From  IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu LESS than one week that the federal government admitted Anambra state into the league of oil producing states in the country, tension is now   building up at the border communities between Enugu, Kogi and Anambra states where the oil wells were discovered. Some of the people residing in border communities have vowed to protect the oil in their areas with the last drop of their blood. It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan during his recent visit to the state, inaugurated Orient Petroleum Plc. at Anambra last week, declared the state as an oil producing state. However, in a swift reaction to the development, members of the three Enugu communities involved in the oil wells dispute, have vowed to protect the oil in their areas with the last drop of their drop. The communities, Ojjor, Iggah and Asaba, all in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State in a press statement yesterd...

From BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan FORMER President,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday advocated the culture of hard work and integrity among Nigerian youths. The former President made the call while speaking at the presentation and launch of biography of the late University don and industrialist, Professor Ayo Ogunsheye titled ‘Ayo Ogunseye: The workers’ economist.’ held at the University of Ibadan. He stated that it was unfortunate  the culture of hardwork and integrity is fast fizzling out among the Nigerian youths, hence the urgent need for the parents to rise up and arrest the situation. “I want to urge family members of good Nigerians whose records we like to have but we have not had to work towards documenting their history and achievements.This will help in putting right the history of our country. It will also help to impact on the younger generation who will be the leaders of tomorrow,’’ he said.. Chief Obasanjo poin...

BY OLAMIDE OLAYIWOLA CRITICISM, according to late British Prime Minister and author, Sir Winston Churchill, is necessary because “like a pain in human body, it calls our attention to an unhealthy state”. In other words, the sole purpose of criticism is to enable the person that is being criticized to make amends where necessary. But in a situation where the object of criticism is helpless because his accusers are not only to be blame for the status quo, but are also motivated by less than altruistic reasons, criticism loses its raison de’tre. We make bold to say most of those accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of incompetence are doing so in bad faith. Any discerning mind will agree with this writer that they did n’t meant well for our beloved country, Nigeria. Our reasons for taking this position are not far to seek. We do believe it should be the collective duty and the desire of all patriotic Nigerians, irrespect...