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o FRSC A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION www.frscinsight.com APRIL 2012 Car Jacking HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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FRSC INSIGHT APRIL 2012

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Page 1: FRSC INSIGHT APRIL 2012

oFRSC

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION www.frscinsight.comAPRIL 2012

CarJacking

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Page 2: FRSC INSIGHT APRIL 2012

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

Have you ever wondered why God created women to nurture pregnancy for nine months before delivery?. Whycant women be pregnant for longer period, like 2 or 3 years, before delivery?. But do you think it would be betterif women are only pregnant for only three months?. If God in his infinite wisdom created women to conceive and

bore a child within 226 days (nine months), then He definitely knows that 9 months is apt for delivery. Rats deliver within21 days. The female camel, another creature of God remains pregnant for 13 to 15 months (410 days) before delivery andthis can be pretty tough, considering that female animals, unlike women lack antenatal care.

Astonishly there are even other animals with longer gestation period, including Whales and Dolphins who remainpregnant for between 17 to 19 months. The long gestation may be responsible for their clever intellect as is also typical ofthe elephants, who require two full years of pregnancy before birth. Sharks even take up to 3 or 3 and a half years ofpregnancy before delivery. God therefore would not have made a mistake in making a woman to deliver after ninemonths of normal pregnancy, eventhough He has capacity to either shorten or elongate the period of pregnancy. Thelesson here relates to what period should it take FRSC to fully transform into a World Class Organisation. We are allpregnant for the Corps’ transformation and our delivery is dependent on your perception of the importance of thistransformation. Do you see your delivery gestation period as that of a cat, woman, camel, whales or even sharks?. Thismonth’s edition of Insight is a reinforcement of the FRSC’s believe in transforming into a World Class Organisation. Wetherefore need to make the FRSC truly transform. We can do it.

In this edition you will read about carjacking and how to protect yourself, especially as a woman, when faced with thisugly situation. The danger associated with the misuse of the road is also discussed. You will also read other it restingstories like car safety checks and how to prevent and treat breast cancer. For beneficiaries of the Lokogoma HousingProject, you will definitely be interested in knowing how the Lokogoma Open Forum went. We served you all the detailsincluding when the project will be commissioned. Remember all previous editions of FRSC Insight are available onwww.frscinsight.com

From The Editor-In-Chief

oeditorialOC Oladele (DCC)Head, Planning Advisory UnitEditor – In - Chief

Page 3: FRSC INSIGHT APRIL 2012

www.frscinsight.org

Osita Chidoka

OC Oladele (DCC)

KD Alegieuno (ARC)

MembersVO Ogunnupebi (ACC)AR Obagbemiro (CRC)CB Nwokolo (DRC)DO Enakireru (ARC)0I IKOKU (ARC)

Corps Marshal/Chief ExecutivePublisher

Editor–In-Chief

Editor

Copyright & DisclaimerThe information contained in this Newsletter hasbeen compiled by Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC].It -

contained thereinprovides general information only. Some photo

graphs and graphics are only fordramatization (i.e. may not represent any member,client, partner, facilities, employee etc. of FederalRoad Safety Corps). No responsibility is acceptedfor the correctness and completeness of the giveninformation.Copyright © Federal Road Safety Commission. Allrights reserved.

.

.

Contact DetailsFederal Road Safety CorpsNational HeadquatersOlusegun Obasanjo Way,Zone 7, Wuse District.PMB 125, Abuja, Nigeria

0700- CALL - FRSC0700 - 2255 - 37720807- 769 - 0362 (Text Messages Only)

Email: [email protected]: www.frsc.gov.ng

Car Jacking

Quotable Quotes

Load Safety Checks

The Embrio Concept

Lokogoma Estate Open Forum

Breast Cancer

One-On-One [An Interview] ...

- pg 4

- pg 9

- pg 10

- pg 12

- pg 14

- pg 16

- pg 19

EDITORIAL BOARD Lokogoma Housing Forum

IN THIS EDITION

oFRSC

On April 26, 2012, the Open Forum on Lokogoma Housing Project organisedfor members and stakeholders was held at the Lokogoma Estate, FCT,Abuja. The forum which was coordinated by the Co-operative Executives

was aimed at building confidence among members by seeking solutions to existingproblems hampering the completion of the project. .Th e Lo ko g om a H o u s i ngProject started on January, 2009, by June of that same year, members, stakeholdersand well wishers converged for the turning of sod. The Estate which covered over 19hectares of land was designed for 346 units of a variety of models ranging from 2bedroom semi-detached bungalow to 4 bedroom detached bungalow. The forumwas formally opened by the ACM (MVA), Commander Charles Theophelus whorepresented the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps. Thewelcome address was delivered by the co-operative secretary general, Dr. GOOmiko (DCC) and the chairman of the co-operative.... See page 16

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CARJACKING, car hijacking, car napping or car snatching isone of the fastest growing crimes in cities around theworld; from Karachi to Lisbon and from Nairobi to Rio de

Janeiro. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, bet-ween 1993 and 2002, about 38,000 carjackings occurred annu-ally in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of the carjackingsthat occurred between 1993 and 2002 took place at night.Carjacking is a serious problem in both large cities and smalltowns where a criminal can simply jump into the driver's seatand attempt to rob the driver in a moment's notice. The U.S.Department of Justice reports that carjacking victimizationrates are highest in urban areas, and a weapon is used in 74% ofthese incidences. Any attempts to resist a carjacker can provefatal, so it's very important to learn how to keep yourself safewith a prevention plan.

South Africa, with a population one sixth the size of the UnitedStates, has an even higher rate of carjackings—more than14,000 a year. After you have considered some examples, youwill understand why many view being carjacked as one of themost feared crimes of all. The following are true experiences ofindividuals who live in South Africa’s largest city,Johannesburg. By reading their experiences, you may behelped to know what to do if you are ever carjacked or, betterstill, how to minimize the risk of ever becoming a victim.

“My friend Susan and I had been sharing in the evangelizingwork together for a year. One Wednesday, before driving to ournext Bible study, we stopped for tea under a tree on a

TRUE-LIFE EXPERIENCES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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residential road. Susan got out of the car to get the basket fromthe back. Just as she handed me my cup, two men appearedout of nowhere, one holding a gun to Susan’s neck. Shocked, Itried to get out of the car, but the other man pushed me backinside. There we were, two women forced into a car with twomen driving us—I really felt that they would most probablyrape or kill us.”—Anika, a young wife.

“I was driving my car at 7:00 a.m. on my way to work. I stoppedat an intersection that is frequented by unemployed peopleseeking work. I did not pay any attention until someone pusheda gun into my neck through my open car window and said, ‘Getout, or I’ll shoot.’ That very minutes a traffic helicopterappeared overhead. Thinking it was the police, the carjackerpulled the trigger and ran. He shot me in the neck, severing myspinal cord. This left me paralyzed from the neck down. Icannot use my hands and legs, and I have no feeling inthem.”—Barry, father of a teenage son.

“My wife, Lindsay, and I were about to go for lunch. I waswaiting for her in my car. The car doors were locked, but thewindows were slightly open because of the heat. I was lookingahead from the driver’s seat when two men came around thecorner very casually. When they were about eight paces fromthe front of the car, they split up, one going to the left of the carand the other to the right. Suddenly, they were at the car doorspointing guns at me from both sides and shouting orders. AfterI started the car in obedience to their command, theyscreamed at me to get out and get in the back seat. The onedrove the car while the other forced me to keep my head down.‘What reason can you give me for not killing you?’ he asked. ‘Iam one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ I replied. He kept talking aboutkilling me, and I kept praying and thinking of my dear wife,wondering how she would react on seeing that her husbandand car had disappeared.”—Alan, a travelling overseer and aparent.

These experiences show how quickly and unexpectedlycarjacking can happen. They also illustrate common situationsexploited by carjackers. In many places, it is no longer safe towait or relax in a car parked on a residential road. Otherdangerous places are intersections and the driveway to yourhome.

Thankfully, the experience of Susan and Anika had a happyending. As they were being driven away by the carjackers, thetwo women began to explain the Bible study work they weredoing. This seemed to prick the men’s consciences. “Theyapologized for what they were doing,” explains Anika, “but saidthat because of the times we live in, they are forced to steal andcarjack to make a living. We explained why God allows povertyand suffering.” The Bible’s message touched the hearts of thetwo carjackers, and they decided to give back the money andwristwatches they had taken, assuring Susan and Anika thatthey would cause them no harm. “Then one of them started togive us instructions on how to prevent a future carjacking,”recalls Susan. “They made us promise,” adds Anika, “that we

DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH

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would never again stop next to the road to have tea.” Then, justas the carjackers had told them, they stopped the vehicle, gotout, and gratefully accepted some Bible literature, and letSusan and Anika drive away safely.

Alan, the travelling overseer, was ordered out of his vehiclewhen the carjackers arrived at an isolated place. Though helost valuable possessions, he was grateful that he survivedphysically unharmed. “I think I came off lightly,” recalls Alan,“because I was cooperative and nonaggressive, and I did notpanic. But certainly, I could have been more observant. I havelearned from this incident that there is no time to relax one’sguard now that we are living so deep into the last days ofSatan’s wicked system.” The next day, Alan and Lindsay wentback to the same territory to continue preaching with thecongregation they were assigned to serve. Explains Alan: “Weprayed, and our eyes were everywhere for the whole day. Itwas not easy, but Jehovah gave us ‘power beyond what isnormal.’”

The worst-affected victim, Barry, has been confined to awheelchair for the past 11 years. Commendably, Barry hasremained positive and has not allowed the experience to makehim bitter. Measures taken by the authorities in South Africahave led to a reduction in carjackings. Still, they continue tooccur and are increasing in other parts of the world. Below aresome of the most common carjacking scenarios:

When the victim is stopped at a traffic light.The carjacker pretends to be stranded.The carjacker fakes an accident to get you out of your car.The carjacker attacks the victim as they get in their car in

parking garages, shopping mall and complex parking, anddriveways.

■■■■

Fortunately there are several simple ways you can protectyourself from being a carjacking statistic.

When slowing down to stop at an intersection, be alert forsuspicious-looking people loitering on either side of the road.

Keeping a reasonable distance between you and the car infront of you will allow for easier manoeuvrability to escapefrom danger.

If a car bumps into the rear of your car, be cautious aboutgetting out to inspect the damage. It might be a ruse. If anincident like this happens in a high-risk area, it would be saferto drive on to the nearest police station.

Be alert for strangers loitering near the entrance of yourhome. If you note such a situation, it would be safer to drive onand return home later, or you may decide to drive to thenearest police station.

If you have to wait in a parked car in a high-risk area or in anarea where there are few people around, be alert to what ishappening in front of you and behind you. If you suspectdanger, start the car and drive around the block.

Stay alert at places carjackers like to strike; red lights, fillingstations, ATM machines, parking lots, shopping centres, carwashes, convenience stores, hotels, valet parking areas, fast-food drive-through, and outside of retail stores. Park carefully:Park under a light area, choose only well-lit spots and avoid

TIPS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BEING CARJACKED■

If you are driving in an area where carjacking have occurred,keep your car doors locked and your windows closed. Thisincludes any time you are waiting for someone, taking a breakfrom the road, or stopping at a red light. Carjackers simply slidein next to you when your guard is down, so it's imperative thatthe doors are locked at all times.

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remote areas. When you’re returning to your car, always haveyour keys in your hand as you approach so you’re not fumblingaround at your car door. If your car breaks down or is disabledin an accident and a stranger offers to help, do not open yourwindow or door. If you don’t have a cell phone, ask them to callfor help. Keeping your valuables out of sight: The sight of alarge purse, laptop or bag in the front seat is the perfect triggerfor a carjacking; the criminal has spotted his or her bounty, andyou're putting yourself at risk by displaying the wares. Keepyour purse or bag tucked under the seat and out of sightwhenever possible so that the sight of it doesn't encourage arobbery.

Drive in the Fast Lane: Carjackers can't jump into a fast-movingcar with ease, and you're at a higher risk for a carjacking whenyou're stuck in traffic, making frequent stops at intersectionsor stop signs, or find yourself following a slow moving vehiclesuch as a school bus or truck. Take the steps to change yourroute to avoid traffic and congestion whenever possible, andlook for places where you can drive at least 60 Kilometre perhour.

Get Into Your Car When Nobody's Looking: Carjackers are onthe prowl for anyone just getting into their car, and this is whyparking lots are a top target area. If you sense that someone'sfollowing you or has their eye on you from afar, keep onmoving! Whether this means returning back to the store orwalking to a crowded area, look for a way to avoid your car untilit's safe to approach your vehicle.

Focusing on What You're Doing: Avoid talking on your cellphone, reading or doing anything that is distracting you fromthe task at hand. Carjackers usually work in teams wherethey're looking for anyone who's let down their guard. As soonas they see you approaching your car, they can try and stealyour car or even abduct you. Stay vigilant and focused so you'renot putting yourself at risk because you had to talk with yourbest friend. Look around before you get in your car and beforeyou get out of your car. Your errands are never so importantthat you don’t have three seconds to evaluate yoursurroundings. Always have your cell phone handy to call thePolice.

Your safety boils down to being aware. You can’t afford to beoblivious. If someone is coming towards your car, you need tonotice them ahead of time. Make use of your rear-view andside mirrors when you are stopped or in a parking lot.

In most carjacking situations, the attackers are interested onlyin the vehicle. Try to stay calm. Do not stare at the attacker asthis may seem aggressive and cause them to harm you. Thereare two options during an attack—non-resistive, non-confron-tational behaviour and resistive or confrontational behaviour.Your reaction should be based on certain factors:

DURING A CARJACKING

■■■

Type of attackEnvironment (isolated or public)Mental state of attacker (reasonable or nervous)

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■■

■■■

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Number of attackersWeaponsWhether children are present.

Give up the vehicle freely. Listen carefully to all directions.Make no quick or sudden movements that the attacker could

construe as a counter attack.Always keeps your hands in plain view.Tell the attacker of every move in advance.Make the attacker aware if children are present. The attacker

may be focused only on the driver and not know children are inthe car.

The mental state of the attacker.Possible avenues of escape.The number of attackers; there isusually more than one.The use of weapons. (Weapons are used in the majority of

carjacking situations.)

Always carry a cell phone or radio with you. If you are in apopulated area, immediately go to a safe place. After an attackor an attempted attack, you might not be focused on yoursafety. Get to a safe place before contacting someone to reportthe incident.

Describe the event. What time of day did it occur? Where did ithappen? How did it happen? Who was involved? Describe theattacker(s). Without staring, try to note height, weight, scars orother marks, hair and eye colour, the presence of facial hair,build (slender, large), and complexion (dark, fair). Describe theattacker’s vehicle. If possible get the vehicle registrationnumber, colour, make, model, and year, as well as any marks(scratches, dents, damage) and personal decorations (stickers,coloured wheels). The golden rule for descriptions is to giveonly that information you absolutely remember. If you are notsure, don’t guess!

Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack. Use yourjudgment to evaluate the situation and possible reactions.Know safe areas to go to in an emergency. Always carry yourcell phone. In most instances, it is safer to give up yourvehicle.Non-confrontation is often the best response. Theobjective is not to thwart the criminal but to survive!

In the non-confrontational situation, you would:

In a resistive or confrontational response, you would make adecision to escape or attack the carjacker. Before doing so,consider:

AFTER THE ATTACK

REPORTING THE CRIME

CONCLUSION

SOURCES:1.United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security Publication. ReprintedAugust 2002.2.http://www.retrivo-atd.com/protect-yourself-from-carjacking.php3.http://www.retrivo-atd.com/protect-yourself-from-carjacking.php4.http://www.howcast.com/videos/31956-How-To-Protect-Yourself-From-Carjacking5.http://voices.yahoo.com/seven-ways-protect-yourself-carjacking-782869.html6.http://womenofcaliber.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/protect-yourself-from-a-

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"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk,if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you doyou have to keep moving forward."

Those are a success who have lived well, laughedoften, and loved much; who have gained the respectof intelligent people and the love of children, whohave filled their niche and accomplished their task,who leave the world better than they found it, whe-ther by a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who neverlacked appreciation of the earth's beauty or failed toexpress it; who looked for the best in others andgave the best they had.

The dreamers are the saviors of the world. As thevisible world is sustained by the invisible, so men,throughout all their trials and troubles, are nou-rished by the beautiful visions of their dreamers. Hu-manity cannot forget its dreamers; it cannot let theirideals fade and die. It lives in them; it knows them asthe realities which it shall one day see and know.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of asecond-rate version of somebody else.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everydayregarding the attitude we will embrace from thatday. We cannot change our past, we cannot changethe fact that people will act in a certain way. Wecannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

James Allen

Judy Garland

can do is play on the one string that we have and thisstring is, Attitude. I am convinced that life is ten per-cent what happens to me and ninety percent how Ireact to it. And so it is with you...We are in charge ofour Attitudes.

You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Orwhen. But you can decide how you're going to livenow.

Charles Swindoll

Joan Baez

quotes09

FRSC INSIGHT APRIL 2012

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Decade of Action for RoadSafety is attainable!Let’s Join hands to createa Safe Road in Nigeria

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The safety of your load is as important as the safety of yourvehicle. Get into the habit of carrying out these simple loadsafety checks before each journey.

Check that:

Your load should be evenly distributed and secure on yourvehicle.

Do not overload an individual axle or the vehicle. Overloadingis dangerous. It will damage your vehicle and the road. Spreadthe weight along the length and across the width of the vehicle.Any extra weight should be placed towards the rear of thevehicle and above an axle. This will help both your steering andbraking performance.

Loose loads may slip whilst the vehicle is moving causing you tolose control. Always make sure that your load is secure beforeyou move off.

Most large loads are roped down. The method of ropingdepends on the shape of the load. Generally, ropes shouldcross the load between opposite rope hooks. For heavyequipment, chains and clamps are often used. DO NOT attach

BEFORE LOADING

LOAD SAFETY CHECKS

LOADING THE VEHICLE

SECURING LOADS

Flat Bed Vehicles

■■

■■

Check the contents of your load. If it contains hazardousmaterials, you should know how to deal with them in anemergency. Always carry a fire extinguisher appropriate toyour load.

Your vehicle is suitable for the load it is to carry.The gross weight of your vehicle is within the legal (plated)

limit.The gross per axle is within the legal (plated) limit.The length, width, and height of the load are within

permitted limits.

chains to rope hooks. Pass the chains around the chassis of thevehicle. Make sure that they do not foul any vital parts, such asair lines, trailer cables, etc. Take care when locking clamps theysnap shut very quickly. Any rope or chain ends should betrucked securely away so that they cannot come loose. Uselorry sheet to protect your load. Make sure that the sheetscover the whole load and are well tied down.

Pack the individual items so that they prevent each other frommoving or falling over. If in doubt, rope them down.

Bulk loads, such as sand or gravel, tend to spread themselvesevenly as the settle. Make sure that the load is no higher thanthe sides of the body. Fly sheet the load, if necessary, toprevent spillage and provide protection from the weather

Observe any local regulations regarding the marking of suchloads. Make sure that any marker boards are easily seen byother drivers.

When carrying livestock, it is best to keep them in individualcompartments. Otherwise, they should be head-tied to theside of the vehicle.

Make sure that your tanker is suitable for the liquid it is to carry.For example, milk tankers must not be used to carry fuel. Makesure that all compartment covers are shut.

Check that all fastening are secure and any doors shut andpreferably locked.

Check your load – is it safe?

Box vans/Trailers

Tipper Vehicles

Wide and Long Loads

Livestock Loads

Tankers

ALL VEHICLES

REMEMBER:

Culled from The African Highway Code; A guide for drivers ofheavy goods vehicle

ChecksSafetyLoad

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Have you heard or seen the latest technology? It is the EMBRIOADVANCED CONCEPT. It is a one-wheeled leisure as well as acommuting vehicle for the year 2025. The technology isdesigned by the Canadian company called the BombardierRecreational Products. Although the riding position is similarto that of a motorcycle, the vehicle uses sensors andgyroscopes to balance up to two passengers on a large singlewheel whilst driving.

Although the vehicle will also remain stable when motionless,with two small front wheels deployed at speeds below 20kilometres per hour. To move forward, the rider activates atrigger on the left handlebar. At a speed of 20 kilometres perhour the front wheels or “landing gear” pulls back so the rideris balanced on the large single wheel. To turn, the rider has totilt to the left or right. The fuel cells running on hydrogenprovides electricity for the electric motor which drives thesingle wheel machine.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS■■■■■■■

DRIVE SYSTEM: Fuel cell electricFUEL: HydrogenLENGTH: 1,240mm (48.8 in)WIDTH: 700 mm (27.5 in)HEIGHT:1,200 mm (47.5 in)WEIGHT: 164 kg (360 lbs)SEATING CAPACITY: 2

the

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On April 26, 2012, the Open Forum on Lokogoma Hou-sing Project organised for members and stakeholderswas held at the Lokogoma Estate, FCT, Abuja. The

forum which was coordinated by the Co-operative Executiveswas aimed at building confidence among members by seekingsolutions to existing problems hampering the completion ofthe project. The Lokogoma Housing Project started on Janua-ry, 2009, by June of that same year, members, stakeholders andwell wishers converged for the turning of sod. The Estate whichcovered over 19 hectares of land was designed for 346 units ofa variety of models ranging from 2 bedroom semi-detachedbungalow to 4 bedroom detached bungalow.

The forum was formally opened by the ACM (MVA), Comman-der Charles Theophelus who represented the Corps Marshaland Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps. The welcomeaddress was delivered by the co-operative secretary general,Dr. GO Omiko (DCC) and the chairman of the co-operative,Commander Olu-Mike Olagunju (CC) presented a report on theactivities, prospects, challenges and way forward of the co-operative (FHCS). The Corps Secretary, JK Fanola (CC) modera-ted the Interactive Session. Some of the stakeholders thatattended the programme were representatives from theUnited Bank of Africa (UBA), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria(FMBN), Stallion Homes among others. During the interactivesession, pertinent questions were raised and addressed, sug-gestions were made and resolutions reached. The peak of theforum was the presentation of keys to some members/beneficiaries.

The chairman, FRSC Housing Co-operative Society, in his reportconveyed the achievements of the cooperative since incep-tion. Some of the achievements as highlighted by him were theKubwa Housing Estate commissioned in 2005, the MasakaHousing Estate commissioned in 2009 and the ongoing Loko-goma Housing Estate which he said was at about 78.3% com-pleted. As stated in his presentation, some of the stumbling

HIGHLIGHTS PRESENTATIONS

blocks that hindered the completion of the project within agiven time frame of 18 months were unbudgeted cost, erraticcash flow, the high commercial interest rate being paid to UBAamong others.Mr Musa Aro, representing the Executive Secretary of FederalGovernment Staff Housing Loans Board, said that they wouldpartner with FRSC staff by giving them loan at 3% interest rate.He compared their interest with that of the Federal MortgageBank pegged at 6% interest rate. He added that the Board wasready to accept all application that would be sent to them frommembers of FHCS.

The Secretary General of the co-operative Dr. GO Omiko (DCC)asserted that the forum was to present the state of affairs tomembers and stakeholders with the sole aim of charting theway forward in line with the FRSC Corporate Strategic Goal andthe 13 behaviours of a leader.

Some of the key questions asked were:

What are the effortsmade to make the road motorable?

The members made the following suggestions;That members/beneficiaries to raise funds by themselves

since funding was the problem of the project

KEY QUESTIONS & SUGGESTIONS BY MEMBERSQuestions

Observations

■ Is there an existing constitution that guides the operations ofthe co-operative?

With the array of engineers in the Corps can’t we make use ofdirect labour?

When will the uncompleted buildings be completed?Why take a short term loan to finance a long term project?Why take a commercial loan for a welfare/co-operative

housing project?Why was everybody not carried along before taken the UBA

loan?

■■■■

open forumOPEN FORUM ON LOKOGOMA HOUSING PROJECT CONFIDENCE BUILDING GATHERING FOR MEMBERSAND STAKEHOLDERS OF THE FRSC HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY ON THURSDAY 26 APRIL, 2012

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■■

The term of offer was too harsh ie, it gave the committeepower to review the prices at the expense of the membersThe committee should put the project on hold and tackle theproblems of loans

We are dissatisfied with the exco and there is need to replacethem

That UBA did not advise the Committee by allowing thecommittee to take a commercial loan knowing that it was awelfare scheme

The problem of debt servicing as a result of the associatedhigh interest rate

The Society has a constitution since itsinception. The constitution shall be sent to staff in soft copies.

though it was one of theoptions, FCDA did not approve of it, the reason was becauseFRSC engineers were not registered. They said that a project ofsuch magnitude required registered engineers. It was FCDAthat screened the consultants.

Keys should be released to the owners

The chairman in his response provided answers to questionsraised. Some of the responses were:

ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE KEY QUESTIONS

On the constitution:

On the Use of direct Labour:

■■

On making the road motorable: lots of resources have beenspent in making the road motorable. With the emergence ofother estate it will be a collective effort. For now we arechannelling our energy into completing this project.

Harmonise all loans collected from the various loan housesThe Executives should officially approach UBA to explore

available windows especially as it affects the high interest rateThe executives should enhance communications by

frequently organising such open forumThe executives should discuss with the various stakeholders

with respect of keys to be delivered to beneficiaries who areyet to complete payment

RESOLUTIONSIn summary, the forum acknowledged that members did notconstitute a quorum to make major decisions. However, basedon observations and questions raised the following resolutionswere reached;

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Cancer which is a malignant tumour or growth is said tobe caused by uncontrollable multiplication of cells thatdestroys healthy tissues in the body. It remains one of

the deadly diseases in the world. The Corps Medical & RescueOffice writes on Breast Cancer.

RISK FACTORS

It is important to note that a lump in the breast is no sure sign ofa cancer. Every breast is lumpy to some degree and thelumpiness becomes more pronounced shortly beforemenstruation.SYMPTOMS

BREAST CANCER

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

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Breast cancer affects the glandular tissues of the breast.This occurs when the normal process of cell growth breaks

down, resulting in abnormal cells which multiply at rapid rate.Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.

It can also occur in men, though uncommon. It is 100 timescommon in women compared to men.

Women with long menstrual history i.e. menstrual periodsthat started before 12 years and ended after age 50.

Women who never give birth or who waited until after 30years to have children.

Women who have used birth control pills.Women who have been treated with hormone replacement

therapy (HRT).Women with a history of breast cancer in the family are also

at a greater risk.Breast cancer seems to be common in women who do not

exercise regularly and are unable to maintain a healthy bodyweight.

Alcohol consumption has also been linked to increased riskfor breast cancer.

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Lumps in the breast should be reported immediately.

Swollen lymph modes in the armpit.There may be weight loss, cough, chest pains and fever.The only way to make a positive diagnosis on a suspected

lump is by carrying out a biopsy and microscopic examinationof the breast cells.

Annual breast examination performed by a health profe-ssional.

Monthly breast self examination.

Treatment of breast cancer depends on the woman’s age andhealth as well as the type, extent, and location of the tumour.

SurgeryRadiation therapy

Treatment usually employs a combination of the above out-lined modalities.

Periodic self examination and yearly examination by healthprofessionals is key to early detection and successfultreatment of breast cancer.

Don’t hesitate to report to the doctor whenever you noticeda breast lump. That action can save your life.

Bloody discharge from the breast nipple.

Mammography which is an x-ray examination of the breast. Itcan detect breast tumours in an early stage, before they arelarge enough to be felt.

Chemotherapy with anti-cancer drugs.Hormone therapy

FACTORS THAT AID EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

CONCLUSION

breastCancer

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Simply call me road. I am created to be strong, to makethings easy especially for those of you with four legs andabove. I am everywhere, always in one place. Though

you hates me whenever am ugly. I know you always love mewhen I maintain my black beauty with little or no blemish.

I have a very large heart that accommodates all manner ofpeople; I allow people with one leg in front and one leg at theback, people with four legs and above to walk, run and play ontop of me. I also allow people to create duplicate of me all overthe world. But this large heart has sometimes stopped me fromreprimanding those who intentionally pour dirt on my body. Ireally wish I could reduce my heart from large to small.

But despite my large heart, the people with four legs andabove always push me to the wall, which brings out the uglyside of me. When I say the ugly side of me, I mean that I can killand destroy that some of you feel it is my stock in trade. Whatare those things you do to me that often make me go berserkand consequently make me hurts you?

Drivers out there, for the sake of yourlives, be careful the way you drive, never drink before driving,be careful how you load your cars, stop making calls whiledriving, and always be patient. I am not asking for too much, Iam only expressing my love for all sweet Nigerians.

“A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE”. Be warned! Never say Idid not say so.

Some of you with four legs and above often time carry toomuch load on your heads and run on top of me with recklessabundance. And because of these too much loads, my body attimes hurts me that I have to wriggle it a little which ends updestroying you. When in a very bad mood, I put a permanentstop to your journey. Of course you know what I mean.

Some of you allow drunks to ride on your back, pushing yourecklessly on top of me, most especially whenever I am asleep.What do you expect? I react by punishing you and the aliens onyour back.

Every time you run over me beyond the speed approved bymy body depending on where I am, I get very upset that I haveto turn you over until you are defaced. Yes, you don’t have toblame me, if you don’t care how I feel; there is no way youexpect me to care about you.

The most annoying of it all, is that some of you will see yourfellow running towards you, instead of you to give way, you willbegin to drag with such a fellow. What usually happens afterthen is another story.

I have a lot to talk about myself, but to cut the story short,whatever happens to you is not my fault but yours. I know mostof you know much about me just as some you think that myname is synonymous to wickedness. POINT-OF-CORRECTION,my name also means “THE WAY TO ACHIEVING GREATNESS” aslong as you abide with rule when making use of me.

A word of warning...

all

meabout

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By Ifeoma Onwuatu, NYSC, PAU Office RSHQ

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ONEone-on-one

When Akpata Kahinde walked into the PAU office with twobooks in his hand, my first impression was that he washolding the books earlier published by him but the surprisecame when he told me that they were his recent publica-tions. Did I hear you say that is awesome! Yes, it is awe-some. Immediately I seek the approval of the Editor-In-Chief to grant him an interview. Are you a writer with anunpublished work? Are you an individual who have thewriting skills in you yet afraid to explore this area then per-haps this interview will spur your spirit to act...

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ONE an interview

May we meet you?

When and why did you begin writing?

My name is Akpata Tunde Kahinde from Ishan, Ekiti State, Nigeria and I am anAssistant Route Commander currently. I am currently a Staff Officer, Administra-tion in the Safety Engineering department in the Federal Road Safety Corps. I ob-tained HND in Banking and Finance, Post Graduate Diploma, Teachers Education,University of Ibadan, Masters in Managerial Psychology and Masters in TransportManagement, Ladoke Akintola, University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

2009. I have been writing essays and features in the newspaper but I startedwriting literatures in 2009.

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Is there anything you find particularly challenging in yourwriting?

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

In the cause ofyour writing what new thing have you learnt?

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Howmany publications do have to your name?

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to yourreaders?

There are many things, I don’t want to be hypocritical about it,fund has been the major challenge for example, my third bookcame out with the fourth due to lack of fund. Aside this, inadequate materials in terms of books and previous researchwork served as hindrances. For example, I wrote on crowdmanagement due to the problem of stampede that happenedin most gathering lately especially the one that occurred atLiberation Stadium, Port Harcourt, 2011. When I wasconducting the research, I hardly see any book on crowdmanagement written by a Nigerian while books on terrorismare extremely scarce in the libraries therefore I needed to goextra miles in getting materials.

Yes I do, I need to travel, I need to invest both in time, moneyand other materials because the era of arm chair writers hasended in the present competitive society.

I learnt to be patient while writing. I also learnt to explore manyavenues before coming out with a book. For instance, I alwaysbelieve that crises are bad but in the cause of writing on crisis, Ifound out that crisis provide both threats and opportunities.The result depends on the perception and the copingmechanism of individuals.

My advice is that other writers should brace up the courage togo on with their writing because there are manydiscouragements while sourcing for funds, materials evenfrom peers. I also strongly advice them to be committed andsacrificial because writing involves sacrifice of time and moneythrough self denial and discipline.

Four

I want to encourage my readers to be open minded while theyjourney through the books and also to tell them that my doorsare open for advice and suggestion because there is nomonopoly of knowledge.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

What inspired you to write your first book?

Do you have a specific writing style?

Howdid you come up with the title of your latest books?

Is there a message in your books that you want readers tograsp?

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anythingin your latest book?

I considered myself a writer when I wrote my 3rd book titledCrisis Management and Intervention strategies

I was inspired to contribute my quota in reduction of trafficcrashes in Nigeria and also to freely express my perceptionabout my environment through my God given talent

Yes, I do, in my writing style I like to bring out the point inherentin an issue. Some writers write in a prose like literature but Iprefer to draw out a comprehensive view of my subject,highlighting the merit and demerit and conclusively making myreaders to judge.

As you have rightly observed, my two latest books werecircumstantial, the first one titled, Crises Management andIntervention Strategies came due to my resolution to reach outto the wider society and also the acceptability of my first twobooks by other agencies aside FRSC. Crisis Management wasviewed in the perspective that FRSC is not the onlyorganisation that manages crises, it is an integral part of thewider organisation that manages crises. Coincidentally, my 4thbook titled, Terrorism Threats and Emergency managementwas just a topic in crisis management as the book was gettingtoo voluminous, my colleagues advised me to separate the twosubjects subsequently, I came out with the tow booksseparately.

Yes, in all my books there are messages. In the Principle ofDriving Intelligence it basically teaches people on rudiment ofdriving while, my work on Psychology of Driving highlightspeople’s behaviour and the desirable attitude while driving.Crisis management discusses crises in general and it mirrors onsubjects like crowd management, self defence strategy,intelligence and investigation crisis, crisis communication andother intervention strategies. The latest one titled Terrorism,highlights various strategies that can be used to preventterrorism and survive the threats. It discusses topics likekidnapping, arm robbery, bombing, arms trafficking and itsdangers, abuse, rape, high jacking and other forms of terrorismthat are prevalent in the society especially in the recent times.

It might be too early because the books are just out; I amwaiting for people’s constructive criticism to provide an insightfor things that need to be changed

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