Weekend observer 25-05-2013

THE WEEKEND

1SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE OCTOBER 6, 1990 • Vol.XI NO.3,185• SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013 • N100.00

Latent Causes Of SocialUnrest In Nigeria

- Pages 15 - 18

- Page 5- Page 8

WEEKEND DISCOURSE

POLITICS MOMENT OF SCRUTINY

FUNERAL SERVICE: L-R: Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo Stateand Senate President, David Mark at the Funeral Service of Dame Merry OritsetimeyinEhanire in Benin City yesterday.

NATION

A MajorThreat ToNigeria’s

Unity

PAGES 24 - 25

Hon. Patrick Aguinede CurbingTerrorism InNigeria

Be Fair, OshiomholeAdvises Media

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

W e e k e n d

Gov Oshiomhole ConferredWith An Award Of Excellence

A Modernizer Of

Our Time

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

AN award of Excellence has been conferred onEdo State Governor, Comrade AdamsOshiomhole by members of Edo StateAssociation of International Students, UnitedKingdom (UK). Receiving the award,Comrade Oshiomholewho was represented

by the state DeputyGovernor, Rt Hon. (Dr.)Pius Egberanmwan

Odubu enjoined thestudents from UK toshun criminal activitiesso as not to tarnish theimage of the state andthat of the country ingeneral. He stressed the needfor them to continue tobe good ambassadors,

and assured ofg o v e r n m e n t ’ sreadiness to ensurethat Edo sons anddaughters in the UK donot suffer unduly. The governor

informed the studentdelegation that thestate government’sdevelopment effort cutacross all strata ofhuman endeavour,including education and

electricity. Earlier, the President,Edo State Associationof InternationalStudents, PhilipOnwumah said theassociation has among

other objectives theneed to assistthemselves in researchand to help provideaccommodation fornew members fromEdo State.

EDO State Governor,Comrade AdamsOshiomhole has advisedthe media to always befair in their reportage. He gave the advisewhen the managementteam of Silverbird, Beninoffice, paid him a

courtesy visit in BeninCity, yesterday. The governor whowas represented by theDeputy Governor, Rt.Hon. (Dr.) PiusEgberanmwen Odubuurged the media toreport facts as factsdon’t lie. Comrade Oshiomhole

assured that the stategovernment will continueto do its best for theoverall development ofthe state. He similarly expressedthe willingness of thestate government towork with thebroadcasting outfit forthe overall advancementof Edo State. Earlier, the BusinessManager, Silverbird,Benin Office, MacdonaldP e t e r - A n y a n g b e ,expressed the readinessof Silverbird to co-operate with Edo Stategovernment with a viewto promoting the positiveactivities of theO s h i o m h o l e - l e dadministration in thestate.

Violence


THE WEEKEND

CRIMENEWS

Police Arraign Taxi Driver, 29, For AllegedManslaughter

Court Remands Teenager

Over Alleged Theft Of Laptop

Man, 30, Bags 6 Months

Imprisonment For

Stealing 12 GoatsPolice Warn Public Against

Procession In Rivers

Group of Mobile Policemen maintaining law and order

Police Arrest 2 Land

Speculators Over N7.3m Deal

A teenager ofGovernment SecondarySchool, Rabochi in theGwagwalada Area Councilof the FCT, was remandedin prison over an allegedtheft of a laptop.

The order for the remandof the 17-year-old wasgiven by the Judge, AlhajiBabangida Hassan, of theGwagwalada Upper AreaCourt.

He gave the order afterlistening to the plea of theaccused who is facing atwo-count charge of housebreaking and theft.

The Police Prosecutor,Mr. Iliya Maji, told the court

THE police hasarraigned a taxi driver,Okpeyemi Sani, 29 ofGames Village, Abuja,in a Wuse Zone 2 SeniorMagistrates’ Court,Abuja, for allegedmanslaughter.

The Prosecutor, Mr.Paul Anigbo, told thecourt that, on May 17,2013, at about 7.30p.m., Sani drove hisNissan Almera vehiclewith registration numberKUJ 385 AS in adangerous manner.

Anigbo said that thevehicle was drivenalong Musa Yar’AduaWay, Abuja.

He added that

THE Commissioner ofPolice in River, Mr.Joseph Mbu, haswarned that individualsor groups whoembarked on illegalprocession in the statewould be arrested andprosecuted.

Mbu gave the warningin Port Harcourt at anews conference calledby the AssistantInspector-General ofPolice (AIG) Zone 6, Mr.Jonathan Johnson.

“As from today, there

THE police in LagosState said they havearrested two fake landspeculators who allegedlydefrauded some militarypersonnel of N7.3 million.

This is contained in astatement signed byspokesperson of theSpecial Fraud Unit, DSPNgozi Isintume-Agu, madeavailable to newsmen inLagos.

The statement said thearrest followed a petitiondated March 8, allegingthat the suspects had inSeptember 2010,approached and offeredthem a large expanse ofland for sale at Ofada inOgun.

“The military personnel,having indicated theirinterest, paid N7.3 millionto them with theexpectation that the land

that the accused brokeinto the computer room ofhis school and stole alaptop valued atN150,000.

The accused pleadedguilty to the charges andbegged for forgiveness,saying he was tempted tocommit the offencebecause he wanted tosettle his school fees’problem.

Following the plea ofguilt, the prosecutorprayed the court to try theaccused summarily.

The judge reservedsentencing the accused,and adjourned the case toJune 5, 2013.

will be no peaceful orviolent processionwithout applying to theCommissioner of Police,Rivers State.

“Anybody, who takesthe law into his handand comes out toprotest will be arrestedand prosecuted.

“The police will useminimum force to makesure that defaulters arepicked and prosecuted,’’Mbu warned.

In his comments,the

AIG defended the actiontaken by Mbu who wasaccused of exemptingc o u n t e r - t e r r o r i s mpersonnel from guardduties.

He said the action asproper, saying thepersonnel was notmeant for guard duties.

“The unit is meant totackle terrorism, so thecommissioner decidedto replace them with theSpecial Protection Unit,’’he said.

AN Ibadan Magistrates’Court has sentenced a 30-year old Patrick Robinsonto six monthsimprisonment with anoption of N5,000 forstealing 12 goats.

The prosecutor, CplFolake Ewe, had told thecourt that the convict wasarraigned on a two-countcharge of unlawfulpossession and stealing.

She said Robinsoncommitted the crime atPodo Village, Ibadan, onDecember 11, 2011 atabout 7.00 a.m.

She said the convict

drove a dark blue Primeriacar with registrationnumber QB 656 KJA,carrying 12 native goatssuspected to have beenstolen.

Ewe said the offencecontravened the CriminalCode of Oyo State, 2000.

Robinson pleaded notguilty to the charge.

After series ofadjournments and cross-examinations, theMagistrate, Mrs. NafisatAbdulsalam, found himguilty of the second chargeof theft but discharged himon the first allegation.

will be sold to them.“Suspicion started when

they requested for titledocument and they wereprovided with forgedsurvey plan.”

It said the suspects werearrested and investigationrevealed that one of themwas a graduate of YabaCollege of Technology andthe Managing Director ofAmpris Global Resources.

“He said that heregistered his company in2009 to sell and developestates and that he had anagreement with a family topurchase 200 acres ofland.

“He confessed receivingthe money from thecomplainants but that hehad no intention to defraudthem since he allocatedsome plots to some of thebuyers.

“He also confessed thathe had not processed theCertificate of Occupancywith Ogun Government.”

The spokesperson saidthe other suspect, a 30-year-old graduate ofOlabisi OnabanjoUniversity, Ago-Iwoye,started work with AmprisGlobal Resources asProperty Consultant androse to the post ofBusiness DevelopmentManager.

“She marketed the landto the complainants andprovided them with thecompany’s accountnumber, where they paidin their money forsubscription.”

The statement said thatthe suspect collectedsome cash from thebuyers.

because of Sani’sexcessive speeding, heknocked down apedestrian, KingsleyJoshua, a staff ofCCECC ConstructionCompany.

The prosecutor saidJoshua sustainedsevere injuries as aresult of the accidentwhich eventually led tohis death on the sameday.

He noted that after theaccident, Sani drove offwith his vehicle withoutrendering anyassistance to Joshua.

He said that Sani was

arrested later on May 17by some police officerson patrol along GamesVillage, Abuja, andtaken to police station.

The prosecutor saidthe offence contravenedsections 28(1) and34(a)(b)(c) of the RoadTraffic Act.

Section 28(1) of theAct states that a personwho drives a motorvehicle on a highwayrecklessly ornegligently, or at aspeed or in a mannerwhich is dangerous tothe public, is guilty of an

offence under this Actand liable toimprisonment or fine orboth.

Sani, however,pleaded not guilty to theoffence.

The Senior Magistrate,Mr. Usman Shuaibu,granted him bail in thesum of N1 million with asurety in like sum.

Shuaibu said thesurety must be a civilservant of not less thanGrade Level 10 andshould reside within thejurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned thematter to June 18, 2013.

THE WEEKEND


Insecurity Hinders Tourism Development

In Nigeria - NANTA

NEWS

Oshiomhole Commissions Block

Of Classrooms

Igbanke CommunityAppeals To EDSG

Political Parties Push for

Local Government Autonomy

GOVERNOR AdamsOshiomhole of Edo stateyesterday commissioned ablock of eight classroomsand a headmaster ’s officerenovated by the NewCovenant Bible church atEvbuobanosa, OrhiorhwonLocal Government Area.

Speaking shortly beforecommissioning the project,Oshiomhole saidGovernment will takedevelopment to thecommunities anddemonstrate that the peoplein the rural areas are notinferior to those in the urbanareas.

According to the governor,deliberate steps will be takento take development to therural communities.

ALHAJI Saleh Rabo, thePresident, NationalAssociation of NigerianTravel Agencies (NANTA)has said that the insecurityin the country was hinderingthe development of tourismsector.

Rabo told newsmen inAbuja that political stabilityand security were aprerequisite for tourists’attraction to any country.

“Violent protest, socialunrest, civil war, terrorism,perceived violation ofhuman rights, or the merethreats of these activitiescan cause tourists to altertheir travel behaviour.”

The NANTA presidentsaid that the instability in thecountry had also hinderedthe free flow of investorsinto the country, stressingthat the country’s economywas equally affected.

“The concepts ofterrorism, political instability

IGBANKE community inOrhionmwon LocalGovernment Area of EdoState have appealed toEdo State Government tointervene in the PublicPower Supply suffered inthe area due to the fault of

THE National Chairman,Accord Party, MalamMohammed Nalado, said thatcivil unrest in Nigeria couldbe curbed by grantingfinancial autonomy tooperators of the localgovernment system.

Nalado told newsmen inAbuja that youthunemployment would also betackled if the localgovernments had financialautonomy.

He said that more than 70per cent of the populaceresided in the rural areas,and that the youths were inthe majority.

Nalado said that manyyouths were not gainfulemployment, adding thattheir idleness largelyaccounted for vulnerability tounscrupulous individuals inneed of those to perpetrateterrorism and insurgency.

He argued that financialautonomy for the 774 localgovernment councils wouldgo a long way towardsachieving the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs)in addition to the provision ofother basic amenities for therural dwellers.

Nalado said that when thelocal governments had theirfunds directly they would beable to embark on variousprojects and improve theagricultural development.

He said further that theagricultural sector would offerthe largest opportunities tothe unemployed if it was wellharnessed to generateincome.

Nalado said that smallholding farmers needed to begiven the necessary supportconsidering theircontributions towards theeconomic development ofNigeria and amelioratinghunger and poverty.

He said that the local

government system was acatalyst to mass agriculturalproduction and wouldenhance food insecurity, aswell as “create a wave ofprosperity and stabilityacross the country by liftingmillions out of poverty”.

“Considering the povertyand unemployment level inthe country, it is time for thelaw makers to take a decisiveaction to make the localgovernments achievefinancial independence,” hesaid.

Also speaking, the NationalChairman of the NationalConscience Party (NCP), DrYunisa Tanko, said the issueof granting the localgovernments autonomy waslong overdue as this wouldfacilitate development at thegrassroots level.

He said that theresponsibilities of the thirdtier of government should notbe usurped by the stategovernment under the guiseof joint state accounts.

Tanko said more than 66per cent of the nation ’spopulace residing in the localgovernment areas had nothad access to basicnecessities in the localcommunities because theclosest tier of government tothem lacked the wherewithalto make their lives moremeaningful.

He said that if the localgovernment autonomyshould be granted autonomy,it would certainly restoreconfidence of the people indemocratic governance atthe grassroots level.

“Local governments havingtheir own financial autonomydoes not make them equal tothe state, rather it will quickendevelopment process, and ifthey are not doing it right thestate governments cancheckmate them.

the PHCN.The appeal is coming on

the heel of a number ofpersons who wereelectrocuted due to powersurge in Igbanke recently,the latest being the deathof one Endurance Ogboi.

According to an eyewitness who spoke underunanimity the LateEndurance had returnedhome from the farm thatfateful day, when hediscovered that there waselectricity supply after fivedays of power failure.

The Late Endurancewho is a ProfessionalWelder was said to havedied instantly as heattempted to do somework in his workshop.

The incidence hadthrown the people ofIdumuodin into mourningas the tragic eventbecame too much for themto bear, after losing fourother persons in the samecircumstance within aweek.

“When we politicians andleaders lament about ruraldrift, people moving awayfrom villages, rushing to thecities only to get strandedand we sermonize about theneed for people to remainwhere they are, thosesermons will amount tonought if we do not takedeliberate steps to bringdevelopment to our ruralcommunities and one of the

key issues of ruraldevelopment is access toinfrastructure,” he noted.

While commending thePresident of PentecostalFellowship of Nigeria, Rev.Felix Omobude forrenovating the school for thecommunity, the governorsaid men with means shouldfind the way to reconnectand to identify with theircommunity

“You have startedsomething which I believemany others will like to copyto the glory of God and to thebenefit of our great nation.When people say how theyshould be immortalize, bynaming street and housesafter them. The best way toimmortalize oneself is bywhat you do while you arealive and the people youtouch to the extent that theyalways remember.

“Rev. Omobude hasimpacted on his environmentand not a few will copy. Iwant to thank you forreducing the burden ofgovernment. Even ifgovernment has all themoney on the planetgovernment alone does nothave the executive capacityto do all the things that weought to do, to make all thechanges that we desire,” headded.

The governor alsocommissioned a hostel andblock of Engineeringworkshop at the light housepolytechnic Evbuobanosa

Earlier, the President ofPentecostal Fellowship ofNigeria, PFN Rev. FelixOmobude commended EdoState Governor, ComradeAdams Oshiomhole for thedevelopmental stridesthroughout the state.

According to him, “thepeople can politicisewhatever but the good worksyou have done all over thelength and breadth of Edostate will speak for you. Letme thank you my Excellency,there is no doubt that youmean well for Edo people,we pray for God’s strengthand God’s wisdom, God’sgrace, that the God whostarted it with you, He willalso finish with you.”

and other forms of conflictsappear unrelated totourism, even though that isnot the cause.”

Rabo commended theFederal Government for thestate of emergencydeclared in the three statesin the North.

He said that with thecommittee set up for theimplementation of this rule,the country would in nodistant time return tonormal.

He added that the movewould revive tourismactivities at the affectedstates.

“We are hoping that withthe committee and the stateof emergency, the countrywill come back to normal.”

Rabo urged Nigerians tojoin hands with thegovernment to ensure thatthe country was a better

place by reporting anyunsuspected movement inany area.

Deaconess (Mrs.) Endurance Odubu, wife of Deputy Governor, Edo State (4th left), with wives of Chairmen of localgovernment , Edo State shortly after their courtesy visit to the Oba’s palace.

The late Mr. Endurance Ogboi who was electrocuted inIgbanke recently


THE WEEKEND

N wse

Africa Day Celebration: Fayemi TasksAfrica To Take Control Of Its Destiny

Vocational Education: Canada To Partner

Edo State Govt

Retired Officers Will Be GivenRecognition In The Scheme Of

Things - EDSGBy CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

FG Plans New Tariff RegimeFor Industrial Sector

EDO State Governmenthas said it would do all withinits reach to ensure thatretired Officers of theDepartment of StateServices in the state aregiven a sense of belongingin the scheme if things. The state Governor,Comrade AdamsOshiomhole gave theassurance when theAssociation of Retired

Officers of Department ofState Services of Nigeria(ARODSSON), Edo StateChapter, paid him a courtesyvisit in Benin City yesterday. Represented by the stateDeputy Governor, Rt. Hon.(Dr.) Pius EgberanmwenOdubu, ComradeOshiomhole acknowledgedtheir contribution towards theadvancement of society,taking into consideration thenature of their job. He noted that the stategovernment will ensure thatthey are recognized, addingthat the state government willcontinue to do its best toensure that the state remainscrime-free. The Comrade Governorsolicited their support,particularly in prayer to enablehim continue to function

effectively. Earlier in an address readon behalf of the chairman ofARODSSON, Edo StateChapter, Chief Pius Obinyanby the Secretary of the body,Henry Williams, said theywere in Government House,Benin City, for a familiarizationvisit as well as to congratulatethe governor over his victoryat the governorship electionof July 14, 2012. While appreciating thedevelopmental strides of theComrade Governor, ChiefObinyan informed him thatduring a recent generalmeeting of the body, thegovernor was appointed asthe first Grand Patron ofARODSSON, Edo StateChapter, and that he would beinformed when it is time for hisinauguration.

Property Consultant SaysPolicy Inconsistency Is Bane

Of Housing Sector

GOVERNOR KayodeFayemi of Ekiti Stateyesterday stressed the needfor the African Continent totake control of its destiny inthe international arena.

Fayemi made the call atthe 50th African DayCelebration of theOrganisation of African Unity(OAU), now the AfricanUnion (AU) and the 4thTajudeen Abdul-RasheemMemorial in Abuja.

He urged African leadersto change the nature andcharacter of the politicalsystem operating in thecontinent with a view toimproving the peoples ’quality of life.

He said, “There is the needfor Africa to take control ofits destiny, because thereare many things going wrongwith most African countries.

“We should struggle tochange our political systemto be more people-oriented.This was what late Tajudeenstood for throughout his lifetime.

“We should see thestruggle to reposition theAfrican continent in globalaffairs as a serious struggleto fight for.’’

The governor regrettedthat 50 years after colonialrule, the continent was notwhere it ought to be as aresult of the lack ofcollaboration andcooperation amongcountries.

Fayemi emphasised theneed for African countries tosee themselves as “peopleof a single continent’’ in orderto take its rightful position inglobal affairs.

He challenged youths toemulate the virtues and

legacies of late Tajudeen, whodied on African Libration Dayin 2009 in an auto accident inNairobi.

Tajudeen was the loudestand most effective advocateof Pan-Africanism in recenttimes, Fayemi added.

On his part, Prof. OkeyIbeanu, a professor at theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN), said that thephilosophy behind Pan-Africanism was gearedtoward the restoration of thedignity of African personsacross the globe.

Ibeanu urged Africa toreturn to the original Africanistideals which encouraged hardwork, good moral values andequitable reward system.

The OAU or Organisationde l’Unité Africaine (OUA)was formed on May 25, 1963when the Casablanca bloc,led by Kwame Nkrumah ofGhana and the Monrovianbloc, led by Leopold Senghorof Senegal, resolved theirdispute in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.

The OAU started itsoperations on Sept. 13, 1963when its Charter was adoptedand signed by 32independent African states.

The OAU was establishedon the principles of statesovereignty and non-interference and 22 statesjoined gradually over theyears, with South Africabecoming the 53rd memberon May 23, 1994.

On Sept. 9, 1999, theorganisation adopted, atSirte, Libya, the resolution tocreate the African Union tosucceed the OAU.

The Constitutive Act of theAfrican Union sets out thecodified framework under

which the African Union is toconduct itself.

The OAU was disbanded onJuly 9, 2002 by its lastchairperson, South AfricanPresident Thabo Mbeki andreplaced with African Union(AU),

The AU was launched inDurban on July 9, 2002 by itsfirst President, South Africa’sThabo Mbeki at the firstsession of the Assembly ofunion.

The only African state thatis not a member of the AfricanUnion is Morocco, which leftthe AU’s predecessor, theOAU, in 1984, when many ofthe other member statessupported the Sahrawinationalist Polisario Front’sSahrawi Arab DemocraticRepublic.

Morocco ’s ally, Zaire,similarly opposed the OAUadmission of the SahrawiArab Democratic Republicand the Mobutu regimeboycotted the organisationfrom 1984 to 1986.

The AU is committed tobringing about change andfreedom to many Africancountries and restore dignityof African people.

The May 25 celebration asAfrica Day marks thebeginning of a quest for theunity of the continent and forthe political and economicemancipation of its people aswell as co-operation amongthem.

Over the years, the AU,modelled after similarorganisations in Europe andelsewhere, has strived toincrease economic, social,cultural and politicalcooperation.

It also seeks to providecommon policies amongAfrican countries.

By OSAZUWA AKONEDO

A property consultant, MrChudi Ubosi, on Friday saidthat policy inconsistency wasthe bane of development inthe housing sector in Nigeria.

Ubosi, President,International Real EstateFederation (FIABCI), AfricaRegional Chapter, said thatthe problem in Nigeria wasunstable policies.

“An administration thatformulates a housing policynever accomplishes it``.

He told newsmen in Lagosthat housing sector had beenknown for contributing to theeconomic renaissance ofmany countries.

“Unfortunately, in Nigeria,we have been experiencinggovernments that neveraccomplished what they setout to achieve.

“Policy inconsistency is

unhealthy for the growth ofany country’s housing sector,”he said.

Ubosi advised the FederalGovernment to adoptstrategies that developednations had used to optimallyprovide accommodation fortheir citizens.

“Promoting security oftenure is a prerequisite forsustainable improvement inhousing and environmentalconditions, “ he said.

Ubosi also urged the

Federal Government to focusmore on the development andmaintenance of road andprovision of potable water.

“The Federal Governmentand local authorities shoulddesign, adopt and implementpro-poor city developmentstrategies and ensuresufficient availability of landfor housing development.“

He suggested thatemerging economies likeNigeria should pool resourcestogether to overcome thechallenges confronting theirhousing sectors.

“Nigeria has the capabilityof being one of the worldlargest economies in the next20 years,” he said.

A new tariff regime aimedat increasing localmanufacturers capacity andboost investments in theindustrial sector is underway,The Minister of Trade andIndustry, Mr. OlusegunAganga, said.

Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, theSpecial Assistance to theMinister on CorporateCommunications, said in astatement that Aganga madethe plan known when heinaugurated a committee onthe matter.

The statement said as partof efforts to achieve the goal,Aganga inaugurated a 12-member committee to workout appropriate tariffs tosupport the implementationof the country’s industrialpolicies.

The aim is to reposition themanufacturing sector andincrease its contribution tothe Gross Domestic Product(GDP) from its current fourper cent to 10 per cent overthe next four years.

The committee is chairedby the Permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry of Industry,Trade and Investment, Mr.

Dauda Kigbu.Other members of the

committee are the Presidentof the ManufacturersAssociation of Nigeria, ChiefKola Jamodu, the executivesecretaries of the NationalSugar Development Council

Others are the NigerianInvestment PromotionCommission, the directors-general of the StandardsOrganisation of Nigeria andNational Automotive Council,among others.

Their terms of reference areto propose strategies andmeasures that will increasethe capacity utilisation andcontribution of the industrialsector to GDP in line with theNigerian Industrial RevolutionPlan.

The committee is also topropose tariffs for everysector under the purview ofthe ministry, identify majorgaps between existing tariffregimes and the CommonExternal Tariff regimes andpropose solutions tosmuggling.

The minister stressed theneed to ensure that the righttariffs were proposed andimplemented in order to movethe nation’s manufacturingsector forward.

He said that members of thecommittee had been selectedto serve on account of theirrelevance to the developmentof manufacturing in thecountry.

“They are expected to usetheir experience and skills toadd value to the importantwork that they are called uponto perform as part of ourongoing efforts to repositionmanufacturing in our country,”Aganga said.

He noted that the need tohave a manufacturing-friendlytariff regime was borne out ofthe realisation of the fact thatthe growth and developmentof the sector depended to alarge extent, on the use ofappropriate tariffs.

CommunitiesEnjoined To

Take AdvantageOf ACT Drugs

THE Coordinator ofAFRIPRIDE a NonGovernmental OrganisationEhis-Bright-Omoruyi hasenjoined the people ofIsiuwa community in OviaNorth East LocalGovernment Area of EdoState to take advantage ofACT drugs available inGovernment and health-care centres and not to fallvictim of dubious patentmedicine dealers who sellthe drugs at exorbitantprices. The coordinator gave thecharge while on asensitization visit to thecommunity. He said that the NigerianGovernment and GlobalFund has joined handstogether to ensure that thedrugs are sold to the peopleat a cheap and affordablerate. He implored the people toalways look out for the pricetag and the green-leaf logoon the pack to ensure theauthenticity of the drug. The coordinator observedthat malaria hascontinuously plaguedpeople because they fail tokeep their environmentclean as mosquitoes breedin an unhealthy and dirtyenvironment. He charged them to alwaysconduct Rapid DiagnosisTest (RDT) to ensure thatthey have malaria parasitein them. Responding, theCommunity DevelopmentChairman ImafidonStephens thanked thecoordinator for theawareness and ensurecompliance of his people tohis directives. The highlight of the visitwas a drama presentationand the demonstration of theuse of ACT drugs and LongLasting Insecticidal TreatedNet (LLIN). Also visited were Ugbokun,Adebayor and Guoguocamps.

CANADIAN HighCommissioner to Nigeria, Mr.Chris Cooter says theCanadian Government willpartner Edo Stategovernment in the area ofvocational training.

The Canadian HighCommissioner, Mr. ChrisCooter stated this yesterdaywhen he paid a courtesy callon the Executive Director ofAfrica Network forEnvironment and EconomicJustice, Reverend DavidUgolor at his office in BeninCity.

According to the CanadianHigh Commissioner, theCanadian Governmentdecided to assist Edo StateGovernment in the area ofvocational education on theground that unemployment is

not the problem in Nigeria butthe skills to get theemployment.

He said when he visited theTechnical College in BeninCity he was told that theschool was built in the 1970s,adding that the school lookslike the one he attended in the70s in Canada. Therefore, hesaid that the school may havehad the support of foreigngovernment hence the needfor the Canadian Governmentto invest in the school.

He said the CanadianGovernment would providevocational training teachers,equipment and all othervocational learning facilities toboost the vocational trainingsystem in the state.

He added that the fundingof the school would besustained by the CanadianGovernment.

Also, he urged human rightsactivists to be morecommitted in their struggle forgood governance in thecountry.

“Civil society is critical to theprotection of human rights inthe society. We are opposingto death sentence. We needa government that will lead toa country we all will be proudof”, said the HighCommissioner.

He said the CanadianGovernment as a way ofpromoting democracy inNigeria have budgeted 25million dollars and havestarted working with the

Independent NationalElectoral Commission, INECso as to strengthen theinstitution ahead of the 2015general elections.

He said the securitysituation in the country needsa holistic approach, addingthat resolution is the best wayto address terrorism.

Responding, the ExecutiveDirector of Africa Network forEnvironment and EconomicJustice, Reverend DavidUgolor thanked the Canadiangovernment for theassistance it has beenrendering civil society in thecountry in deepeningdemocracy and fightinghuman rights abuses.

He however urged theCanadian Government tocontinue to provide supportfor the civil societies with aview to enable them help buildthe country for the good of all.

THE WEEKEND


Curbing Terrorism In Nigeria NIGERIA for manydecades have beenfailing, invariably andfailing conspicuously byit bondage tounderdevelopment,corruption, violence andterrorism, withoutlooking beyond into howto attain a harmoniousperfection as a nationstate. Events in the pasttwo years or so hasshown that the nation iscertainly driftingtowards anarchy. Evidently, this is so,evidently also mostNigerians have beenleft with nothing but anation that has lost itsrudders, even as thereexist palpable fearacross the entire lengthand breath of thebeleaguered nation. Thus to mostNigerians these days,the fear of the terrorist,insurgent, is thebeginning of wisdom. Though Nigeria hasalso enjoyed a period ofrelative peace in thepreceding decades,there had arisen a widespread feeling of risingand growinginequalities in the land. The rich in Nigeriaseems richer than everbefore, while the poorpeople in their rank andfile continue to declineon the scale ofqualitative measure ofinequality. By and large, Nigeriahas become moreunequal andsegregated in recenttimes. Today across Nigeriacities and towns aboundsqualid slums, whichare filled with a vastnumber of unemployedmen and women andyouths with nowhere toturn to, nor a home tocall their own. Meanwhile, most ofthese people havebecome tinder boxes of

anger, hopelessness,frustration and silenthatred. Also there are millionsof young unemployedgraduates roaming thestreets, even as theycontinue to wallow indespair and povertythey soon becomerecruiting grounds forthe terrorist. According to many ananalyst, terrorism,thrives on poverty,though violence is notpathology of the poor. However, thecompound of poverty,powerlessness, lack ofo p p o r t u n i t y ,s u p p r e s s i o n ,repression and injusticeare volatile mix thatsparks off terrorismworld wide. Strangely though,there has been anu n p r e c e d e n t e dincrease of terroristattack especially in thenortheast of Nigeria inrecent times. Also there has beenan increase ininsurgency attack inrecent times, that the

Nigeria government hadno alternative but todeclare a state ofemergency in Borno.Yobe and AdamawaStates. Apart from thishowever, the federalgovernment has toaccept long termpolitical obligation,because if thegovernment isdetermined to root outterrorism andinsurgency, it must bedeprive of the soil inwhich to grow. And thisis the gut of this piece. Like I stated earlierexperts world wide areof the view that apartfrom the fact that the actof terrorism form ourcommon vulnerability,but most importantly,

only through thedevelopment of a unitedalliance againstinternational injusticeand social injustice willit be possible to renderuseless and impossibleact of desperation byvictims of the systemwho would easily resortto violence andterrorism. But this iscertainly not an easytask, even as thefederal government hadearlier resorted to theidea of dialogue andgranting of amnesty tothe terrorist group,before the declarationof state of emergency inthe three states. At this most crucialand critical time in theannals of Nigeria, for

the avoidance of doubt,the FederalGovernment must steerclear of the situation inwhich it would definethe country in terms ofmodes of loyalty into“coalition members”and the “enemies” andon that basis distributesrewards and blames. According to JavadZarif “the need for anenemy is so strong forgovernment that attimes enemies areforged as a managerialtool. This approach to…politics has broughtbloodshed anddevastation to humansociety suppressedmuch potentials wastedmuch precious humancapabilities and scarce

Senator David MarkPresident Goodluck Jonathan

national resources andinstead give rise todomination, violencea n dunderdevelopment”. Thus, moreimportantly, what thefederal governmentought to aim for at thismaterial time is tocreate and begin tocultivate a newparadigm today, basedon the greaterappreciation that whatunites us is by fargreater than thedifferences that divideus. In essence, theFederal Governmentmust not demonize alloppositions in the nameof “internal security andthe war againstterrorism”. Rather what thefederal governmentshould be emphasizingseriously is how toremove the soil in whichterrorism is thriving inthe country. In this wisethe FederalGovernment need tobrain storm withexperts, views on waysin which terrorism canbe curbed and made athings of the past. In the light of theforegoing the federalgovernment has toformulate enlightenedpolicies andprogrammes of actionthat would truly hastenthe development of thisbeloved nation in orderto confront terrorism ina broader partnershipfor humandevelopment.

“According to many an analyst, terrorism, thrives onpoverty, though violence is not a pathology of the poor.However, the compound of poverty, powerlessness, lackof opportunity, suppression, repression and injustice arevolatile mix that sparks off terrorism world wide.”

“Thus, more importantly, what the federal governmentought to aim for at this material time is to create andbegin to cultivate a new paradigm today, based on thegreater appreciation that what unites us is by far greaterthan the differences that divide us.”


THE WEEKEND

P liticsoThe Imperatives Of States’

CreationREQUESTS for the

creation of more states inNigeria have been made onmany occasions.

There have been requestsfor the creation of Okura outof Kogi; Aba from Abia;Njaba and Orashi out ofImo; Adada from EnuguState; Toru-Ebe from Delta,Edo and Ondo states;Hadejia out of Jigawa andKatagum from Bauchi State.

Similarly, there have beenrequests for the creation ofTiga out of Kano State;Karadua and Kafur fromKatsina State; Lagoon fromLagos State; Oke-Ogun andIbadan out of Oyo State;Kwararafa from Taraba andAmana out of Borno.

Some people have alsosolicited the creation ofAdamawa, Taraba andSavannah states out of thecurrent Adamawa State;Edu, Gurara, Kainji andBorgu from Niger; Apa fromBenue, New Delta fromDelta and Oduduwa out ofOsun, among others.

The requests for states’creation became sorampant to such an extentthat Mr Wole Oke, theformer Chairman, House ofR e p r e s e n t a t i v e s ’Committee on Defence,once announced that theHouse had received morethan 50 requests for thecreation of new states.

Observers, therefore,wonder why various ethnicgroups across the countryhave presented a plethoraof requests for the creationof more states.

However, some politicalanalysts contend that thesustained campaign for thecreation of more states inthe country is not becauseNigerians have a penchantfor promoting divisions ofthe polity.

Rather, they note that theproponents of new statesare only seeking theexpansion of the scope andplatform for more citizens toexpress themselves andutilise their potential undera federal system ofgovernment.

Political historians recallthat state creation began inNigeria on May 27, 1967,when the administration ofGen. Yakubu Gowonabolished the regionalstructure of the country andcreated 12 states.

They note that theadministration of Gen.Murtala Mohammedcreated additional sevenstates in 1976, while 11more states were created by

the creation of 30 additionalstates through themachinery of the NationalAssembly; the move wasscuttled, following the 1983military intervention.

All the same, some cynicshave, on several occasions,queried the wisdom inmaking requests for morestates at this point in time.

In spite of suchviewpoints, the Senateannounced in 2010 that itwould set up a sub-committee within itsConstitution ReviewCommittee to specificallyconsider various requestsfor the creation of morestates across the country.

The Senate has assuredthe public that the proposedsub-committee wouldconsider the requests andmake recommendations.

Besides, the House ofRepresentatives recently

allocations from theFederation Account for theirsurvival.

They insist that states’creation should not be apriority project becauseevery new state will meanan extra burden on theFederation Account, assome of them may not beself-sustaining.

Mr Qudus Lawal, a publicanalyst, wrote in Daily Post,an online publication, thatthe quest for states, as

another minority group inthe new states.

“Some of those craving fornew states opined that newstates will curb persistentethnic clashes beingexperienced in some partsof the country, an examplethat readily comes to mindis Kaduna South.

“If our aim is to use statecreation to settle disputes;then, we should be ready tocreate at least 250homogenous states.

“ My suggestion is that we

people.“From the three regions to

the four regions afterindependence; from the 12-state structure to 19 statesand to the present 36-statestructure; it is very obviousthat development has cometo those areas.

“It is expected that someof these people who feel theneed for developmentwould always be engaged indemanding for new states.

“We expect that whatever

demands that are to besubmitted to the NationalAssembly, all requests willbe treated dispassionately,while taking intoconsideration the realitieson ground.’’

Sharing similarsentiments, Dr YakubuUgwolawo, the Coordinatorof the National Associationof State Movements(NASM) said that stateswere universally acceptedas the building blocks ofdevelopment in a federalsystem.

“Creation of more stateswill spread developmentacross the land and helpbring the much touteddividends of democracy tothe door steps of theaverage Nigerian; thecreation of more states willalso create new jobs,’’ hesaid.

Ugwolawo said that aspart of efforts to convincesceptics on the need formore states ’ creation,NASM, in collaboration withthe Coalition for ResponsiveGovernance, wouldorganise a seminar on May27 to stimulate publicunderstanding of theadvantages of having morestates.

Ugwolawo stressed thatthe creation of more statesin the country would ensuremore rapid and evendevelopment of rural andurban areas, whileenhancing the citizens ’living standards.

He noted that manyNigerians wanted thecreation of new states tosatisfy their political anddevelopment aspirations,call ing on the NationalAssembly not to fail them inthat regard.

All in all, analysts urge theNational Assembly ’scommittees on statecreation to evaluate all therequests for the creation ofmore states and makepositive recommendationson those that meet theconstitutional requirements.

They say this will enhancethe citizens’ confidence inthe legislature and boostdemocratic governance.

• David Mark • Aminu Tambuwal

former military PresidentIbrahim Babangida between1987 and 1991.

They add that theadministration of Gen. SaniAbacha created additionalsix states in 1996, whichbrought the current numberof states to 36.

Observers, nonetheless,note that the existing stateswere all decreed intoexistence by militarygovernments withoutconsideration for thecitizens ’ consent, asstipulated in theconstitution.

They recall that althoughformer President ShehuShagari initiated a move for

said that it had collated theviews of Nigerians on theproposed constitution ’sreview across the country,stressing that states ’creation was one of thesalient themes of thepeople’s proposals.

Nevertheless, somecynics kick against plans tocreate more states inNigeria, stressing thatvirtually all the existingstates depend solely on

contained in the 1958Willink Commission Report,arose from the concern ofminority groups that theirinterests were not protectedin the then Northern,Western and EasternRegions.

“The report correctly notedthat states creation would infact not be a solution to thefears of minorities, asadditional states may notguarantee the creation of

maintain the presentnumber of states sincecollapsing them is unlikely,while creating severalfunctional localgovernments.’’

Lawal ’s sentimentsnotwithstanding, Mr JosephGumbari, a former memberof the House ofRepresentatives, said in amedia interview that: “I lookat these requests as comingfrom people who aredesirous of development.

“Looking at the history ofthe creation of states, it hasbeen an exercise that hasbrought about development;it has also broughtgovernment closer to the

By KAYODE OLAITAN (NAN)

“Creation of more states will spread developmentacross the land and help bring the much touteddividends of democracy to the door steps of theaverage Nigerian; the creation of more states willalso create new jobs.’’

THE WEEKEND

7SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013R lationshipe

African Men, White Women:

What Is The Attraction?A F R I C A N

marriage tothe whites

also known as interracialmarriage is now veryprevalent worldwide.Interracial marriage occurswhen two people ofdifferent racial group marry.This is also known asexogamy (marrying outsideone’s social status).

In the western world,there were laws put onground restrictinginterracial marriages.Countries like Germany,The United States OfAmerica and South Africaunder the apartheid oncefrowned at this form ofmarriage.

It is now something ofgreat joy that people arebecoming more openminded about finding apartner outside their race.But the question is what theattraction is?

The attraction betweenthe whites and the blackswhich leads to marriagecould be attributed toseveral reasons. Somepeople are of the view thatblack men are attracted towhite women just to buildup their social status. Thereis the desire for socialapproval especially fromwhites. The desire to betreated and perceived asequal tends to intensify thisattraction. In achieving this,the black men imitate thewhite in every sphere oflife.

Some African men are ofthe view that African menare raw and unrefined. Thealternative becomeswomen who in their opinionare stylish, sassy and non-traditional. In other words,they seek women who areliberal.

Most black men feel whitewomen are fun to be withand accommodating. Theyfeel white girls are free ofthe high and low dramaassociated with blackwomen and that white

women are also easilymanipulated.

Most African men havedegraded Africa to theextent of hooking up withwhite women, just forpersonal gains. Some ofwhich are: stronger legalbasis to remain abroad.More freedom to move andchange jobs. To appear tobe more successful, asAfricans are of the opinionthat whites are rare goldand also very important.Most African societies,measure the level of one’ssuccess to his level ofassociation with whites.

Though, the above maybe true to an extent, butmost African men, getattracted to white womenjust out of genuine love.There are African men wholove white women for noapparent reason. They lovethem not for their skin, raceor nationality.

Another funny reason issimply because of the needto have children of mixedrace. Most African men areobsessed with the idea oftheir kids been citizens ofWestern Countries andalso been referred to as“half-caste”. The demand for whitewomen by Africa men hasbeen on the increase sinceBarak Obama became thefirst African-AmericanPresident of United State ofAmerica about few yearsago. The Kenya father ofAmerican President neverknew his son will becomethe world president oneday.

Despite all these, mostAfrican men forget thateven if love is involved,race will inevitably becomea hurdle that needs to bejumped repeatedly.

Black men forget thatdating outside of one’s raceopens the possibility of notjust heartbreaks, butdealing with the bitter truththat in most cases what the

person really wants is notactually you but oneparticular feature whichshe finds exciting, and thatcannot be described aslove.

Also, the case is viceversa, African men are notthe only ones who areattracted to white women,white men are alsoattracted to black women.Is it surprising?

Most white men, find thedark skin of a woman veryexotic. Some white menbelieve dark skinnedwomen are natural andbeauty. They prefer womenof color because they feelwarmer and sweeter. Somewhite men feel the faces ofdark women are muchmore attractive, likewisethe skin. It is of no wonderthat married Russianbillionaire Vladimir Doroninloves dark skinned girls. Itis known that he dated

Naomi Campbell, a darkskinned British model andalso dated another darklady after her. Theattraction is simplybecause of the skin color.

Most black women datewhite men simply as aresult of past experience ofrape, lies, cheatings andassaults from African men.There is the general feelingtowards all black guys andthere is the tendency to bewith someone who isconsidered smooth andrespects women. Mostwhite guys are consideredto be smooth by blackwomen. These blackwomen often forget thatmen will be men, whetherthey are black or whites.

Furthermore, it isbelieved that seeingopposite skin color in bed,heightens the excitement.Somehow they feel they

are doing somethingnaughty or forbidden.

Approaching a blackwoman is no different fromapproaching a whitewoman to some white men.Just that he makes sureshe is worth it. A womanwho is typically friendly andhas a common courtesy isattractive to menirrespective race. So theydon’t treat black womendifferently from whitewomen. It is sometimesvery frustrating when whitemen cannot tell if blackwomen are attracted tothem.

African women hook upwith white men for tworeasons: they maygenuinely love white menand they may also try usingwhite men as substitute toalleviate the shortage ofavailable black men. Manyblack women are angrywith black men forchoosing non blacks, sobeen with white men, helpsthem get back at them, andalso to maintain their prideand dignity. It is veryobvious that they getmarried to white men fortheir resources andprotection. They believethat marrying a white manwill improve their status.

There are few Africanwomen who find white menmore attractive and preferthem better. This occurssimply because in theirchildhood, they had whitesare friends, in other words,there has been anexposure to the way whitemen reason and do things.They find white menpowerful, wealthy andknightly.

On the other hand, awhite man can be attractedto any type of woman aslong as he finds herinteresting and sexy. It isnot unusual for a white manto become attracted to ablack woman. Blackwomen are very sexy,strong-willed, and morevoluptuous and have lots ofconfidence.

The search for a lifepartner can be very tricky.It mainly entails someonewho fits into the list of anindividual irrespective ofrace. Relationshipsbetween blacks and whitescan work out perfectly andeven last forever till death.The most importantingredient is love. It isbetter to be in matrimonywith someone who isloving, wonderful andperfect, instead of endingup in the courtroom fordivorce.

By CASSIUS LAMAI/ ODINUKAEZE NNENNA

“Most black men feel white women are fun to bewith and accommodating. They feel white girls arefree of the high and low drama associated with blackwomen and that white women are also easilymanipulated”.


THE WEEKEND

Hon. Patrick Aguinede: AModernizer Of Our Time

P rspectivee

Hon. Patrick Aguinede,Commissioner for Basic Education

Since he has beensworn in as the BasicE d u c a t i o nCommissioner in EdoState, precisely twomonths and six daysnow, he has rolled outnumerous monumentalachievements in BasicEducation in the State.

Some of theachievements are asfollow:

Hon. Patrick Aguinedeknows that there issomething in a name.The heads of theeighteen localgovernment areasrepresenting the Ministryof Basic Education wereformerly called ZonalInspectors of Education(ZIE). For this namelooks some how inferiorto the heads of SeniorSecondary Schools,technical schools andHigher Education whoare called ChiefInspectors of Education(CIE). He thereforechanged the formername Zonal Inspector ofEducation (CIE) for BasicEducation while theothers arc now calledChief Inspector ofEducation (CIE) forSenior SecondarySchools, TechrcalSchools and HigherEducation.

Secondly, he has beenholding frequentmeetings with Heads ofPersonnel Management(HPM) who eventuallyare the acting educationsecretaries of theeighteen LocalGovernment EducationAuthorities in the State,and the principals of theJunior SecondarySchools in the State. Thisis done to know the

enough teacher in theschools, that the standardof education can neverimproved, he made surethat the House influencedChief Lucky Igbinedion,the then ExecutiveGovernor of Edo State toemploy teachers to feelthe vacancies in theschools in the state. Healso made sure thatHouse influenced theGovernor to make thesalaries of teachers andpromotion regular.

Recently, the ComradeGovernor of Edo State,Adams Aliyu Oshiomholesaw the need to appointthe Basic EducationCommissioner to makethe administration ofeducation in the EdoState very easy andsmooth for administrativepurpose.

As we all knowComrade Adams AliyuOshiomhole is a digitalperforming governor, inthe same way he need,digital performingindividuals in his cabinet.He (Comrade AdamsOshiomhole) sets hismental register intomotion thinking about adigital performingindividual to appoint asthe Basic EducationCommissioner.

The mental register ofComrade AdamsOshiomhole supplied thename Hon. PatrickAguinede as the first-class name among theDictionary of names fromthe mental register of theComrade Governor.

Hence, on the 8th ofMarch, 2013, the nameHon Patrick Aguinedewas announced as theCommissioner f BasicEducation in Edo State.

appointed Deputy ChiefWhip and ChairmanHouse Committee onE d u c a t i o n .The former Lawmaker ofEdo State House ofAssembly was very vocal,imaginative and vibrant inthe house. During thisperiod in reference hewas able to initiatenumerous bills and manyof the bills were passedinto law. In short, herepresented the goodpeople of Esan-WestConstituency creditablywell in the house.

For the fact, thateducation is one of themost vital professions andit deals with thesharpening thec h a r a c t e r s / f u t u r eprospects of humanbeings; and any attemptto appoint any individualthat is not vast inknowledge and wisdom toheed the sector will golong way to affect thestate and the Nation ingeneral.

The Edo State House ofAssembly then under theleadership of Hon. FridayItula carefully spread outa magic search light tosearch out a Lawmakerthat the cap of leadershipat the Committee ofEducation fits. Hon.Patrick Aguinede wassearched out by themagical search light.Hence he wasunanimously appointedby the House CommitteeChairman on Education.

As the Chairman ofHouse Committee onEducation, he broughtabout numerous changesin education in the state.Discovery that without

HON Patricic Aguinede,the HonourableCommissioner for BasicEducation, Edo State is agreat modernizer whosemodernizing policyalways bothers onsuccess. Leaders areleaders but each leader isdifferent from the other byvirtue of the varieddisposition, attitude,character, decisions, tomatters affectingleadership, courage,wisdom, and the fear ofGod in discharging dutiescan be called some of itsingredients. It is preciselythese ingredients plus ahost of others that iscombined in goodcombination to make Hon.Aguinede a good leader.

Hon Patrick Aguinedehails from Ekpoma, thea d m i n i s t r a t i v eheadquarters of EsanWest Local GovernmentArea of Edo-State. He isa man that is greatly lovedby his people. The peopleof Esan West LocalGovernment called onhim to come and contestfor the seat of the EdoState House in Assemblyto represent the goodpeople of Esan—WestConstituency in the StateHouse of Assembly. Hewas massively voted andhe won the election. Hetherefore represented thegood people of EsanWest in the House ofAssembly between 2004-2007 (during the period)Honorable Friday Itulawho is currently in thehouse of Assembly wasthe speaker of Edo StateHouse of Assembly.While in the House ofAssembly, he was

problems of their variousareas of leadership and toproffer solutions to suchproblems in order to movethe educational standardof the state to aprogressive level.

Furthermore, as I saidearlier in this write up, theComrade Governor ofEdo State delights inindividuals that areperforming in their variousareas of leadership whilehe detest individuals whoare performing short oftheir expectations. For thefact, that the educationsecretaries and the chiefinspectors of education inthe eighteen localgovernment areas in thestate when performingbelow average in theirareas of leadership, theComrade Governorsacked them from theiroffices about six monthsago. It is he (Hon. PatrickAguinede) that pleadedgreatly on their behalf justlike the way a lawyerwould pleads for his clientin the court of law. Hence,the Comrade Governorchanged his decision forsacking them to now allowthem to come back to theirprimary areas ofassignment. Before thistime — Prominent RoyalFathers in the state,Bishops, Rev. Fathers,Community Leaders,Politicians have venturedinto pleading for them butto no avail. Hon. PatrickAguinede is really a greatman who is concerned tofight for the right ofhumanity.

Again, for the fact, thatexamination malpractice

is a contagious disease —which if not really dealtwith would ruin the futurelives of our young boysand girls and thereforerender their future uselessand Edo-State which ishighly respected as theheart-beat of Nigeria. Thebasic educationcommissioner has closedthe miracle centre in thestate that alwayspromotes examinationmalpractice. He is veryready to deal with anyprincipal, teacher,supervisor, invigilator orany individual that iscaught promoting oraiding and abettingexamination malpracticein the state.

Considering the fact,that without vehicles thatthe Basic Ministry can notdo its work effectively, hehas embarked onrepairing all theabandoned vehicles hemet in the ministry. He isworking laboriously withthe Comrade Governor tosee that more vehicles arepurchased for theDirectors, the QualityAssurance Officers andthe Basic Education ChiefInspectors of Education tomake the work in hisministry very effective andefficient.

In compendium with theanalysis of all that isenumerated about theman Hon. PatrickAguinede, one will agreewithout any element ofdoubt that he is amodernizer whosemodernizing policyalways bothers on hugesuccess.

BY ISAAC IKHINAEDE

“As we all know Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole isa digital performing governor, in the same way he need,digital performing individuals in his cabinet. He(Comrade Adams Oshiomhole) sets his mental registerinto motion thinking about a digital performing individualto appoint as the Basic Education Commissioner.”

THE WEEKEND

9SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013P liticsoThe Battle For 2015AS the battle for the

2015 presidentialelections begins, therehas been lot of intriguesand controversiesassociated with it. As itdraws, 2015 or theapocalypse as beendescribed by a few, thereis the need to know howthe tussle began.

It all began in earlyJanuary when posters ofPresident GoodluckJonathan flooded thestreets of Abuja, as anevidence of his seeminginterest in the 2015election. But this wasvehemently denied byPresident Jonathanthrough his specialadviser on media andpublicity, Ruben Abati thatthe president had nothingto do with the campaignposters.

Furthermore, it is nowvery obvious that thepeople ’s DemocraticParty, plans on adoptingGoodluck Jonathan as itsole candidate for the2015 presidentialelection.

Supporters of thepresident haverelentlessly triedconvincing stakeholderson the need for him toremain in office in 2015.

This has not gone downwell with somenortherners who believethat the north was robbedof its political right in 2011.

Most northernersthought that after thedemise of their kinsman,Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua,power should haveremained in the region.

After the tenure of ChiefOlusegun Obasanjo, thenorth hoped that it wouldbe its turn to govern theaffairs of the country forthe next 8years but thiswas a mirage. Jonathan

emerged as the presidentin accordance with theconstitution after thedemise of PresidentMusa Yar’Adua.

As the clock tick tockstowards 2015, thepresidential race isgetting tougher amongstakeholders.

Although, PresidentJonathan has not throughwords showed anyinterest about 2015, thenorth has opposed anyplan by the PDP tochoose him for itsprimaries. According tothe Arewa ConsultativeForum, the PDP does nothave the ultimate say onwho becomes presidentin 2015.

There has been issuesbordering on whetherelections will be held inthe north as a result of thesecurity issues in thenorth. It is against thisbackdrop that GovernorAliyu Babangida of Nigerstate who is also seekingto be made presidentstated that “to thosetoying with the idea of notconducting elections inthe north because of thesecurity challenges” thatthere will be no electionin Nigeria if there is noelection in the north.

The trouble between thepresident and governorRotimi Amaechi, may notbe far from the 2015elections. While it seemsJonathan is desperate fora second term in office,Amaechi who has been aclose friend andsupporter, is campaigningfor himself a bigger roleat the federal level in2015.

Additionally, there hasbeen a clamour in thenorth for a Sule Lamido-Rotimi’s ticket against

2015 and posters to thiseffect has floodedKaduna state. This maynot have gone down wellwith the president. Thepossibility sounds not justappealing at the polls, butmust have sent shivers toJonathan ’s camp andthese must have broughtabout the recent attacksfrom the presidency onthe man in charge ofrivers state.

One special feature ofthe Lamido and Amaechiticket is that, Lamido is astaunch loyalist of chiefOlusegun Obasanjo, whohas stated times withoutnumber that Jonathanmust not be allowedbeyond 2015.

Also, Rotimi is theChairman of Governors’Forum and he has beenable to enlist the supportof some governors in theforum. It is because ofthis, that PresidentJonathan agitated for the

formation of the PDP’sgovernors forum whichsaw chief GoodswillAkpabio as its chairman.

The fire and brimstonemelted down on thegovernor from Abujasuggests that the battleline has been drawnbetween these Ijaw men.Recently, the private jet ofRotimi was grounded.

The question thenarises, “does Amaechi nothave the right to aspire tobe president of thecountry? PresidentGoodluck should not usestate machinery againstgovernor Rotimi, butrather win him into hiscamp.

Facts have alsoemerged that the reasonfor the presidentialpardon granted ChiefDiepreye Alamieyeseighawas as a result ofJonathan ’s 2015ambition.

It is very evident that

By ODINUKAEZE NNENNA

Jonathan pardoned himbecause he needed himto persuade the Nigerdelta militant on the needto support him, as he,Alamieyeseigha has avery good standingrelationship with themilitants.

Tension is alreadybuilding up across thecountry towards 2015.Some prominentpoliticians and top Nigerdelta militants havealready endorsedGoodluck Jonathan for2015, threatening fire andbrimstone for whoeverwould dare to stop him.Something similar,happened in 2011 whenAlhaji Kaita a foundingmember of PDP made astatement that if Jonathanemerges as president ofthe country, “the north isdetermined if thathappens to make thecountry ungovernable forpresident Jonathan or anyother southerner whofinds his way to the seatof power on the platformof the PDP against theprinciples of the party’szoning policy”.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Kaitaspoke recently on thepossibility of PresidentJonathan running in2015. He stated that if thecountry should remain asone, the north will be

prepared. But if it doesnot, everyone should beprepared to go his way.

Also, the middle belt hasmade it clear that if thepresidency should cometo the north, it should begiven to them. Thusbetraying the seemingly“unity of the north”.

Furthermore, the Igboare also clamouring totake over the presidencyafter General Aguiyi Ironsiin 1966. The presidentgeneral of OhaenezeIndigo, AmbassadorRaph Uwechue hasstated that a president ofIgbo extraction in 2015 “isnot a favour wanting to begranted but logically dueand legitimate andpolitical right justlyaccruing to it (Ndigbo)within the Nigerian familyin a true federal charactersetting”.

With the northernersand Niger delta militantsready to do anything totake over and maintainpower withoutconsidering theconsequences it will haveon the country, the drumsof war are graduallybeating hard. Nigeriansshould not sit and foldtheir arms and watch theprophecy by Americandiplomats about thepossible breakup ofNigeria come true.

• President Goodluck Jonathan • Gov Rotimi Amaechi

“With the northerners and Niger delta militantsready to do anything to take over and maintainpower without considering the consequencesit will have on the country, the drums of warare gradually beating hard.”

1 0SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013

THE WEEKEND

P liticsoIs Gov Orji Intending for Reconciliation

With The Probe Of KaluBy ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

IT was Hubert H.Humphrey (American 38thUS Vice President underLyndon B. Johnson (1965-69) and US Senator fromMinnesota (1949-64, 1971-78). 1911-1978), who saidthat the essence ofstatesmanship is not a rigidadherence to the past, but aprudent and probing concernfor the future.

But Governor TheodoreOrji of Abia State does notwant to focus for the futurewithout the unremitting callsto Probe his predecessor, Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu. Perhaps,Gov. Orji wantedreconciliation with Kalu,without knowing how to goabout it, hence the probe.

Nonetheless, informationhas it that Kalu hasconstantly responded that hehas nothing to quiver for theaffront called probe; he is

only concerned thatGovernor Orji has slightedhim so much, beyondparsimoniousness, by sayingthat he should appear beforethe Probe Panel, as if he isOrji’s apprentice.

Dr. Kalu’s infuriation wasnoticed after the newsflashon Nigeria TelevisionAuthority on May 15, 2013,has it that Governor Orji,who set the panel, wasasking him again to appearbefore it. It is thereforeimperative to say that thevulgarity in the statement onthe television by thegovernment of Abia Statehas further exposed a known

fact that the Governor Orji-led Government of Abia Statedoes not know what DueProcess is and if it knew, itdoes not keep to such. Else,how could it not haveproperly invited Kalu for theprobe, instead of addressinghim like one loafer in thecountry? Although, what isthe gobbledygook of a probeis this?

In his chase after Kalu interalia, Orji had said that theprobe was to look into therunning of the state’snewspaper outfit while Kaluwas in government; but in astatement by Kalu, he urgedOrji to go collect his towelwhere he took his bath andstop distracting him, as his

newspaper outfit, SunPublishing Limited whichoperates in Aba, Lagos andAbuja, was financed byGuarantee Trust Bank Plc,and all the equipments itpurchased had been fullypaid.

It is preposterous how Orjihas made governance to looklike, without a directapproach to the rule of law,which Kalu is highlycommitted to, and hasvowed that it would be ashame to all the people whomay be involved in thekangaroo probe if they failto invite him in order to puthis actions as Governor ofAbia State between 1999

and 2007 straight, and stopthis government’sdistractions of his activities,because he has a lot to do,if the government is lessbusy in the midst of plentyworks to do in Abia State.

As Abia people knew,Kalu had noteworthyachievements during histenor of which Gov. Orjicannot compete. If he is indoubt, we henceforthchallenge him for a debate.How come that since 2012,the major work that Gov.Orji has known to do, is thecall to probe Kalu? This hasgotten to an irritating stage.Who does not want Kalu tospeak about Abia State andher government again andwho is afraid of Kalu?

We have to remind Orjithat he should own up thathe is not at peace with hisconscience for all theperceived malevolence hehas meted out against Kaluwhom he once served hisgovernment as Chief ofStaff, hence the make-belief probe. Abia peopleare very sure that Orji isheading to the gulag fromwhere he became governor,if by peradventure Kalu isduly invited and he comesto open the Pandora’s Boxcontaining unprintablethings about Orji.

Last time, it was theirritant that the Abia StateGovernment circulated thatit wanted to probe Kalu,because according to it,“there has been a lot ofanger, irritation andagitation within the Abiapopulace as a result of theunguarded false utterancesbeing credited to a formergovernor of the state, ChiefOriji Uzor Kalu”.Nonsense! Arrantnonsense!! Which Abia

people were angry overKalu? Was it Kalu who hasbeen pelted severally inAbia State by the samepopulace or Governor Orji?Of course, Governor Orji.This is how Abia peoplehave started to probeGovernor Orji, while he isstill taking Kalu as cover forhis non-performance in theGovernment House,Umuahia, Abia Statecapital. What an off-beamnews state!

How one wishes thattraders from Aba will also beinvited to the ground of theprobe and let us see whowould be pelted, booed,jeered again for his clueless,visionless and clownishembarrassment ofgovernance, and because ofhis misplacement ofaggression and misplacinggovernance with nastiness.What is Orji going to probeKalu for, when the presentgovernment has been anonpayer to virtually all theworkers in the state? Maybe,

Orji is inviting Kalu to helphim address hisineffectiveness ingovernance.

The present governmentin Abia State is very funny– it has knack in divertingattention – in lieu ofprobing into why there aremany ramshackle roads,infrastructure, deadcommerce/industry, deadeducation. Which sector isalive in Abia State under

Gov. Orji? Yet, Abia peoplecannot see where the properuse of the monies due toAbia, since 2007 till date ofGovernor Orji, is channeledto. Are the monies where?Because, many unbiasedAbia people are yet to seeany laudable thing thatGovernor Orji has done withthe monies.

It is only in this presentgovernment in Abia Statethat many are regretting thatthey are cursed withleadership, and they start toequate Governor Orji with a

magician, because of hisability to deflectconcentration from actuality.It is only in this Orjigovernment that suchstatement as “thisadministration is seriouslyseriousless” is being heardof.

Whether Governor Orjiwants to probe Dr. Kalu orreconcile with him, Abiapeople of good will hadalready said that Kalu is by85% better than Orji. Theonly information that Orjihas kept flowing is how toprobe Kalu, whereas Abiapeople had expected thegovernment to flowinformation to the FederalGovernment that all theFederal and state projects inthe state are in ruins, andinstead of travelling toEurope and USA and Abujathat do not add meaning tothe wellbeing of ourimpoverished people.

A bad worker is alwaysquarrelling with his or hergood or bad tool. Under Orji,political appointees havecried and cried and are nowsacked, amongst others. Bymentioning that he wouldprobe Kalu, Orji has startedthe initiation of probeagainst himself, beingKalu’s Chief of Staff for 8years. Why was Orji coolinghis feet in detention foralleged financial crimesbefore 2007, whereas therehas not been any case of suchagainst Kalu?

In a state like Rivers State,where the successor hadrespect for his predecessor,what was constituted was areconciliatory panel, whichbrought about the onceelusive peace back to thestate. Nevertheless, let us notkeep out our minds to whatHubert H. Humphrey hadsaid: The essence ofstatesmanship is not a rigidadherence to the past, but aprudent and probing concernfor the future.

Governor Orji, Abia State

Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State

“As Abia people knew, Kalu had noteworthyachievements during his tenure of whichGov. Orji cannot compete. If he is in doubt,we henceforth challenge him for a debate”.

THE WEEKEND


V ewpointiShun Ethnic Bias, Embrace Unity, Culture Institute

Tasks Nigeria

Money: Good Servant, Bad Master

“We should use what we have to develop our country througharts and culture.

“So, the media should report arts more than other vices,including Boko Haram and kidnapping,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Foluke Ogunleye, Dramatic ArtsDepartment, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State,said that cultural beliefs and values were about how “wecommunicate these values and ideas“.

She said that surroundings, family, friends, schools, officesand neighbourhood, among others, shaped individual identitiesto community level and the society.

“Mass media like radio, television and newspapers havepolitical and persuasive power over everything and canmanipulate the whole society; but they should endeavour toproject the arts and culture of the country.

“The media have interacted and mixed with pre-existingcultures, forms and values, especially in the development ofthe country, “ she said.

Ogunleye expressed regret that political propaganda hadtaken over the media to the detriment of arts and culture, whichcould be used to develop the society.

In his remark, the Associate Editor, The Sun Newspapers,Mr Alvan Ewuzie, said that the dynamic nature of cultureencouraged cross-breeding, such that it had made certain partsof the country to evolve in other parts.

“A ready example is ‘Aso Ebi‘ which is largely a culture ofthe Yorubas of the South West Nigeria.

“Today, this culture has evolved in many parts of the country,especially in the South East, where it bears the same name.

“Such cultural cross-breeding should be consciouslyhighlighted and encouraged by the media, “ Ewuzie said.

DR. Barclays Ayakoroma, the Director, National Instituteof Cultural Orientation (NICO), has advised Nigerians todetach themselves from ethnic origins and embrace nationalunity.

Ayakoroma said this at a one day Media Arts Writersworkshop organised by the institute at the Nigerian Instituteof International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the themeof the workshop was “Culture as a Panacea for Peaceful Co-existence in a Multi-ethnic Nation: The Role of Media”.

The director noted that Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and religiouscomposition posed a serious challenge to nationaldevelopment.

“Rather than celebrate our unique cultural identities,emphasis are still placed on our ethnic and cultural differences.

“The present ethnic, political and religious intolerance inNigeria can be addressed, if the media was encouraged toplay a vital role in educating the citizenry.

“The immense benefits of embracing peaceful co-existenceare very vital for the country, if all hands are on deck to makeit work,”

Ayakoroma urged the media to help promote and projectthe country’s rich cultural values of honesty, hard work,sanctity of human life, respect for elders and constitutedauthority.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Femi Osofisan,Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, observedthat Nigerian cultures were interwoven and should beharnessed.

Osofisan, who was the c hairman of the occasion, addedthat Nigerian culture was not archaic and urged the media toassist in promoting it.

MONEY is a pivotaround which the wholeworld revolves. It is anindispensable tool that noone can live without. Allover the world today,people require money toget the basic necessities oflife. Money gets peoplefoods, clothes,accommodation, cars, andmany other good things inlife. The subject of moneyhas fascinated man fromthe time of Aristotle to thispresent day. One may beforced to ask, what is thedifference between thepaper labeled 100 naira or100 dollar from the pieceof the same size torn froma magazine or anewspaper? The answeris, money is a legal tender,it is what the law says itis, giving it the power tocommand buying andselling, and also thedischarge of debts.

Money is a basicnecessity in a modernsociety. It is one thing thatevery living persondesires to have. Moneycan be described assomething which is freelyused and generally

By UTI ANIEKAN UDOH

accepted as a medium ofexchange and as a unit ofaccount. According to AynRand, a cult author andcontroversial propounderof objectivist philosophy,“money is a tool ofexchange which can’t existunless there are goodsproduced and men able toproduce them. Money isthe material shape of theprinciple that men whowish to deal with oneanother must deal by tradeand give value for value”.She went further to say that“money is the source ofsurvival”.

There have been variousopinions about the statusof money. Many peoplehave the notion that moneycorrupts, that having largeamount of money willsurely intoxicate a person.Ram Piparaiya, theChairman of Aridhi HitechIndustries, Mumbaidisagrees with this notion.According to him, “moneydoes not corrupt. Itdepends on the user.Corrupt people becomemore corrupt with it”. Thefact is that, it is those whoget money on a platter that

are easily corrupted by it.Money has dual nature;

there is a dark side, and agood side. Money can bea servant or a master. So

we should use money, butnot believe in it. JonathanSwift wrote that, “A wiseman should have money inhis head, but not in hisheart”. There is a popularBible quotation that says,“The love of money is theroot of all evil”. ThisBiblical quote has led to amisconception aboutmoney; many peoplemisinterpret this chapter ofthe Bible. But what this

chapter of the Bible issaying is that, when youbecome too obsessedabout money, you makemoney your god, and this

leads to all things evil.Pradhyot Somaiya,

Management Accountantwith DavnetTelecommunications inSidney, said that “yourattitude towards moneyhas a significant reflectionon your attitude to life.Some people see money asa means to an end, someas a tool to wield power,some as an end in itself,thinking it will bring them

happiness. A personwho sees money as onlya means to satisfy needswill be relaxed andmore benevolent than

one who craves moneyfor providing self-worth, security orpower”.

Though money mayget you everything thatcan make you happy,you should never makeit assume the role of amaster. As FrancisBaron puts it, “if moneybe not thy servant, itwill be thy master. Thecovetous man cannot so

properly be said to possesswealth, as that may be said topossess him”. Many peoplemay use the statement,“money is everything”. Yes,money makes the world goround, but money is noteverything. When we makewhich are statement, we makemoney a god. Since moneycannot buy these three thingssuch as ‘the breath of life’,‘love’, and ‘salvation’, it isdefinitely not everything.Money should not be yourpurpose in life, but a way tohave a better life, and havecontrol over your life.

The point is that money isvery important in life.Whatever we feel aboutmoney, people with money, orthe pursuit of money, we willall agree that money isnecessary, because havingmoney buys you acomfortable life. Thoughmoney is important, weshould know that, “we makemoney while we live, and notlive to make money”. Thefounder of General Motorsand Chevrolet, WilliamsCrapo Durant stated that,“Money is only loaned to aman. He comes into the worldwith nothing, and leaves withnothing”. Let us rememberthat, money can be a verygood servant, and a really badmaster. It can buy you a clock,but not time.

President Goodluck Jonathan


THE WEEKEND

S cietyoChecking Insecurity Via Youth EmpowermentPARTICIPANTS of the

Abia Youth EmpowermentSummit (A-YES), whichwas recently held inUmuahia, underscored theneed for government to givepriority to youth

country.“ Unemployment rose

from 15 per cent in the periodbetween 2002 and 2008, toover 20 per cent in the periodbetween 2009 and 2011,’’ hesaid.

operators, as well as otherswho had benefitted from thegovernment’s empowermentprogramme, not to sell theirmeans of livelihood.

Two hundred vehicles and700 tricycles were given outto beneficiaries of theprogramme.

Former Senate PresidentAdolphus Wabara, whochaired the summit,commended the governor forembarking on youthempowerment programmes.

He stressed that the youthempowerment programmeswould facilitate the growthof the state’s economy andthe national economy.

“By focusing on youthempowerment, the governorhas planted a veritable seedto cure many social malaiseand address the economicneeds of the state; posteritywill always remember that aspart of his legacies,’’ Wabara

kidnapped in September,2010,’’ he noted.

Chief Sam Onuigbo, theCommissioner for Financeand Economic Development,said that apart from givingsupport to individualbeneficiaries, the youth

in areas of agriculture,transportation, commerceand skills’ acquisition was averitable means ofaddressing unemployment,which is now breedinginsecurity across Nigeria,’’he said.

Messrs Uzoma Ibe andEmmanuel Chukwuemeka,both beneficiaries of theyouth empowermentprogramme, commended thegovernor for initiating theempowerment scheme.

“Since my graduation fromthe Abia State Universityeight years ago, I have beenwithout a job. I found itextremely difficult to copewithout any means oflivelihood.

“With this vehicle Ireceived as an empowermenttool, I feel revived morallyand economically. With God

introducing the youthempowerment programme,reiterating that it would boostemployment and check therising crime rate in the state.

They, however, urged thegovernment to sustain the

empowerment programmewould also boost the state’sGross Domestic Product(GPD).

“The beneficiaries of theempowerment programme,apart from making money totake care of themselves; willequally pay tax and otherlevies, which will boost thegovernment’s InternallyGenerated Revenue,’’ hesaid.

Onuigbo said that theoverall gains of the youthempowerment wereenormous, urging otherstates to emulate the Abia

By FRANCIS ONYEUKWU

said.Sharing similar

sentiments, Mr HyacinthOkoli, the NUJ Chairman inAbia, commended Orji forinitiating the youthempowerment programme,adding that it had helped toreduce kidnapping and othercrimes in the state.

He noted that kidnappingwas so rampant in the statea couple of years ago.

“On July 10, 2010, fourjournalists and their driverwere kidnapped whilereturning to theirdestinations after attending

empowerment programmes.They attributed the high

crime rate in the country tounemployment, adding thatyouth empowerment was thepanacea to the rising wave ofinsecurity.

The CBN Governor,Malam Sanusi LamidoSanusi, who delivered alecture at the summit, saidthat active participation ofyouths in economic activitieswould facilitate the reductionof crime in the country.

In his lecture titled, “YouthEmpowerment as Panaceafor Insecurity in Nigeria’’,Sanusi said that governmentsat all levels were notinvesting adequately inyouth empowermentprogrammes.

He said that this hadresulted in breeding an armyof youths that were engagedin unprofitable activities.

“The aggregate ofindividual insecurity, whichcan be either financial, job,marital, economic, andpsychological or a sum ofthem, translate into overallinsecurity in the societywhen they are not adequatelyaddressed,’’ he said.

The CBN governor alsobemoaned the increasing rateof unemployment in the

Also speaking, Gov.Theodore Orji of Abia saidthat the introduction of theyouth empowermentprogramme by hisadministration was a directresponse to the confessionalstatements made by somerepentant kidnappers whoterrorised Abia residentsbetween 2009 and 2010.

“Conscious of the positiveand negative roles whichyouths play in the society, itis imperative for the youth tobe integrated in the politics,development, security andtotal emancipation of thenation,’’ he said.

Orji said that the N1 billionagricultural loan given by theCBN to farmers wasdisbursed in such a way thatit particularly favouredyouths participating inagricultural activities.

He said that the stategovernment had commencedthe development of its“Liberation Farms’’ acrossthe state’s 17 localgovernment areas, addingthat the farms would provideemployment opportunitiesfor young farmers andentrepreneurs.

Orji, however, advisedcommercial township taxiand commercial tricycle

the NUJ’s nationalexecutive council meetingin Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“While that was beingsorted out, 15 innocentschool children were

model in their efforts totackle the menace ofunemployment andinsecurity.

“The integrated approachof empowering the youths

on my side, I now have afoundation to make progressas a man,’’ Ibe said.

Other speakers at thesummit commended thestate government for

programme to enable moreyouths to benefit.

Observers also commendthe government forintroducing the programmebut they urge thebeneficiaries to ensure thefulfilment of the programme.

They also advise those whowere given taxis andtricycles to handle theirvehicles with care, whilerefraining from having theerroneous notion that thegovernment’s gesture is theirown share of the nationalcake.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State

“The integrated approach of empoweringthe youths in areas of agriculture,transportation, commerce and skills’acquisition was a veritable means ofaddressing unemployment, which is nowbreeding insecurity across Nigeria’’

THE WEEKEND


The Virtuous WomanS cietyo

to an acceptedstandard of right andwrong. To be virtuousmeans having orshowing high moralstandards…. Manywomen have fallenfrom this set standards,few are struggling tohold on, while only veryfew are holding ontightly. Those that havefallen are of the opinionthat those holding ontightly are naïve andprimitive; but they arenot.

The virtuous womanis that woman thatcannot be foundanyhow and anywhere.She might not be thevery educated and maynot be fluent inspeaking English, butshe is confident and

spreads her wings tochase enemies fromhurting her chick andas she also uses herwings to cover herchick to providewarmth in cold season,so is the attitude of avirtuous woman. Shenever forsake herfamily, she protects andstands for herhousehold. This qualitycannot be found inmost women todaywho will immediatelypack their bags andabandon theirhusbands and childrenover a slightm isunde rs tand ing(which can be settled).

The virtuous womanis not that woman whoexpects so much from

double it, that is, tobring gain. Somewomen are like a curseupon their husbands,instead of using thelittle they have beinggiven, they ratherwaste it, not to talk ofbringing in profit. Avirtuous woman doesnot demand so muchand give little or less inreturn.

Wearing expensivecloths, earrings,perfume and drivingthe latest and mostexpensive car is notwhat makes a womanvirtuous, rather it’s herattitude and works thatmakes her virtuous.The willingness toproduce good resultwith her hands and via

desires and try to hideit under the shadows ofproviding for theirfamilies but that actalone has cut them offfrom being virtuous.The good book says ‘‘awife of noble character,who can find? She isworth far more thanrubies.’’ How much canthat man who you sellyour body to can give.The question is can heafford rubies (preciousstone), and even if hecan, your worth is morethan ruby.

The virtuous

woman, according tothe quotation above,she selects wool andflax and work witheager hands (willinghands). She can tradethings for profit; somewomen go to the extentof hawking things inorder to support theirfamily. She does not sitat home doing nothingbut peddling gossipsabout people. Sheurges her husband toset up business for hereven if he is insistingfor her not to work. Avirtuous woman makesfood, cloths, drink;readily available withthe little she has beengiven. She covers thenakedness of herhusband and childrenfrom the public. I haveseen situations, wherethe woman is alwaysthe one disgracing herfamily….where then isthat inner beauty?

The strength of avirtuous woman cannotbe measured. Proverb31:15 says, she getsup while it is dark; sheprovides food for herfamily and portions forher servant girl. Avirtuous woman doesnot have servants whoshe wants to maltreatbut servants that willsupport her becausetheir house-chore andbusiness is too muchfor her alone to handle.

Many women todayhave lost sight of whattrue beauty is. Thereseems to be anunspoken rule thatwomen are not worthbeing seen in the publicunless they aredressed to the gills,with over done makeupand flashy clothing.The beauty of a womanis not only to be foundin their fancy hair style,expensive clothing, orexcessive jewellery,

rather, their beautyshould be seen in their‘‘hidden person’’ (or theperson they are ontheir inside). It shouldalso be noted that if thebeauty is only skindeep, there is no reallasting beauty to befound.

When a womangrows older, theevidence of her age willbegin to appear. This isthe natural process, aresult of the fall ofmankind. But it’s herwisdom that willcontinue to make herattractive long after thephysical beauty fades.The following are thequalities of the virtuouswoman:

She is prudentShe has self

confidenceShe is a good

stewardShe is generous (to

her household andoutsiders)

She is honest,humble, kind, loyal,obedient, patient andforgiving.

She has the virtue ofdiscretion

She believes in herhome

She has self controlShe is faithful to her

husband and familyThe truth is, there is

nothing wrong with awoman doing things tokeep her lookingbeautiful and wellgroomed. Tying herhead and ears everyday, making herselflook unkempt does notmake her virtuous. Butwhatever she does is tobe done in moderationso that her focus doesnot become imbalance.It is therefore advisablefor women to groomtheir inner person andthis can be achieved byreading books,attending goodprograms, mingle withwomen with thequalities above.

By EGHWRUDJE PRAISE

‘‘AN excellent wifewho can find, she is farmore precious thanjewels. The heart ofher husband trusts inher, and he will haveno lack of gain. Shedoes him good, andnot harm, all the daysof her life. She seekswool and flax, andworks with willinghands. She is like theships of the merchant;she brings her foodfrom afar’’.

Virtuousness is aconduct that conforms

diligent. She might notbe the best and mostwell dressed womanbut her inner beautyspeaks louder thantalking drums. Thescent of a virtuouswoman is uncommonand it lasts longer thana body perfumebecause she leaves amark on the heart ofeveryone around her.

Like the mother hen

her husband andoffers little or nothingto help. According tothe above quotation,‘the heart of herhusband trusts in her,and he will have nolack of gain. ’ Thismeans she addsvalue to the man.When he gives her,she is expected to

good means is whatmakes her virtuous. Tobe a governor ’s orpresident’s wife doesnot make you virtuousbecause you canoccupy such positionsand lack the qualitiesof a virtuous woman.

A lot of women selltheir bodies to getmoney for their lustful

“The heart of her husband trusts inher, and he will have no lack of grain.”


THE WEEKEND

Strenghtening Love Among Families For Better Society

By TOSIN KOLADE

into the issues affectingfamilies. Supporting the idea thata good family is one that isnurtured under theatmosphere of love andcare, the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics(AAP) observes thatchildren in their tenderyears treasure theirfamilies and feel that theyare special andirreplaceable. “Families providechildren with a sense ofbelonging and a uniqueidentity; they are, or shouldbe, a source of emotional

childhood is what set thestage for our futuredevelopment, loss andhurt or love and respect. “We all know thatchildhood is a decisivestage but many childrenare still ignored,manipulated, abused andabandoned,’’ he says. Erhumwunseunderscores the need forNigeria to address the

conveys is the mostextraordinary experience achild or an adult can have. “A family picnic, doingcrafts together, cuddling upto your parents on thesofa; these and manyother small day-to-dayfamily moments mean a lotmore than spending timetogether regularly. “They make sure thatchildren flourish and form

something wrong. “I have learnt to talk to mychildren; in the past, I beatthem when they did not dotheir chores. I now talk tothem; I am now aware ofthe benefits of the newapproach, as I havestarted seeing the impact,’’she notes. Speaking on factorshindering the evolution ofgood family ties, MrCharles Adebayo, abusinessman, believesthat a lot of challenges are

S cietyo THE pivotal roles offamilies in promotingpurposeful living and bettersociety, perhaps, informthe United Nation ’sdecision to declare May 15as the International Day ofFamilies. The aim of the UN actionis to raise globalawareness on thechallenges facing families,while providing policyguidance on how tostrengthen family-centredcomponents of policiesand programmes, as partof a comprehensivedevelopment approach. Therefore, the UN saysthat day provides anopportunity to promotepublic awareness of issuesrelating to families, whileincreasing knowledge ofthe socio-economic anddemographic processesaffecting families. Stressing the importanceof the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonsays, in his message onthis year’s celebration, that“families hold societiestogether and inter-generational relationshipsextend this legacy overtime. This year’s InternationalDay of Families is anoccasion to celebrateconnections among allmembers of theconstellation that makesup a family. “It is also an opportunityto reflect on how they areaffected by social andeconomic trends – andwhat we can do tostrengthen families inresponse.’’ The UN insists that it isimperative to foregroundissues relating to familyconnections becausechanges on the globaleconomic landscape andits effects on the mostvulnerable members of thesociety – the children —have been largelyoverlooked. It, therefore, says that theInternational Day ofFamilies is certainly anoccasion to attract globalattention for the children’splight. Besides, the UN stressesthat those working withmore than two million ofthe world ’s mostvulnerable children andtheir families haveprovided a unique insight

support and comfort,warmth and nurturing,protection and security,’’the academy says. Stakeholders are also ofthe opinion that the familyis the basis for all otherexisting units in the society. Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse,the National Director of theSOS Children’s Villages,Abuja, says that childhoodplays a critical role inadulthood. “The quality of one’schildhood could either bea plus or hindrance in life;adult life reveals the natureof one’s childhood. “The quality of our

causing the breakdown offamily values in thecountry. He says that forinstance, poor livingconditions and thestruggle for economicsurvival have createdundue pressure anddespair for several familyheads. “Breadwinners oftenworry about their ability topay bills, the search forbetter income and thechances of losing a job; allthese create socialpressure which threatensthe unity of most families,’’

he adds. However, Ms Ene Ujah, apsychologist, argues thatsome of these challengescould be tackled throughproper guidance andcounselling, insisting thatinvesting in the lives ofone’s children is necessaryin efforts to ensure theirsurvival later in life. She observes that thechildren in strong familyunits usually stand a betterchance of doing well in thesociety. “The psychological costof poverty is humiliation,despair and a sense ofshame and failure; thisparticularly contributes tofeelings of powerlessnessand hopelessness. “Such feelings, in turn,increase the people ’svulnerability andundermine their belief intheir ability to be goodparents,’’ he says. A human rights lawyer, MrYemi Ajayi, nonetheless,has a different viewpointon how to tackle somechallenges militatingagainst the nurturing of agood family. He stresses thatgovernment at all levelshas a legal duty to supportfamilies with good housing,good sanitation, foodsecurity, good health caredelivery and education. Ajayi, however, agreesthat issues such as pitiableliving conditions and thestruggle for economicsurvival often provokefeelings of despair inpeople. Nevertheless, MalamMusa Abdallah, a Muslimcleric, insists that a family’ss o c i o - e c o n o m i cempowerment is quiteessential for the family’ssurvival. He, however,underscores the need forfamily heads to adopt thevirtues of hard work anddiligence in efforts to takecare of their families. “Every man knows ittakes a lot of hard work tokeep the family going asan effective, adaptive andfunctional unit. “In the Qu’ran, it is statedthat a man should dowhatever he can, withinthe legal limits, to meet allthe needs of his family’’. All the same, expertsbelieve that the lot offamilies could be improvedvia the provision of avariety of support such asvocational training for menand women as well as jobopportunities. They, however, urge thegovernment to adopt aholistic approach in itseducation, health, nutritionand economic policies soas to promote thewellbeing of Nigerianfamilies, in line with thesalient objectives of theInternational Day ofFamilies.

plight of orphans and othervulnerable children, whilestressing the importance ofpromoting healthy familyunits. However, Mrs IjeomaAduba, a housewife, saysthat the International Dayof Families presents anoccasion for members offamilies to reflect on theirjoint and individualresponsibilities within thefamilies. “Every child deserves tohave a family where he orshe belongs, feels lovedand secure; the value of anintact family is infinite andthe emotional security it

strong relationships whichhelp them to cope evenwith difficult livingconditions, whileengendering a bettersociety,’’ Aduba says. But what are the lessonswhich the society haslearnt from the pasteditions of the day ’scelebration? Mrs Monica Adeoye, acivil servant, says that shehas been able to jettisonthe habit of beating herchildren impulsively;adding that she now showslove and care to them evenwhen they have done

“Families provide children with a sense of belongingand a unique identity; they are, or should be, asource of emotional support and comfort, warmthand nurturing, protection and security.’’

THE WEEKEND

1 5SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013W ekend DiscourseeLatent Causes

Of Social UnrestIn Nigeria

By OBODE ABRAHAM INOSEZILO

Continues on Pgs 16 & 17

• President Goodluck Jonathan

NIGERIA is aheterogeneous societymade up of politicallyand ethnicallyexaggerated censusprojected figure ofl6Omillion with a vastarmy of women, childrenand youths convenientlyoccupying the highestpercentage of thepopulation- old news.

This country with itsgrowing statistical figurewhich is not prepared todecline in anotherdecade or so, has beenof recent so submergedin crisis and chaos thatso many assertions hasbeen made such as‘Nigeria is a failed state’,‘Nigeria is passingthrough a phase and willcome out of it’, ‘2015 willdecide whether Nigeriawill remain as an entityor not’, ‘Nigeria is just ahundred years oldcompared to Egypt’, ‘Letus pray for Nigeria’ e.t.c.it seems that thegovernment of the dayhas become eitherconfused, in a kind of

dilemma or has given upin exasperation and so isnow calling for prayersfor the nation. Onewonders the number ofthe developed societies[especially those that arefree thinkers, atheist andother divers sort ofreligion], that came outof the woods andbecame giants todaythrough religiosity.However, with the recentmassive deployment oftroops to the threenorthern states that iscurrently under state ofemergency rule now, Ifeel relieved that Mr.President did not buy theprayers as analternative. But come tothink of it, I think there iss o m e t h i n g

fundamentally wrongwith Nigeria andNigerians.

Not too long ago,Nigeria though known tooccupy a ‘prestigious’level of one of the mostcorrupt countries in theworld, ‘won the award’ ofbeing the happiest andthe most religiouscountry on planet earth.For crying out loud, thisis a country where thereare churches andmosques in every nookand crannies of a state;a country where most

offices in the north andparts of the south, areeither scanty or close asfrom 12noon on Fridays;a country where the everbusy streets, are freeand quiet on Sundaysbecause most of thepopulation are in theirvarious churches. Timewill not allow me tohighlight the piousnessthat greet and go withthe religious festivalsand the holidaysdeclared by governmentto enable faithful tocelebrate and come

together.But the reality on

ground is very different.For as some Muslimclerics try so hard topitch their faithful againstChristians [unbelievers],thereby fawning theseed of hatred anddiscord; the majority ofthe so called Christiansthat habour idols and allsorts of evil under theirbeds, just come back towork on Mondaymorning after being firedup by their pastors orwhatsoever name/titlethe spiritual leader hascoined for himself that‘they are the head andnot the tail’, that ‘theriches of the Gentiles istheirs’, that ‘this yearGod will restore theyears the locust haseating from you’ andthey come back to workall charged up busysniffing around the placefor ways and avenues todefraud their employerswith prayers and fasting[still believing it is God’swill], in other to ‘claim thepromises postulated bythe spiritual leaders’. It isan amusement to seeeven the very low rankedin offices and the highranked that has soplanned their lives badlyand are presently indeep shambles andmiserable state all layingclaims to the ‘promisesof being the head and

not the tail’, ‘claiming tohave breakthrough inphases’, ‘burning andkilling their enemies withfire ’, ‘covering theirhouse and business withthe blood of Jesus’ as ifit were a blanket. Itbecomes more fun tosee these same peoplepassing from one year toanother still remaining intheir helpless statethough the churcheskeep changing everynew year’s slogan- ‘myyear of victory’, ‘I willtake what belongs to methis year’, ‘my year ofdivine break through’‘my year of favour’, e.t.c.setup certain goals andso institutionalizes themthat it has becomes acrime and a “sin” if theaverage Nigerian cannotattain the set out goals.

Due to the absolutesignificance attached tothe attainment of thesesocietal goals, immerseefforts, importance andurgency has beenplaced in attaining thesegoals, hence , men,women, youths andeven children are in amad rush to attain thegoals with no rulesattached along the pathof goals attainment.

The importanceattached to attainingthese defined societalgoals, has greatlyaffected Nigeria andNigerians and thepsychic of the averageNigerian man/womanwhen analyze, ispathetic as it does nottranslate into the basictenets of the Bible,Quran or any otherreligious book. Theaverage Nigerian mando not believe in the

• Aminu Tambuwal


THE WEEKEND

Causes Of Social UnEnglish proverbs whichsays- ‘as you lay yourbed so you lie on it’, ‘ifyou fail to plan you haveplanned to fail’. Destinyis the driving force hereand those that thoughhave planned to fail [dueto their pattern of living]and eventually fail,rationalize or blamewitches and wizards fortheir failures. It hasbecome almostimpossible for mostNigerians to takeresponsibility of theiractions without fawningthe embers of religion,ethnicity, or otherdevised sentiments thatwould help him/herescape blame. Forinstance, the Nigerianman loves to drive thebest car, organize thebest marriage, burial,have a sort of house thathas never been builtbefore, be the latest infashion and have thelatest cell phones, clubthe way you like andhave as many childrenand wives/husbands asthe case may be withoutdue recourse to his level,social strata andfinancial capability.

Even among thepastors or whatevername they chose, it is amad rush andcompetition amongthemselves for exoticcars, fashion, glorious,befitting and elaboratelybuilt posh churches andof recent, the boys arenow being sieved fromthe men as the fashionfor private jets havetaken the central stage.

The question weshould be asking is whoare the people donatingand giving the pastorsthese monies? Are theynot Nigerians? Wheredo they work? Howmuch do they earn? The‘men of God’ as theyprefer to be called inother to wipe up somelevel of religiousness,are very good atpsychologically pushingthe citizens to a state/euphoria of affluencewithout recourse to thesocial strata thesepersons occupy in thesociety.

This is why some of theemployees of the bankswill go out of their wayto buy the almightyCamry, or SUVs of allsorts and rent poshhouses ranging fromN 3 5 0 , 0 0 0 . O O -N450,000.OO, livingextravagant lives butimmediately they aresacked, they fall like acollapsing building.What about some of theemployees of the EdoYouth EmpowermentScheme [Edo Yes], thatfor example find it verydifficult to come to workor stay in their duty postbut they have two ormore black berry phonesor Galaxy Samsung,rent a mini flat, dress tokill to work and boastthat he/she does not relyon the salary, all inattempt to just show offto his/her colleagues. Asfor many of the CivilServants especially theolder folks, that heavilyrely on the rituals androutines of the Civil

incurred for themselves.When there are no

avenues to ‘eat ’government monies,they turn around andblame the governmentof the day or relations fortheir self inflectedmisfortunes. What aboutmany of those in thebusiness world such asthe contractors, dealers,artisans or shop ownersthat build theirfoundations on cheat

as it has become abusiness centre andcurrently serving as analternative for theunemployed in thesociety. As divers ofthem enter the terrain,the clever ones packagethemselves in a uniquestyle different from thosealready in the trade andharp on loopholes in thelives of the unsuspectingmembers just like thepoliticians and presentthe same ‘gospel

for themselves], to thehall/auditorium beingused as the worshipcentre, the shrewd oneshave done a very goodpackaging and just waitfor the public to come inand pay their titles andofferings after what isbeing seen as asystematically packagedpraise worship, severelyladen with emotions,stage managed butheart rendingtestimonies, a vibrant/colourful choirpresentations, anenergetic display butelectrifying sermon,followed by a tithe/offering dance with anopen display of fashion,latest dance steps andwealth; the worship isthen psychologicallygeared and channeledtowards pushing themembers further to ‘sowmore so as to reap

predict that one day,Nigeria would come tothe point where ahandful of people thathave acquired moderntechniques of warfarewould hold the state toransom with theirdemands and makesecurity challenges anightmare for thegovernment of the day.While in the south,armed men have helpedto redefined nightburials, night travels andsecurity consciousness,as early as the 90s, thegovernment andNigerians were stil lunable or refused toinvestigate, explore andproject what and how thefuture would look like.

Today we are wherewe are now and Iwholeheartedly agreewith those that alwayssay to both local and

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fwci

Continued from Pg 15

WeW ekend Discoursee

Service work andoppose or resist any newideas or initiatives todrive the work force to aredefined socio-economic standard, theyjust idle away, amasstheir house with wives,children and sniff aroundgovernment loopholes tosiphon monies to be ableto meet up with theexpenses they have

and playing a fast one.Time will not allow me toalso enumerate thewaste of resources wesee being foolishly spentand sprayed duringoccasions by Nigeriansjust because they wantto fulfill the goals andexpectation of thesocietal psychic.

Unfortunately, thechurches are worse off

message’ but coatedwith a rebranding style offire, wicked prayers,anointing services, whathave you. So from thesign post or bill boardsadvertising the Pastorand wife, sorry Papa andMama, Daddy andMummy, Reverend, Dr,Prophet, Apostle, ArchBishop [or whatsoevername they decide to coin

more’.In the early 80s

through the 90s whenNigeria began itsdownward decent,security agencies,religious, political andtraditional groups weretoo busy and awash withdiverse new means ofacquiring their primitivewealth hence none ofthem could detect or

“Unfortunately, the churches are worseoff as it has become a business centreand currently serving as an alternativefor the unemployed in the society.”

THE WEEKEND


rest In Nigerianternational media thatidnapping, terrorismnd militancy is not partf our culture but comeo think of it, whichountry of the world hast as its culture? It alltarted as an emergingdea and philosophy inome countries of theorld when the issues attake where treated asrrelevant and itradually became aominant practice thatas now spread abroadnd come to stay. Itrongly believe that byow, some evil geniusould have in theiripeline or be devising aew and more deadlyethodology to

ersuade people andovernment of the world

o accept their terms. Lets not be quick to forgetow a sitting President inhis country supervisedhe Nigerian police in theidnapping of a sittingovernor opposed to hisrinciples and way of hisdministration. Thettempted bombing of

he American plane by aich Nigerian youthome time ago, theidnappings that spreadrom Warri and Portarcourt to other parts of

he country and theodernize militancyhich began in the twoities above which hasow spread to the north,akes it appropriate to

uestion the way that theociety is structured,overned andrganized.If we want to be very

air with ourselves, weill note that theountries where wemported this social

Continues on Pg 18

ekend Discourse

unrest of kidnapping,militancy and terrorismare places where theaggrieved citizens orgroups are questioningthe system ofgovernance. Probablywhen dialogue failed tosolve the issues agitatedfor, the people thenturned the other way. Butwhat makes the wholeprocess unfortunate isthat the Nigeriangovernment and itssecurity agencies seethe events happening inthese countries but donot or cannot makeplans for exigencieseven though they are notignorant of the fact thatNigeria and Nigeriansare good importers ofanything new; so whenthe ideology finally findsits way into the country,the government initiallyrationalizes before itacts.

Though I appreciatethe fact that most ofthese groups are actingout Karl Marx’s scriptswhich states that ‘thehistory of all hithertoexisting society is thehistory of classstruggles. Theproletarians havenothing to lose but theirchains. They have aworld to win. WORKINGMEN OF ALLCOUNTRIES UNITE ’[Feuer 1959:7, 41], Ithink they are taking it toa higher level that KarlMarx never imagined.

We must thereforeseek appropriate meansand techniques of beingable to predict, detect,understand the rootcause of issues toenable us resolve the

crisis before it escalateinto an anomic situation.It becomes very difficultand worrisome howeverwhen the ruling classalways wants you to see

in mind that the leaders[whether democratic ornot] of some unstablecountries of the worldtoday such as Somalia,

the average Nigerianyouths can accessinformation, watchemerging and evolvingnew trends globally,access their remotecauses and interpretthem, analyze actions ofgovernments and thegroups it is in conflictwith, understand theirvarious weakness andmistakes and developnew and more deadlyhigh tech ands o p h i s t i c a t e dmethodology ofimproving on theircollective weakness andmistakes. This fact iswhat the governmentand security agencies ofthe developed societieshave come to appreciateand hence plan aheadwith groups, corporateand private securityagencies as well as

Nigerian government ofthe day and politicianshave being busy doingnothing to improve thesocioeconomic standardof the country, enjoyingthe abuse of judicial andelectoral process,setting up committeesand releasing whitepaper reports that havenever beenimplemented, refusing toprosecute thoseresponsible for thekill ings in the Kano,Kaduna and Josincidents, covering upassassinations, killings,massive and continuousmind bogglinglycorruption on anunprecedented scale,practicing mediocrity,paying lip service toe x a m i n a t i o nmalpractices, insistingon paper qualificationirrespective of thedeficiency of theindividual(s), nepotism,tribalism e.t.c.. We arewhere we are todaybecause we deserve tobe here. We putourselves here because

the issues the way theypresent and dictate themand also want the issuesresolve along theirterms. We need to bear

Iraqi and the current onenow Syria, wanted itscitizens to see the issuesfrom their ownperspectives and todaythey are where they are-d i s j o i n t e dpsychologically andsocio economically.It is heart rending to notethat the Nigeriangovernment, its securityagencies and public hasfailed to realize that withthe advent of the latestcutting edge technology,

youths recruited so as totap the minds of the everbusy, resourceful,innovative, andingenuity of the youthsrather than rely on theobsolete and rustyadvise and mentality ofthe older security andgovernment operatives.I honestly do notunderstand why recentevents in the country hastaken people by surpriseand what Nigerians wereexpecting when the

we have worked andplanned hard to be here.So why are we surprise? The gradual build upand arrival of them u l t i d i m e n s i o n a lproblems collectivelyfacing us andthreatening ourexistence today, and thesurprises on the face ofthe security agencieswould lead us toquestion our securityintelligence gatheringand preparedness.

• Senator David Mark

“If we want to be very fair with ourselves,we will note that the countries where weimported this social unrest of kidnapping,militancy and terrorism are places where theaggrieved citizens or groups arequestioning the system of governance.”


THE WEEKEND

Causes Of Social Unrest In NigeriaW ekend Discoursee

Continued from Pg 17

Though so much wassaid when the formerNational SecurityAdviser [NSA], to thePresident publiclyexpressed the country’ssecurity shock andsurprise at the new waveof terrorism andmilitancy, Nigerians areyet to come abreast tothe fact that the tightcorner the politicianshave boxed us into dueto their leaders) 2(Pfailures is just thebeginning of theNigerian woes. Thisshould bring the nationto the fore that the waywe live as Nigerians ashave being highlightedabove, is hazardous, lifethreaten and demands are-definition of ourattitudes and way of lifeas these are whatconstitutes ourm u l t i d i m e n s i o n a lproblems. Butunfortunately, we are notin a hurry to sort out ourproblems, as issues thatare potentially volatileare customarilyrationalized, politicize orspiritualized, that is whyany structure on groundtargeted at rehabilitationand disasterpreparedness does notw o r k . However, there areother considerations thatthe government andNigerians are yet toconsider. If the military issuccessful in theircrusade over the latestinsurgent group-BokoHaram, would themembers of the groupjust give up theirperceived struggles andbeliefs? Will the groupwait for the military toapprehended them ifthey see their strongholds are being quashedlike toys, remember ourmilitary has problemswith the rules ofengagement. Will thegroup move into theneighbouring countriesto regroup at a later dateand come back morefierce and deadly? WillBoko Haram resort tothe dreaded Iraqi andAfghanistan reprisal

attack on the generalpopulation; or will theysomehow push downsouth and come tofoment trouble for ushere. I hope thegovernment and thesecurity agencies areconsidering theseoptions and doingsomething about it. The implications of areprisal attack from thisgroup if the securityagencies do not managethe situation properlywould be betterimagined than said. Forinstance, if they move

currently involved in.The Nigeriangovernment and itscitizens must come torealize the fact that thetime for ‘eating ’government money andexpecting your loveones to bringgovernment money toyour family house is oldschool. The time forrationalization andtrivializing of issues andproblems is past. Thetime for putting idiotsand goats in positions ofauthority that by theirfoolish actions and

judge them well. Now isthe time to seek a goodname, hunt, track andcrack down any lazy,indolent, ghost worker,student, contractor andthieves from the cleanerto the President underany guise name ofcorruption and ensurethey pay the ultimatepenalty for their satanicacts. Now is the time tomake Nigerians valueevery single kobo thatcome to them bytightening every looseend of governmentresources, minimize

down south for reprisalattacks, possible targetsin Benin would be thePalm house, Secretariatbuilding, New Benin,Ekiosa and Ikpoba HillMarket days amongstother densely populatedplace that would make ahuge statement forthem. I will leave you toimagine thepsychological impactand fear that will grip ushere. I am terribly sorryif this jots anyone as I amnot a prophet of doom,but am just doing ananalysis. I think thoughthe government appearsjustified by the presentline of actions, it shouldbe more involved inpreventive rather thanthe curative mood it is

decisions create havocon the citizens is longgone. The time for themanipulation of themedia to sharpen publicopinion is dead and anobsolete tactics. Now isthe time for people andgovernment to rise upand shine for posterity to

wastage, making thempay taxes and for theservices rendered bygovernment agencies.When this is done, sanityand rapid developmentwill return to Nigeria,business centrechurches will naturallyfold up and Nigerians will

re-define the goals of thes o c i e t y . However, I am verymuch aware that thegovernment and peopleare not just yet ready forthis re-definition of theNigerian values, so I canas well paint the pictureof other latent problemspatiently but reluctantlywaiting in turns tooverwhelm us. The firstis the problems the Edocommunity youths arequietly creating throughthe sales of bothgovernment andpeoples’ lands to the

and the securityagencies that come inonce a while to collect.The second is the armyof illiterate children andyouths being breed bybroken families andhomes. The men andwomen that engage inpromiscuity andwhatever arrangementthey have forthemselves aregradually filling up thepopulation space withpotential foot soldiersthat can be manipulatedlater on in their live time.There are also thoseNigerians that are beingrepatriated and comeback stranded. Then we have thefunctional il l iterates-those that claim to havepassed through a schoolsystem but cannot evenwrite an applicationletter. These are theworse set of people todeal with as they wouldalways claim to know butmuddle things up andcreate or compound theproblems. These are theupcoming generationsthat are already findingtheir way into the CivilService, business world,as contractors, politics,and banks! corporateorganization.( Theseeducated but functionalilliterates that lack theability to apply the Abasic principles of theirdisciplines and lack theability of critical analysisof issues, are the onesthat would soon bemaking policies for thenation, taking decisionsthat will affect you and I,as well as represent usin local and internationalforum. Hey, Nigeria isjust warming up!

unsuspecting public andthese has made theminstant millions in SUVs.Though many of themcannot even spell theirnames, they are alreadywarlords in their variouscommunities and controltheir ‘territories’ underthe nose of government

“The Nigerian government and its citizensmust come to realize the fact that the timefor ‘eating’ government money and expectingyour love ones to bring government moneyto your family house is old school.”

THE WEEKEND


Managing Natural Disasters Through SpaceTechnology

By IFEANYI NWOKO

BY most accounts,mitigation is the mostcost-efficient method ofreducing the impact ofnatural disasters.

Experts insist that ifNigeria has properlyutilised its spaceresources, the impact ofthe natural disasters thatravaged the country lastyear would have beensignificantly reduced.

Natural disasters suchas earthquakes, tsunamis,floods, hurricanes andcyclones often occurunexpectedly.

However, the 2012flooding in Nigeria,which wreckedconsiderable havocacross the country, waspredicted by the NationalEmergency ManagementAgency (NEMA).

According to a NEMAreport, 7,705, 398persons were affected bythe floods, while 2,157,419 persons weredisplaced from theirhomes.

“A total of 363 personsdied, while 18, 282people were treated forinjuries they sustainedduring the flooding,” thereport stated.

Alhaji MuhammadSidi, the Director-General of NEMA,however, said that fordisasters to be managedeffectively, emphasismust be placed onadequate preparations.

He also said thatemergency managementwas a continuousprocess, stressing thatmitigation remained thebest option to reduce theimpact of disasters.

“Mitigation is the mostcost-efficient method ofreducing the impact ofnatural hazards anddisasters,” he said.

Sidi suggested that thatthe National SpaceResearch andDevelopment Agency(NASRDA) should

always be ready to makeavailable imagescovering the wholecountry at no cost tofacilitate disasterprediction andmanagement.

Prof. Victor Olunloyoof the University ofLagos said that NASRDA

and obtaining images asrequired input into thedisaster managementsystem.

“Also, the choice of

NASRDA as therepository of allgeospatial data for thecountry establishes it asa one-stop shoppingcentre for acquiringadditional data neededfor processing andanalysing large-scaledisaster managementmodels.

“NASRDA has beenactive in establishing andmaintaining thesedatabases,” he said.

Prof Ita Ewa, theMinister of Science andTechnology, emphasisedthat Nigeria shouldeffectively use spacetechnology applicationsfor disaster managementand economic growth,just like the developedcountries.

He stressed the need for

Nigerians to adopt spacescience and technology asa tool for boostingdefence and security, aswell as socio-economicdevelopment.

“Due to the low level ofpublic awareness andu n f o r t u n a t emisconceptions, manyhave viewed Nigeria’saspirations to go to thespace as a needlessventure.

“Almost every aspectof human problems canbe tackled with relevantsatellites and sensorplatforms andapplications,’’ Ewa said.

However, Mr SeiduMohammed, the Director

General of NASRDA,said that the agency isdelivering on itsmandate.

He said that the agencyhad already commencedwork on the possibility ofusing space technologyin disaster- managementefforts.

Mohammed said thatNASRDA supportedNEMA in August 2011with the mapping of theareas affected by flood inOyo State.

“The map showingprecisely the areasaffected by flood enabledother national agenciesand the Oyo StateGovernment torehabilitate those affectedby the flood.

“Lokoja was one of theflooded areas during the

2012 flooding. NASRDAvisited the flood area andproduced a flood plainand vulnerability map forthe affected areas.

“The map was used byNEMA to rehabilitatethose affected by theflood.

“As a result of theopening of the LagboDam by Cameroon on the24th of August, 2012,floodwaters affected thed o w n s t r e a mcommunities inAdamawa.

“NASRDA visited theflooded area andproduced a flood plainand vulnerability map forthe affected areas,” hesaid.

The director-generalstressed that NASRDA’srole was, however, notlimited to only post-disaster assistance,adding that its major rolewas to predict disasters inorder to forestall hugelosses.

He said that thedevelopment of a FloodPlain GeospatialInformation System forNigeria by NASRDAwas underway.

Besides, Mohammedsaid that NASRDA, inpartnership with NEMA,would develop a FloodVulnerability GeospatialInformation System forNigeria, usingNigeriaSat-2 satelliteimagery.

All in all, stakeholderswant NASRDA to sustainits efforts to enable thecountry to reap from thehuge investments it hasmade in the spacesciences.

I suess

should play a vital role inproviding accurategeospatial data(geographical analysis)on Nigeria.

He underscored theneed for collaborationbetween the spaceagency and disastermanagement agencies,particularly in the areasof earth observation andmonitoring, as well asdata acquisition.

“This will require thatthe database, which ismaintained by NASRDAon geospatial data for thecountry, must becomprehensive and up todate.

“For this, the fleet ofsatellites owned andmanaged by the spaceagency should provide aplatform for monitoring

“Almost every aspect of humanproblems can be tackled withrelevant satellites and sensorplatforms and applications.’’


THE WEEKEND

Between Skill Acquisition And Paper Certificates THE craving of Nigerianyouths to acquire paperqualification at all costsbecame a focus of publicdiscourse during therecently concludedorientation programme ofthe National Youth ServiceCorps (NYSC). It was learnt that somedesperate youths paidvarious sums of money tobe awarded degrees byunaccredited educationalinstitutions. Sixty-two of the“graduates’’ were arrestedat a fake NYSC orientationcamp in Nasarawa State. When quizzed, theyconfessed that they paidsome money to acquiredegree certificates so as toenable them to participatein the NYSC scheme andsubsequently secureemployment. “We paid betweenN120,000 and N200,000to be admitted into thecamp,’’ one of the fakegraduates said. They said that afteracquiring the degreecertificates, they alsoneeded NYSC dischargecertificates to complete thecircle, as NYSC certificatewas a prerequisite foremployment.Stakeholders and expertshave blamed the growingobsession for paper

qualification on the type ofeducation that wasbequeathed to Nigeria bythe British colonialists. They also attributed thehigh unemployment rate inthe country to thepreference for theacquisition of certificatesinstead of skills. Mr Edmund Onwuliri, theAssistant Director,Information and PublicRelations, NationalDirectorate of Employment(NDE), said that one of theproblems facing thecountry was the erroneousemphasis placed on papercertificates. “Everybody believes thatyou can only be productivewhen you have gone toschool, but then what iseducation? Education iswhat arms you with theright language to giveexpression to your naturaltalents,’’ he said. Mr Bayo Omoboriowo, agraduate of chemistry fromthe University of Lagos,urged the people to desistfrom undue obsession withcertificates. “A certificate is adocument which simplycertifies the completion ofa course. It places powerin your hands to enableyou to access what thecertificate has thetendency to offer,’’ said

Omoboriowo, who is nowa professionalphotographer, He stressed that theacquisition of certificatesshould not be a do-or-dieaffair, adding that a personcould still make it in lifewithout necessarilypossessing a certificate. Omoboriowo said that hedeveloped an interest inphotography at a verytender age, adding that he

later decided to adoptphotography as aprofession even though hestudied chemistry in theuniversity. He conceded that hiseducation had somewhathelped him to harness hislatent potential. “Young people don’t haveto worship certificates; allthey need to do is toensure that they getenough knowledge to

V ewpointiBY FOLASADE FOLARIN

make them relevant in thistime and age. “Your skill and talentwould always make a wayfor you. In a case wherethe acquisition of acertificate seems to beproblematic, then skills’acquisition might be a wayout. “It is observed that manypeople who are not sogood in regular schoolwork could be very good intechnical education; so,there should be provisionfor technical education andhuman development in ourscheme of things,’’ he said. Mr Samson Agboko, acivil servant, urged parentsto refrain from forcing theirchildren to study particularcourses. He said that althoughparents ought to guidetheir children in makingcareer choices, theircourses of study should bedetermined by theirindividual ability. Nevertheless, Onwulirisaid that efforts to addressthe high level ofunemployment in thecountry required a shift ofemphasis toward skills’acquisition and technicaleducation. “The fact that you have auniversity degree does notguarantee that you aregoing to get a good job orlive well. All the same,anyone who knows how toapply his hands to work ina pragmatic way will livebetter. “White-collar jobs are inshort supply nowadaysand the economy isstruggling. “It is only when theeconomy is vibrant thatyou begin to see moreroom being created toabsorb the labour force butif the economy is wobbly,what do you expect?’’ heasked.

Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour

Onwuliri noted that mostof the artisans whoengaged in house-finishing tasks like tiling,Plaster of Paris (POP)fittings, among others,were from neighbouringcountries like Togo andRepublic of Benin. He stressed that theforeigners were usuallypreferred to their Nigeriancounterparts because theywere very competent andresourceful. “We have beenadvocating theincorporation ofe n t r e p r e n e u r s h i pdevelopment into thecurriculum at all levels ofeducation, particularly insecondary and post-secondary institutions.That is a veritable way ofpromoting skills ’acquisition. “We are alsoencouraging graduates tolearn skills after graduationand that is why the NDE isestablishing skill-acquisition centres all overthe country. “We have up to 80different trades that weoffer training on and so wecounsel you first and afterthe counseling, you selectwhat you want and you willbe trained in that area. “NDE has offices in all thestates of the federationand the FCT, so you arefree to walk into any of theoffices to make enquiries,’’Onwuliri added. All the same, analystsinsist that the governmentand other stakeholdersshould play greater roles inefforts to check theperceptible mania forpaper certificates. They argue thatmeasures should be put inplace to enable the youthto harness their latentpotential and check theendless search for white-collar jobs.

Ruqayyatu Rufai, Minister of Education

“Your skill and talent would always make away for you. In a case where the acquisitionof a certificate seems to be problematic, thenskills’ acquisition might be a way out.

THE WEEKEND


TECHNOLOGY hasgiven us many gifts,among them dozens ofnew ways to grab ourattention. It’s hard to talkto a friend without yourphone buzzing at leastonce. Odds are high youwill check your Twitterfeed or Facebook wallwhile reading this article.Just try to type a memoat work without havingan e-mail pop up thatruins your train ofthought.

But what constitutesdistraction? Does themere possibility that aphone call or e-mail willsoon arrive drain yourbrain power? And doesdistraction matter — dointerruptions make usdumber? Quite a bit,according to newresearch by CarnegieMellon University ’sH u m a n - C o m p u t e rInteraction Lab.

There’s a lot of debateamong brainresearchers about theimpact of gadgets on ourbrains. Most discussionhas focused on thedeleterious effect ofmultitasking. Earlyresults show what mostof us know implicitly: ifyou do two things atonce, both efforts suffer.

In fact, multitasking isa misnomer. In mostsituations, the personjuggling e-mail, textmessaging, Facebookand a meeting is reallydoing something called“rapid toggling betweentasks,” and is engaged inconstant contextswitching.

As economics studentsknow, switching involvescosts. But how much?

that a typical officeworker gets only 11minutes between eachinterruption, while ittakes an average of 25minutes to return to theoriginal task after aninterruption. But therehas been scant researchon the quality of workdone during theseperiods of rapid toggling.

We decided to

To simulate the pull ofan expected cellphonecall or e-mail, we hadsubjects sit in a lab andperform a standardcognitive skill test. In theexperiment, 136subjects were asked toread a short passageand answer questionsabout it. There werethree groups of subjects;one merely completed

but this time, only thesecond group wasinterrupted. The thirdgroup awaited aninterruption that nevercame. Let’s call the threegroups Control,Interrupted and On HighAlert.

We expected theInterrupted group tomake some mistakes,but the results were truly

investigate further, andasked AlessandroAcquisti, a Professor ofInformation Technology,and the PsychologistEyal Peer at CarnegieMellon to design anexperiment to measurethe brain power lostwhen someone isinterrupted.

the test. The other twowere told they “might becontacted for furtherinstructions” at anymoment via instantmessage.

During an initial test,the second and thirdgroups were interruptedtwice. Then a secondtest was administered,

dismal, especially forthose who think ofthemselves asmultitaskers: during thisfirst test, both interruptedgroups answeredcorrectly 20 percent lessoften than members ofthe control group.

In other words, thedistraction of an

S iencec

interruption, combinedwith the brain drain ofpreparing for thatinterruption, made ourtest takers 20 percentdumber. That’s enoughto turn a B-minus student(80 percent) into a failure(62 percent).

But in Part 2 of theexperiment, the resultswere not as bleak. Thistime, part of the group

was told they would beinterrupted again, butthey were actually leftalone to focus on thequestions.

Again, the Interruptedgroup underperformed thecontrol group, but this timethey closed the gapsignificantly, to arespectable 14 percent. Dr.Peer said this suggestedthat people whoexperience an interruption,and expect another, canlearn to improve how theydeal with it.

But among the On HighAlert group, there was atwist. Those who werewarned of an interruptionthat never cameimproved by a whopping43 percent, and evenoutperformed the controltest takers who were leftalone. This unexpected,counterintuitive findingrequires furtherresearch, but Dr. Peerthinks there’s a simpleexplanation: participantslearned from theirexperience, and theirbrains adapted.

Somehow, it seems,they marshaled extrabrain power to steelthemselves againstinterruption, or perhapsthe potential forinterruptions served as akind of deadline thathelped them focus evenbetter.

Clifford Nass, aStanford sociologist whoconducted some of thefirst tests onmultitasking, said thatthose who can’t resistthe lure of doing twothings at once are“suckers for irrelevancy.”There is some evidencethat we ’re not justsuckers for that new textmessage, or addicted toit; it’s actually robbing usof brain power, too.Tweet about this at yourown risk.

What the CarnegieMellon study shows,however, is that it ispossible to train yourselffor distractions, even ifyou don’t know whenthey’ll hit.

Brain InterruptedWhen a consumerswitches banks, or acompany switchessuppliers, it’s relativelyeasy to count the addedexpense of the hassle ofchange. When your brainis switching tasks, thecost is harder to quantify.

There have been a fewefforts to do so: GloriaMark of the University ofCalifornia, Irvine, found

By BOB SULLIVAN/HUGH THOMPSON

“In fact, multitasking is a misnomer. In most situations,the person juggling e-mail, text messaging, Facebookand a meeting is really doing something called “rapidtoggling between tasks,” and is engaged in constantcontext switching.”


THE WEEKEND

The Ability to ListenDURING the darkest

hours of the civil war,Lincoln wrote to an oldfriend in Springfish,Ill inois, asking him tocome to Washington.Lincoln said he had someproblems he wanted todiscuss with him. The oldneighbour called at theWhite House and Lincolntalked to him for hoursabout the advisability ofissuing a proclamation offreeing the slaves. Lincolnwent over all thearguments for and againstsuch a move.

Lincoln read letters andnewspaper articles, somedenouncing him for fearhe was going to free themand others denouncinghim for not freeing theslaves. After talking forhours, Lincoln shockhands with his oldneighbour and said goodnight and sent him back toIll inois without evenasking for his opinion.Lincoln had done all thetalking himself. Thatseemed to clarify his mind.“He seemed to feel easierafter talking,”

The old friend said.Lincoln hadn ’t wantedadvice. He had wantedmerely a friendly,sympathetic listener towhom he could unburdenhimself. That’s what we allwant when we are introuble. That is, frequentlyall the irritated customerwants and the dissatisfiedemployee or the hurtfriend. Isaac F.Marcosson, a journalistwho interviewed hundredsof celebrities declared thatmany people fail to makea favourable impressionbecause, they don’t listenattentively. “They havebeen so much conceivedwith what they are goingto say next that, they donot keep their ears open…very important peoplehave told us that, they

prefer good listeners togood talkers, but theability to listen seemsrarer than almost anyother trait”. And not onlyimportant personagescrave a good listener, butordinary folk do too. As thereader’s digest once said.“Many persons call adoctor when all they wantis an audience.

One of the greatlisteners of modern timeswas Sigmund Freud. Aman who met Freuddescribed his manner oflistening: “It struck me soforcibly that I shall neverforget him. He hadqualities which I had neverseen in any other man.Never had I seen suchconcentrated attention.There was none of thatpiercing soul penetratinggaze business. His eyeswere mild and genial.

His voice was low andkind. His gestures werefew. But the attention hegave me, his appreciationof what I said, even whenI said it badly, wasextraordinary. You haveno idea what it meant tobe listened to like that”.

If you want to know howto make people shun youand laugh at you behindyour back and evendespise you, here is therecipe: Never listen toanyone for long. Talkincessantly aboutyourself. If you have anidea while the otherperson is talking, don’twait for him or her to finish;burst right in and interruptin the middle of asentence.

Do you know people likethat? I do, unfortunatelyand the astonishing part ofit is that some of them areprominent. Bores, that is,all they are, boresintoxicated with their ownegos, drunk with a senseof their own importance.

People who talk only ofthemselves think only of

themselves and thosepeople who think only ofthemelves. Dr NicholasMurray Butler, longtimePresident of ColumbiaUniversity said arehopelessly uneducated.They are not educatedsaid Dr. Butler, no matterhow instructed they maybe.

So, if you aspire to be a

good conversationalist, bean attentive listener. To beinteresting, be interested.Ask questions that otherpersons will enjoyanswering. Encouragethem to talk aboutthemselves and theiraccomplishments.

Remember that thepeople you are talking toare a hundred times moreinterested in themselvesand their wants andproblems than they are inyou and your problems. Aperson ’s toothachemeans more to that

person than a famine inChina which kills a millionpeople. A boil on one’sneck interests one morethan forty earthquakes inAfrica. Think of that nexttime you start aconversation.

Years ago, a poor Dutchimmigrant boy washedthe windows of a bakeryshop after school to helpsupport his family. His

people were so poor thatin addition, he used to goout in the street with abasket everyday andcollect stay bits of coalthat had fallen in thegutter where the coalwagons had deliveredfuel. That boy, EdwardBok, never got more thansix years of schooling inhis life, yet eventually hemade himself one of themost successfulmagazine editors in thehistory of Americanjournalism.

How did he do it?

That is a long story, buthow he got his start canbe told briefly. He got hisstart by using theprinciples advocated.

He left school when hewas thirteen and becamean office boy for westernunion, but he didn’t for

one moment give up theidea of an education.Instead, he started toeducate himself. He savedhis car fares and wentwithout lunch until he hadenough money to buy anencyclopedia of Americanbiography and then, he didan unheard thing. He readthe lives of famous peopleand wrote them asking foradditional informationabout their childhoods.

He was a good listener.He asked famous peopleto tell him more about

themselves. He wroteGeneral James A.Garfield, who was thenrunning for presidencyand asked if it was truethat he was then runningfor presidency, if it wastrue that he was once atow boy on a canal and

C unsellingo With

O.C.Madu

GSM: 08056379608

Garfied replied. He wroteGeneral grant askingabout a certain battle andgrant drew a map for himand invited this fourteen-year-old boy to dinner andspent the evening talkingto him.

Soon, the WesternUnion messenger boywas corresponding withmany of the most famouspeople in the nation:Ralph Wablo Emerson,Oliver Wendell Atomes,Mrs. Abraham Lincoln andso on. Not only did hecorrespond with thesedistinguished people, but,as soon as he got avacation, he visited manyof them as a welcomeguest in their homes.

This experience imbuedhim with a confidence thatwas invaluable. Thesemen and women fired himwith a vision and ambitionthat shaped his life.

“if you aspire to be a good conversationalist, be an attentivelistener. To be interesting, be interested. Ask questionsthat other persons will enjoy answering. Encourage themto talk about themselves and their accomplishments.”

THE WEEKEND


Beauty Shop

WithGloria Omoruyi

Balanced Diet:Key To Feeling

And Looking Good DIET is the lynch pinof our health andbeauty. If you arefeeling well you areprobably eating abalanced diet. Healthy people areusually energetic, goodnatured and mentallyalert. They have a clearskin, shiny hair and agood appetite. Goodhealth depends uponour eating the rightkinds, right amountsand right combinationsof foods. If you are notsleeping well, be sureyou are not sufferingfrom any disease suchas malaria and be sureyou are getting enoughsleep. If you still feelless than on top of theworld, your diet maywell need a change.’Never under estimatethe importance of diet.A good diet would dowell for your looks thanthe most expensivecosmetics! Most peopleespecially those in thirdworld countries, have amonotonous diet baseon starch which isaugmented once in awhile by feasts that helpto make good itsdeficiencies. In the industrializedcountries, multi-national companiesmake huge profit bymaking infinite range offood and drinks whichthey persuade the

ordinary woman whodoes the shopping forthe household to buy byseductive advertisingand attractive butexpensive and uselesspackaging. Overeating of theseprocessed foods leadsto unhealthy fat, whichhas encouraged otherfast growing industriesto get rich by producingdiet foods, laden withother chemicals. Correcting the eatingpattern by cutting downon fried foods, the whiteflour and white sugarproducts; eating lessfats and salt; giving upsoft drinks andprocessed foods – willhelp you get slimmer.You will certainly feelhealthier. Are you snackingbetween meals? If thecraving for a littlesomething is irresistiblego for a fruit or a carrot.If you are longing forsomething sweet, tryapple, oranges, slicesof pineapple, raisins ordried apricots all ofwhich are rich invitamins. Most of us feel wewould look better withthe loss of a few pounds. We cannot afford toabuse our bodies eitherby over-eating nor bystarvation. Crash dietsnever work for longerthan a few weeks,

usually because werevert to our old eatinghabits. Balance in ourdiet is the key,unprocessed wholefoods are the answer. So having cut out orgiven up all thosedelicious foods what onearth are we left with?The six most importantnutrients our bodiesneed are proteins,carbohydrates, fats,vitamins, minerals andwater. These act andreact on our bodies invery complicated andsubtle ways. Thebalance of these vitalelements is the key tofeeling and lookinggreat.

“If you still feel less than on top of the world, yourdiet may well need a change. Never under estimatethe importance of diet. A good diet would do wellfor your looks than the most expensive cosmetics!”

The six most important nutrients our bodies need are proteins, carbohydrates, fats,vitamins, minerals and water. These act and react on our bodies in very complicated andsubtle ways. The balance of these vital elements is the key to feeling and looking great.


THE WEEKEND

IN recent times, themost disturbing of allthe problems of

Nigeria is terrorism with theadvent of Boko Haram.With it, Nigeria hasbecome a country whereviolence is immortalized asa trademark, wheremerciless murdering ofinnocent people is dailynews. In the last 20 years,Nigeria has been at thecentre of news for religiousviolence, ethnic clashesand bad governance.Violence has attained analarming proportion,provoking great fear andinstability in the country. Anaverage Nigerian isconsistently searching forpeace and has not found ityet. When Nigeria gotindependence in 1960,there was optimism aboutthe future of the country,with the hope that Nigeriawill continue to emerge asthe leader and giant ofAfrica. But political,economic, ethnic andreligious crisis haverendered this hopeunrealistic. A religiousdivide separates Christiansand Muslims, and long-standing intra-religiousconflicts further divide thepeople. What’s the wayout?

In this paper, we willreview religious and ethnicviolence in Nigeria inrelation to Boko Haramand its recent nefariousbombing activities. We willtake a snapshot at thehelplessness of thegovernment and theinvolvement of somepoliticians in supportingand sponsoring BokoHaram. We will also take asnappy ride at theimplications of terrorism oninternational relations,conflict resolution and theway forward.

Religious And EthnicViolence

Nigerians are veryreligious people, but whatis our benefit in being soreligious, when in thename of religion we fightand kill? Nigeria’s multi-ethnic, multi- religious and

multi-cultural richness issupposed to be richness indiversity, but they are beingturned into a curse by thelong and unendingviolence. “Since the late I970, however, religion hasbecome as disruptive asethnicity. There have beenmore than a dozen seriousreligious riots, eachclaiming many lives andwreaking mass destructionof property and places ofworship. .underlying theriots has been the issue ofreligious dominance.” In acountry that is alreadyeconomically and politicallyunstable and on the brinkof collapse, a religioustension on top of that is agreat peril. But is violencein Nigeria simple religiousconflict?

Boko Haram AndRecent Attacks

Nigeria and Nigerians aremade to face a terribleIslamic fundamentalistterrorist movement taggedBoko Haram. It is looselytranslated from Hausalanguage and it means:”Western education is evil orsacrilege”. Its ideology is torefuse western educationand abolish the secularsystem of government, butironically, MuhammadYusuf, the founder of thegroup was very educated,lived a lavish life and had acar. In reaching their goal,they kill and damageproperty as much as theycan. They want toimplement forcefully theapplication of sharia lawthroughout the Nation.Before now, the agitationfor the strict application ofSharia law was confined tonorthern Nigeria, but inrecent times, the Islamicfundamentalists want toextend it to everywhere inNigeria, a multi-ethnicnation of more than 160million people split largelyinto Muslim majority northand Christian majoritysouth east. But theannoying part is that this isdone through force andviolence. What God will winfollowers through cohesionand destruction of life?

Boko Haram is looselymodelled on the Taliban inAfghanistan and Pakistanand may have a strongconnection with Al-Qaedain North Africa. Somepeople believe that AI-Qaeda operatives havehelped to transform BokoHaram into a terroristgroup capable of carryingout multiple, intelligent andcarefully coordinated bombattacks with sophisticatedweapons. Yahaya lbrahimShinko, a retired Nigerianarmy officer and securityanalyst once commentedon the activities of thegroup saying: “Theirweapons and tactics areclearly superior to thoseused by the Nigerianpolice,” But who sells thesearms and ammunition tothem? Who sponsors andtrains them? These are theunanswered questionsbegging for answers, anduntil these questions areanswered, the battleagainst Boko Haramremains unrealistic.

Boko Haram wasfounded in 2002 but cameto prominence in 2009

when many of its memberswere killed as theyattacked police stations inMaiduguri. Its founder,Mohammed Yusuf, wasarrested and later ‘died’ inpolice custody. Since then,members of the grouphave caused a lot of havocon life and property. It lovesattacking defenselessChristian congregations,government institutions,police stations, schools,security forces andrecently, universities andmedia houses for“committing crimes againstIslam.” In June 2011, itbombed the Abuja policeheadquarters. In August2011, Boko Haram suicidebomber hit the UNheadquarters in Abujakilling about 25 people andmaiming many others. InNovember 2011, it luncheda well-co-ordinated bomband gun attacks in Yobeand Borno states.

On Christmas Day 2011,they carried out multipleattacks on churches,including a bomb at SaintTheresa ’s CatholicChurch, Madala that killed

more than 37 people, andthis orchestrated a state ofemergency in many partsof the north. Since the 2011Christmas Day deadlybombing of SaintTheresa ’s and otherChristian churches, thegroup’s bombings havemultiplied in Kano,Kaduna, Maiduguri andAbuja. The dreaded groupdemonstrated its newdynamism when it bombedAbuja and Kaduna officesof This Day newspaper onthe same day, claiming thatmedia and journalists havenot been objective and fairin their report about thesect. In one of hisspeeches, GoodluckJonathan admitted that theterrorism of Boko Haram iseven worse than thecountry’s I 960s civil war.

I n t e r n a t i o n a lImplications OfTerrorism

The ‘institutionalization’of violence in Nigeriabrings so many negativeimpacts on the country inregards to internationalrelations. We should knowthat the terrorism that is

happening in Nigeria has afar-reaching impact andinternational implication onthe global community. Inforeign relations, terrorismis not tolerated because itis a phenomenon thatbrings about distrustbetween States. After the9/I I terrorist attack of thetwin towers in the UnitedStates of America, thedirection and style offoreign policies changed inregard to terroristcountries. Terrorist Statesdo not enjoy the mutualpact and benefits that othercountries enjoy. I went toBrazil recently for ameeting in preparation forthe World Youth Day, whichis going to take place nextyear in Rio de Janeiro. Iwas given a 30 day visa,and my Americancolleagues who also wentfor the same meeting weregiven 10 years visa. Why?Nigeria has been labelleda terrorist country, andonce a country is labelleda terrorist country, itremains so. As aconsequence, every

N tionaBy FR IDUO P. JOHN OMV

Violence: A Major

Continues on pg. 25

“In the last 20 years, Nigeria has been at the centre of newsfor religious violence, ethnic clashes and bad governance.Violence has attained an alarming proportion, provokinggreat fear and instability in the country.”

THE WEEKEND


Threat To Nigeria’s UnityNigerian in diaspora istreated with suspicion andcontempt. Internationalrelations between statesare based on mutualinterest, cooperation andtrust. There is noconfidence in Nigerians.

NATIONAL UNITY?“Like the United States,

a united Nigeria is seen asvital to the country ’sintegrity and futuredevelopment. On the otherhand, as economic(religious) and politicalconditions havedeteriorated in Nigeria,many Nigerians from allethnic groups arequestioning the sentimentthat national unity is sacredand that secession isillegitimate.” The BokoHaram threats are seen as“a repeat of the massacresthat led to the originaldeclaration of Biafransecession.” There arefears that Boko Haramthreats might ignite asectarian civil war. Do westill believe in one Nigeria?In early January this year,Boko Haram issued awarning threat toChristians living in thenorth, ordering them toleave immediately or facepersecution. It is gatheredthat more than 35,000Nigerians have left theirhomes to avoid the BokoHaram destructiveviolence. If we still believein one Nigeria, then everyNigerian should feel safeand protected whereverhe/she is in Nigeria.

Certainly Nigerians aregreatly disappointment bythe helplessness ofgovernment in the midst ofthis spiral violence. Mr.Goodluck Jonathan, ourpresident, is indecisive andhelpless, and when he triesto act, that is when he evenbecomes more helpless.He keeps promising thatthose who are responsiblefor these pogroms will“face the full wrath of thelaw”. But when will thishappen? Mere words,promises, desire, longspeeches will not stem thetide of violence.Government needs to domore to provide its citizenswith security. Thegovernment of Nigeriashould procure adequatesecurity mechanism toprotect all citizens against

active terrorism. Thepresident is theCommander-In-Chief ofthe Armed Forces whetherhe accepts the title or not.Our constitution states thatthe President shall be theHead of State, the ChiefExecutive of theFederation andCommander-in-Chief ofthe Armed Forces of theFederation. But even if hemay not accept the title, heshould accept theresponsibility. InnocentNigerians are suffering anddying in the hands of somewicked elements. How canthe federal governmentremain largely powerlessto provide security to itscitizens? Beyondcondemning the attacks,the Nigerian governmentmust be more decisive inhitting the harmer on thenail, by being moreforthright in confrontingBoko Haram.

We should know that theterrorism that is happeningin Nigeria has a far-reaching impact andinternational implication onthe global community.

Helplessness Of TheGovernment

If we still believe in oneNigeria then everyNigerian should feel safeand protected whereverhe/she is in Nigeria.

Politically MotivatedViolence

Boko Haram is not justreligiously motivated butpolitically andeconomically manipulated.“The case clearly suggeststhat acts of violence bysuch groups as the BokoHaram have their ownunderpinning in social andpolitical imperatives …”President GoodluckJonathan once revealed inone of his speeches thatthere are Boko Haramsympathisers andsupporters in hisgovernment. Have thesepeople been made to facethe law? If we are to arriveat a concrete solution, canwe not mention theirnames and prosecutethem?

Boko Harem is totallycommitted to their cause,and to respond to it, therehas to be an equally totalcommitment bygovernment and securityagencies. That is why apolitical solution may be

Boko Haram is one of thegreatest challenges to ournational security and unity.The way forward is notsimple but possible:dialogue and tolerance.We have to promotediscussions about nationalunity and provide anenabling ground for themto mature and bear fruit infuture. There should bereasonable and persistentefforts to arrive at concrete

well managed for peaceand development.” Toaccomplish the goals ofmutual peacefulcoexistence and socialdevelopment in Nigeria,there should be conflictresolution, skills trainingprogramme, organized bythe government for ethnic,religious and communityleaders. It should be apedagogy wherebyparticipants are trained on

Continues from pg. 24 required to end the BokoHarem madness. Therehas to be investigation,arrest, interrogation, andtrials to bring out the culpritto book. If governmentdoes not ‘nip’ Boko Haremin the bud, the country isheading to a revolution.

Conflict ResolutionAnd Way Forward

We have to admit that

ways to manage ourdiversity. Positive aspectsof our diversity should bepromoted. “In one sense,ethnicity and religionremain Nigeria’s “politicalmigraine” that seems tolack any definite cure. Onthe other hand they are thebedrock of the country’sstrength and vitality thatshould be harnessed and

how to adapt and livepeacefully in the midst ofcultural pluralism.Organizations, educationalinstitutions, the church,professionals and tradeorganizations should beinvolved in this project.Discussions on issues ofethnicity and religioustolerance should be part ofschool curriculum. To

N tiona

move from discussion topractice, government andvoluntary organizationshould organize culturalinteractive programmesaimed at promotingpeaceful coexistence andfriendship among culturesand religions. Prizes andaward should be given tolocal and nationalpromoters of peace.Rotational presidencyshould be encouraged to

ensure justice, equity andethnic balance. With these,Nigerians can reap thebenefit of peace,progress and nationbuilding despite the realityof ethnic diversity andreligious plurality.

ConclusionNigeria has suffered so

much violence in the pastand continues to suffertoday under the mercilessgrip of Boko Haram.Suicide bombing wasnever part of our ‘culture’.It used to be something wewatch in news on foreignscenes and in the movies,but now, we watch ourrelatives and friends beingslaughtered whileworshipping God in theChurch. We never thoughtthat suicide bombing wouldarrive Nigeria, an on-goingtype. When Nigerians copysomething, theyexaggerate.

So Boko Haram is takingthings out of proportion.But come to think of it,Boko Haram may just be aclear example of howpolitical interests gainreligious and ethnicundertones. I think theproponents of Boko Haramand the consequentviolence want to causepolitical distraction.Sponsored by somepoliticians, they want tounseat the “rival religion”and impose their blindvalues in order to selfishlydominate and control theentire nation. Ifgovernment (somepoliticians) is not part of it,then let there be strongerresponse because thecommon man there on thestreet is fast losingconfidence ingovernment ’s ability toprotect him.

• President Goodluck Jonathan

“Beyond condemning the attacks, theNigerian government must be more decisivein hitting the hammer on the nail, by beingmore forthright in confronting Boko Haram.”

Culled fromThe Nigerian

Catholic Encounter


THE WEEKEND

H altheCurbing The Rising Menace Of Hepatitis

Via Effective ManagementBy JACINTA NWACHUKWU

THE National BloodTransfusion Service(NBTS) recently raisedconcern on theperceptible increase inreported cases ofhepatitis B amongvoluntary blood donors.

Medical experts havealso expressed concernover the upsurge inhepatitis cases, sayingthat the developmentposes a threat to thehealth of futuregenerations of Nigeriansif not managedeffectively.

They observe thathepatitis, which is aninflammation of the liver,is categorised into typesA, B, C, D and E.

They, however, notethat the most commoncategories are hepatitisA, B and C.

Dr Baba Ahmed, apublic health physician atthe NBTS, says thathepatitis B is the maincommunicable diseasethat is often discoveredduring the screening ofvoluntary blood donorsby NBTS.

He recalls that in ablood screening byNBTS in 2012, hepatitisB alone accounted for 15per cent of thed i s c o v e r e dcommunicable diseases,

HIV accounted for 4.2per cent, hepatitis Caccounted for 6.3 percent, while syphilisaccounted for 0.89 percent.

Ahmed adds that thehepatitis virus was

represent just a smallfraction of the society,’’he says.

Ahmed, nonetheless,stresses that hepatitiscases are so rampantbecause hepatitis has

not attracted muchpublic enlightenmentcampaign just like HIVand AIDS.

“To prevent it, peopleneed to ask questions;let there be increasedpublic awareness onhepatitis; mode ofcontracting it and how itcan be prevented.

“Once you are aware,then, you know what todo; after all, it will take sixmonths to treat thosewho have hepatitiswithout symptoms, whilethose suffering withsymptoms would bemanaged based on thesymptoms,’’ he said.

Ahmed, therefore,urged the public to striveto know more about thedisease, noting thatmore than 10 per cent ofpeople screened at anygiven time are usuallyinfected with hepatitis B.

On its mode of spread,Dr Kayode Obende, agynaecologist at GarkiGeneral Hospital, Abuja,said that hepatitis B caneasily be transferredfrom positive mothers tonewborns duringchildbirth.

“But if givenvaccination at birth, theincidence is reduced to20 per cent; the vaccinereduces the babies ’chances of becomingchronic carriers, ’ ’ he

says.He, nonetheless,

emphasised that thevirus could not bepassed from mother tobaby during pregnancy,saying: “It cannot crossthrough the placenta; thetransfer can only takeplace through theprocess of delivery.

“It is contagious andcan be transferredthrough blood product;one can get the virusthrough bloodtransfusion, sexualintercourse and sharingof needles, amongothers,’’ he added.

All the same, Obendeadvised pregnantwomen to undergoroutine checks forhepatitis B wheneverthey attend ante-natalclinic, so as to know theirhealth status.

He stressed that morethan 400 million peopleworldwide are hepatitispositive, adding that themajor problem with thevirus is that some peoplemay not even be awarethat they havecontracted the disease.

The gynaecologist

becomes chronic, itcould lead to destructionof the liver and causedeath instantly.

Recounting his ordeal,Mr. Chukwu Emmanuel,an Abuja-basedbusinessman, said thathe once had hepatitisabout 12 years ago,adding that the diseasenearly killed him then.

He recalls that heinitially had somemalaria symptoms andafter much treatment, itwas discovered throughblood screening that hehad hepatitis, typhoidand pneumonia.

“The virus had evenaffected my kidneybefore I got to hospitalbut I thank God that I amstill living,’’ he said.

Sharing similarsentiments, Mr. GodwinSolomon, another Abuja-based businessman,recalls that when he fellsick in July last year, hewas later diagnosed ofhepatitis B.

His wife, Mrs. UchennaSolomon, however, saidthat she did not contracthepatitis B in spite of thefact that it is a

incorporate counselinginto any medicalprocedures used in thetherapy of hepatitis.

“When a person isdiagnosed of hepatitis,he or she might suffergreat psychosocial andpsychological stressesthrough a fear ofrejection, social stigmaand the uncertaintiesassociated with it;counseling can minimisemorbidity and reduce itsoccurrence.

“There is no specifictreatment for an acutehepatitis infection;symptoms are usuallytreated with supportivecare.

“Treatment for chronichepatitis does not curethe disease butsuppresses it ormanages it like diabetes.

“The goal of treatmentis to improve quality oflife and survival bypreventing progressionof the disease andreduce the ability of thevirus to reproduce in thebody; medications do notcure it,’’ Owusu-Ansahwrote in an onlinepublication.

says that in some cases,the virus would notmanifest immediately asan acute infection and asa result, some peoplecould retain the virus aschronic carriers.

Obende, however,warns that if the infection

detected in the blood ofpersons with agesranging between 18 and30 years old.

“These are people whocame willingly for blooddonation, they did notknow that such virus is intheir system and they

communicable disease.What then are the

measures which couldbe put in place to controlthe growing menace ofhepatitis infections?

Mr Theobald Owusu-Ansah, the President ofTheobald Hepatitis BFoundation, Ghana, anda columnist,underscores the need to

Master Mohammed el-Amin Braimah was one year old onMay 21, 2013. Happy Birthday from mum and dad!

THE WEEKEND


T day’s DietoGod’s Sovereignty

IN John 5:2-9, theLord Jesus Christwalked into thecolony of sickfolks by the poolof Bethazatha,healed one manand took Hisleave. Why justone man? What about therest? Would Henot have receiveda greater level ofglory by healingall the sick folksthere? From thiswe learn that theLord just wantedto establish Hiss o v e r e i g n t y .Psalm 115:3 says,but our God is inthe heavens: hehath donewhatsoever hehath pleased.” We understandfrom thescriptures that Heprayed for Peter toovercome a mosttrying moment(Luke 22:31),whereas He toldJudas Iscariot tospeedily executehis evil intention(John 13:27). MayGod’s sovereigntywork in yourfavour and notagainst you inJesus name.

During majorprogrammes ofThe RedeemedChristian Churchof God, such asthe Congress,Convention orSpecial HolyGhost Services,we usually seeGod at work,p e r f o r m i n gs p e c t a c u l a rmiracles, healingd i v e r s es i c k n e s s e s ,setting thecaptives free andsaving souls. On ap a r t i c u l a roccasion, the Lordsaid He wouldheal 144,000people in onenight. That year, atthe end of theCongress, I saw aman who wasbrought in on awheel chairreturning in thewheel chair. Laterin my office, afterthanking God forthe great thingsHe had done Iasked Him whythe man whoreturned on thewheel chair wasnot healed. Thathe came to thecamp alone

Memorise: But our God is in the heavens: hehath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Psalm 115:3Read: Psalm 115:1-3Bible in one year: Ezekiel 34-36

With PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

shows that he hadfaith, and I toldGod I knew Hecould doe v e r y t h i n g .Thereafter theLord replied, “Sothat you mayknow that you arenot God. It doesnot matter howmightily you arebeing used. Youare still a humanbeing. If you don’tlike it, sue me”.This is whyanyone who hascommon sense atall should fearHim. Some peoplethink they cankeep somethingfrom God. In thetrue sense of it,you cannot. Hegave you all youhave and He cantake anything Hehas given to you.He owns you andeverything youhave, so what canyou really keepfrom Him? If Hewants to takeanything you callyour possession,nothing can stopHim. He onlyallows you to useyour freewill sothat He can blessyou. God’ss o v e r e i g n t ysimply tells you tofear God beyondeverything else,do you?

ACTION POINT: Thank God for making you whoyou are and for giving you all you’ve got. Praythat His purpose for your life might never bedefeated.

I, Ayobore Esther wish to bring for the information ofthe general public that I am the same person knownand called Ayeobore Esther and to affirm that the twospellings “Ayobore” and “Ayeobore are of the samemeaning and implication with my family mode ofspellings and usage in terms of root or origin,considering the extended family. It should beemphasized that Ayobore Esther and AyeoboreEsther is one and the same person. Concernedauthorities and the general public please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAMECONFIRMATION OF NAMECONFIRMATION OF NAMECONFIRMATION OF NAMECONFIRMATION OF NAME

IGBINEHI - I, formerlycalled Miss VeroEdamwen Igbinehi is nowknown and called Mrs.Vero EdamwenOtamere. All formerdocuments remain valid.Concerned authorities,Nursing and MidwiferyCouncil of Nigeria, UBTHand the general publicshould please take note.

CHANGE OF CHANGE OF CHANGE OF CHANGE OF CHANGE OF

NAMENAMENAMENAMENAME



AIDENAGBON- Iformerly known andaddressed as Miss GraceOsor Aidenagbon nowwish to be known andaddressed as Mrs. GraceOsor Imoobe. All formerdocuments remain valid.Concerned authorities,National Youth ServiceCorps (N.Y.S.C) and thegeneral public shouldplease take note.



IZIEGBE- I formerlyknown and addressed asMiss Favour Iziegbe nowwish to be known andaddressed as Mrs. FavourOmokaro. All formerdocuments remain valid.Concerned authorities,Higher CommunityHealth Extension Worker(H.C.H.E.W) and generalpublic should please takenote.

NOTICE is hereby given to the general public,especially the Honourable Commissioner forLands and Surveys that a portion of a parcel ofland measuring 200ft x 200ft, carved out of theentire parcel of land measuring fifty seven (57)plots of l00ft x l00ft each, lying and situate atEvbuomoma Area, Edo State, and moreparticularly described and delineated in SurveyPlan No. AU/ED/034/2004, bounded by SurveyBeacon Nos. SC/ED 8579L, SC/ED 8580L, SC/ED 8581L, SC/ED 8582L, SC/ED 8583L, and SC/ED 8584L, belonging to Edegbe UgbogboCompany Nigeria Limited, which entire parcelof land as mentioned above being a subject ofgrant of statutory right of occupancy, as cited inThe NIGERIAN OBSERVER of Monday,June 13, 2011 at page 9, had been transferredto Mr. Busari Jubril, by virtue of Deed ofTransfer dated 21st May, 2013.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N ws Extrae

CENTRE for Childrenwith Special Needs (CCSN),an NGO, has decried theattitude of Nigerians,especially employers oflabour toward people livingwith Down Syndrome andother related ailments.

Down syndrome is acongenital disorder arisingfrom chromosomeimpairment and physicalabnormalities.

Mr. Dare Adebanjo, theService Director, CCSN,stated this in Abuja onThursday at skill acquisition

Group Decries Employers’ Attitude ToPeople Living With Down Syndrome

training in Ushafacommunity, FCT, for peopleliving with Down syndrome.

He said that mostemployers of labour refusedjob placement for peopleliving with disability,especially those with Downsyndrome.

“After training these peoplethey should assist inproviding those jobs, butemployers tell them theycannot employ such person.

“There is no university inthis world that plansemployment, but we have to

include that in what we aredoing.

“It is however expedientthat employer of labour givesemployment opportunity tothese people regardless oftheir ailment,’’ he said.

He stressed the need toprovide educational supportfor people withdevelopmental challenges,stating that it would ease thelearning method.

Adebanjo said that thesupport would go a long wayin establishing them, addingthat it would further makethem to be independent andself sufficient.

He said that the skillacquisition training came atthe right time, stressing thatit would focus on a platformwhere the students after thetraining programme couldshowcase their work at thearts and craft village.

“We at the centre arelooking at a shelter workshopwhere they can workcollectively and get a salesoutlet at the Arts and Craftsvillage where whatever theyproduce can be sold.

“They come to school, theylearn a lot, producesomething and sell and withthe support of their parent, setthem up for their work to besold.’’

Adebanjo however, calledfor support from the FederalGovernment in the area offinance and also to furtherplace its staff on the nominalpayroll of government.

He added that placing staffon the nominal payroll wouldhelp provide totalconcentration on the students.

“We face a lot of difficultiesin training them whichinclude problem oftransportation to bring thestudents to the pottery centre.

“When you talk aboutdisabilities, it varies becausewhen you teach a skill todayand you don’t follow up,there is a big challengebecause you have to teach itover.

He called on thegovernment to give priority tothe welfare of their staff.

He said that the governmentshould take the interest ofpeople living with thecondition and otherdisabilities seriously for theoverall good of the society.


THE WEEKEND

Agriculture For Youth Empowerment

And Poverty Alleviation (II)THIS second edition is

focused on Poverty andthe concept of a youthclub.

What is Poverty?Vision 2010 defined

poverty as a condition inwhich a person is unableto meet the minimumrequirement of the basicneeds of life such asfood, shelter, clothingand health care services.

According to WorldBank (1996), “Poverty inNigeria has beendescribed as widespreadand severe.” In spite ofthe country ’s vastresource, its known withlow Gross DomesticProduct Per capita, highunemployment rate, lowindustrial util izationcapacity, high birth rateand low agriculturaldevelopment (Jhingan,2005).

Poverty is a subjectstudied in sociology inrelation to social classes.In the first place, it isdefined in terms of‘absolute deprivation’;that is lack of basicnecessities and in thesecond, in terms of the‘relative deprivation; thatis the inability to maintainthe living standardscustomary in society.

According toOgwumike (1988),evidence in Nigeriashowed that the numberof those in poverty hascontinued to ‘increase.For example, thenumber in povertyincreased from 27% in1980 to 46% in 1985, itdeclined slightly to 42%in 1992 and increasedvery sharply to 67% in1996. By 1999,estimates hadit thatmore than 70% ofNigeria live in absolute

poverty.The prevalence of

poverty has continued tobe a recurring decimal inNigeria, hence the recenteffort by the World Bankand the FederalGovernment of Nigeria toembark on the newNational FadarnaDevelopment Project(NFDP) III of or FadamaIII.

Despite the objective ofthe Fadama 1 to reducepoverty through groupeffort by creating theFadama userAssociation (FUAS) inthe phase I and FadamaCommunity Associations(FCAS) in the phase II ofNFDP as well as boostfood production,encourage rural foodinsecurity, the fightagainst poverty have notyielded the desiredresults as farmerscontinued to generatelow income from theirfarming enterprises. EdoState is a case study onpeople living below thepoverty line using thenumber of people thatcan make equiavalent toNaira value perhousehold per day.

What is the Conceptof a Youth Club?

What is the conceptof youth club?

It an organized group ofpeople under theguidance of extensionworkers in ADP and localleaders. Members electtheir own officers, planand conduct clubprogrammes, holdregular activities,. Theclub is regarded as theforum for bringingmembers together with

Organization andAdministration ofYouth Programmes:

The steps involved inthe organization of ayouth club are:

a. Organization of ayouth club. The followingconditions shouldbe ensured for thesuccess of a youth club.

b. Profit from thesupport of its community

c. It must function in a

club for Agriculturaltransformation are:

i.Choice of localityii. Contact with villageiii. Contact with parentsiv. Official launching or

inauguration.Project Work in Youth

Extension ProgrammeA project in the context

of youth programme is aform of home or farmactivity which a memberchooses to do following

around it. Project can beorganized around almostany farm or home orschool tasks andactivities.

What is the Purposeof Project Work inYouth ExtensionService?

a. To help members tolearn new and bettermethods of farming,home making, etc.

b. To give youths the

initiative to work andachieve the feeling thatthey are useful membersof the community andthe society at large

c. To give youths thepride and satisfaction ofownership.

d. To give youths thefeeling of achievement,satisfaction oraccomplishment.

A ricg

By OLUMESE MARK

their local leaders forpurpose of capacitybuilding. Club meetings,activities, etc afford adefinite opportunity totrain and developleaders as well asmembers in groupaction.

favourable environmentin terms of acceptabilityby the community, meetthe needs of thecommunity and haveadequate logistics orfacilities.

The five stages in theprocess of organizing a

the recommendation ofthe local leader who alsoworks under theguidance of professionalyouth leader or youre x t e n s i o n / c h a n g eagent,. The project issaid to be the heart orcore of rural youthmovement and the entireclub programme issupposed to be built

e. To enable youths tolearn how to makewholesome, useful andprofitable use of theirtime.

f. To give youths theopportunity to participatein the core activities ofthe youth club and enjoythe benefit of groupprogrammes.

In the next edition, thewriter will focus on: HowAgriculture can help toreduce poverty in Nigeriaand overview ofA g r i c u l t u r a lD e v e l o p m e n tProgrammess (ADPs)for youth empowermentand poverty alleviation.The writer is a staff ofEdo State Ministry ofAgriculture and NaturalResources.

“Poverty in Nigeria has been described as widespread andsevere.” In spite of the country’s vast resource, its knownwith low Gross Domestic Product Per capita, highunemployment rate, low industrial utilization capacity, highbirth rate and low agricultural development . . .”

THE WEEKEND


Chief Michael Platini

Blaise Matuidi

Germany Coach Says UCLFinalists Show Way Forward

ZlatanLinked WithManchester

City, Chelsea

Platini Warns Of DangersThreatening Sports

* Calls For Sports Police Force

Matuidi Sued Over Contract

Breach

Real Out For RedemptionAgainst Sociedad

Barcelona Eyeing WinIn Catalan Derby

PARIS Saint-Germainmidfielder Blaise Matuidi isbeing taken to court by hisformer agent, who claims hewas poached by a rival.

Jean-Pierre Bernes, 56, hasbrought a case for breach ofcontract against Matuidi, 26,who wrote to him to end theirworking partnership on March16.

Bernes, whose agreementwith the France internationalhad been due to expire onJune 30, is demanding 3.5million Euro in damages fromMatuidi and a further 5 millionEuro from rival agent MinoRaiola, whom he believesprovoked the situation.

“According to FIFA andFrench rules, an agent mustnot contact a player undercontract [with another agent].Mr Matuidi was approachedby Mr Raiola. That ’s anestablished fact,” L’Equipereported Bernes ’ lawyer,Carlos-Alberto Brusa, assaying.

“While Mr Bernes pays histaxes in France, he is upagainst an Italian agent

whose licence is held in theNetherlands and whosecompany is based in Monaco.

“The sums Mr Raiolareceives in France do notproduce a single cent of tax.This absurd situation has tobe resolved.”

Raiola, who representsMatuidi’s PSG team-mates

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Maxwelland Gregory van der Wiel,potentially also facesinvestigation by FIFA and theFrench Football Federation(FFF).

Bernes is determined tolevel the fiscal playing field foragents, echoing the stancebeing taken by many Ligue 1presidents on the tax statusof newly-promoted principalityclub Monaco.

REAL Madrid will look tobounce back to winning waysand end their season on apositive note when they visitReal Sociedad at the AnoetaStadium for their penultimateLa Liga clash on Sundaynight.

The Whites have beendoing well in the league inrecent weeks, winning fourmatches in a row before theywere held to a 1-1 draw byEspanyol to surrender thetitle to Barcelona.

However, Jose Mourinho’smen will go into this gamedesperate for maximumpoints as they look to putFriday’s Copa del Rey finalloss to city rivals AtleticoMadrid behind them.

Real broke the deadlockthrough Cristiano Ronaldo,but goals from Diego Costaand Joao Miranda saw them

ending up on the wrong endof a 2-1 score line.

The cup final loss was soonfollowed by the confirmationof Mourinho’s exit at the endof the season after adisappointing third seasonwhere the club failed to win amajor trophy.

Whether or not thePortuguese coach will be onthe bench for the last twomatches of the seasonremains to be seen.

Madrid are currently insecond place with 81 pointsfrom 36 matches and areguaranteed to finish ahead ofthird-place Atletico.

Real Sociedad on the otherhand have more than pride toplay for as they are currentlyinvolved in a battle withValencia for the fourth spot,which guarantees ChampionsLeague qualification.

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic, oneof the finest players in Europecould finally grace thePremier League, according tothe Daily Star.

The Sweden forward hasplayed all across Europe, andhas just completed a seasonwith Paris Saint-Germain, butis reported to be consideringhis future.

Reports have linked him toa return to Italy, but the 31-year-old’s wages could makesuch a switch prohibitivelyexpensive.

Manchester City andChelsea would have no suchfinancial restrictions, andIbrahimovic could be temptedto conquer yet another ofEurope’s top divisions.

The Star suggest that whilePSG are not keen to sell, theywill be more receptive tolosing Ibrahimovic if they canland Wayne Rooney fromManchester United. Talks, thepaper reports, are alreadyunderway for that deal tocome off.

Ibra, meanwhile, is quotedas saying: “Anything canhappen. City were interestedwhen I was at Barcelona – butthen I was more interested inMilan.”

Does a move for Zlatan tiein with each club’s ambitions?According to another report inthe Metro, Chelsea alreadyhave their eyes on anotherstriker – Burak Yilmaz ofGalatasaray, who notched 32goals last season, andimpressed in the club’s run tothe Champions Leaguequarter-finals.

Meanwhile at ManchesterCity it looks as the Sky Blueswill be holding on to SergioAguero. The Daily Mirrorreports that chief executiveForran Serriano, flatly deniedall the rumours linking theArgentine to a return to Spainwith Real Madrid.

MICHEL Platini, the president of European football’sgoverning body UEFA, yesterday called for actionagainst the three dangers threatening football: match-fixing, discrimination and financial excess.

“The main problem ismatch-fixing and betting,”said Platini at the UEFAcongress in London.

“Our match monitoringsystems and network ofintegrity officers in eachcountry are of courseuseful and even essential,but they are not enough.

“We are not dealing withpetty criminals looking tomake ends meet.

“It seems that we are insome cases dealing with

mafia-type organisationsthat use some games, andtherefore our sport, tolaunder dirty money.

“One game rigged is onematch too many, as itstrikes at the soul of oursport, the very essence ofthe game.

“I ask at least that eachcountry adopts a specificnational law on match-fixing to finally provide thenecessary legal tools toc o n d e m n

uncompromising cheats.”In his speech, Platini also

tackled “the recurrentproblem of discrimination,whether racial or sexual,which still exists infootball.”

Beyond “prevention andeducation,” the FrenchUEFA president alsostressed the need forsanctions.

Later on Friday, theUEFA Congress will voteon a resolutionstrengthening sanctionsagainst the perpetrators ofracist acts in stadiums,whether they are players,officials or supporters.

Platini also put UEFA’sFinancial Fair Playscheme in the spotlight

and spoke of the worryingfinancial situation at certainclubs in Europe.

“To ensure that thecurrent system doesn’tcollapse and the bubbledoesn’t burst, it is the dutyof UEFA to intervene andit shall be the duty ofindependent bodies topunish the few clubs whohave not realised thatfootball cannot live aboveits means,” he insisted.

GERMANY boss JoachimLow has told L’Equipe the onlyway to achieve success inmodern football is to adopt the“attractive and quick” style ofBayern Munich, BorussiaDortmund and the Germannational team.

The Bundesliga duo faceeach other at Wembley in theChampions League final onSaturday evening - and neitheris likely to compromise on theforward-thinking approach thathas got them so far.

Bayern coach JuppHeynckes and his Dortmundcounterpart Jurgen Klopp haveencouraged their squads toattack throughout thecompetition, most notably intheir respective semi-finalsagainst Barcelona and RealMadrid.

And Low, who has been atthe heart of a German FA-ledinitiative to encourage creativityin younger players over the lastdecade, said: “For a long time,Germany relied on strength,tackling, physique, discipline.

“That’s all well and good - butfootball has changed since,and that’s not enough anymore.

“I’ve always said you can’twin titles without playing goodfootball. Once, ten years ago,Greece won [the EuropeanChampionship] with adestructive playing style. Butthat was the exception. If you’renot able to have an attractiveand quick playing style, youdon ’t stand a chance anymore.”

Low said there were

Bundesliga coaches who “havedifferent ideas to that”, but thatBayern, Dortmund and hisGermany team have allsucceeded with bright,attacking football.

He explained that, in theinternational game, “you needsolutions in attack, becauseother nations, and particularlythe supposed smaller nations,still rely on defensive values”.

Bayern had the bestdefensive record in theBundesliga, setting a newleague benchmark byconceding only 18 goals in 34games - but their prolific attack,which fell just two goals shortof a century, propelled them tothe title in spectacular fashion.

Dortmund, back-to-backBundesliga winners coming intothe 2012-13 campaign, finishedrunners-up, 25 points adrift, butLow believes that difference willnot be quite so evident atWembley, even though theinjury-enforced absence ofMario Gotze is a setback forKlopp’s side.

BARCELONA will continuewith their pursuit of the LaLiga points’ record when theyvisit neighbours Espanyol atthe Cornella-El Prat Stadium

on Sunday night.The Catalans have already

been crowned as championsfor the 2012/13 season, butwill still go all out to win theremaining two games.

Tito Vilanova ’s men sitcomfortably at the top of thetable with 94 points from 36matches, but collectingmaximum points from theirnext two games will see themending the season with 100points.

This is the record that wasset by bitter rivals, RealMadrid, last season and thenewly-crowned championshave confirmed that they arehoping to match it.

Barcelona enjoyed acomfortable 2-1 win over RealValladolid last Sunday but willbe expecting a tougherencounter against theirneighbours, although theyhave dominated the Catalanderby in recent years.

Espanyol on the other handare currently in 11th place with44 points and will also belooking to end the season withback-to-back wins as theylook to climb up to eighthplace, which could be enoughto send them to the EuropaLeague.

Jurgen Klopp

Weekend observer 25-05-2013

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Transcript of Weekend observer 25-05-2013