the incident.

On May 30, eight members of the Nwosu family, including a mother, three children, three grand children and a neighbour’s child, died after allegedly eating a meal of oil bean.

Cohabitation With Pet Animals Risky - Don PROF. Uade Ugbomoiko of the Departemnt of Zoology, University of Ilorin, in Ilorin warned that cohabitation with pet animals could cause disease transmission capable of resulting to scourge.

Ugbomoiko gave the warning in a paper presented at the 134th inaugural lecture of the university entitled: “That We May Lay Siege”.

The don said some parasites

which were known to infect wild and domesticated animals had been accidentally detected in humans.

He noted that it had become common incidence to find ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas in human skin.

According to him, tungiasis popularly known as “jigger” is a debilitating, disenabling and stigmatising disease infesting both man and animals in many parts of West

Africa.

Ugbomoiko observed that due to lack of proper health facilities, people in rural areas used unsterilised instruments such as pins, needles or thorns to remove embedded parasite.

“Ulcer, gangrene, septicaemia and ultimately tetanus infections resulting in death in severe untreated cases occurred especially for many affected populations in many communities in

Badagry area of Lagos.”

The expert advised people who owned animals such as pigs, dogs, goats, sheep and cows to regularly take them to veterinary doctors for medical check up.

He also urged the Federal Government to improve the health of the poor, especially in the rural areas, adding that people sometimes died from needless death from parasitic diseases.

the state government.

However, he said, one week into the agreement, ASUU went on strike in total disregard to that agreement and without informing TUC. It will be recalled that TUC and the Nigerian Labour Congress on May 27, embarked on a solidarity strike to demand an immediate payment of salaries of the Obio/Akpor council workers.

Onuegbu said TUC chose to embark on a solidarity strike to challenge the sealing-off of the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat but decided to keep mum over the varsity ASUU strike.

“An industrial union cannot opt out of a mediation arrangement involving the President of TUC (Comrade Peter Esele) and expect me as TUC Chairman (Rivers chapter) to come and talk about their matter again; I will not.

“ASUU owes TUC an apology and until they give that apology; we will not intervene in their matter.

“We are trying to help them based on solidarity ground and no amount of blackmail will ever make us talk about their matter.

“If ASUU want us to intervene, they should come to TUC and appeal for intervention as well as apologies and guarantee us that they will not opt out of a mediation arrangement as they did the last time.”

Onuegbu urged the public not

to take advantage of the current political crisis in the state to ridicule TUC. Reacting, Dr Felix Igwe, the Chairman of ASUU in RSUST, denied the claim that TUC approached the union before it embarked on strike.

He said that TUC only approached ASUU during its strike and as such the union refused TUC’s condition because it was not favourable to it.

“In 2010, we went on strike because Rivers state government refused to implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

“During that period; TUC attempted to broker peace, but what they (TUC) did then was to ask us to suspend the strike action and then they will now come in and mediate.

“We said we were already on strike and so if there’s any mediation; it should be done during the strike period and not to give us condition for the mediation to take place.

“It is really surprising that TUC Chairman is making that kind of statement because there was nothing like that.”

ASUU is currently on strike in RSUST in protest of the reappointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae, as the institution’s vicechancellor.

The union claimed that Governor Chibuike Amaechi did not follow due process in reappointing Fakae.

Christian Pilgrimage Fares May Drop - Board Secretary MR. Samuel Egwuda, Executive Secretary, Kogi Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, said fare to Jerusalem may drop this year as Federal Government enters a bilateral air travels pact with Israel.

Egwuda told newsmen in Lokoja at the weekend that President Goodluck Jonathan was in the process of signing the pact with Israeli.

He noted that presently, no Nigerian plane was allowed to fly pilgrims directly to the Holy land and stressed that the pact would reverse the situation.

He said the board had arranged pilgrimage to Israel into three stages per year, adding that Kogi State Board had keyed into the programme.

The phases, according to him, are February-March (Easter Pilgrimage); JulyAugust edition (Family Pilgrimage); and OctoberDecember Christmas slot.

He said that though Kogi did not participate in the Easter edition this year, over 3,000 Nigerian pilgrims performed the religious rite.

Egwuda urged religious bodies and pilgrims to regard

pilgrimage as a personal religious obligation aimed at spiritual rejuvenation and not wholly responsibility of government.

He described government intervention as a social responsibility and called for synergy to make it worthwhile and said that government alone could not sponsor every one to the holy land.

The Executive Secretary said for ease of payment, intending pilgrims could pay the fare in instalments but should only ensure that payments were completed before date of departure to the holy land.

He added that different fares were being charged for Jerusalem; Jerusalem/Italy and Jerusalem/Greece pilgrims.

He said pilgrims for the July 7 to August 31 (Family Pilgrimage) would pay N77O, 147.20 per couple.

He assured that although each pilgrim paid N422, 000 for the last OctoberDecember pilgrimage, the fare would be reduced this year after the bilateral pact with Israel.

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E. A. ADEBOYE On Sunday

Victory Over Storms MEMORISE: Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. – Psalm 34:19 your trouble be joyful READ: Mark 4:35-41;

IN 2 Kings 4:18-26, we read of how a rich benevolent woman, who sowed so much into the life of a man of God, had her barrenness broken,

difference between a Christian and a nonChristian here is that in times of storms, you already have the Prince of Peace with you.

With just a word from

because His victory over the world will secure your victory over that situation. If you look carefully at Isaiah 43:2, you will understand that we

“Some believers think that if you are in God’s will or if you obey God’s instructions – for instance, taking a particular individual as your spouse in marriage, you will never have issues.” and of how that son later died but was raised back to life.

One lesson we learn here is the fact that you have God does not mean that there will be no crisis in your life. Problems are part of life for everyone irrespective of religious beliefs. If anyone tells you that the moment you become a Christian there will be no more problems, the fellow is lying to you. That you were saved means that you have escaped from Satan’s prison. A Nigerian proverb says “It is right for a slave to escape, and also right for the slave owner to pursue his slave”.

The

Him, the storm will cease. Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all”.

Some believers think that if you are in God’s will or if you obey God’s instructions – for instance, taking a particular individual as your spouse in marriage, you will never have issues. This is not true. The truth is: when problems come on account of obeying God, you can confidently return to Him and ask Him to take care of it.

In John 16 16:33, Jesus says in spite of

must go through fire and rivers. If God will use you for His greater purpose and glory, then you must be prepared to go through not only the rivers, but also the fire, and there will be no reason to fear because He will be with you. The fire will not consume you but it will be an instrument of purifying you. Jesus was in the same boat with His disciples and yet the storm arose (Mark 4:34-41). That He is in your boat does not insure you against storms but that your boat will never sink.

The Prince of Peace is with you. Your victory is certain.

KEY POINT Just as problems are bound to come, because you have Jesus, you too are bound to overcome, it’s a balanced equation.

WORLD NEWS Moderate Rohani Looks Set To MODERATE cleric Hassan Win Iran’s Election Rohani soared to a huge lead over conservative rivals in preliminary vote counting on Saturday, suggesting he may be able to pull off a surprise outright victory in Iran’s presidential election.

The outcome is unlikely to radically alter relations between Iran and the world or lead to a shift in the Islamic Republic’s policy on its disputed nuclear program security issues that are decided by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But the president does have an

important voice in decisionmaking in the Shi’ite Muslim country of 75 million and could bring a change from the confrontational style of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.

The big lead achieved by Rohani pointed to a latent but major reservoir of pro-reform sentiment whereby many seized the chance to cut the ruling elite down to size over Iran’s economic woes,

international isolation and crackdowns on personal freedoms despite curbs on candidate choice and campaigning.

If he wins, Rohani, a moderate who is a former chief nuclear negotiator known for his conciliatory approach, has indicated he would promote foreign policy based on “constructive interaction with the world” and enact a “civil rights charter” at home.

A Free Syrian Army fighter launches a homemade rocket (R) towards Nairab military airport, which is controlled by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, June 14, 2013

US Considers No Fly Zone After Syria Crosses Nerve Gas ‘Red Line’ THE United States is considering a no-fly zone in Syria as it weighs options for intervention into the 2-year-old civil war, Western diplomats said on Friday, after the White House said Syria had crossed a “red line” by using nerve gas.

After months of deliberation, President Barack Obama’s administration said on Thursday it would now arm rebels, having obtained proof the Syrian government used chemical weapons against fighters trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.

Two senior Western diplomats said the United States was looking into a limited no-fly zone close to Syria’s southern border with Jordan.

“Washington is considering a no-fly zone to help Assad’s opponents,” one diplomat said.

Imposing a no-fly zone could require the United States to destroy Syria’s sophisticated Russian-built air defenses, thrusting it into the war with the sort of action NATO used to help topple Muammar Gaddafi in Libya two years ago.

Washington says it has not excluded a no fly zone but is also considering other options.

“We have been clear that we are not excluding options but at this stage no decision has been taken,” said Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Obama’s incoming national security adviser.

“A no-fly zone ... would carry with it great and open-ended

costs for the United States and the international community.

It’s far more complex to undertake the type of effort, for instance, in Syria than it was in Libya,” U.S. deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said on Thursday.

Any such move would also come up against a potential veto

from Assad ally Russia in the U.N. Security Council. The Kremlin dismissed U.S. evidence of Assad’s use of nerve gas.

“I will say frankly that what was presented to us by the Americans does not look convincing,” President Vladimir Putin’s senior foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said.

Google Launches InternetBeaming Balloons WRINKLED and skinny at first, the translucent, jellyfish-shaped balloons that Google released this week from a frozen field in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island hardened into shiny pumpkins as they rose into the blue winter skies above Lake Tekapo, passing the first big test of a lofty goal to get the entire planet online.

It was the culmination of 18 months’ work on what Google calls Project Loon, in recognition of how wacky the idea may sound.

Developed in the secretive X lab that came up with a driverless car and web-surfing eyeglasses, the flimsy helium-filled inflatables beam the Internet down to earth as they sail past on the wind.

Still in their experimental stage, the balloons were the first of thousands that Google’s leaders eventually hope to launch 20 kilometers (12 miles) into the stratosphere in order to bridge the gaping digital divide between the world’s 4.8 billion unwired people and their 2.2 billion plugged-in counterparts.

If successful, the technology might allow countries to leapfrog the expense of laying fiber cable,

dramatically increasing Internet usage in places such as Africa and Southeast Asia.

“It’s a huge moonshot. A really big goal to go after,” said project leader Mike Cassidy. “The power of the Internet is probably one of the most transformative technologies of our time.”

The first person to get Google Balloon Internet access this week was Charles Nimmo, a farmer and entrepreneur in the small town of Leeston. He found the experience a little bemusing after he was one of 50 locals who signed up to be a tester for a project that was so secret, no one would explain to them what was happening.

Technicians came to the volunteers’ homes and attached to the outside walls bright red receivers the size of basketballs and resembling giant Google map pins.

Nimmo got the Internet for about 15 minutes before the balloon transmitting it sailed on past. His first stop on the Web was to check out the weather because he wanted to find out if it was an optimal time for “crutching” his sheep, a term he explained to the technicians.

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Town Approves Board Walk ban On Saggy WEARING your pants too expensive. between $25 and $200 for Pants low in one New Jersey shore Wildwood has passed a law violators. resort town is about to get

banning overly saggy pants,

providing for fines of

The law was passed Wednesday. It prohibits pants that droop 3 inches below the waist, exposing skin or underwear.

Mayor Ernest Troiano (troyAHN’-oh) says many longtime visitors to the

Odd News Compiled By LOVETH OKPOKPO popular shore town have complained about having to look at people’s rear ends “hanging out” while walking the boardwalk.

Visitor Frank Krueger says he wants a “family atmosphere” in Wildwood.

His wife, Denise, says saggy pants are “disgusting.”

Civil libertarians say the law is unconstitutional and likely will be overturned if it’s challenged in court.

The ban takes effect July 2 and applies only to the boardwalk.

Animal Clinic Receives 6 Squirrels With Tails Fused Together IT was a strange sight: six otherwise adorable squirrels with their tails fused together. The “squirrel kings” formation, as it’s called, resulted in the rodents connected to each other from behind, unable to escape their bonds and headed for death or dismemberment.

The squirrels were lucky to be discovered by a caring individual who brought them to the Animal Clinic of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, where employees were able to methodically separate the squirrels from each other without permanently damaging them.

“It just doesn’t happen too often,” Dr. Steven Kruzeniski told Metro Canada. “It’s a pretty rare thing to see, but I have seen it happen once before.”

So how exactly did the young squirrels end up physically bound to each other? Kruzeniski said

they were likely all resting near each other in a pine tree when sap dripped onto their tails and fused them together as it hardened and grafted with their fur.

After the squirrels were brought into the clinic, the team of veterinarians sedated them and removed their matted tail fur. During the procedure, the squirrels appeared to rest peacefully, with their mouths hanging open and their forearms curled up. The entire procedure reportedly lasted about 20 minutes.

After the successful

separation, the squirrels were given antibiotics and monitored for a few days. The vets fed and hydrated the animals to make sure they were nursed back to full health and had not suffered any infections as a result of the procedure. Finally, they were all released back into the city’s green space.

“If they get really tangled up, they generally can’t feed as effectively, and their tails can become infected and have to be amputated,” Kruzeniski said. “In this case their tails were a bit raw, but they weren’t too bad and we were able to save all of them.”

Woman Tricks Alleged Sexual Predator With A mother who says she discovered a grown man on him,” she said.

Target Ad sent itInto return, discovered her 11-year-old Facebook trying to befriend Caroline said daughter was receiving inappropriate messages from a 23-year-old man on Facebook used a photo from a Target ad to help nab the alleged predator, reports St. Petersburg, Fla., station WTSP.com.

In an interview with WTSP, the mother said she saw that, against her wishes, her daughter had opened a Facebook account.

“I unlocked her phone, and I

her,” the woman said.

The mother, who identified herself only as Caroline, said she called the alleged predator, Michael Bradley, and told him to stop. But the man continued to send her daughter messages, she told TBO.com.

“Do you know she’s 11 years old?” she asked him, according to TBO. “If you keep calling my daughter, if you keep texting

my daughter, I’m going to call the police and have you arrested.”

Eventually, Bradley asked the girl for a nude photo, Caroline told TBO. That’s when the mother set her trap by pretending to be her daughter.

“I scrolled through the Target paper. I saw a girl in her bra, so I just grabbed my cell phone, took a picture of it and

Bradley sent nude photos to the person he thought was the girl, which was enough evidence for the St. Petersburg Police Department to make an arrest.

WTSP reports that Bradley has been charged with eight counts of “displaying obscene images to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.” He’s currently being held in the county jail.

9-Year-Old Girl Passes Airport Customs With Fake Passport EMILY Harris, 9, and

unicorn passport (Caters)

Emily Harris holding up the fake passport

Breezing

through

airport

security. For some, it’s about as likely as seeing a unicorn.

But for 9-year-old Emily Harris of South Wales, it was her toy passport featuring a photo of a pink stuffed unicorn toy that secured her passage through the security line at Turkey’s Antalya airport.

“We saw the funny side, and laughed at the fact that the officer had even stamped the passport,” Emily’s mom, Nicky, told Caters News Agency. “But at the same time, it’s a worry to any parent, how easy it would be to smuggle a child through customs and into another country.”

Emily’s passport was technically a novelty item included with her stuffed animal, which was purchased at the Bear Factory retailer. The cover of the passport reads, “European Union,

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.” OK, so far, it’s understandable and somewhat official looking. But then, the passport case shows the silhouette of a bear’s head with the words, “Design A Bear” written below in childlike, golden colored scrawl.

The inside of the passport is even less authentic looking.

Where an individual’s personal information and photo would normally be located are instructions for a children’s game using letters of the alphabet to designate places the child has visited. There’s even another “Design A Bear” logo scribbled across the page. The following page includes space for the child to document “travel adventures.”

When Emily passed through

the airport’s customs, she emerged with a stamped set of documents in tow. Only thing is, it was the unicorn’s passport that had been given the official stamp of approval.

“I didn’t realise until I was putting the passports away,” Nicky said. “There was a moment of panic when I thought someone would come chasing after us, but nothing.”

The Bear Factory Company’s website notes the love and care it puts into each stuffed animal.

But how exactly could such an unrealistic looking toy animal pass for a real girl?

“The passport doesn’t even look real? It’s got gold teddy bears on the front and was a completely different size from mine and my husband, Allen’s,” Nicky added.

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7 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

DEUTERONOMY 8:11-18 says “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast

Sunday Sermon With Bishop Clement Ehidiamhen any other place, but immediately God lifted

more loyal to God but many today that were into one

now lukewarm towards walking with and working

last did you include the enhancement of God’s

level? How is your offering like? Does it befit your status. Now God has blessed you, are you a blessing to your church?

Evangelism, pastors, orphans and widows, the less privilege in your church or you are concern about

Beware That Thou Forget Not The Lord (2)

built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day”.

HOW DO PEOPLE FORGET GOD AFTER HE HAD MADE THEM? People forget God in many different ways though some still profess love for God, but their action is far different from what they profess. Every confession without a corresponding action is a delusion.

Explained below are some of the ways that people forget God and if you are guilty in anyway, just turn back to God our father and repent like the prodigal son and our heavenly father is willing to forgive and give you more opportunities.

THEY NO LONGER HAVE TIME FOR GOD: There are many people that are guilty of this, before they got into the level they are now, they used to be very prayerful, dedicated to fellowship with God, they were more in the church than

them, they now give excuses of always being occupied, no time for God again rather they used their leisure time in clubs, fast food joints, recreation centres, association meetings etc. though they profess love for God but their attitude towards God speaks of the opposite.

THEY USE THEIR NEW POSITION AGAINST GOD: Another way people forget God after He had blessed them is their lifestyle. There are people that have become occultic just to retain the position that God has placed them.

Many women that used to be submissive to their husband before their present level now want to be the boss to the husbands because of the little lifting God gave them. Many men were fidel to their wives but immediately God promoted them to a new level; they now wants to sleep with everything called female.

Many people use their new positions to oppose people, defile their conscience.

Their new positions have become an intoxicant to start exhibiting a lifestyle that abuse God’s nature. Though this kind of people may still go to church but their lifestyle speaks against God. NOW TOO BIG TO SERVE IN GOD’S HOUSE: One major reason why God promote his children is to draw them closer to Him. As a child of God, each level that God places you is to further humble you and make you

service group or the other before God elevated them have made them themselves too big to work for God. Though they still attend church services but they are

for God. THEY NO LONGER PROMOTE THE COURSE OF GOD’S KINGDOM: As somebody that God has promoted, when

Kingdom in your budget?

God blessed you to be a blessing; do you still pay your correct tithe? Do you give for kingdom investment commensurate to your new

yourself alone? Remember Deuteronomy 8:18 says “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day”. Are you spending more on circular things neglecting the spiritual?

THEY SCOFF AT THE THINGS OF GOD: There are many people in our society that mock the things of God immediately they are privilege to change levels.

They mock at the messages of the pastor, reject handbills belonging to churches, reject invitations to church programmes, disallow pastors from seeing them, look down on God’s servants, reject correction and instructions, bids for high positions of authority in the church without which they change their place of worship to places where they will be recognized and given a position of honor whether they are fit for the position or not. Galatians 6:7 says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”.

WARNING: You must know that you are who you are by the grace of God. You are not the first to get to that level of life, people have been there and people will still get there after you.

Crowns they say are not forever, it is your positive lifestyle during your reign that counts.

“They now give excuses of always being occupied, no time for God again rather they used their leisure time in clubs, fast food joints, recreation centres, association meetings etc. though they profess love for God but their attitude towards God speaks of the opposite.”

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Passionate Preaching THE greatest calling on any man is the call to preach. It is important that we confront this ministry of preaching from God’s point of view through the Word. because the Lord has First, preaching is a anointed Me, to preach call of God on one’s life. good tidings to the poor, It is a divine He has sent me to heal appointment. John 1:6-8 the broken-hearted, to says, “There came a proclaim liberty to the man, sent from God, captives, and the whose name was John. opening of the prison to He came for a witness, those who are bound, to that he might bear proclaim the acceptable witness of the light, that year of the Lord, and the all might believe day of vengeance of our through him. He was not God, to comfort all who that light, but came that mourn, to console those he might bear witness of who mourn in Zion, to the light.” Notice that he give them beauty for was a man sent from ashes, the oil of joy for God who had a mission. mourning, the garment In Isaiah 61:1-3, there of praise for the spirit of is not only the prophetic heaviness, that they may pronouncement of be called trees of Christ’s ministry, but our righteousness, the own – “The Spirit of the planting of the Lord, that Lord God is upon Me, He may be glorified.”

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unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

“THE Lord said to him “Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings and the children of Israel” Act 9:15.

God does everything in a way that can not be designed by the ordinary man. And at the end, the purpose for which it was made will be evidently manifested to the glory of God. 15:1-3, 19-23.

Saul, now turned Paul For disobedience, he was arrested in the course lost the crown and his of his devilish mission, armour bearer – David, compelled, transformed who also was the youngest and equipped to carry on among the sons of Jesse, the work of the Lord, was chosen and anointed which he perfectly did. 2 in the presence of his Tim. 4:7-8. There are parents and brethren. g r o u n d - s o u n d i n g Samuel 16:10 – 13. testimonies of his exploits Brethren, God’s choice cannot be manipulated by in the ministry.

In the book of 1 Samuel any man, even the anointed 9:2, A man named Saul prophet of God. For was also chosen. “A choice Samuel, Eliab was the best young man, and a goodly, choice. ! Samuel 16: 6.

“He looked on Eliab, and and there was not among said, surely the Lord’s the children of Israel a anointed is before Him.” goodlier person than he”.

He was immediately But, he betrayed the admonished “Look not on confidence reposed in him. his countenance or on the He lost out for height of his stature, disobedience. 1 Samuel because I have refused

The above prophetic word was fulfilled in the life of Jesus in Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus BEGAN TO PREACH AND SAY, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

You will never be the same as the Spirit of God illuminates Mark 3:13 – 14 for you. “And Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve that

they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, verse 15, and to have authority to cast out demons.”

Paul was one called by our Lord, and in Romans 10:12-15 he describes that call and the result. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?”

Do you remember that encounter of Isaiah with Holy God in the Temple

in Isaiah 6? The call is upon those who have seen the Lord (Isaiah 6:1). The call is upon those who have been awed by His Presence (Isaiah 6:3). The call is upon those who have been humbled, broken, and cleansed (Isaiah 6:57). The call is upon those who have heard His voice (Isaiah 6:8). The call is upon those who obey (Isaiah 6:8-11).

To be contd

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?”

He Is A God Of Choice him.”

It is however important to bear in mind that, whoever the Lord chooses, it’s for a purpose to be fulfilled. He or she may fail but there is always a lesson inbuilt in it. One of the lesson is that, the Lord gives everyone the latitude to succeed as clear-cut instructions to follow are spelt out. Whoever decides on his own to disobey this instructions deliberately call for failure and punishment. With Him, you and I can do all things successful without blame.

Phil. 4:13. May God give us the grace and the strength to do all that should be done at the right time.

It is also necessary to point out that He decides to make His choice to showcase His divine power. There were many widows but God chose the window of Zarepheth for a breakthrough of famine that ravaged the land as at that time.

1 Kings 17: 9-15. She did as the man of God directed. “It is recorded that “neither did the cruse of oil fail; according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah”. 1 Kings 17:16. It might interest you to note that everyone is set up for a purpose in life.

There is no person, evil or good living or dead that has/had no purpose for

which he is created. But everyone created by Him is for a good purpose but some chose to disregard their creator for selfish, wicked and foolish act. So, many people found themselves in this act of destruction for lack of knowledge, gross ignorance, greed and pride.

Let no one thinks that whatever position one finds oneself is a permanent one. You can be removed, deposed or crippled out of office if you deliberately work in deviance of divine guidelines.

King Nebuchadnezzar was made a king in Babylon, but for pride, he was made a beast for seven

years Daniel 4:32.

Jonah was chosen to speak the good news of repentance to the people of Nineveh, he resisted but had to be compelled after a painful experience in the belly of a life fish for three days and three nights.

Jonah 1:17.

Judas Iscariot was a chosen disciple of Jesus Christ, for greed, he ended up in suicide.

Beloved, don’t misconstrue God’s choice, it is for a purpose. Not all He chooses end up well but those that hearken diligently would end up gloriously. Remain blessed as you remind yourself of God’s purpose on you.

“Beloved, don’t misconstrue God’s choice, it is for a purpose. Not all He chooses end up well but those that hearken diligently would end up gloriously.”

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Vaginal Spotting And Bleeding HI, it’s been a while During Pregnancy! (I) since I last wrote anything in this column; the reason was beyond my control but by the grace of God, am back with so many health information that will help us.

This week, we are going to begin with the women not because am a woman but because it has become an issue for some women and it is utmost important.

What this writer means is that if you are in the category of women who bleed or spot during pregnancy, please take out time, sit down, relax and read this carefully, you will find some of the information helpful, and if you are not in the aforementioned category, also sit down, relax and get an information, you never can tell who will need it. Just like the popular saying, “information is

power” What are vaginal spotting and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

Vaginal spotting and vaginal bleeding are two different things.

Here’s how to tell them apart: If what you see is bright red, consider it bleeding; if it’s brown or pink, that’s spotting. The amount of blood you see is another red flag: Spotting doesn’t soak a sanitary napkin; bleeding may.

What causes vaginal spotting or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

In the earliest part of pregnancy, light vaginal spotting right around the time you’d expect your period (or a little beforehand) is usually a sign that an embryo has implanted itself into the uterine wall. (That’s good!)

Spotting after

intercourse is often the result of the increased sensitivity of your cervix to any kind of minor bumping or irritation. (Some 20 percent of all pregnant women will have some spotting during their first trimester; after that, spotting is less likely to occur, and even if it does, it’s still not necessarily an ominous sign.) Later in pregnancy, bloodstreaked mucus may indicate the loss of your mucous plug or the beginnings of labor.

Real bleeding, on the other hand, is rarely an entirely benign sign.

Bleeding can accompany any number of pregnancy complications, so pinpointing its cause is something best left to your practitioner. An episode of vaginal bleeding could indicate placenta previa (a condition

that occurs when the placenta covers part of the cervix which your doctor will be able to spot In an ultrasound.

ealth Watch

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With TESSY OTENE (08059016776 SMS only)

In most women, the placenta moves away before birth, but placenta previa can lead to more serious conditions (like vasa pravia, which occurs when the umbilical cord blocks the cervix), so be sure to consult your doctor immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding — especially late in your second trimester or anytime in your third.

What you need to know about vaginal spotting and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

The meaning (and implications) of spotting vary wildly depending on how far along you are.

Bleeding at almost any time in your pregnancy can be a problem, but only your health-care provider will be able to tell you how big (or how little) that problem is, and what the treatment, if any, should be.

What to do about vaginal spotting and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

It’s impossible to give blanket recommendations regarding spotting or bleeding because so many different factors can lead to it. The only truly universal bit of advice is this: If you’re worried, do not hesitate for a second to talk to your practitioner.

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

ENGLISH authorities have defined ‘terror’ to be a feeling of extreme fear that is caused a person, situation or thing (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, sixth edition) fear is that bold coward that takes a seat forcefully in the midst of the high and low. It is slimy and moves on a very unsteady

emotionally driven without reasoning and logic, that will result in catastrophe. Should Christians take law into their hands, how long can they continue. The teachings of Christianity centres on love and not violence and besides, we would not want a Northern Uganda and Sudan

attack and he does so in his opponent’s sleep or relaxed mood. Christians have relaxed so much and have ignored the ‘Issachar life’ the lack of knowledge is quick death and Christians have played with it so much. If only Christians will put division away and unite we

day. Nigerian Christians are searching for a messiah to intercede and communicate these terrors to the appropriate authorities. We look among ourselves and ask who should go? There seems to be none ready to shoulder that responsibility. Moreso, trust is as impossible as

BRIO With Francis Odupute

their fight for many years.

Many Christian towns and

the shadows of my vines. But if I were to ascend some high

Christianity In Terror Times: What Should path — one that has been created by stimulants. As is the nature of humans to dominate, man has posited that fear is a mirage. If indeed a mirage, why do people still live in it? Why does the world experience reactions that could only have been powered by fear?

Christianity in terror times did not begin now. As a matter of fact, Christianity bloomed in terror times. And the person whose name Christianity was coined from lived a life that was threatened by the Jews. Never once did Christ say all things will be free and fair but he assured us victory because he had already overcome the world. If Christ was rejected and threatened by the Jews that alone should instigate our minds that terror was not born today as it concerns Christianity. Christians have had crosses to bear in economy, politics, religion and hierarchy of needs. All of these are stimulants that create a path for fear to gain the grounds. Recently, Nigerian Christians have witnessed violence which has led to blood shed, maim and damaged properties. The Christians live in their own land like immigrants with invalid passports. They toil at day and retire to be vigilantes at night. Are Christians animals, even animals have emotions but unfortunately these individuals are humans.

The question is what should the Nigerian Christian do now?

I took the privilege of sampling opinions of few Christians concerning the Islamic sect — Boko Haram and their violent acts. Their first reactions showed that they have emotions and the feeling to pay an eye for an eye. Some did not mind a fight back, taking laws into their hands. Others resolved to blaming God and another settled for a protest and call on the government. If Christians were given a platform to share their plights, we will have many answers not necessarily solutions. Answer that will be

Nigerian Christians Do Now? two.

Christians should see these recent happenings as a fight and then ask themselves what weapon and strategies they

have. Christians have weapons that can be used but the chief and most reliable of them is prayer. The prayer weapon has not been rightly and consistently used.

Tongues should loosen up, knees should be on the ground and hearts should cry out in warfare. A prayerless Christian is powerless and that is not what these terror times require. There should be no room for laxity. The Esther syndrome has perished (Esther 4-9). Esther did something radical when the Jews were massacred, she armoured herself with prayer and fasting with the rest of the Jews. Thereafter, she went before the king to make her request and the rest was history. We are not seeing persons who are ready to perish to save a people, such persons are either few or have gone extinct.

The enemy has a set time to

By EGWIM JENNIFER OGECHI can achieve a lot with oneness. Quit sleeping, more

apples on pear trees among Christians. It is time we began

of vigilance is what Christians should do now.

How many Christian leaders do we have today? How many are senators and ministers?

How many have seats in the House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly? It is ridiculous to have Christian leaders who do not seek the interest of their brothers but that of their stomachs. If we have ideal Christians in the government, certain occurrences will not see the

to think, plan, strategise and act in wisdom.

Permit me to fit the story of the ruthless judge and the poor wisdom (Luke 18:1-9) into Nigeria’s present religious crisis. Nigerian Christians must become like this poor widow having persistency next to their skins until their cause is pleaded.

There should be no chances of relaxing on issues that threaten lives. The Northern Uganda and Sudan continued

villages were burnt in Sudan by the Northern Ugandans.

Millions of Christians became martyrs because the Sudanese government

cradled babies instead of fighting for peace. If the Nigerian government continues to show a lackadaisical attitude to life threatening issues and violence then blood will not cease to spill. Nigerian Christians must continue to persist until something is done; until they are heard.

Never rest until good is better and better best.

“This is a cheerful world as I see it from my garden under

mountains and look out over the wide lands, you know very well what I will see brigands on the highways, pirates on the sea, armies fighting, cities burning, in the amphi theatres men murdered to please applauding crowd, bad world, donates an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned on a great secret. They are despised and persecuted but they care not.

They are master of their souls.

They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus are the Christians and I am one of them”.

I could liken the sweet pain of Cyprian to the present Christian. In the so much violence that they see and painfully watch loved ones become victims, they know this they are not miserable people because they have a hope that is beyond the violence of this world.

Conclusively, though we have a high calling we must not neglect the struggle to survive. Put on the armour of warfare, desist from self and cowardice and take radical steps with effective trust in God. Understand the times and choose not ignorance.

Never forget that the persistent will have their cases judged in their favour.

There is no substitute to hardwork, Christians must work out their salvation diligently. I sincerely pray that the above steps will yield positive change and cushion the pain that is already in existence.

“Christianity in terror times did not begin now.

As a matter of fact, Christianity bloomed in terror times. And the person whose name Christianity was coined from lived a life that was threatened by the Jews.”

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Naked Truth

Would You Marry A Younger Man? Marriage is a union between adult male and female and those engaged in it are expected to love each other and be mutually responsible for each other’s needs both psychologically and materially. But there tend to be an unwritten rule that the man being the head of the union should naturally be the older in age. This is the focus of this piece as it sought the views of respondents on the subject title. Their views are as divergent as their different personalities.

Excerpts:-

- Osariemen Osemwegie Yes, when it comes to the issue of marriage one has to be very careful on how to make decisions, because this is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. Your personal decision matter a lot in such situation you must have the idea of the right man, be honest with yourself on how you want your future to look like. So therefore age does not really matter in issues like this, the most important issue is love, peace, and understanding. I know some people will say no to this because they fear they can’t respect the man and they will see it as getting married to their younger brother. I believe such people are ignorant of their decisions and they are un-civilized.

- Bernadette Idalu Age is nothing but a number, especially if the guy is nice, respectful and cool. Society does not frown when an old man marries a young girl, it should tolerate same when things go the other way round.

- Patience Okonkowo Yes, because age does not really tell in marriage it all depends on one’s level of understanding when it comes to issue of marriage.

And also if you can cope with such person I see no reason why I cannot marry such person. And also if I truly love the man and he

if we both love and understand ourselves. I know people will say because it is me not just because it is me, but I will and also encourage it even among my sibling who wishes to marry a woman that is senior to them.

- Magdalene Nayaba No, Although, I do not frown at others doing it, however, for me marrying and living with such a man will constantly stir a consciousness of the age disparity between us and may lead to disrespect,

In all, love and understanding supercedes all things in marriage including age.

insubordination, bitterness and possibly division.

With CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU am older than, because age is a number. All I am after is someone that is matured in attitude and that loves me. Another important factor is respect If I respect the guy) I can settle down with him. Himself should respect me. We should both put our ages asides and work as a team to bring out the best in the relationship.

how he will take it. The first reason for marriage is companionship. There must be love between both parties, love is what matters, not age. Age is a number and not a criteria for marriage. The bible say the wife must submit to her husband because he is your head, no matter the age. If

also does, I will because I will not marry a man I don’t love. There is a proverbs that says love is ageless.

Secondly, age is not part of the doctrine in the institution of marriage, look around you, ask yourself a question WHAT IS LOVE? When you love you are bound not to think about the physical things, like appearance, age and lots. Have in mind that you marrying him/ her not because of the pleasure but bearing in mind the deep love, the unconditional love you have for him/her.

Please note that sex does not mean you love him/ her but your feelings matter a lot.

- Anugor Blessing Ifeoma Marriage is said to be an institution which is built on love and understanding and for these reasons, age should and cannot be a hindrance. Age is said to be a number by many people in our society today, so when it comes to issues of the heart and marriage I can marry a younger man

- Praise Yes, I can marry a man I

- Isah Stella Yes, why not, I don’t see any thing wrong with it at all I can marry a man am older than but it depends on

the man accept me after he discovers my age I will even love him more and respect him for his decision.

“Marriage is said to be an institution which is built on love and understanding and for these reasons, age should and cannot be a hindrance. Age is said to be a number by many people in our society today, so when it comes to issues of the heart and marriage I can marry a man I senior if we both love and understand ourselves.”

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VOX POP

Govt’s Planned Demolition Of Houses Used By Kidnappers RECENTLY, Edo State Government resolved that henceforth houses used by kidnappers to perpetuate their evil acts in the state would be demolished.

It is against this background that the SUNDAY OBSERVER interns: BLESSING SALAMI, UKIRI CLEMENTINA, BINITIE ROSELINE and OKOMAYI PAUL went out to conduct a general opinion poll Excerpts:The government is trying to reduce crime - Matthew Eze. I think the government is trying to reduce crime in the state by doing this, but they should also make sure that, they don’t demolish the houses of innocent citizens.

Landlords now use this means for money making - God’s power It is a great idea by the government because some

landlords have been using this means for money making, they make sure they collect enough money from them because they know what the kidnappers are doing for a living.

I don’t think it is right - Courage Ige I don’t think it’s right for the government to do this, what the government should do is that kidnappers should be arrested and prosecuted

instead of demolishing houses that do not belong to them.

The decision is a good one - Mrs. Bose The decision by the government is a good one as long as it ensures the safety of the citizens and the state in general in order not to render innocent citizens in the state homeless.

Landlords Are Expected To Know Those In Their Houses - Barr Akhale J.E My view on this matter is that the Government is in order, in view of the fact that if you are a landlord, you are expected to know those who are around you, if you have tenants, you are expected to know those tenants, you must know their sources of livelihood. So any landlord

who deliberately habours criminals is not fit to be.

That is why the full wrath of the law should be on his property. We now ask where does this Law rest, but looking at it, there is no way landlords can claim not to know those using their properties.

Although, sometimes landlords have nothing to do with their tenants, and that is where the problem lies. But if this Law is to take effect, before any landlord takes tenants in, he must be sure that they are responsible for their actions.

They should write agreements with tenants that if anything happens by habouring criminals, the government will decend on them, as they will take responsibility for their actions.

I am very much in support of the move

• Governor Adams Oshiomhole

- Mr. Dogo The rate of evil crimes in our society is on the high side, I am very much in support of the move by the government to demolish any house found to be used in doing any act of kidnapping.

If anyone in the society is jobless, that is not an excuse for getting involved in criminal activities, the person should look for something to do.

Government should go ahead with the plan - Musa.

The rate of lawlessness in Edo State is too much.

Edo people are too lawless, I want the government to go ahead with the plan to demolish any house found to be used by kidnappers.

Kidnappers

Introduce palliatives - Silas Joseph, student Kidnapping is not good, but what I know is responsible for such act is that most of them are jobless. The government should lay down palliative measures before carrying out its plan and I am still in

support that the government can go ahead to demolish any house that is found to be used for kidnapping.

I am not against Govt stand - Eze Obina Samuel, student I am not against the government stand of demolishing any house found to be used for kidnapping, because there will be no place of hide out for these evil perpetrators.

What I want the government to do before executing the plan is that alternative measures should be put in place for these people to help reduce the rate of kidnapping in our society.

The resolve by the Edo State executive council is a good one - Martins Ndukwe.

I think the resolve by the Edo State executive council is a good one, as it would not only be a deterrent to kidnappers, but also ensures that the kidnappers have no hiding place to perpetuate their crimes.

Sometimes landlords have nothing to do with their tenants, and that is where the problem lies. But if this Law is to take effect, before any landlord takes tenants in, he must be sure that they are responsible for their actions.

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13 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

NEWS EXTRA Oroh Advises PROs To Live Up To Expectation

By DOROTHY EGBOBAMWONYI

Journalists and other people from Adamawa State sending their reports and making phone calls at Adamawa-Taraba border in Zing LGA of Taraba State, following the declaration of state of emergency and shutdown of communications facilities in Adamawa State weekend.

Experts React To Moves By CBN To Licence More Banks

ONE of the major developments in the money market earlier last week was the announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that it would license more banks.

Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, the Head of Corporate Communications of CBN, disclosed that more banks would be licensed provided they met the requirements.

He said that two banks, Rand Merchant Bank and First Security Discount House Ltd., had just been licensed with a capital base of N15 billion each.

Also during the week, the CBN said it had embarked on fresh public sensitisation to aid the cashless policy expected to commence in Abuja and five other states in July.

The five states are Ogun, Anambra, Abia, Kano and Rivers.

Okoroafor told newsmen that

it was part of the apex bank’s commitment to ensure that the cashless policy achieved its purpose.

He said that the CBN had started direct stakeholders’ engagement to enhance public awareness about the cashless policy.

But Mr Wole Olowu, General Manager, True Bond Micro Finance Bank Ltd., has a different view as he advised that the CBN should concentrate more on supervision of existing banks than granting licence to new ones.

Olowu said that it was lack of effective supervision that led to the collapse of the banking sector in 2008.

He described steps being taken by the CBN to organise public awareness campaigns on the cashless policy as a welcome development.

“Most people, especially the trader, do not understand and know how to operate the Point of Sale Machines (PoS),’’ he said.

According to Olowu, this is having an adverse effect on the cashless policy.

Mr Ayodeji Fagbenle, General Manager, Cash Craft Assets Management Ltd., said that there was nothing wrong in granting license to more banks.

Fagbenle said that licensing more banks would create healthy competition in the financial

sector.

He advised the apex bank to improve on monitoring and supervising the banks through capacity building of their workers.

Fagbenle suggested that the CBN should also work on challenges of inter-connectivity among the banks.

“If the network problem is not improved, automatically the cashless policy would not achieve a meaningful result in the other five states and Abuja, “ he said.

Dandruff Not Caused By Poor Hygiene THE belief that dandruff is caused by poor hygiene is erroneous, a dermatologist, Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe said.

Akinkugbe, a Consultant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, made the clarification

in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Akinkugbe said: “Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flakes of skin to appear. “ It is a common condition that

Environmentalist Advocates Proper Waste the people where they could MR Azeez Sanni, an Management dump their waste.

Environmental Health Officer with Satellite Town Development Agency, has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure proper management of their waste.

Sanni told newsmen in Abuja that waste should be packaged properly and drop at designated centres for collection.

“The agency, in some areas, advised residents to package their waste in a polythene bag and drop same by the road side so that the agency can pick it up. “ This is what we have been doing and communities are complying and this has greatly improved the standard of sanitation in the area councils. “ For drainage control and

desiccation since the rain has started, our agency has commenced the issue of sensitisation, sanitation and drainage desiccation. “ We are removing the debris in receded drainage to be able to pave way for erosion and water flow in our drainage system. “ All these drainage have been filled up and we have been doing that.

“This cut across all the six area councils (Gwagwalada,Bwari, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali and Abuja Municipal Area council) the exercise is on going.’’

He said that the agency had been trying to cope with the

THE role of the Public Relations Officer has been described as a critical one that requires a lot of hardwork in projecting the government objectively for the public to be abreast with its activities in order to promote good governance.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh stated this while receiving the chairman and executive members of the NUJ, Information chapter who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Enjoining the Public Relations Officers to live up to the expectation of their duties, Hon. Oroh who reiterated the need for them to ensure adequate reportage of all the numerous on-going projects embarked upon by the state government and many other activities, these he said necessitated the introduction of the Edo light magazine and the resuscitation of the bulletin while he piloted the affairs of the ministry to project the activities of the government which he felt was underreported.

Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Information Chapel, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe while intimating the commissioner the roles of the Public Relations Officer serving in the Ministries, local government and the domiciled in the Ministry of Information, she said they serve as link between the government and the ministry.

Imonikhe stressed the need for PRO’s in the state to be equipped with the necessary tools for adequate reportage, solicited for the provision of the necessary paraphernalia of office to enable them carry out their duties adequately.

Stressing the vibrancy of the chapel so far, she informed him of the numerous programmes embarked upon by the chapel which include free eye screening and seminar in the care of eyes, adding that eyes were very important in the discharge of their duties properly.

Imonikhe said the visit was one of the activities lined up for the quarter of the year to crave for better working condition for their members and emphasised that other commissioners, chairmen of local government areas to whom PROs are attached shall be visited to solicit their support and cooperation in the aforementioned regard.

While commending him for his forthrightness and sense of duty which she said contributed his appointment of the executive council, she said the interest they had in them stem the fact that he is a senior colleague, a seasoned journalist, an activist, a politician and a renowned farmer.

Imonikhe therefore requested for his presence in their forthcoming chapel press week and promised to furnish him with the details later.

The chairman was accompanied by the secretary, Mr. Kenneth Iguisi, Vice Chairman, Mr. Jimoh, Miss Elizabeth Kadiri and the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Cletus Oboh.

challenges of sensitising the people to the need to take care of the environment. “ When we came on board, we have the challenges of sanitation; drainage and waste management; lack of awareness on the part of the community and on the part of the public concerning the environment. “ We started by sensitisation; talking to the people about the environment; how they should manage their waste; where they should place their waste. “ We started the issue of waste evacuation in all the area councils; the entire satellite towns in collaboration with the area councils whereby we guide

“ Actually, all those areas we were able to identify them and we were able to start waste evacuation, which has not been happening before. “ Even where it has been happening before, it is not as effective compared to what is on ground now. “ People are now buying the attitude of how to manage their waste, repackage their waste to designed collection points. “ Don’t dump waste indiscriminately, and people are buying that idea. “ As soon as we discovered that the waste is being accumulated in those collection points, we frequently go there with our resources to

is not easy to treat; it causes itching and can be embarrassing.

“Anybody can have dandruff; even babies do have dandruff, at times.

“Most often, dandruff begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age; it can be a lifelong condition for some people.’’

She explained that dandruff was not infectious and also not a sign of poor hygiene or unkempt hair.

“It is more of a cosmetic problem than a medical problem,” Akinkugbe said.

According to her, dandruff can be caused by different things.

“It may be caused by the presence of yeast in the scalp, sensitivity to hair care products or certain ingredients in hair care products or hair dyes.

“Stress and negative emotions have been known to also play a significant part in skin conditions such as dandruff,” she said.

The doctor said that dry skin, oily hair and scalp, poor diet,

eczema and other skin disorders might predispose some people to having dandruff.

“Also, patients recovering from heart attack and stroke, and some people with weak immune system may have dandruff more often than other people,’’ she said.

Akinkugbe added that people suffering from Parkinson’s disease were likely to have dandruff.

She advised people with dandruff to control it by using medicated shampoo.

“People with dandruff are usually advised to wash their hair with medicated shampoo daily; after some time, they can reduce it to once or twice a week.

“Sometimes, changing from one shampoo to another can help if you find out that a particular shampoo is becoming less effective.

“It is important to use a product that suits you best and avoid excessive use of hair products like dyes, ‘’ she urged.

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The Purpose For Children

“CHILDREN are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.

They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

The gate is a place of authority and decision making. God wants us to teach our children all that he has taught us. We should not assume that because we are doing well, they will do well. Take the case of Eli in the Bible, he was a successful priest, he mentored other people, especially Samuel but failed to mentor his children or caution them against their actions, they were wayward, a disgrace to Israel and they grieved the Holy Spirit, which led to their death and downfall of Eli. How can you model other people and fail in your own children’s life? If you can invest in yourself, go for training, business seminar and all that, just to improve yourself and be better, do well in your career, climb the cooperate ladder and become a role model, do likewise in your children, for it is what we invest in our children that will come out in future.

As parents, use every opportunity to teach your children, impart their lives and make a change in them, whether you are taking them to school, market, church, outing and at home, there should not be a scheduled timing, though there are things that need regimented time, but in teaching or imparting, this takes all time, when waking up, talking and even when they are not around, through prayers.

They need to be supported in whatever they are doing or what to become.

Remember that they are from God, and He gave them dreams, visions, and ideas of what He wants

them to become in life.

As a parent, you have to be willing to know what God has in store for your child, individually. So, if you are truly willing, God will reveal to you what your child will become in future, his purpose on earth, even if you don’t know the whole picture but when you understand the purpose, you act differently towards that child, not using your own wisdom this time but applying God’s wisdom. It is not that you should pamper the child now that you know his destiny, not

extreme, treating them from anger. Understand that these children are not just God’s heritage but our future, that is why, we need to handle them with understanding.

The same time, don’t forget that the devil has his agenda of trying to trap our children’s destinies but we are the spiritual Israelites, the people of God, that is why as parents, we have to cooperate with God, know His purpose for our children and seek His wisdom in brining them in line with God divine purpose for their lives.

discipline or give a few strokes of the cane when needed, remember, the cane helps to drive away foolishness from a child.

Do not be afraid that the child will not appreciate you if you discipline him especially if you do it in love. At the end of the day, the child will understand that it is for his good.

Though, some parents are too strict, some to the

Let’s see a parent in the Bible who saw the purpose of her son and aligned herself to God’s purpose for her son, Moses’ mother. She sensed that God would use Moses in future and she was determined to make it come to pass. Despite the fact that she knew, her son will be taken care of by other people, she realised that the main responsibility rest on

her. We have to be careful about the kind of people that take care of our children.

The responsibility rest on parents to fulfill His purpose, though there are

Motherhood With Chelson SMS 08023457637 solve. Pray for your children’s future and pray them into what God wants them to be, for God is raising deliverers in our children. You need to have

good or behaved very well. But strengthen them for the future, that when they look back in time, they will know, realise, all your action, teaching was

“How can you model other people and fail in your own children’s life? If you can invest in yourself, go for training, business seminar and all that, just to improve yourself and be better, do well in your career, climb the cooperate ladder and become a role model, do likewise in your children, for it is what we invest in our children that will come out in future.” other people God has placed on our paths and

the kingdom perspective and see your children

based on unconditional love.

given the responsibility also, like the teachers, grandparents, aunties, uncles, pastors.

As parents, you have to preserve, nurture what God has shown you concerning your child and let it come to pass at the appointed time. Always remember that when God is revealing to you, it is about the problem the child will

through it, telling them the future is bright but they have to walk, and work toward it by assisting and encouraging them.

In this present age, our children are under a lot of pressure from school, peer pressure, society and home, that is why, we should be there for them, show them love not only when their report card is

Parents’ altitude should be, “This is my child, the person, God has assigned me to, whichever way it turns out, am there for this child, Lord, I will serve you through these children that you brought my way.”

Even if you don’t have children yet, open your eyes to see into the future and also the children around you now.

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ON Tuesday May 14, 2013, President Jonathan read the riot act when he declared emergency rule in the northern eastern states of Bornu, Yobe and Adamawa. Before the declaration of state of emergency in the troubled states, the Federal Government had employed some measures including the deployment of troops to the affected areas to keep the peace and at some

increased insecurity of lives and property of Nigerians.

By this the President has demonstrated his true strength of character in the application of the two

being challenged by the militia groups who acquire lethal weapons to prosecute their senseless war against the state, which makes the state look weak and unable to defend itself from attacks

POLITICS

By HAM

Emergency Rule: Trac

pronged approach of dialogue and forceful dislodgement of the insurgents from their strongholds in the

President Jonathan

points declared emergencies in some Local Government Areas of the crises zone since the eruption of acts of terrorism and insurgency some few years ago. All these did not yield the expected result as the state of violence increased in tempo and scope.

The most recent was the constitution of the Amnesty Committee headed by Dr. Taminu Turaki, Minister of Special Duties with a mandate to bring the leaders of the Boko Haram whose activities have led to the death of thousand and encouraged many forms of rebellion against the Nigerian state.

One can not but commend the President for his show of courage and determination to end the orgy of violence which has crept into our social system with the

country’s border posts with neighbouring Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon to prevent and short circuit the insurgents’ sources of arms, ammunitions and

affected states.

The President more than anything else has shut the mouths of critics who perceived him as weak and incapable of dealing with the criminals owing to the increasing spate of violence perpetrated by the group, the recent attack of Baga and Bama towns in northern Bornu State where the insurgents have their strongholds. It is heart warming to learn that the Defence Headquarters has already commenced full deployment of troops and equipments such as Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) including those for reconnaissance, interjection, long range assault as well as military vehicles for desert operations, signal and quick intervention.

The troops have already launched their campaigns in the

possible mercenaries from outside the country.

In addition to the equipment already deployed, airforce helicopters, gunships, and fighter jets have been put on standby for air bombardment of mountains and hill tops that adorn the three states where the emergency rule reigns.

This is highly a strategic move to prove to the insurgents that no part of Nigeria would be ceded to them to practice their devilish and contrived philosophy of perceiving Western education as sinful, as well as their misguided notion of a possible ‘Islamic’ state within the Nigerian sovereignty.

It is now certain that the government has tolerated the insurgents and terrorists enough and has come all out to deal decisively with their cruelty and man’s inhumanity to man under the guise of phony grievances.

This is where every Nigerian should support the president’s current initiative to find a lasting end to the insurgency.

Many have argued that the insurgents who do not have any clear cut cause of action were over tolerated by the authority hence the reign of impunity by armed groups in the country who have at some point in time made mice meats of security operatives deployed to check their nefarious activities. They assert that state’s monopoly of instrument of violence was daily

Intractabl

let alone protect its citizens who look up to it for protection. Many reasons have been adduced to the citizens seeming loss of faith in the state’s justice and equity system. The quick resort to self help by Nigerians at the slightest provocation seems to support this position as those who committed heinous crimes in the past got slaps on their wrists while others were rewarded with juicy contracts and positions in and out of government.

The criminal justice system operational in Nigeria where the rich get

bailed and the poor jailed for similar offences have also been said to be at the root of the reign of impunity in the resort to violence.

It has also be blamed on a number of other factors ranging from failure of the political leadership to effectively stir the ship of the Nigerian state to the

desired destination, youth unemploym which has generate greatest heat on nation’s social fabrics more Nigerians li from hand to mouth i face of Morbid corru and stealing among elites.

Also worrisome i growing strife am

“This is most unfortun destined to be great ha chance of achieving grea of priorities and alien governance.”

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S & ISSUES

MEED BRAIMAH

country destined to be great has continuously missed the chance of achieving greatness owing to misplacement of priorities and alienation of the people

poverty, diseases and the attendant frustration and aggression.

The committee captured the true causes of the despicable and desperate security

after government had set up committee upon committees to explore ways of strengthening the Nigeria Police with no serious efforts on the side of the government to

cking The Seeming le Violence

mass ent d the the with ving n the ption the s the ong

communities in struggle for little available crumps from the masters’ table.

These shrinking opportunities have generated tensions in the land with hitherto friendly communities and neighbours turning against themselves.

Frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in

the Middle Belt states of Benue, Nasarawa etc are a sad reminder of how vulnerable the average Nigerian citizen has become with his life almost becoming of no value except making up the number of casualties in the now frequent fatal attacks. This is most unfortunate as Nigeria, a

ate as Nigeria, a country s continuously missed the tness owing to misplacement ation of the people from

from governance.

The fact of this position can best be appreciated from the findings of the northern Governors’ Forum Constituted Committee on the causes of insecurity and poverty in the northern region which cited the exclusion of the mass of the people from governance, little or no economic opportunities due to the land ownership structure and above all the mass illiteracy which constantly make them vulnerable to political manipulation, economic exploitation with the resultant consequence of

situation the country has found itself in that its findings were thorough and down to earth as these problems as identified cut across the entire length and breath of the country but more pronounced in the modern day northern Nigeria.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the president has started to solve the Nation’s problems by taking steps to stem the violent killings in the land.

On May 7, 2013 over 50 policemen and those of the Department of State Security (DSS) were massacred by the Ombatse Cult Group in Nasarawa State. This has opened another can of worms as to the combat readiness of the Nigeria Police who everybody has agreed are poorly funded, poorly trained and above all, suffering under the burden of self inflicted problem of corruption. Government

implement the recommendations. The troops deployed to the troubled area will no doubt bring the insurgent to their kneels as they cannot withstand the fire power of the Nigerian Armed Forces. But the president haven taken this step must find a way to create a think tank of egg heads who must come up with ideas of how to make governance in Nigeria people centred.

The President must also of necessity explore greater ways to restore the faith of every Nigerian in the nation state. This he must do by creating more opportunities for the economic engagement of the mass of Nigerian youths most of whom these days exert their God given energies in acts of criminalities partly due to the near absence of legitimate opportunities in the land. The resort to kidnapping for ransom,

crude oil theft and illegal refining of crude has further exerted the capability of the security operatives to confront more serious problems of insurgency and threat to the corporate existence of the nation. Nigeria is today a nation fighting many battles at all fronts and for it to win in them all, it must adopt a quick fix approach to solving its economic problems because as the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If not, how else can one explain the resort by Nigerians to acts of committing suicide like people with nothing to live and hope for. Even as it has been said by many commentators that the culture of suicide bombing is alien to Nigeria and Nigerians, we must not lose sight of the fact that people respond to the kind of stimuli they get.

It is my sincere hope and belief that the declaration of emergency in the core domains of the insurgents will stave off the needless deaths and destructions in the land.

It is expected that this move to flush out the terrorist would be carried out by the troops in compliance with the rule of engagement in order to minimise fatalities of non combatant civil populace.

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Passionate Preaching THE greatest calling on any man is the call to preach. It is important that we confront this ministry of preaching from God’s point of view through the Word. because the Lord has First, preaching is a anointed Me, to preach call of God on one’s life. good tidings to the poor, It is a divine He has sent me to heal appointment. John 1:6-8 the broken-hearted, to says, “There came a proclaim liberty to the man, sent from God, captives, and the whose name was John. opening of the prison to He came for a witness, those who are bound, to that he might bear proclaim the acceptable witness of the light, that year of the Lord, and the all might believe day of vengeance of our through him. He was not God, to comfort all who that light, but came that mourn, to console those he might bear witness of who mourn in Zion, to the light.” Notice that he give them beauty for was a man sent from ashes, the oil of joy for God who had a mission. mourning, the garment In Isaiah 61:1-3, there of praise for the spirit of is not only the prophetic heaviness, that they may pronouncement of be called trees of Christ’s ministry, but our righteousness, the own – “The Spirit of the planting of the Lord, that Lord God is upon Me, He may be glorified.”

S

unday Diet

With ERNEST IKHUREIGBE

“THE Lord said to him “Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings and the children of Israel” Act 9:15.

God does everything in a way that can not be designed by the ordinary man. And at the end, the purpose for which it was made will be evidently manifested to the glory of God. 15:1-3, 19-23.

Saul, now turned Paul For disobedience, he was arrested in the course lost the crown and his of his devilish mission, armour bearer – David, compelled, transformed who also was the youngest and equipped to carry on among the sons of Jesse, the work of the Lord, was chosen and anointed which he perfectly did. 2 in the presence of his Tim. 4:7-8. There are parents and brethren. g r o u n d - s o u n d i n g Samuel 16:10 – 13. testimonies of his exploits Brethren, God’s choice cannot be manipulated by in the ministry.

In the book of 1 Samuel any man, even the anointed 9:2, A man named Saul prophet of God. For was also chosen. “A choice Samuel, Eliab was the best young man, and a goodly, choice. ! Samuel 16: 6.

“He looked on Eliab, and and there was not among said, surely the Lord’s the children of Israel a anointed is before Him.” goodlier person than he”.

He was immediately But, he betrayed the admonished “Look not on confidence reposed in him. his countenance or on the He lost out for height of his stature, disobedience. 1 Samuel because I have refused

The above prophetic word was fulfilled in the life of Jesus in Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus BEGAN TO PREACH AND SAY, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

You will never be the same as the Spirit of God illuminates Mark 3:13 – 14 for you. “And Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve that

they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, verse 15, and to have authority to cast out demons.”

Paul was one called by our Lord, and in Romans 10:12-15 he describes that call and the result. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then

R

eflections

With MOSES EVBUOMWAN

shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?”

Do you remember that encounter of Isaiah with Holy God in the Temple

in Isaiah 6? The call is upon those who have seen the Lord (Isaiah 6:1). The call is upon those who have been awed by His Presence (Isaiah 6:3). The call is upon those who have been humbled, broken, and cleansed (Isaiah 6:57). The call is upon those who have heard His voice (Isaiah 6:8). The call is upon those who obey (Isaiah 6:8-11).

To be contd

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?”

He Is A God Of Choice him.”

It is however important to bear in mind that, whoever the Lord chooses, it’s for a purpose to be fulfilled. He or she may fail but there is always a lesson inbuilt in it. One of the lesson is that, the Lord gives everyone the latitude to succeed as clear-cut instructions to follow are spelt out. Whoever decides on his own to disobey this instructions deliberately call for failure and punishment. With Him, you and I can do all things successful without blame.

Phil. 4:13. May God give us the grace and the strength to do all that should be done at the right time.

It is also necessary to point out that He decides to make His choice to showcase His divine power. There were many widows but God chose the window of Zarepheth for a breakthrough of famine that ravaged the land as at that time.

1 Kings 17: 9-15. She did as the man of God directed. “It is recorded that “neither did the cruse of oil fail; according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah”. 1 Kings 17:16. It might interest you to note that everyone is set up for a purpose in life.

There is no person, evil or good living or dead that has/had no purpose for

which he is created. But everyone created by Him is for a good purpose but some chose to disregard their creator for selfish, wicked and foolish act. So, many people found themselves in this act of destruction for lack of knowledge, gross ignorance, greed and pride.

Let no one thinks that whatever position one finds oneself is a permanent one. You can be removed, deposed or crippled out of office if you deliberately work in deviance of divine guidelines.

King Nebuchadnezzar was made a king in Babylon, but for pride, he was made a beast for seven

years Daniel 4:32.

Jonah was chosen to speak the good news of repentance to the people of Nineveh, he resisted but had to be compelled after a painful experience in the belly of a life fish for three days and three nights.

Jonah 1:17.

Judas Iscariot was a chosen disciple of Jesus Christ, for greed, he ended up in suicide.

Beloved, don’t misconstrue God’s choice, it is for a purpose. Not all He chooses end up well but those that hearken diligently would end up gloriously. Remain blessed as you remind yourself of God’s purpose on you.

“Beloved, don’t misconstrue God’s choice, it is for a purpose. Not all He chooses end up well but those that hearken diligently would end up gloriously.”

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19 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Tips And Tricks For Your Skin And Hair

“WONDERING what makes some persons exceptionally charming and beautiful with flawless elegant skin as well as a healthy looking hair? It is secret upon secrets!”

Some will wonder about the saying “looking good is good business.” And the Christian Bible complimentarily stated, “The hair is the pride of a woman.” Far from searching why the Christian Bible gave account of God’s love for beauty, that he made Lucifer the devil the fairest of all angels. And as it were, even the devil loves to be appreciated. But not to worry, some of these beauty secrets which are but simple tips will be unraveled shortly.

Talking about beauty, the first three things that come to mind are; a good physique, a glowing skin and a face built. But unfortunately, little is known about natural ways of improving the first and last body features mentioned above, save artificial means which most times have with negative after effects. But for the skin and hair, there are a thousand and one ways to improve them without side effects.

There are so many reasons why you should pay attention to your skin and hair as an individual, especially the female folks. You take care of your skin to prevent various skin problems like wrinkles, ageing, to protect the skin from harmful sun rays, age spots as well as skin cancer.

Another reason is the fact that, the society presume

your worth on the way you look. A good skin confers a status of importance and well being on a person. “fashion”, is all

have flooded the market.

Cosmetical products with chemical based ingredients and some from natural sources, some with

some amazing providence of nature to enhance one’s beauty, without going through artificial processes, like surgery and the use of chemical based products to look your best, as nature pays better!

Here, are some tricks and tips of nature to explore.

encompassing in the world of beauty, so keeping your skin glowing and your hair lovely should be a routine.

A lot of beauty products

huge cost of purchase, along side numerous side effects due to harmful chemicals. So, this piece is to create an awareness on

The first providence of nature is ‘honey.’ It is surely a fantastic moisturizer with antibacterial properties.

By UKIRI CLEMENTINA EGWOLOMENA

Fashion & Style Rather than drying your skin out to get rid of bacteria, honey will moisturise your skin.

While doing same to get this done, mix honey with granulated sugar, then exfoliate and scrub your skin with it, and there you have it.

The second gift of nature that you shouldn’t ignore is ‘lemon juice.” Lemon juice is known for its bleaching properties.

When applied on your skin before sitting out in the sunshine, it will give you a natural bleach highlights that every woman craves.

Similarly, if you apply it regularly to dark spots of your body, it sure will lighten the patches on your skin. When mixed with aloe gel; it can get rid of greasy pigments and dandruff on your hair. You can mix with ‘shampoo and rinse your hair normally, and watch the greasiness magically disappear.

Vinegar also works wonders on skin and hair.

Wiping your skin with it can leave your body glowing and using it as conditioner for your hair can leave it shiny and healthy.

Olive oil and shear butter are excellent miracle products for your skin and hair. Use both or any of these oily substances with warm water to steam your hair and body. This will open up your skin pores, as you rub your face with a clean pad or face towel.

Doing this, all traces of make up left over would

With ROSE ORHIBHABOR

be removed. Wash your face and body with soap and water after his session.

Doing same for your hair can revitalise, moisturise and free your hair of breakage.

In addition, exercises, drinking plenty of water, taking fruits and vegetables are part of the requirements for a healthy skin. Exercises keeps the body fit as well as removes toxins from the body through sweat. The intake of water fruits and vegetables does not only supply the skin and hair nutrients, but are good hydrant agent. Do all of that with the help of good moisturising lotions and sun screen agents, because that is what you need for keeping a healthy and natural good looking skin.

These tips are generally suitable for all skin types.

The bottom line is, you might spend a lot of money on clothes, accessories and make up kits, but all these look good only when you have a fit toned body, beautiful and healthy skin make up look great only when you have a smooth blemish free skin, just the glow that soothes you, and with the bouncy silky hair, your pride is here. Don’t be left behind, because now you know!

“Vinegar can work wonders on your skin and hair. Wiping your skin with it can leave your body glowing, and using it as a conditioner for your hair, can leave it shiny and healthy.”

“There are so many reasons why you should pay attention to your skin and hair as an individual, especially the female folks.”

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Music

S h o

Movies

Tonto Dike Collapses On Stage S

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HE was supposed to be a celebrity guest

performer at the Londonleg of the album launch of Nigerian pop star, Iyanya Mbuk. But it turned out a night of disgrace for the controversial actress turned singer, Tonto Dike.

News reaching ShowBiz indicates that as the Nollywood actress mounted the stage for a performance at London 02 Arena, she tripped and fell flat.

The flood of Twitter messages that emanated from concert goers inside the London 02 Arena, venue of the highly successful album launch concert, suggested that the “Poko” star suffered from excessive binge. But action of Tonto, who was on Friday 6 June, treated to a VIP birthday party by London-based Nigerian showbiz mogul and owner of Cokobar, Ropo Akin, nearly marred the night’s fun as activities were temporarily halted.

It was learnt that immediately the actress hit the floor, her boobs

Tonto Dike

popped out of her ill-sized dinner gown, she was quickly helped up. While on her feet, she tottered and could not get her balance until shoved off the stage.

“Tonto was so high that she couldn’t stand straight on stage where she was to be a co-anchor of Iyanya’s album launch. She couldn’t utter anything meaningful when she was asked to sing her song.

She staggered until she fell down,” one person tweeted.

Could she be truly high of some substances as being speculated or accidentally fell? Tonto in a swift response via her t w i t t e r h a n d l e @TONTOLET blamed the fall on her Christian Loubutin heels and slippery stage. “So I had a big fall on stage. But no,

I wasn’t high. My loubz, the long drezz and a slippery floor don’t go “POKO”, she tweeted.

But in spite of Tonto’s drama at the concert, Iyanya proved that he is one of the best entertainers in the business right now. From the moment Iyanya, first Project Fame West Africa winner, stepped on stage he commended it, his energy never dipped and his band were on point and never missed a beat.

Apart from his energetic dance moves, Iyanya showed London that he could sing.

The audience was sent into frenzy when he launched into his favourite dancing tracks like “Kukere”, “Ur Waist” and “Flavour”, which he performed in bounce.

Laide Bakare Names Son After New Lover

Foluke Daramola Cautions Ladies To Marry For Money

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b i

z

AT U R A L LY endowed actress Foluke Daramola was not joking when she declared emphatically: “If you marry any man who cannot take care of your financial burden, then what is the essence of marrying that person?”

According to her: “ Don’t marry a man that cannot take care of your financial needs,” Foluke concluded.

The Nollywood actress, who recently got married in

Foluke Daramola

a controversial manner to Kayode Salako - who many claimed was snatched from his wife of many years by the heavily built Foluke – was her true self having suffered crashed marriage before.

However movie industry buffs are hard on her saying such utterances coming from a mother of two, is walking marriage on its head and rubbishing the institution many see as ordained by God whether money or not.

Actor Robert Peters Marriage Crashes

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OR some time now his face has been missing from the movie industry. Rather than making a return to the industry that etched his face on the consciousness of movie lovers across the globe, the news from the camp of Robert Peters is that of a crashed marriage.

ShowBiz has it from good authority that the marriage of popular Nollywood actor to an American lady has finally crashed. The lanky actor, who travelled to the United States of America (USA) some years ago, is no longer with his wife, Marie Solo, a source said.

According to further information made available to us, the marriage reportedly crashed due to some ‘irreconcilable differences’.

“Peters’ marriage to his American wife (Marie) has ended,” the source told us.

“The guy is now single and is enjoying his life like a bachelor,” the source further said.

Robert Peters was very popular in the Nigerian movie scene some years ago when he was the darling of many Nollywood buffs. He adorned many movie jackets back then until he relocated to the US.

Laide Bakare

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Peters Robert with enstranged wife, Marie

ast week, we brought you a story of a Yoruba actress, Laide Bakare, who after just two months separation from her hubby gave birth to a baby boy and told the world that the child belongs to another man.

However, she went further naming the boy after socialite, Tunde Oriowo, who she said owned the pregnancy.

Laide’s estranged husband claimed that he is the father of the baby. But Laide disagreed, claiming as a woman she was in the best position to know who the father of her baby is. She has named the baby, Oluwadamilare Mishal Oriowo.The Yoruba actress told newsmen that she has done Nikkai (Islamic marriage) with her new love.

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21 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Theatre

Concert

Uche Jombo And Hubby Fondle U Selves At Airport

CHE Jombo and Hubby were caught at the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, Thursday fondling themselves.

The Nollywood actress who got married to her Puerto Rican hubby, Kenney Rodriguez, could not stay away from themselves for a minute while waiting for their flight, a witness said who watched what could be described as mid day movie. Their marriage that clocked one on Thursday, May 16, 2013, is said to still be waxing stronger by the day.

Recall a year ago, the duo staged a secret wedding. The wedding came barely weeks after the actress reportedly

denied any marriage plans. Shortly after the secret wedding; Uche Jombo was faced with

controversies. First, her fans were waiting for her wedding pictures which were later released after

a month the wedding was held.

She also had to fight with another controversy of not returning to Nigeria

in June with her hubby, but only had a wedding ring to flaunt at an event in Lagos to show that she is truly married.

Uche and her husband are presently in America.

EIRD MC is an artiste that has been in the game of music in Nigeria for a long time. Her hit single “Ijo Ya” in 2003 shot her into limelight. Not many who listened to that song then may ever envisage that she would still be talked about in 2013 because most of her contemporaries have gone oblivion.

After her “Ijo Ya” hit single, it has been a battle for Weird MC to

Uche and hubby at the airport on Thursday

Uche and hubby

headline some Nigeria’s biggest shows again.

As it is being rumoured, the artiste has clocked well over 30, dangerously approaching the 40 years mark, which many think is too much for comfort for a lady.

In an interview recently, Weird MC reportedly said she has no plan of marriage in her mind for now. She was quoted to have said that her album release is paramount to her than

Chioma Chukwuka Apotha Loses Mum

A

ctress and producer,

Chioma Chukwuka Apotha, is currently in state of grieve over the death of her mother, Mrs Egoyibo Chukwuka. The actress’ mother was said to have been snatched by death on the 22nd of May, 2013.

Recall that few weeks ago, actor Chinedu

GLOBAL Bollywood Actress Commits Suicide, Leaves Note

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O L LY W O O D actress, Jiah Khan, 25, committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan in her bedroom at her residence in Mumbai

Jiah Khan

Weird MC Not Yet Ready For Marriage

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With FELIX OMOH-ASUN GSM: 07060576600

By QUEEN OBIEKWUYE Ikedieze aka Pawpaw lost his father. It should also be noted that Moyo Lawal lost her mother to the cold pangs of death two weeks ago.

The death of the mother of the “Bended knees” producer was confirmed by Chioma via her official twitter handle.

Chioma Chukwuka Apotha

marriage.

Hear her, “I don’t have time for that (marriage).

It is not even in my plans. Right now, I have got an album coming out, so that is not in my plans.”

Indeed she has not been free from controversies as they have swirled round her like bees swoop on honey. The biggest among them is that she a lesbian being the “man.”

Naomi Campbell To Stand Trial For Attacking Paparazzi

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AOMI Campbell from all indications swims from one trouble to another. She had a rough week earlier after attempting to ruin the career of the young model who is getting close to her ex. Jealousy took a better part of her as she made attempt to interfere in her modeling deal.

And, now, it seems like karma is here to catch up with her. She has just been ordered to stand trial for an attack on Italian photographer Gaetano Di

Giovanni. Back in 2009, Di Giovanni claims that he suffered from scratches and bruises after Naomi slapped and hit him with her handbag.

• Naomi Campbell

Jennifer Lopez Ex Wants $4m For Sex Tape

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Weird MC

The ‘Stone’ Stops Rolling At 85

ENNIFER Lopez’s ex-husband is demanding $3.75m in their bitter sex tape lawsuit “The Live It Up” singer ’s lengthy legal battle with first husband Ojani Noa over salacious footage filmed during their

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HE “stone” stopped rolling, Wednesday, for the Popular Lagos musician, Pa Fatai Rolling Dollars. He was aged 85.

According to the profile of the Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar, he was born in Lagos in 1926.He was popular in the 60s and 70s. He trained King Sunny Ade and some other notable musicians. He was living well until late 70s when he lost all. His return to music in the early 2000 has brought him fame and fortune. He often said that Orlando Julius rejuvenated his career after three decades in the limbo.

when her mother and sister were not home.

A six-page suicide letter was found by Jiah’s mother at their home a few days after the suicide and has been released to the police and the press. In the letter, Jiah blamed her boyfriend for ruining her life, cheating on her and forcing her to abort their child.

Jiah’s ex-boyfriend, 21 year old Suraj Pancholi, the son of famous Bollywood actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, was arrested on suspicion of abetting her suicide.

Jennifer Lopez

honeymoon in 1997 appeared to have been settled this week, but the star ’s former spouse contends the case is still ongoing and wants a hefty payday for rights to the clip.

Jennifer, 43, was granted an injunction to block the release of the 20-minute sex tape in 2011 after Ojani and friend Claudia Vazquez began shopping the footage to prospective buyers.

The former couple has since locked horns in court over ownership of the tape and it seemed the case was settled on Tuesday when documents were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Model Claims West Cheated On Kim ANADIAN model

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• Late Fatai Rolling Dollars

is claiming Kanye West cheated on Kim Kardashian with her after they met at one of his shows.

In stunning claims Leyla Ghobadi, 24, told America’s Star magazine that their fling started in July 2012 and continued even after Kim had announced her pregnancy after Kanye dismissed his

relationship with the reality star as just “for publicity and nothing serious”.

Kanye West & Leyla

THE

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

FOR THE RECORD

Readers Look At Photographs Before News - Pius Ede

BEING A TEXT ON PHOTO-JOURNALISM ON THE OCCASION OF A TWO DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR PRESS SECRETARIES, INFORMATION OFFICERS AND CAMERAMEN ORGANISED BY THE EDO STATE COUNCIL OF NUJ AND THE 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS IN EDO STATE PROTOCOL between lines of text, and THANKS to the only then, after a cursory invention of photography in glance at them do they begin 1839 by the academy of to read the news items. In sciences and fine arts in view of the importance and Paris, a new pictorial system strong impact of photos, —the precise recording of an increasing attention is being image of reality intended as paid to their characteristics visual information. for the periodic press.

Only on March 4, 1880, Specific demands which was the first half-tone gradually arose because of reproduction of a photograph editorial needs have published in the New York influenced the activities of “Daily Graphic”. That day photographers working on therefore marks an historical newspapers and magazines milestone in the pictorial life to such a degree that today of newspapers and journals, press photography is though further use of photos essentially an independent still took a relatively long field. Therefore, for anyone time. It is only in 1894 the wishing to begin active work British “Daily Mirror” start in this field, an ordinary using photographs manual on the rudiments of exclusively as the basis for photography (intended its illustrated supplement. particularly for amateurs) is About 100 years, from the not enough. The need to time of the half-zone devote special attention to reproduction photo, the whole question from the photography, as well as the journalistic viewpoint has various ways of using it in become gradually evident. the periodic press, has Before the invention of undergone considerable photography, newspapers development. and magazines texts were Improved photography illustrated by drawings if the techniques have made it written description was not possible to substantially cut enough to form a correct down exposure time, thus the picture. A large part of conditions for a more painting was also oriented to dynamic concept of depicting the way the world reportage images were laid. looked. When the French No less significant has been classicist painter Paul the effect of various changes Delaroche saw the first in society, reflected in rising daguerreotype photo he interest among the broadest uttered what has since strata in topical events. We become a memorable phrase: can no longer even imagine “From today, painting is the periodic press discussing dead.” This prophecy was general information about too hasty. Gradually a clear present-day happenings frontier was drawn between without photographs painting and photograph, one accompanying the story. that is even beneficial to Many readers in fact, look both. Photography has first for the printed photos, undertaken the duty of which usually stand out informing society about the

way the world looks, while painting has been freer to experiment on how pictures enrich man’s emotional life.

The desire to present the most precise information, mainly oriented to current events, long remained the paramount interest of press photographs. Newsreels did

points to their being liberated from having to react instantly to current happenings and giving them time to concentrate on more profoundly conceived reportages which, with the passing of time, compel the reader to think anew about events that happened earlier.

difference between the interests of the average television viewer and its own reader, then on the basis of search, it is relatively easy to learn in which instances brief television mention is suitable for a reportages conceived in greater detail.

not represent any serious competition in this regard because their production and distribution was no faster than the pictorial news of the big illustrated weeklies, which became the most important forum for publishing the best works of press photographs.

Changes in the division of spheres of interest came about after the introduction of television, whose prompt daily news services seriously threatened the viability of many magazines. But just as Paul Delaroche erred in prophesying the end of painting because of the discovery of photography, not even television was able to eliminate the illustrated periodicals. Everything

Many magazines are shifting from exclusively current events to reportages on subjects in which certain timeless features appear, or focus on themes that are often discussed (for instance ecology, the education of youth, wild life protection, etc).

Television is unquestionably directed to broader strata than an illustrated magazine and must therefore present the most comprehensive information so that each viewer obtain what he is personally interested in this vast wealth of materials on the other hand — is the reason TV cannot go deeply into a subject. If a magazine is aware of the correct

Under such circumstances television ceases to be the magazine’s competitor and, on the contrary, becomes its ally, since by arousing preliminary interest it helps to win the reader’s favour.

Everything seems to point to the fact that we are entering a period of more marked quality of periodicals because of television pressure. For magazines which depend to a large extent on the impact of their illustrations, this logically means the demand for better quality press photography. In the near future it will not be enough for a good magazine to be merely an illustrated document, because only those photos whose creative

aspect acts more strongly on the reader’s emotion than their content would meet the newly arising demand.

Some of the qualities of a photo-journalists, first and for most, the photographer must be emotionally stable.

The photo-journalist should be able to apply the SWs and H, he should be able to smell pictorial news and act promptly. The photojournalist should be knowledgeable to work independently without a reporter in which case he can do a story that is beyond mere outlines.

He must be abreast of the ethical standard of journalism practice and rely less on routine assignments for his day to day coverage of events.

Above all, he should behave decently to command respect wherever he find himself.

IMPORTANCE OF C O L O U R PHOTOGRAPHS A colour photograph usually gives a more accurate picture than black- and-white in which the transmission of the colours of the real world into a broad range of grey shades is something rather abstract. It can therefore be said that colour photograph is a higher level of documentary varacity. In some cases it is the colour that puts the finishing touch to the information.

The visual culture of contemporary man is distinguished by a love of colour. Colour pictures attract the attention of the public at large more than black-and-white images.

That is the reason why some of our dailies, especially, weekly and monthly magazines are slaves to colour photographsmoreso the front and back cover pages.

“Everything seems to point to the fact that we are entering a period of more marked quality of periodicals because of television pressure. For magazines which depend to a large extent on the impact of their illustrations, this logically means the demand for better quality press photography.”

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SOCIETY

Premarital Sex Can Be Deadly YEARS after leaving Secondary School, I begin to have little understanding on why the morning assemblies on the assembly ground, talks, preaching in the chapel etc all centred on the ladies when the theme or topic about premarital sex came up. of a male or female child is When the principal of my still resident in the man. He secondary school addressed us has the XY chromosomes (students) why we should not while the female has the XX have boyfriends or girlfriends, chromosomes, hence in him he usually focused on the is still that woman created to female folks, bombarding come into this world; because them with pieces of advice on if he continues to release the the “why not to”. It annoyed Y chromosomes no woman me because I felt that the guys will be in existence, anyway were looked on as the culprits nature has taken that power of the crimes and others that away from us to maintain the came along with the balance and make sure, both consequences of pre- marital sexes understand that they are sex. Though this reason has mutually important to each not left my mind, but a more other and cannot do without beautiful thought pattern has each other.

Also, with the premise taken its place. It is in view of that, that I join my teachers, already arrived at above, I housemasters, invited guest wish to begin my appeal to speakers, instructors, and these rare gems of the motivational speakers to send universe. The women (ladies, a message to the female folks. girls) are so important that The importance of a their misbehaviour or proper woman in the society cannot acts can directly or indirectly be overemphasised. That you affect the proper functioning are reading this piece today of the society. Growing up, I means you are indebted to one have seen the consequences woman for bringing you into of pre-marital sex and other this world, with all necessary forms of sexual immorality add-ons to make you what and the effects on the ladies; you are today. Have you ever hence my drive for this piece. thought: what if my mother Majority of the times, the had aborted me? Will you be ladies suffer more when the where you are today? Will you consequences of this act be that engineer, lawyer, come and that is why they doctor, or whatever profession have to be even more careful you are in now...To an extent, as regards matters such as every human being walking this. With the growing the face of this planet earth is technological advancement, indebted to one woman sex and other form of sexual somewhere in this world. escapades have been on the Hence we cannot get tired of increase in production and appreciating these excellent distribution. Stimulants to creations of the almighty God. commit such acts are from I have always thought that the everywhere, first mention of the creation of pornographic films and the woman in the bible was in pictures to being part of Genesis 2: 11 i.e. when God scenes in different films that caused Adam to fall asleep are not porn (i.e. Explicit sex and a rib was taken out of him scenes in Black American and the woman was formed, films, American Films and until I heard in a preaching by even High school films etc), Edith Iledo of the mention of magazines, news, feature etc. the maid in Genesis 1: 27, 30% of all data transferred where man was created in across the internet is porn. the Image and likeness of 70% of men watch it, while GOD, male and female he 30% of women watch it created them...This goes a (zeenewsIndia, May 5, long way to emphasise that 2013). This is disturbing as from the beginning of times, the youths are now being the man and woman were influenced by what they created, he only waited for watch, see, read and what right time to bring the already happens around them, with created into physical the zeal to practice what they manifestation and underline experience by their senses the importance of the woman being amplified. to the comfort and proper Also, with the wrong survival of the man. Little stimulants pervading the wonder that just like the atmosphere, it is important creation story, the production

for the right mindsets, propellants to begin to amplify their efforts to reach the target audience (youths).

But specifically, I am going to be targeting the girls and ladies with these messages that have almost gone into oblivion and needs to be reechoed. I am currently on campus, and every evening, the campus transforms from an academic environment to a societal life of pairing and immoral relationships; this is not to say that there are not chaste people. We have people of excellent character and beautiful standpoint. The front

if not done rightly. When the act is done, things happen both physically and spiritually, but in view of not making the piece too superstitious, I will stop here, but there are some things that are obvious and do not need too much explanation. In situation like that, you can be used for rituals, you could contract so many dangerous and serious diseases and illnesses. It has grave psychological effect on the lady in question in future and if she is not a repentant one, grows up to populate the society with more “babes”.

suffers. Overtimes, there have been stories of when the guy runs away, things turn sour after the lady becomes pregnant and still they continue to involve themselves in this act. Sister, irrespective of how you want to see it, pregnancy at a time when it is not right is painful and sometimes complications can even arise (e.g. VVFVesico Vagina Fistula).

Please, if you do not want to experience this, keep away and wait for the right moment when pregnancy will be a joyful experience and void of problems. Pregnancy is not a proof of love and that is why you should even keep yourself well and intact as

of the girls’ hostel becomes a brothel, as cars of different range of cost, park to pick the “babes”. Then, I see people with beautiful future and potentials sacrificing it on the altar of the present needs. The excuse has always been money and economical situations, but we have heard people survive the situation to be the best in their various areas of discipline. Have you ever thought about the consequences? Have you ever thought about what you will tell your children that you did when you grow up (for those that eventually have children ooh)? So many times, when the lesson is learnt, it is already very late.

But again, I want us to think of tomorrow, before sacrificing today on the altar of personal gain. Away from the physical consequences, sex itself is an act of worship in some religions (Baal, Min (Egyptian God), the Lingam etc) and has so many spiritual implications in other religions

Furthermore, to the more subtle and easy to fall arena: “PRE – MARITAL SEX”. It is delicate and most times there are wonderful excuses and reason to fall into the act. They Include: I love him, he has promised to marry me, if I do not do it he will dump me, he said he just wants to check maybe I am fertile, so that I will not be a novice on my wedding night, everybody is doing it Jare and its fun etc..The list continues. Based on religious inclinations (Christianity), I am totally against pre- marital sex. Even Islam refers to it as zina (Arabic word for immorality) with serious consequences (Surah, alFurqan 25: 68-70, Surah, alisra, 17: 32) Islamic research Foundation International Inc. But based on the fact that religion is not a general yardstick, I come armed with the sword of reasoning. Is it your boy friend that gets pregnant if things go wrong?

Majority of the times the lady

created by God, so as not to allow anything affect the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Why light up a stove, when you are not ready to cook? You waste resources when you do that and that is how pre- marital sex is a waste of resources.

Also, as a direct consequence of unwanted pregnancies some have abandoned their children and even had to commit abortion.

Do you think your conscience will be able to carry the consequences as age continues to go by? Why put yourself in such precarious situation when you can do as much as avoid the situation.

During the abortion, the worst the guy can do is to be shouting I love you from the sidelines, while you (lady) undergo the painful situation.

You are so precious to God and the world, for your life to be risked because of an uncertainty. Live your life right; avoid pre- marital sex and its consequences.

By OLUGBEMIRO OPEYEMI MICHAEL

Ladies should please be more careful in choosing and getting into relationship, because on the long run, the consequences are major for them. I was just thinking one day and let me share the though, most times it is easier for the guy to tell his fiancée or girlfriend his former escapades without her feeling too bad, sometimes it even makes them lucky (I guess), but on the other hand, when a guy begins to hear that his wife has slept with 5- 10 guys, the feeling changes to maybe he is using (aloku – second hand) and its most times more difficult. In majority of the talks, you hear of guys saying they want to marry virgins (which is easier to confirm than that of guys) and sometimes, these are guys that have been in the business of deflowering ladies. It is a sad reality that it affects the ladies more and this should make them put more effort into making sure, they do not make the wrong decisions. I beg to say that, no woman was created to be a liability, but a help mate hence your life should be one that can boast of usefulness.

Furthermore, I feel that majority of the times, insecurity or inferiority complex is what makes ladies jump into relationship.

It is pertinent to note that, ladies are as important as men, no one is more important. They should not allow their present and future to be jeopardised by feelings and emotions.

Any relationship that has emotions and feelings on the driver’s seat, without wisdom is heading for a very big accident where there might be causalities. The consequences emotionally is not friendly; psychologically can be devastating, socially it can be frustrating...with this in mind, let us try as much as possible to enter into relationship with our reasoning faculties intact and our relationship with God very sweet, because that is the only way that it will be successful. Emotions alone cannot build an excellent relationship, because when the triggers expire or it goes out of hand, the consequences can be colossal.

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

have to be assisted to choose their books by somebody grown up, who know the name of al the men and

NEARLY all children learn to read for themselves before they are eight year’s

Story Time Books Children Should Read

old, and some are able to read quiet well a year or two before this. At first, children read only for amusement, and they like their books to be full of bright pictures.

Infact, their favourite books are the kind in which pictures tell the story. Often they will spend their pocketmoney on “comics” which are weekly or monthly papers, rather like the newspaper daddy buys, but full of stories about the adventures and misadventures of curious people, or of still more curious animals.

When children become bigger, they can enjoy books with fewer pictures, perhaps no pictures at all. But books with pictures are always preferred to those without and even grown-ups like pictures in their books, although most books written for grown-up do not have.

Children who take down grow-up-books from the books shelves turn the pages to see if there are any pictures and then, not finding any exclaim impatiently “what a dull book”! sometimes they are quite right, it is a dull book. But just as often as they are wrong; the book, instead of being dull, is very

By MICHAEL EDEKO interesting.

How can children tell which books are good to read

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Jokes

Ring Road In New York A Nigerian guy traveled to New York from Benin, in search of greener pastures, on getting there, he met a lot of Nigerians like Ivie, Adesuwa, Osas, Ejiro, Isoken, Ehis, Osato and others. The guy shouted Jesus! Wetin; na ring road be dis?

I Will Marry Your Father A boy saw a girl coming from opposite direction on a walk-way and wanted to scope her, he began by saying: O girl which native are you from? No reply I mean your face look similar? No reply.

My father is the manager of UBA? No reply.

My father is the Minister of Defence?

The girl now reply I will marry your father.

Wrong Partner A woman who was wearing her ring on the wrong finger was asked, “Look, you are putting on your wedding ring wrongly.” She responded, “I know, it is because I married the wrong partner.” - By Blessing Salami

Cockroach

The Better School A dialogue between Junior and Osas Junior: My school is better than yours.

Osas: No, mine is better than yours.

and which are waste of time?

A first, they are quite unable to tell for themselves. They

women who have written well.

People in charge of libraries should help children to choose books that they will enjoy reading.

C

hildren’s World

Junior: Okay, what is 2 x 3?

Osas: That is simple, 2 x 3 is 23.

Junior laughed and said, “I thought you won’t get it right.”

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Accident There was a boy named Emeka who liked climbing trees. His father was always warning him not to climb trees.

One day, his parents travelled and Emeka

climbed a very tall tree and accidentally fell from the tree. As he reached the ground, he said, “Thank God, I did not die, if I had died, my father would have killed me.”

A boy was eating with his father on separate plates. The boy suddenly screamed, “Daddy! The father told him to shut up, that talking while eating was bad manners. After

eating, the man asked the son what he wanted to tell him, the boy said, “There is no need, you have already eaten the cockroach that was in your food.”

POEMS

Bad Mouth BAD mouth, O bad, what have you said today. I have said so many things against so many people, bitter words and those that are hurt, to scatter families and to separate friends.

Bad mouth, o bad mouth, how long will you do this?

Till a padlock is hung on my licking lips then will be the greatest peace on earth.

Nigeria A land conjugated in wonder No matter where you may wander There is no reason to doubt The way tension pervades about The amalgam that is the sealing element Has begun to show but a melt But people, come hereunder That we may no go asunder

Little Roli Endurance Agbajor will be a year old on Monday, June 17, 2013. Happy birthday from daddy and mummy!

R

ex Osemudiamen Negbenebor is one to day. Happy Birthday, my one and only.

COURTESY: NEGBENEBOR J.B.

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25 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

RELIGION

See God Face To Face (2) THINGS on earth don’t last. Pagans pursue them. They are not eternal. When we focus on heaven and stand on the Rock (Jesus), we cannot sink (Col 3:1-4). Martha was devoting her time to food that perishes instead of the one that does not perish (Lk. 10: 38-42). Many people receive Jesus but no time for fellowship or intimate relationship or communion with Jesus. boat to sink it but Jesus spoke

The kingdom of God is with man and the dwelling place of God is with man.

Jesus used Mary to rebuke Martha. The two people represent 2 categories of people in life. Mary devoted her time to hearing the word of God and suspended her earthly activities. Many things distract the attention of some individuals. Worries for materialism or wants make them to lose focus.

Jesus is still visiting homes today. Any home he visits and they don’t give him attention he leaves. Some homes where he is given attention, he remains and removes reproach.

Heaven is God’s dwelling and the Earth is His footstool and when people come to Him, they are sitting at His feet to learn. Mary chose the good path of righteous life.

Blessing and healing of the good path cannot be taken away, it is permanent. She desired to give God her time, to preach the gospel, to study the word of God. Seeking God’s presence or things of God, kingdom of God is where our blessing will come from. This will make us have no worry about what worry other people. All you need is to seek Him who has power to change situation. When the first thing is put as second, life will become difficult for people. What Pagans worry about and get hypertension, heart attack, sleeplessness, Jesus has overcome it. So when Jesus becomes first place in your life, secondary things that trouble people will not be problem to you because they have been overcome by Him (Matt 6:33-34).

God created everything in this world, the air, water, rocks, vehicles, birds, thunder, lighting, and storm.

So if the devil uses any of these to punish His children or disciples, if you have faith, you will not fear. This is because you can use His name to speak to that thing and it will hear his voice and obey because He created them. The devil entered the

to the storm to calm it (Mk 4:35-41). The devil can enter a plane to cause it to crash land, God can speak to the plane. The Devil can enter your food in order to poison you, hence when you bless the food from God before eating it, God will remove the poison. It is written in the Scriptures that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, to a child of God who has faith. Opposite of faith is fear. The devil can turn to an insect and bite you and transfer a disease into your body. The insect may first be flying around your room. Some people start trembling when they sight insect or bird in their rooms and saying “O it wants to kill me O, instead of speaking to quench its power. The strength of the Lord is not in eating Eba, Akpu, Owo, Goat meat but is in the Word of God. There is problem in Nigeria. They were killing people before election, killed people during election and they are still killing people after election. There is need for seriousness by all Christians in prayer. Prayer is the key to open the door that has made Nigeria a nation of lawlessness. God is looking at the whole world.

There are people trying to frustrate President Jonathan.

This kind of killing did not happen in the time of Obasanjo because he knew the in and out of soldiers, being an old soldier. When a man is looking for a house, Landlord will ask him “Where do you work?” If he is a Banker, a business man, they will ask him to pay for two years. If he is a Pastor,

By PRINCE BAYO OKUO they will ask for his branch and if they know his branch has a large population with lots of money, they will ask him “Can you pay?”

Governor Fashola has brought sanity to rent issue in Lagos. The voice you need is not the voice of a brother in Kaduna or abroad, sister abroad. You don’t know how they are living there. They can disappoint you. Her husband can disappoint. The voice you need is the voice

have called on God for help.

The girl doesn’t know the condition of her sister living there and how she is living.

The sister responds to her that she is sorry; she is broke and cannot help. There is no problem that prayer does not have the solution. But many people don’t know the power in prayer. There are people who refuse to listen to the voice of God and doing evil.

One with God is majority.

They are more in number but we are in majority with God.

of God (Jer. 32:26-27). Put your feet on the feet of Jeremiah. There is no day you don’t hear from the news of things that happen in other places. If you are hearing all these, what will you do when you hear from God? A woman comes on T.V. with the family begging the Governor and members of the public for assistance to heal her liver problem. She ought to have sought God’s help instead of the public where she is thinking help will come from and it will not come. A girl carrying phone to call her sister overseas to send her money for JAMB exam ought to

They kill people and are source of wickedness (Jer. 13:8-10).

Application of a little effort of the driver of a car and the engine will move.

Application of the Holy Ghost power gives you the force to move (Acts 1:8). We must feed the spiritual power by reading our Bibles, abiding in places of prayers, walking in the spirit and maintaining fellowship to sustain this power. God is looking for persons He will reveal His vision to when the person is not disobedient to Him. Paul was addressing people that they should not disobey (Acts 26:19). The willingness to obey the vision

must be there. Don’t play mago-mago. Esther saw the vision that she will be lifted to rule the Jews. She decided to sacrifice her life to save Modeccai and the people of Israel. When God lift you up, it is for people around you and not you. When Joseph was sent to Egypt, he didn’t fail to tell them that God did it to save his brothers because it was the vision of God and not of his brothers who sold him. As you hunger for God, your vision will not leave you. You must be willing.

Prayer is an intimate conversation between a person and God. The conversation is what you make it. It can be as meaningless as a person making a gossip or as vital as a person engaged in a business talk. We should not talk to God by using repetitive words as some people do, as though they were talking to their child and not a child talking to his heavenly father.

A meaningful word or two can convey an honest request of a child to his father. When a child is old enough to pray, he knows that prayer is a personal conversation with the heavenly father. When a

person start experiencing Jesus as Lord and Saviour, anything he asks in Jesus name will be done by His father in heaven. Once you are in a right relationship with God, you can pray alone with Him or pray as a group or family. You can pray anytime of the day as long as you let God know that you know that He is present.

You can talk to God when you are about travelling or driving to work, while you are alone in the car, you will imagine that God is sitting on the next seat beside you in the car and you will ask Him to take over the journey to and fro. You are sure that you will go and return safely.

When you are walking along the road, imagine that God is walking by your side and you will ask Him not to let you stumble into any kind of danger. You are sure that even when you fall He will defend you. Most people pray but never expect answer to their prayers. If people spend half of the time they spend in prayers to listen to answer to their prayers, they will expect result. When God leads you to do anything in prayer, respond immediately in the light of what He expects you to do. It does not matter if you fail, if you don’t rise when you fall, you will never get more light to see more of the path ahead of you. For prayer to be effective, it must be backed up with faith. If you are praying for a person who is sick at the point of death, you will have the picture that the person has already been made well and whole and ask God to accomplish this.

While you pray, you are not asking God to prevent the person from dying but rather, you believe that God will heal and has already healed the person through the presence and power of Christ.

“God is looking for persons He will reveal His vision to when the person is not disobedient to Him. Paul was addressing people that they should not disobey.”

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

TRAVELOGUE

The Calabar Experience, 2011

F

OR a frequent traveler like myself, making an all expense paid trip to Calabar for a three-day holiday sounded fun to me.

DAY ONE: BENIN TO There, I danced out the rest of the evening to the CALABAR My journey began on a rhythm of rock music.

DAY TWO: VISIT TO Thursday morning.

Leaving my house in the HISTORICAL PLACES early hours of the day, I AND WILD LIFE IN converged with thirty CENTRE CALABAR. others at the park, on a Waking up the thirty-two seater bus. In all following day in a high my travels, this was my spirit, I quickly had first visit to Calabar, a place of renowned tourist breakfast of sandwich and attractions. The journey a cup of tea, as I some seemed smooth from anticipated Benin to Asaba, which was interesting places in my partially aided by the good mind for sight seeing. The roads and the little chit- first was a visit to the Zoo. chat I had with my fellow Riding in a cab there, the travelers. But the fun was driver pointed out some short lived when we significant sights like the arrived Onitsha the Mary Slessor’s Statue, I business hub of Eastern quickly brought out my Nigeria. We got stucked in camera from my handbag, a traffic jam for two hours, taking shots of it. At the which was due to the bad zoo, my first sight was that roads and those under of monkeys in their cages, chattering and swinging construction.

Afterward, we managed restlessly. I was fascinated to get through the on seeing a bush-baby for suffocating hold up, with the first time, having heard the unpleasant smell of different stories about it. It dumps and sleazy road looked so shy with a side markets. Our vehicle fragile disposition, that I speed off through Abia said to myself “Poor State the market city with thing”! I took close shots crocodiles, good roads, Akwa-Ibom of chimpanzees, and State and finally we monkeys of different arrived at Cross-River State of which Calabar is species in their elements.

At this point, I was its capital, our destination. overwhelmed being so Entering into the mega city of Calabar, I felt an aura of close to nature in its purest tranquility with its form. Next, I visited the endearing nature to museum which was behold, along its well standing right behind the constructed sloppy roads Government House. The and plain hills. After the museum is made up of nine hours journey, I wood, constructed by the alighted from the bus and British in England and was took a cab down south shipped down through the town where I lodged for sea shores as I was told by the museum attendant. the holiday.

The Blue Sea Hotel has This ancient house held up a mini restaurant and bar artifacts used during the where I ate a delicacy of slavery era colonial times Afang soup and eba. At and the Biafran war. Since first I was skeptical about I was not allowed to take the type of meat I was photographs inside the served, since I am not a museum, I settled for the dog eater, but I found out shots in the surrounding.

Later on, I visited Hope it was beef. In a short while after the meal, I had a Waddel Boys College, one quick shower, and headed of the oldest boy’s college straight for the club house in south-eastern Nigeria within the hotel premises. well above a hundred years old. It was

established by the Presbyterian church of Scotland. In the words of the principal, “This school has produced great men, in the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ojukwu Emeka Chukwu Snr, the Biafran

TO MARKETS, THE WATER RESOURCE AND TINAPA RESORTS. I rose up reluctantly in the late hours of the Saturday morning, dragging my feet to the

slave trade.

Within were statues representations of slaves in bounds of chains, which depicts the inhuman nature of the trade. Also at the Water Resources, were sights of flying boats and cruising ships conveying tourists from one end of

warlord, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.” On a tour guide by the principal and some other staff, we went round the school premises taking a look at the school printing press, classrooms, hostels, music theatre, the craft workshop and the Presbyterian church in the premises.

Having had a fun-filled day, my ever patient cab driver was delighted to take me back to my hotel, and on arrival I grabbed a plate of rice and chicken sauce for dinner.

DAY THREE: A VISIT

bathroom, and having in mind that was my last day to explore the city of Calabar. I managed to clean up and with the help of my friendly cab driver, I visited two different markets where I did some shopping for myself. Afterward, we proceeded to the water resources. There I saw a merry-go-round for kids and by its side is a captivating view of the slave centre. The centre tour guide explained that the centre was where slaves were kept before shipment to America, in the time of

the river to the other, across to an Island called Mary Island. Within a short while, I took off for the Tinapa Resorts, where I had the best of fun. On my way, I picked up some snacks from a roadside fast food and a bottle of soft drink. The snack was awful, that I barely ate it.

Getting to Tinapa, I quickly changed into my swimming trunk and soaked myself immensely in the pool, to cool the heat off my body. Minutes later, I took a stroll round the exquisite hotel and the

By

UKIRI

CLEMENTINA

shopping mall where transactions are made in US dollars. Before the fall of evening, I took a whole lot of pictures and in no time, I left. “Indeed, Tinapa is truly a sight to behold with its serenity and a touch of luxury like no other”, so I muttered

gazing into the air as my driver speed off.

DAY FOUR: MY RETURN HOME Lo and behold, I was in the dawn of my fourth day in Calabar, the day of my return to Benin. I stretched out lazily on the bed, got up and packed my luggage, preparing for my journey back home.

Within an hour’s time, I was set to leave the beautiful city of Calabar.

In the same manner, I boarded a thirty-two seater bus, and down to Benin I came.

“The first was a visit to the Zoo. Riding in a cab there, the driver pointed out some significant sights like the Mary Slessor’s Statue, I quickly brought out my camera from my handbag, taking shots of it.

At the zoo, my first sight was that of monkeys in their cages, chattering and swinging restlessly. I was fascinated on seeing a bush-baby for the first time, having heard different stories about it.”

THE

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27 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

SECURITY

Giving Amnesty To Terrorists THE islamic sect otherwise known as the Boko Haram has created a climatic fear that no longer allowed moral in human survival within the confines of the Nigeria’s geographical boundaries.Politics offer’s yesterday solution to today’s problem .Government is yet to ascertain the formular that might counter terrorism.The romantic elements of Boko Haram is quite radical and gruesome,and it does not in anyway sociable to man.The concept of creating national security is based on a calculative application.The anti-social violence in the country is uncomfortable which has provoked the feelings of national concern. All I am, or can be, I owe it to this great nation. permanent is interest, and My job is not to represent when interest conflicts, man Nigeria to you, but to is fallable in the complicated represent you to Nigeria. face of differences. Boko Every drop of my sweat and Haram might be an quest to write facts may instrument put in place to contribute to the stamp out Goodluck Jonthan augmentation and integration in the forth 2015 eletion. of this nation. Government in The North wants to it bid set up a committee to produce the next president grant amnesty to Boko come 2015 Haram, but failed to realize election.Politicians should that the criminals encompass create a low cost of of other nationalities such as conventional dialogue and Togo, Mali andTunisia.How serenity, rather than to create would you give amnesty to a high cost of violence in an such unspecified individuals, election.It is evident that, whose aims and objective of terrorism today, remains a uprising is unidentified? You viable phenomenon that never despise or appeal to looms dangerously and truth and realism unless you appears to threaten our are prepared for the deepest values in a ‘total’ resentment that might come fashion.The nefarious exploit from disenchantment. This or devil’s magic of Boko may have been the utmost Haram remain interwoven mistake Government would series of trend that shape have made to grant amnesty themselves in the country. to the Islamic sect.

Boko Haram is an apparatus The leader of the sect in a which is politically subjective statement said that, they have and motivated by some selfish done nothing wrong to be politicians who may want to granted amnesty.That, it is discolorate the icon of this them who will grant amnesty country. to Government.When I heard It is undesirably sad of the the news of amnesty, I knew unholy hour’s darkness that it might not be possible. This may change Nigeria might be because of the forever.Election is on the way, calibal of politicians who are politicians may have already behind them .Even if they had warmed up for the “BIG 2015 accepted it, it may not have ELECTION”. But it seems to hold water. It might have just me, the quest for political been a mere terminology and powers play among some political deception.Politics is politicians ahead of the like a book to study. In election on who wants to be politics, what remains who, has already begun in a

By DZUNGWE THOMAS GODWIN

rudiculous conflict.A pang of compunction run through my spine, when I see politicians engage in a weaponry fashion.After a man has employed all the evil antics of politics just to win or, help others win election, what does that profit him, wealth and power? In all of these, what can a man exchange for his dear soul?

‘Even as he did not retain God in his knowlegde and so, God gave him over to a reprobate mind, to do those

back the glory of this great country, and the optimism of all Nigerians. It is against this background however that, Maiduguri, Adamawa, and Yobe States to end the callousness of the insurgency.

Nobody had the intuition or premonition, not even a sooth sayer that, another insurgency of Boko Haram will crop us in the country, after the insurgency of the Niger Delta region.

It is like when a doctor finds

resolve this becomes like a game of chess.

Properties worth millions and human lives have been damaged by the sect in the past,and as if that is not enough, they still continue to carry out its iniquity in the country. Killing in cold blood has become a lifestyle for the insurgents of which many people have been victims.

The cruelty of the sect is mounting as people are being indoctrinated under the auspices of the islamic religion to carry out coercion that when they die in the process, they will go to

“The Western world have advised its citizens in the country to be aware of the state of affairs of the country and asks its citizens to avoid places where such acts are being carried out in the country such as Maiduguri.Investors in those areas may begin to find business atmosphere elsewhere as a result of this unspeakable situation.” things that are not conveinent’. It appears Nigeria’s politicking has reached the peak of the political out limits of it possible space, and is thrown back upon itself in a newly ‘close’ world.Government lead people to the direction they would want to go.National security in its contemporary sense appear as a fundamental and continuing challenge that followed the advent of the Niger Delta insurgency.

The preventive measures should be on the basis of its framework, a state of emergency have been declared in deep-rooted desire and collective action, to bring

a solution to an ailment, another one springs up in its place.If we cannot resolve this problem by ourselves, nobody can.People are harboring this group in their houses in the North, not all of them are in hiding in the brook.How does Government intend to reconcile this? Terrorism has a grotesques dislike about its comedies and its tragedies seem to culminate in a preposterous circumstances.

Against the back drop of the unspeakable happening in the country, citizens have been advised to be security conscious. The act of insecurity is dogged by evil appetite, which Nigeria has been facing.And how to

paradise.Today, we have had many cases of sucide bombings and other terrorist attacks in Nigeria and other parts of the world.Nigeria is a state with diverse religious groups such as Islam, Christianity,Paganism,and perhaps others.

We all have a common freedom of worship and choice of religion. Boko Haram cannot say that they want to make Nigeria an Islamic. This might be a gross violation of religious rights and ethics.This is objectionable and cannot be possible.Just as some muslems would not want to leave their faith for another, so also others.Lets us maintain our choices and our freedom.And lets us shun violence.The motion of Boko Haram is like a primitive nightmare dredged up from some deep dark depths of man’s collective unconsciousness.Government should stop and reason fast with cognitive reflection, and suggest possible means of significant recommendations to tackle these precarious circumstances.

The inquisitive irony is that, there are no records in human history of a true democracy where some leaders are insolent in advocating immorality. It does not require many words to speak the truth as paradox is the way of precision; you may agree with me that, the proponents of this sect are in the Government of Goodluck Jonathan.Truth is a bitter pill

to gulp down as patriots talk of dying for their country and never to slay for their country.

Lets study the past if we will divine the future.Reforms are better than revolutions so let Government check itself first, otherwise, combating terrorism such as Boko Haram also might be a warfare fought and lost.Every move has is a mover, behind Boko Haram there are supporters’ fan club, who fund and give them information. Sometimes practical politics consists of ignoring facts; but too grief not to speak.

I think politics is too serious to be left in the hands of politicians. In a democratic setting, the voice of the people prevails, and so the Government. It is on this back ground that democracy is practically based. But if democracy has lost the voice of the people, then it becomes the most terrible form.

However, it has become imperative and conspicuous as people are tensed up not knowing who might be the next victim of the sect. The problem of insecurity has eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation.

The Western world have advised its citizens in the country to be aware of the state of affairs of the country and asks its citizens to avoid places where such acts are being carried out in the country such as Maiduguri.Investors in those areas may begin to find business atmosphere elsewhere as a result of this unspeakable situation.

Government has deployed thousands of soldiers to those states, I just hope peace finds a common ground and tranquility in the region.Today; Nigeria has been tagged by some countries as a terrorist nation.

We must stand to correct this perception that we are not a terrorist nation.

This is a black image in the Diaspora that is not doing the country any good. This is our country, it does not matter whether you are from the North, South, West, East or Central Nigeria, For us to live together as one people, one Nigeria, our collective actions should be the multiplication of individual responsibilities channeled towards a dynamic goal of ensuring a peaceful coexsistence and unity. Citizens should report any suspicious movements to the police.lf we all fight terrorism, we hope to be liberated from these crimes against humanity at the end of the day.

THE

SUNDAY

PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Malaysia Cash For Tips To Curb Football eastern state of Pahang Violence the during the Malaysian Football

Torres Flattered By Barcelona Interest FERNANDO Torres admits he is flattered by rumours that Barcelona are planning a £17 million bid to bring him to the Nou Camp this summer, but he has insisted he is in no rush to leave Stamford Bridge.

Torres finished last season as Chelsea’s leading scorer in all competitions and was a key figure in their Europa League triumph, yet questions marks remain over his future at the club following Jose Mourinho’s return as manager.

While Mourinho has vowed to do all he can to help Torres get

FIFA Gives Green Light To Turbans FIFA has adjudicated that male head covers such as turbans are acceptable to wear during matches.

An uproar was caused in Canada this week as the provincial governing body of Quebec banned the wearing of religious headwear.

However, FIFA clarified the rule, stating a male footballer can wear a head cover provided it is the same colour as the team jersey, has a “professional appearance,’’ is not connected to the jersye and doesn’t “pose any danger.’’

The ruling from world football’s governing body came four days after the Canadian Soccer Association suspended the Quebec Soccer Federation [QSA] over the issue.

The QSA said they welcomed the clarification “with enthusiasm and relief” and will make a final statement on the issue in a press conference.

back to his best, the £50 million marksman may be nudged down the pecking order if big names strikers arrive to compliment new signing Andre Schurrle, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this week.

Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Brazilian forward Hulk have been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, but Torres seems unconcerned by the rumours.

“It’s always nice a club like that is interested, but I want to stay and will talk to Mourinho later”” stated Torres when asked by reporters about Barcelona’s interest.

“I want to stay at Chelsea. I have contract, I want to be the best at my position and I don’t think there is a better place to be. Mourinho has won far more than many of us. It’s a new challenge and I am looking forward to it.”

Torres’s exhaustive season is still continuing, as he is currently in Brazil with the Spain squad preparing for the Confederations Cup. Vincente Del Bosque’s men get their campaign underway against Uruguay on Sunday.

Association Cup’s second-leg semi-final between Pahang and Johor Darul Takzim forcing the game to be abandoned.

The new measure to offer cash will be for the finals between Kelantan and Johor Darul Takzim on June 29 and some 80,000 fans are expected to throng the Bukit Jalil stadium.

“We want football to be played in a peaceful environment. Fans and supporters come to watch the game to have fun. We don’t want to see fights on the pitch,” Hamidin said.

Malaysians are football-mad but their patience has been repeatedly tested by problems besetting the sport, particularly allegations of match-fixing.

In one of the most recent cases, football authorities had promised to investigate claims of match-rigging during a second-tier Malaysian Premier League match and urged police to protect players amid reports of death threats by bookies.

Pellegrini Sure To Win Titles For Man City

MANUEL Pellegrini has pledged to bring titles and style to Manchester City after being named as the new manager of the English Premier League giants.

Manchester City you need to The 59-year-old Chilean left Malaga to pen a three- win titles,” Pellegrini, year deal as Roberto nicknamed ‘The Engineer’ told ManCity TV. Mancini’s replacement.

“I think Manchester City His task is to snatch the league title back from have invested a lot of money to neighbours Manchester improve the squad every year United and go deep into the and try, every year, to win titles.

“They were not successful in Champions League where Mancini constantly fell short. winning some titles but I am “Everyone knows if you sure we are going to win arrive at a club like maybe the Premier League, the Champions League. We will try to win a lot.

“My first message is to tell all the supporters they will enjoy the season. I am sure they will enjoy the way our team pitch to prompt some concern will play. among Chelsea’s medical staff “We will play an attractive, given Mikel’s problems with offensive play.” back and hip complaints.

Pellegrini has more than 25 He will travel with the years’ of managerial experience national squad on Saturday to in South America and Spain Brazil where they will compete and has taken Malaga and in the Confederations Cup Villarreal to the latter stages of having won the African Cup of the Champions League.

Nations this year.

Galatasaray To Bid For Mikel After Confeds Cup GALATASARAY’S interest in the Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is to prompt a bid for him most likely after the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Mikel, one of five senior players who remain on the books at Stamford Bridge from José Mourinho’s first spell in charge at the club, is aware of the Turkish champions’ intent, but is not agitating to leave.

Media reports from Turkey have already indicated Mikel has given his word to ‘Gala’ he wishes to pitch tent with them.

According to The Guardian of UK, the 26-year-old will instead gauge Chelsea’s reaction to any offer that is tabled – it would have to exceed £12m for a player who is contracted until 2017 – and then scrutinise what personal terms Gala would put forward to entice him to Istanbul.

He has been tipped to replace the Brazilian Felipe Melo.

The midfielder, who started 19 league games last term through an injury-interrupted campaign, played the whole game for Nigeria in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifying draw in Namibia, a match staged on an artificial

Mavel Pellegrini New City Boss

MALAYSIAN football authorities will offer 1,000 ringgit ($320) to fans who provide police with tip-offs about troublemakers to prevent disruption in a key upcoming match, an official said on Saturday.

Hamidin Mohamad Amin, vice president of the Football Association of Malaysia said the money will be given to spectators who spot individuals throwing firecrackers or other projectiles.

“All that they need to do is alert the nearest policemen if they see anyone attempting to disrupt the match,” he told AFP. The Football Association of Malaysia decided to take the approach after fans stormed a stadium hosting a Malaysian football championship semifinal and forced the game to be called off amid chaotic scenes last month.

Fans threw water bottles and stones and stormed the pitch in

Mikel

He spent a single season in charge of Real Madrid before he was succeeded by Jose Mourinho, also now back in England at Chelsea.

“With Malaga I reached the quarter-final of the Champions League, with Villarreal also and the semi-final. All my experience will be very useful for me.

“I am sure we are going to have a very good season. I can tell all the fans of Manchester City I work very hard.”

Pellegrini will have plenty of talent at his disposal at Eastlands after Fernandinho and Jesus Navas signed earlier in the summer for a combined initial cost of almost £45million.

City have also been linked with Malaga playmaker Isco and Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

Pellegrini brings with him assistant Ruben Cousillas, goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor and fitness coach Jose Cabello.

But Mancini’s assistant manager Brian Kidd will also remain as part of the set-up.

Kidd said: “I am pleased. It is a compliment and a great honour that I am stopping with the club. I am very pleased that Mr Pellegrini wants me to stay.”

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who has ploughed millions into the club, said of Pellegrini’s appointment: “Manuel is a hugely experienced and successful manager with a proven track record.

“We have been greatly impressed throughout the selection process by his philosophy, his attitude and his commitment to the long term development of Manchester City.

“I am delighted that he has joined us.”

Chief executive Ferran Soriano described Pellegrini as “a very experienced coach with a recognised ability to get the most out of his players and build cohesive teams.

“He shares the club’s approach to football and our ambition to achieve on-field success, coordinating with the wider football support teams to ensure natural progression from the Academy to senior level.”

Pellegrini’s appointment at City came shortly after Malaga named former Real boss Bernd Schuster, as his successor.

Hill-Wood Steps Down As Arsenal respected track record in ARSENAL have appointed Chief business and he will provide Sir Chips Keswick as their new chairman after Peter Hill-Wood stepped down from the role for health reasons.

Hill-Wood suffered a heart attack last year, and the 77-yearold has subsequently decided to leave the role he had occupied for 31 years. Both his father and grandfather were also at the helm of the London club before him in a dynasty that ran back to 1927.

“This has been a difficult decision as Arsenal Football Club has been a huge part of my life,” he told the club’s official website. “Although I am feeling better I feel this is the right time for me to stand down.

“I would like to thank our majority owner Stan Kroenke for the respectful and dignified way he has handled this and I know

Sir Chips is the right person to take the club forward.”

Kroenke added: “Peter has been a wonderful custodian of this club.

“He has been a member of the Arsenal board for 51 years and his vision and steadfastness have been central to the successes of this great club over that time.

“Peter will be sorely missed but we will be ensuring we recognise his many contributions to the club in an appropriate way.”

Keswick, a former director of the Bank of England and exchairman of Hambros Bank, has been on the Arsenal board since 2005.

“I am delighted that Sir Chips has agreed to become chairman,” Kroenke said. “He has a well-

further direction and support in our ambition to compete at the top of the game here and in Europe and to win trophies.”

Keswick - whose full name is Sir John Chippendale Lindley Keswick - added: “Firstly, I am sad to see Peter standing down due to his health and we all hope he continues well in his recovery. The Hill-Wood family has made an extraordinary contribution to Arsenal over many decades.

They have been central to the club’s many achievements during this time.

“I am greatly honoured to have been appointed chairman of Arsenal Football Club. This is one of the great clubs in the game, recognised and loved by millions. I am looking forward to leading the club to future success.”

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29 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Brazil Not Good Enough, Says Pele BRAZIL’S current sides are not good enough to win the Confederations Cup, football legend Pele has said.

Brazil are on a hiding to nothing under 2002 World Cupwinning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as they look to shrug off some recent poor showings which left them a modest of creativity in midfield and something missing between 19th in the FIFA rankings.

And Pele says they midfield and attack even if currently are just not good their defence is better.

“As incredible as it enough, even with starlet may seem today our defence Neymar on board.

“Today’s squad does is very strong. Brazil have not have enough in its always been very good in armoury to win the attack.

“But today we are Confederations Cup but at the same time it is a chance for lacking in terms of the link the coach and technical staff between midfield and to stabilise the team so it attack,” said Pele.

But he added that he prepares for the World Cup. “There are some very hoped Neymar’s move to strong teams here, such as the Barcelona would prove to Europeans (world champions help the star’s development.

“The transfer will be Spain and also Italy) who have a very high level,” Pele very important for his development. He will learn told ESPN Brazil.

Pele said he saw a lack much from this coming

Pele

Protests Mar Confed Cup Build-Up

PROTESTORS in Brazil held a demonstration outside the stadium which will host the Confederations Cup’s opening match to voice their anger at the rising cost of staging next year’s World Cup. Around 200 people burned tyres and blocked the main road outside the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in

the capital Brasilia, where the curtain-raiser between the hosts and Japan yesterday.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene and the road was eventually cleared.

The Associated Press quotes one protestor as saying the protests against “all the money that was spent by the government’’ on the two tournaments will continue.

The demonstration follows clashes between protestors and police in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo over the rising cost of public transport fares. Police in Sao Paulo said that 40 people, some carrying knives and petrol bombs, were arrested with crowds in both cities more than 2,000 strong.

In spite of the scenes

in the run-up to the Confederations Cup, FIFA has backed the Brazilian authorities’ ability to keep order while the competition is staged.

Pekka Odriozola, a spokesman for the world governing body, said that the organisation had faith in Brazil’s ability to handle

security.

“We respect fully the right of everybody to protest,’’ Odriozola said.” We are monitoring the situation.

We are in touch with the local authorities.

“We fully trust the local authorities and we have full confidence in what they are doing ... they are ready for any circumstance.’’

Messi Eclipses Maradona Record With HatTrick For Argentina

LIONEL Messi scored a hat-trick to help a secondstring Argentina record an easy 4-0 away win over Guatemala in a friendly and overtake Diego Maradona’s international goals tally.

Messi, who came on as

a substitute in recent World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador, was given a place in the starting line-up and gave Argentina a 15th minute lead with a left-

foot shot from outside the penalty area.

Messi, scoring his third hat-trick for his country, provided the cross for Augusto

Libya Win Eliminates Togo LIBYA extended their lead at the top of their World Cup qualifying group with a 2-0 win over Togo in Tripoli which ended the visitors’ hopes of reaching next year’s finals in Brazil.

The victory puts Libya on nine points at the top of Group I, three ahead of Cameroon who play DR Congo today.

Faisal Saleh’s seventhminute penalty and Komlan Amewou’s own goal 11 minutes later sealed the result in a match which had a controversial build-up.

The fixture was moved from Benghazi after at least 30 people were killed in clashes in the city last weekend. FIFA denied Togo’s request to have the match played at a neutral venue, leading to two players - midfielder Alaixys Romao and forward Jonathan Ayite to withdraw from the squad in protest.

Romao had warned

that the country’s players feared a repeat of their horrific 2010 Africa Cup of Nations experience.

Three people, including two members of the Togolese delegation, were killed by machine-gunwielding separatists when the team made its way to the Angolan enclave of Cabinda for its group stage games at the Nations Cup that year.

“My cry for help was not really taken seriously,” Romao told L’Equipe earlier in the week. “I won’t go to Libya where I won’t feel safe

Emmanuel Adebayo

- even in Tripoli - except if Sepp Blatter goes with us, sleeps in the same hotel as us and sits in our dugout.”

Star striker Emmanuel Adebayor and goalkeeper Kossi Agassa were also missing from the Togo squad after they reportedly refused to play in last week’s 2-0 win over Cameroon.

Fernandez to head in the second in the 35th minute before converting a penalty himself four minutes later.

He completed his hattrick four minutes after halftime when Ezequiel Lavezzi produced a low cross from the right and he casually side-footed the ball in from 12 metres after being left completely unmarked.

Apart from Messi, Coach Alejandro Sabella fielded a largely experimental line-up for Friday evening’s match in Guatemala City’s Mateo Flores stadium.

Messi, whose previous hat-tricks were against

Switzerland and Brazil last year, was substituted in the 67th minute after taking his tally of international goals to 35, which Argentine media said was one more than Diego Maradona’s total and put him level with Hernan Crespo as the team’s second highest scorer.

Gabriel Batitusta holds the record with 56 goals.

“That was the least important thing,” Messi told TyC Sports when he was asked about overtaking Maradona’s tally. “We wanted to play well in this friendly. The team’s attitude was right.”

Argentina’s next match is a friendly away to Italy on August 14.

Balotelli Doubtful For Italy STRIKER Mario added.

Balotelli is a doubt for Opener The head of the Italy’s Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday after a thigh injury cut short his training session, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Friday.

The AC Milan striker, 22, complained of pain behind his right thigh as coach Cesare Prandelli put his side through their

paces at the Joao Havelange Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

“During training this afternoon at Havelange stadium, Azzurri striker Mario Balotelli felt a pain in his right biceps femoris...,” the FIGC said in a statement to journalists.

They stopped his session as a precautionary measure, the statement

team’s medical team, Professor Enrico Castellacci, was due to assess his condition on Saturday, it said.

Balotelli, who finished as joint-top scorer at last year’s European Championship, was expected to lead the line for Prandelli’s side at the Confederations Cup.

season in Europe. And it will also be a good thing for Brazil as he will draw on experience at a much higher and tougher level. This should pay off when he links up with the national side.”

Scolari Tells Critics To Lay Off Neymar BRAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has thrown his support behind Neymar, the under-pressure star widelyregarded as Pele’s heir apparent.

Neymar, who has just signed for Barcelona from Santos, Pele’s former club, has come in for repeated criticism from the media, who feel that he has not produced the goods for the Selecao.

He hasn’t scored for nine games for club and country and will be in the spotlight again, when Brazil kick-off the Confederations Cup against Asian champions, Japan.

“He does not wear 11 jerseys but one — he is part of a team,” Scolari told a press conference.

“He has done what is requested of him with a lot of dedication.

“We want him to be a useful, team player — that is what makes a good player,” added Scolari, who expressed some frustration with what he feels is an overly-critical press.

“Everyone from abroad respects us a lot yet here in Brazil people are always saying what a bad team we have. Yet it is crucial to have the crowd supporting us,” said Scolari, as he insisted that the team did not have to feel extra pressure simply because the three-time Confederations Cup winners are hosts.

Scolari said on returning to the job last November in place of sacked Mano Menezes that he was clear the fans would demand success and expect to win both the Condeferations Cup and next summer’s World Cup — also on home soil.

But he said achieving those aims were advancing step by step.

“We must dedicate ourselves to helping Brazil evolve in all areas, not just in terms of football. We must be patient.”

Scolari said he wanted to produce attacking, flowing football but said ability to adapt was what counted for him.

Mario Balotelli

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PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

100 Supporters Club Members Storm Brazil Today

Confed Cup: THE Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club said that more than 100 of its members would fly to Brazil to cheer the Super Eagles.

The 2013 FIFA Eagles.

“Well, I want to assure Confederations Cup in Brazil begins, while Nigeria you that come Sunday over will play its first game an hundred of us will be against Tahiti and later play, leaving Nigeria via South Uruguay and Spain in Africa Airline.’’

The secretary commended Group B. Coach Stephen Keshi and The club’s Secretary, the players for their Samuel Ikpea, told newsmen in Lagos that the doggedness in making the proud and first batch comprising 100 country members would land in the expressed confidence in host country today while the their ability to triumph at the tournament. rest would join later.

“Well, I want to commend ‘ Our preparation has been Keshi and I want to also on top gear and the commend the boys, they Brazilian Embassy has been have been trying, they have very cooperating.

“As at this moment I am been doing their best, and so talking to you I want to far they have not recorded assure you that come any loss.

“Coupled with the Sunday, the first batch of the understanding among them, Nigeria Football Supporters the zeal among them, I am Club will leave the shore of sure that I have this level of this country to Sao Paolo to render support to the Super confidence that they will get

to the final of this game and even winning the tournament.”

He urged the team to be more focused, determined

and plays as a team to enhance their victory at the tournament comprising world continental champions.

Reports say that the competition will hold between June 15 and June 30 in six cities, namely: Rio

Onazi Out For 8 Weeks

LAZIO midfielder Ogenyi Onazi could be out for at least eight weeks after he injured his right knee in a World Cup qualifier in Namibia.

Officials who hinted MTNFootball.com disclosed that Onazi was expected to undergo a scan at the weekend.

Eagles team doctor Ibrahim Gyaran would rather not speculate on how long the player will be sidelined.

He told MTNFootball.com: “I cannot confirm how long he will be out because in modern sports medicine we

must carry out some tests on the right knee.

“In that case, I will not

speculate until after the tests, but he is certainly ruled out of the Tahiti game.”

de Janeiro, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recifa, Salvedor and Belo Horizonte.

The Eagles, who booked a place in the Confederation Cup after emerging African Champions in South Africa, is in group B with Uruguay, Tahiti and Spain, the World Cup defending champion.

Return Of Ghana Trio Brightens Quest For World Cup Glory - GFA Boss GHANA FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi says the return of pre-mature Black Stars retirees will boost the chances of the side qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. This comes after three of the players who made shocking retirements from the national team announced their decisions to return.

• Kevin Prince Boateng

Germany-born Kevin Prince Boateng has now announced his decision to return to the Black Stars after a two-year absence. is decision to return comes days after the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan also announced an end to their international retirement.

Nyantakyi says the developments are positive for the Black Stars who are locked in a battle with Zambia for top spot in group D of the 2014 world cup qualifying.

“Our position has not changed - we think we need all the best players available to make themselves available for the Black Stars,” Nyantaki added.

“If we have the Ayews, K-P Boateng, Michael Essien to join the squad that will make it formidable, even capable of winning the world cup.”

Boateng could now make his return in September when the Black Stars host Zambia in what could prove to be a winner-takes-all 2014 World Cup qualifier in Kumasi.

Enyimba, Heartland Set Up Oriental them,” he declared. told THE fireworks will fly Efugh Derby “If the officiating is good, inside the Enyimba MTNFootball.com that International Stadium in Aba when Enyimba host Heartland in another ‘Oriental Derby’.

Six-time champions Enyimba are still struggling with their form, while Heartland have been on a fine despite their financial troubles.

Last season, Enyimba won this fixture 1-0, but Heartland captain Chinedu

SWAN Gets New Exco

By KEHINDE OSAGIEDE

THE Sports writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) yesterday elected a new executive to run its affairs for the next three years with Saidu Abubakar returning unopposed for the post of president.

The election which held in Lagos yesterday saw Patrick Omorodion beating his opponent in the Keenly contested election Kehinde Lamidi with 34 votes to four to emerge deputy national president.

Mr. Ben Ogbemudia, chairman Edo Sports Writers

• Onazi

Association defeated Bab Oyetoro after polling 30 votes against his opponent’s 8 to become Deputy Secretary- General while Andrew Abah returned as Secretary General after seeing off his opponent Wale Alabi by 26 votes to 12.

with good officiating, they will beat Enyimba in Aba. “It is obvious we are in good form now and can

beat any team anywhere.

Enyimba are not unbeatable and so we are going to Aba with the target to beat

I am upbeat they will fall.

“We lost to them 1-0 last year courtesy of referee’s biased officiating.”

Trabzonspor Lead Hunt For Eneramo NIGERIA striker Michael Eneramo looks set to sign for Turkish club Trabzonspor this summer, according to media reports.

Eneramo had revealed to MTNFootball.com he has been talking with several clubs but yet to agree with any of them.

“I am still talking with all the clubs who have shown interest in me. I don’t want to rush. I am weighing my options because I don’t want to rush, but soon a decision will be taken,” Eneramo told MTNFootball.com Trabzonspor will play in next season’s UEFA Europa

League and that may well sway Eneramo, who has

• Eneramo

indicated his desire to play in a European competition.

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Laudrup Tipped For PSG Job

MICHAEL Laudrup is the new prime target to take over at Paris Saint-Germain, a source close to the club has told ESPN. Reports earlier in the week linking Tottenham manager

• Michael Laudrup

Gutierrez Says Newcastle Need To Learn NEWCASTLE United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez feels the Magpies need to learn from last season to ensure that they don’t make the same mistakes in the next campaign.

According to the Argentinean winger, the Tyneside club will learn from their mistakes and as a result be a better team next season.

The Magpies had a disastrous 2012/2013 campaign, just avoiding relegation, a mere season after they finished in fifth spot in the league.

Talking to the side’s official club website, Gutierrez had the following to say: “We have to learn from the last season. We made mistakes and we can learn from those to ensure that we don’t make them again next year.”

Andre Villas-Boas with PSG were not misguided as the French side are believed to be weighing up an approach for the Portuguese. There have also been suggestions that a move for the Spurs boss could see the Ligue 1 champions make a bid for Gareth Bale.

However, following reports in the English media suggesting that Villas-Boas is keen to stay with Tottenham for another season at least, Laudrup has now emerged as the new favourite to take over at Parc des Princes. A source close to the club’s Qatari owners has hinted that an appointment could be made as early as next week.

PSG are eager to tie up a replacement for outgoing boss Carlo Ancelotti before he is given the green light to take over at Real Madrid.

And the move for Laudrup is seen as a glamorous solution for a club keen to promote themselves as one of the rising global brands of the modern game.

The Dane’s successful spell as Swansea manager appeared to edge towards an end on Wednesday when the spat between his agent Bayram Tutumlu and club chairman Huw Jenkins became public, with Laudrup backing his longterm adviser when quizzed on his future by the South Wales Evening Post.

However, Tutumlu has since stressed that there is no tension between his client and Swansea.

“There is no problem with Michael Laudrup and Swansea City,’’ he is quoted as saying by the BBC. “He is staying. It is my problem, my problem with Huw Jenkins.’’

According to the Press Association, there was an initial disagreement regarding Laudrup’s transfer budget for

the summer, as the former Barcelona player looks to strengthen his squad for next season’s Europa League campaign.

The Swans were also unhappy with Tutumlu wanting to put forward his own shortlist of proposed transfer targets, and did not take kindly to the agent’s involvement in the potential sale of defender Ashley Williams, whom the club have no intention of letting go.

Laudrup has indicated that his intention is to stay in South Wales, but he has also made it clear that Tutumlu, who he has been working with since his playing days, will continue to act as his agent.

Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink’s advisers have confirmed that PSG have been in contact to assess the availability of their client, who has verbally agreed to extend his stay as Anzhi Makhachkala coach without putting pen to paper on a new contract.

• Manuel Pellegrini

Del Bosque Praises Casillas Form VICENTE Del Bosque has said he does not feel Iker Casillas’ long spell on the Real Madrid bench has affected his form - but reports suggest Victor Valdes will start Spain’s opening Confederations Cup game against Uruguay on Sunday.

Casillas has captained Spain to victory at their last three

major international tournaments, keeping seven

Coyle Tipped For Success At Wigan

FORMER Burnley and Preston midfielder Graham Alexander has tipped Owen Coyle to be a success at Wigan Athletic.

Succeeding Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium, Alexander spent just under three years working with Coyle when the

pair were at Burnley together. A bright period that saw the club promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history, the current Fleetwood Town manager revealed how Coyle had a significant effect on both

Sunday Pools Guide Week 49 Adelaide; Croydon For “X” SAYS DR. J.K. POOLS MORE than half of this week’s fixtures of the on-going Aussie Pools Season are Victoria Division. And half of the draws of this week are likely to come out there.

This week 49 matches to be played on 22nd June 2013, it is “x” against the above captioned Head line games in South Australia. The game are Adelaider Vs Cobras at No 30 and Croyedon Vs Comets at No 37.

The two bused on this week’s fixtures and poological calculation they are inseparable for a “z” on Saturday.

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In summary No 2-10-26-30-32 for at least three draws.

Lest I forget, this weeks fixtures would undoubtedly produce at least Ten draws unlike week 47. It is bound to increase by four.

A visit to South Australia Division, I fancy two hot pairs. The likely ones are those at Noalunga vs Gawler at 36, Northern D

consecutive knock-out game clean sheets.

However, he has not played a competitive game since January amid what reports described as a “feud” with former Bernabeu coach Jose Mourinho and the good form

vs AD Hill s at 37 and W.Adelaide vs Seaford at 41 and WiToros vs Playford at 42.

In week 50, Naked draws have been exposed. All readers of SUNDAY OBSERVER would directly benefit from this paper please watch out for the juicy games. Chain! Chain!!

8 Treble Chance 1. Central Coast vs Sutherland 2. Morelands vs Westerns 3.

Beaumaris vs Frankston P 4.

Para Hills vs Metrostars 5. Adelaide R vs Cobras 6.

Croydon vs Comets 7. WollonGONGO vs CRINGILA 8. Wollongong U vs Coniston

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Hot PAIRS (A) 47-48 (B) 10-26 (C) 30-32.

Good luck says DR. J.K Pools Box 34 Irrua or Opposite Police Station Irrua Esan Central, Edo State.

the club and him personally.

“I had a fantastic time playing for him at Burnley,” Alexander told ESPN. “He came in half way through my first season and we did ok. He was great for me personally, I was 37 at the time but it wasn’t a problem for him at the time, it was about what I did on the pitch, playing and training wise and we got on great.

“Obviously his first full season we got promoted to the Premier League and it was just a fantastic time to play under a manager that gave you the freedom to express yourself and really believed in you.”

Signing a 12 month rolling contract, Coyle has been tasked with returning Wigan to the Premier League at the first attempt. Believing his former manager can handle the pressure he is likely to face and continue the club’s tradition of playing good football, Alexander also feels that Coyle is the ideal candidate to take the Latics back to the top flight.

“He’s a football man,” Alexander explained. “He loves the game, he loves the day to day involvement of training and being around the players and it’s definitely one of his forte.

shown by his club replacement, Diego Lopez.

Valdes played superbly in Spain’s key World Cup qualifier in Paris in March, keeping a clean sheet as France were beaten 1-0.

Del Bosque gave playing time to both ‘keepers and Liverpool’s Pepe Reina during Spain’s two recent warm-up friendlies against Haiti and Ireland, and Casillas impressed with two superb stops against the Irish.

The coach said a lengthy spell on the sidelines had not appeared to hinder the Madrid man, but insisted a decision on who would start against Uruguay had not yet been made.

“From the first day, we have not seen much effect from Casillas’ break from action,” he explained. “His personal behaviour is correct.

“Any decision we take, in one way or another, I do not believe would be an error because all three are magnificent keepers.”

According to reporters attending Thursday’s training session in Recife, Valdes played alongside the presumed first-choice back four of Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba.

The blaugrana shot-stopper has also been chosen as one of the players due to speak at Spain’s scheduled posttraining conference later on Friday.

THE

CMYK

SUNDAY

PB SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Bayelsa Residents Flee Community Over Gas Pollution

Women removing waste during women special sanitation exercise in Jikkamshi town in Musawa local government area of Katsina State weekend

SOME residents of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa have fled their homes due to gas pollution caused by leakage from an oil rig.

Former Chairman of the Ogboinbiri Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Newton Daniel, told reporter yesterday in Yenagoa that the incident occurred Thursday night till late Friday.

“The gas leak which started about 8p.m., came from an oil rig owned by Agip Oil Company and covered the whole area.

Everybody fled till late Friday,’’ Daniel said.

He said that the leadership of the CDC visited the scene shortly after the incident and met with some of the workers on the site, who confirmed that there had been gas leakage from the rig.

Daniel said the community had dispatched a delegation to meet with Agip officials, adding that the company had not responded as at the time of this report.

The Project Officer of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), an NGO, Mr. Alagoa Morris said the group had received report of the leakage.

“I have received the report of the gas leakage, which they say is very serious and had forced many people in the area to flee their homes due to the pollution.’’

He said the report reaching ERA indicated that the gas leakage was from a rig working on an oil wellhead in the community and promised to visit the scene.

The spokesman for Agip Oil Company, Mr. Tajudeen Adigun, declined to comment on the matter on phone.

Plateau Set To Lay Off 11,000 Unqualified Teachers THE Plateau Government yesterday threatened to sack 11,000 unqualified teachers in its payroll.

Governor Jonah Jang, who made the pronouncement in a media interaction in Jos, said, “government cannot continue to harbour people who cannot add value to education in the state.

“We have 7,000 teachers in

the primary schools that are not qualified and another 4,000 that have no business going near our schools at all.

“The 7,000 were asked to improve upon their status but they have failed to do so and we have made up our mind to

Delta Govt Seeks UN Technical Support On Flood Management GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has appealed for technical assistance from the United Nations (UN) for the prediction and management of flood disasters.

The governor made the appeal in Asaba yesterday when Baroness Valerie Amos, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator paid him a courtesy visit.

Uduaghan said the state’s terrain was prone to flooding and that managing the impact of flood disaster remained a daunting task.

“I want to thank you for the support you gave us last year and I will want to state that this year’s prediction is not good.

“So, we require technical assistance for disaster prediction and

management.’’

Amos told the governor that she came to find out areas where the UN could be of assistance to the state as prediction for the year did not look good.

She noted that the past flooding affected so many families in the state and that the early warning shows that this year’s flooding would be worse.

“We are here to talk to you and your team about the ways my team can support and strengthen disaster response and management.”

“The earlier the team responded to flood disaster, the more we can save lives.’’

The UN team joined the government in a town hall meeting in Asaba where the flood impacted communities presented their challenges and appealed to the UN for support.

do away with the 11,000 put together.

‘This administration had established some pivotal institutions that will help in training and churning out qualified teachers that can teach our primary school pupils.’’

Jang said that his administration had paid over N3.4 billion as counterpart funding to Universal Basic Education Commission and attracted a lot of projects as well as other benefits to the sector.

He said that the drive was aimed at transforming the educational sector and that anyone who was not fit for the journey “must give way’’.

The governor said that lifting the standard of education in the

state was “paramount“ to the goals of his administration and that the government was ready to do all it could to give hope to the young generation.

He said that it was in that line that he established three special

science schools and upgraded Government Technical School, Bukuru.

“Only qualified candidate will be admitted into the technical school and nothing less, no matter whose child is

Association Wants Killer Of Policemen Tried THE Federal and Nasarawa State Governments have been called upon to ensure that killers of policemen and other security operatives in the state were brought to book.

The Gwandara Educational and Cultural Development

Association, Nasarawa state chapter, made the call at a news conference in Lafia on yesterday.

President of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Kyari-Yahuza who addressed the press, condemned the killing by the

Experts Unhappy Over Use Of School Counsellors As Teachers “But in most schools, there are

A UNIVERSITY teacher, Prof. Mopelola Olusakin, has urged the three tiers of government to intervene in the use of school counsellors as teachers.

Olusakin, a professor of Counselling Psychology, Department of Educational Foundation, University of Lagos, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The professor said that the conversion denied students access to counselling.

Besides, she said that the National Policy on Education stipulates 250 students to a counsellor.

involved.

“Our goal is to ensure we do away with the rot in our educational system in the state knowing full well that education is the bedrock of any nation,’’ he said.

over 1,000 students to a counsellor.

“The counsellor’s duty is to encourage the students to be dedicated because some of them are not dedicated to their studies and their parents do not have time to counsel them.

“A counsellor is in school to counsel students and not to teach in classes.

“They are in school so that students can speak with them on issues they cannot tell their parents.

“Counsellors are there to counsel students and help them choose a vocation.

“Children should be allowed

access to counsellors right from primary school because of the rate at which they are developing so fast,” she said.

Olusakin said when a student developed a negative character, it would be difficult to correct it even with the help of a competent counsellor.

She said that students should discuss with their counsellors issues ranging on vocation, educational career and peer group.

She urged government and school administrators to use counsellors appropriately to inculcate the right morals in children.

Ombatse cult at Alakyo.

“This act is not only primitive, archaic, wicked, barbaric and criminal but condemnable.

“No amount of blackmail, falsehood or politics should be allowed to bury the ugly incident. The culprits must be tried before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The association urged the people of the state to allow peace, unity and tranquility to reign for Governor Tanko AlMakura to achieve his transformation agenda.

“We must as a matter of national responsibility condemn the recent killing of security operatives on lawful duty of protecting their fatherland.”

Kyari-Yahuza condemned the attempts by some leaders and ethnic groups to downplay the unfortunate incident.

He stressed that there was no justification for taking innocent lives on lawful duty.

He called on youths to shun acts of violence and lawlessness.

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