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Osinbajo, Saraki differ over Tradermoni programme g 5

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018

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Uproar as EFCC arrests Lebanese with $2.15m, £163,740, €144,680 Lebanese’ arrest sequel to intelligence report We’ll soon charge him to court - EFCC

Lakis after his arrest with different foreign currencies in Abuja...on Friday

Andrew Orolua, Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday made huge catch with its zero tolerance for money laundering when it arrested one Abbas Lakis, a Lebanese with $2,104,936 millon United States dollar cash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The trafficker, whose stocks would have adversely affected the economy, also had in his luggage £163, 740 British Pounds sterling, €144,680 Euros.

Other currencies found with Lakis include Riyal 391,838 (Three Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Eight Riyals), CHF 3,420 (Three Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Swiss Franc), and Lira 435 (Four Hundred and Thirty five Lira).

The trafficker also had in his possession £109,000 (One Hundred and Nine Thousand Lebanese Pounds), Dirhams 10,135 (Ten Thousand One Hundred and Thirty Five UAE Dirhams) ¥10,000 (Ten Thousand Chinese Yuan) CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

How 25-year-old Chidinma Aaron emerged 42nd Miss Nigeria g 12

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

...Uproar as EFCC arrests Lebanese with $2.15m, £163,740, €144,680

Continued from page 1

and Riyal10 (Ten Qatar riyal), in his possession.

Lakis was picked up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following intelligence

report that he had on him, undeclared huge sums of monies aboard the Egypt Airline bringing him from the Kano Airport en route Lebanon.

The offence contradicts the Money Laundering

Says INEC has 396 litigations from primaries, 73 candidates for presidential election

Political parties in the country have been knocked for acrimonious conduct of primary elections to pick candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2019 general election.

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this on Friday while declaring open a capacity building workshop for INEC Press Corps in Abuja.

Prof. Yakubu berated the political parties for unhealthy handling of their recent primaries exercises which he blamed on lack of or inadequacy of internal democracy.

He disclosed that the Commission has 396 pending cases arising from contentious party primaries, which he said may rise before the 2019 election.

Yakubu said: “Unfortunately, we have witnessed some of the most acrimonious party primaries in our recent history.

Internal party democracy is still a source of concern to our Electoral progress.

So far, the Commission has

been joined in 396 pending actions in various courts across the country arising from the conduct of party primaries and Nomination of candidates by political parties.

“We have similarly received 302 requests for Certified True Copies of documents, mainly our monitoring reports of party primaries and copies of personal particulars of candidates.

“These requests obviously are a prelude to more Court actions. In addition, we have also received 52 petitions and protests from aggrieved party aspirants.

“The implication of these challenges is that as we are prepared for the general elections, we are also going to grapple with pre-election litigations”.

Knocking the parties further, the INEC chairman said “parties that fail to respect the democratic process in selecting candidates during party primaries lose the moral right to complain about secondary elections”.

Yakubu also disclosed that at the end of the period for the substitution and withdrawal of candidates for the presidential election, a total of 73 political parties

PHOTO TIMES

(Prohibition) Act 2011 which prohibits moving large sum above the limit approved without declaring same.

EFCC said Lakis will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

INEC chairman: Pre-2019 party primaries most acrimonious Tunde Opalana, Abuja

3 News

filed nomination.

He further disclosed there are 1848 (1615 male and 233 female) candidates for 109 senatorial seats, 4635 (4066 male and 569 female) candidates for 360 Federal Constituencies seats and 1068 (805 male and 263 female) candidates for 29 governorship seats.

The chairman, however, said the Commission is working on list of candidates submitted for review of the 991 State Assembly Constituencies and 68 Area Council chairman and councillors seats for the Federal Capital Territory.

Yakubu said the Commission found it expedient to further build the capacity of journalists covering the activities of the INEC because of the important role the media play in the entire electoral process.

He said the media are specifically saddled with responsibilities such as education of voters on how to exercise their Democratic rights, report on election campaigns and provide a platform for political parties and candidates to communicate their messages to the electorate, among others.

L-R: Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus during the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 general election in Abuja...on Friday.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki (right); Anthony Anenih Jnr. (middle), and other members of the Anenih family, at the State Burial organised in honour of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State...on Friday

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; his wife, Dr Rachael Dickson; Speaker, Bayelsa State House Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Benson and others, during the November 2018 edition of the State Monthly Praise Night, at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

Police kill 104 bandits in Zamfara Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Nigeria Police said on Friday that an ongoing joint operation against armed bandits in Mahanga Forest in Bitnin Mogaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State has resulted in the death of 104 bandits and destruction of over 50 hideouts and three bandits’ camps in the early hours of Thursday.

It also resulted in the

recovery of 500 cattle, 79 sheep by the police and the painful death of a policeman who lost his life during the attack, a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting DCP, Jimoh Moshood stated.

Moshood said that although, the police had over ran an ambush mounted by the armed bandits at Mahanga Forest in Birnin Mogaji LGA, the Force Headquarters

found it expedient to despatch100 police special forces personnel, Counter terrorism unit, additional police mobile force, Federal SARS personnel and three surveillance patrol helicopters to Zamfara State on Friday to completely rout-out the armed bandits.

He assured that the Police team have restored normalcy in the affected areas.

It would be recalled that

Continued on page 5

L- R: President, Resource for Development Consulting, Dr. Don Hubert and Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, during Hubert’s courtesy visit to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja... on Thursday

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

FG deploys drones to fight Boko Haram – Report

The Federal Government has deployed drones in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast part of Nigeria.

The deployment followed the recent killing of some Nigerian soldiers fighting the insurgency in the region.

The soldiers were ambushed by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

The Nigerian delegation made the revelation in its Country report presented to the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Friday.

The report presented by Sani Rano, also contained losses to the country from the incessant farmers/herders clashes.

He said that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians had been devastated by the clashes with many displaced.

The deployment of the drones followed an attack on the Nigerian forces in Borno State by the insurgent group, an attack which led to the killing of no fewer than 44 soldiers, the report stated.

The delegation, in their report, informed the parliament that the insurgent group killed 44 soldiers in three military bases in Borno State: Metele, Gajiram and Mainok.

The report said that the country in reaction to the attack had deployed the drones to constantly survey the area, even as it had set up a multi-national joint task force to curb the menace.

“It is worth mentioning that Nigeria

has constituted the Multi-National Joint Taskforce (MNTF) made up of Chad, Benin, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria, in fighting Boko Haram.

“It is a multinational formation comprising of equipped units, mostly the military aimed at containing the ravages of terrorism and armed insurgency.

“Presently, drones are patrolling Nigeria’s borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon as instruments for intelligence collection.

“The Nigerian government is working closely with the Cameroonian government with the aim of negotiating efforts in enabling more Cameroon Boko Haram members to surrender,” the report said.

The report, however, stated that before the recent attacks on military bases, the Nigerian troops had made good progress in tackling insurgency and reopening towns previously seized

by Boko Haram.

It said that Nigeria had gone into partnerships with other countries including the U.S. and UK, France, Germany, ECOWAS, AU and the UN which had led to the purchase of weapons including 12 Super Tucano Aircraft.

On the herders/farmers clashes, Rano stated that no fewer than 1,300 persons were killed in Nigeria.

The number, according to the report, was six times more than the number of

persons that had been killed by Boko Haram as at the time of the report.

He said that apart from the loss of lives, Nigeria as a country was also losing billions of Naira on the importation of food which would have been produced locally if there were no crisis.

“An independent report from the international crisis group cited 1,300 deaths in the region, due to the conflicts between herders and farmers.

“The ongoing conflict between farmers and cattle herders is costing Nigeria at least $16 billion in potential revenues annually,” he said.

Rano explained that clashes were due to accusations made by the farmers against herdsmen of failing to control their cattle and allowing them to damage their crops.

He said the herdsmen also accused the farmers of stealing and slaughtering their cattle, adding that the clashes that ensued led to the killing of many, including innocent bystanders.

The report noted that the Nigerian government had, however, taken steps to address the crisis and the senseless killings.

The Nigerian army, as well as the police, were said to have deployed intelligent and surveillance to avert any re-occurrence especially with the coming of the dry seasons when the herders would need to search for fresh pasture.

Police go tough on Yahoo boys, ritualists in Delta Arrest six suspects with fetish substance

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Determined to put an end to activities of Yahoo, Yahoo boys and ritualists in Delta State, the Delta State Police command says it has launched a special squad of detectives to arrest anyone suspected to be member of any of these groups of fraudsters and ritualists operating across the state.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Mustafa Muhammad, who confirmed the new strategy of the police to newsmen in Asaba on Friday, disclosed that six persons suspected to members of the Yahoo, Yahoo boys’ group were on Thursday arrested around Summit Junction road in Asaba with fetish substance wrapped into polythene bags, adding that the suspects upon interrogation, made useful statements to the police.

He said:” The police new strategy will pay off with a view to arresting suspected Yahoo, Yahoo boys and ritualists. We are collaborating other security agencies in the state to ensure the hoodlums,

Yahoo, Yahoo boys, and ritualists are brought to book. Any suspect arrested will not be released until investigations are completed. I am happy Deltans are cooperating by way of providing useful information to the police”. He assured that all suspects would be prosecuted according to the law.

CP Mustafa Muhammad further disclosed that to archieve fruitful results, the police command resolved that the special squad will operate in mufty for a period of months, adding that there will be stop and search added to ensure effective policing across the state, especially hotels and brothels where the suspects frequent and ensure they are brought to book.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner has said that the command’s detectives have launched a search for the killers of a 54-year-old man and allegedly raped his wife in Edjekota town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

CP Mustafa Muhammad said that the police detectives have been mandated to comb nooks and crannies

Police kill 104 bandits...

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the Police authority, had on 9th November deployed police joint intervention team of about 1000 Police personnel comprising the seven Units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Police Anti-Bomb

(EOD) Squad, and conventional Policemen to Zamfara State to arrest the mayhem caused by the armed bandits after some of them have turned themselves into a vicious kidnap for ransom and cattle rustling gangs.

Moshood said the team have recorded significant progress with the arrest of more than 85 suspects and recovery of 27 AK47 rifles, 52

in area to ensure the killer suspects are brought to book, disclosing that the police had recently convened a meeting with all stakeholders including the local government chairman in the area and the member representing the area at the state House of Assembly to ensure the matter had a head way.

It would be recalled that the 54-yearold man was killed in the process of trying to prevent the suspects now on the run from raping his wife, a situation his attackers allegedly killed him as the incident occurred in their farmland last week.

Since then, there has been tension and fear of the unknown in the community as the aggrieved family members with the support of some community members in protest, took the corpse to the palace of Ovie of Ogor Kingdom, but the chiefs described their actions as sacrilegious, and resisted the move and drove them back home.

Since then, the police have launched serious haunt for the killers of the 54-year-old man as it vowed to bring them to book.

locally fabricated rifles and other dangerous weapons. They also recovered 269 cattle, 109 Sheep and handed the cattle over to their owners.

He said the additional deployment followed ambush attacks on the police joint team, adding that the DIG in-charge of operations is leading the reinforced personnel and to coordinate.

5 News

Osinbajo, Saraki differ over Tradermoni programme Your ‘Tradermoni’ programme, sophisticated vote buying – Saraki Osinbajo: No, programme design to solve problems of poor Nigerians

Tunde Opalana and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki have expressed divergent views over the All Progressives Congress (APC)led Federal Government palliative monetary incentive to market women and traders.

Saraki had accused Osinbajo of dubiously manipulating Nigerian Electorate ahead of 2019 with the ‘trader moni’ to canvass votes for the APC candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari.

But Osinbajo has replied the Senate President, saying that the programmes were designed to solve problems of poor Nigerians.

Saraki, who is the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Management Council, said in Abuja on Friday during an interactive session with the media that the vice president and by extension, the APC should be transparent in the administration of the fund by involving other Nigerians irrespective of party leanings.

He said: “In 2015, I didn’t see the vice president going anywhere to give any body trader money. I’m 2016, I didn’t see the vice president going anywhere to give any body trader money. In 2017, I didn’t see the vice president going anywhere to give any body trader money but all of a sudden in 2018, and the worse part about it is that he goes with women leaders of his party, governors of his party”.

Cautioning Osinbajo to involve other parties in the process, he said “at least if you’re going and it is Nigerian money, you should have women leaders of all political parties because the money belongs to Nigeria. But all we’ve been seen are APC women leaders. It is wrong, we have said it.

“It equates in a way to a sophisticated vote buying because if it is not vote buying, he should have been doing it since 2015. You got the budget for it in 2015, in 2016 you didn’t go, 2017 you didn’t go but all of a sudden 2018; that’s the biggest programme then you go, carrying APC governors beside you, women leaders of the party of APC beside you, you’re collecting PVC cards.

“Nigerians are not going to be fooled like that, anything that is not based on sincerity, if he has been doing it since 2015, 2016, 2017, then you can say that but to us, it is sophisticated vote buying and next time he goes out, he should carry people that represent the community not just one party.

“Let them carry members, women associations from not only a particular party or political association.

“So, definitely it is wrong. It’s either they stop it completely or they expand the space and ensure that it represents all Nigerians because the money when it was appropriated we did not put beside it APC appropriated money. It is money appropriated for all Nigerians, so when they go out on such events, they should have all Nigerians present.

“I’m sure when they’re going, they can invite neighbouring states so that all or even the political leaders of other political parties in that state should participate and not just the ruling

party.

Meanwhile, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) are designed to provide solutions to the problems of poor Nigerians.

The programmes include N-Power, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), National Cash Transfer Project (NCTP), and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

The vice president said that president Buhari-led administration was focused on uplifting the poor in society through its SIPs adding that the programmes were aimed at ensuring that more Nigerians improved their lives and contributed more to the nation’s economy.

According to the vice president, the problems of the poor in society must be addressed to help economic growth.

He said, “A lot of our ideas in our social investment policies are micro credit loans to market women and petty traders and all of that are borrowed heavily from the Indian model.

“A lot of the programmes that we are working on today; the Conditional Cash Transfers that we give to the poorest in society are based on many of these models. But these models are the products of a legal framework; they’re a product of a way of thinking about dissolving the problems of the poor.

“And we if we do not dissolve the problem of the poor, no matter how fancy our economic models or policies are, the vast majority of our people will be poor, consumer spending will be low, and generally speaking our economies cannot be where they ought to be, because the vast majority are so far behind’’.

He highlighted some challenges confronting Africa ranging from how to provide opportunities for millions of young men and women, to extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease, desertification resulting in famines and conflicts over land and water.

“All of these challenges clearly will define how the future of the world itself will shape up in the coming decades; simply because Africa has the population and continues to increase in that population day by day.

“Commerce and economic development cannot thrive where the majority is desperately poor, illiterate and exposed to diseases all the time.

“The country’s effective market, any country’s effective market, GDP, and human development indices depend on the standard of living of its people. The law and administration of justice can change the bleak narratives on poverty,” he said.

He added that Africa needed the capacity to undertake complex economic studies of its diverse situations and present alternative or comparative perspectives, which could form the basis for more confident negotiations.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Buhari attends Climate Change Short News conference in Poland

2019: APC Group working to actualise Buhari’s re-election

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will today departs Abuja for Katowice, Poland, to attend the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) December 2-4, 2018.

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Friday, stated that the COP24 Summit, which will be held at the International Conference Centre (MCK) and the adjacent Spodek Arena in Katowice, is being convened under the Presidency of Poland.

According to the organisers, the conference is expected to finalize the rules for implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP) – the rule book for implementation.

During the Leaders’ Summit at COP24, Buhari will deliver a national statement highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change by implementing the goals set out in its National Determined

Contributions.

The President will also use the occasion to accentuate Nigeria’s willingness to work with international partners to reverse the negative effects of climate change in Africa and the world over, while expecting that developed nations scale up their emission reduction activities in order to limit the increase in average global temperatures to well below 2 degrees centigrade between now and 2020.

The Leaders’ Summit is expected to adopt a ‘‘Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia,’’ – named after the region of Poland where this year’s climate conference is taking place.

As a member of the Committee of the African Heads of State on Climate Change – a group of 10 African countries that meets and takes positions concerning issues of climate change on behalf of the continent – Nigeria has been at the forefront of advancing policies and initiatives aimed at addressing significant challenges occasioned by climate change such as reviving the Lake Chad, halting and reversing desertification, flooding, ocean surge and oil spillage.

Buhari will continue to champion these pressing issues at COP24 in Katowice,

among others, as well as reiterate Nigeria’s position on the need for African countries to access financial resources, especially the Green Climate Fund to draw up climate change adaptation policies and actions for implementation.

The Nigerian delegation will also showcase the policy measures and actions of the Federal Government at ensuring environmental sustainability and effectively combating climate change through several side events within the Nigerian pavilion.

While in Poland, President Buhari will hold an interactive session with the Nigerian community in that country.

The Nigerian leader is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

The President will be accompanied by Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Yahaya Bello and Abubakar Sani Bello of Enugu, Kogi and Niger States, respectively.

Others on his entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, and the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin.

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Association of Registered All Progressives Congress Support Group (APCSG) an umbrella coalition of support groups campaining for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election has said that they are still working to actualize its goal.

The coalition also said the alleged claims that about 60 APC Support Groups have left the party to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is unfounded without any iota of truth.

Addressing journalists on Friday at the party national secretariat in Abuja, the leader of the coalition of support groups, Nonso Ezedinma said the purported defection of some support groups “was a sham, a charade and a cosmetic arrangement only made for the camera”.

Ezedinma accompanied by the National Secretary of the organisation, Hajia Halima Ibrahim also noted that they were at the party secretariat to meet with party national leadership to restate their loyalty, commitment and support to the party and the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “We wish to inform the party that the purported defection of some support groups was a sham, a charade and a cosmetic arrangement only made for the cameras as the said impostors masquerading as support groups are unknown to us, the authentic umbrella body of all the support groups existing within the party”.

Ogun Chief of Staff resigns The Chief of Staff to Gov Ibikunle Amosun, Tolu Odebiyi, has resigned his appointment.

Odebiyi, who is the Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ogun West, resigned on Friday to pursue his senatorial ambition.

In a signed statement, the former Chief of Staff thanked Governor Amosun for the support, cooperation and the opportunity to serve the people of Ogun during the period.

He also thanked the state Executive Council for its support.

“I’m pleased with the confidence Senator Amosun reposed in me by the appointment and the process that led to my emergence as the APC Senatorial Candidate.

“Gov Amosun is a visionary leader, who has impacted positively on the socio-economic development of the state,”the statement quoted Odebiyi as saying.

Chief Odebiyi vowed to make the progress of Ogun paramount in all his future considerations, while praying for peace in the upcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele has emerged as the running mate for the governorship candidate of the APC in the state, Mr Dapo Abiodun.

Salako-Oyedele, 52, emerged late Thursday night after a thorough screening with five other aspirants.

Court to rule on Fayemi’s eligibility case Dec 10

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Best performing female student from a public school in the 2017/2018 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination; Miss Itunuoluwa Joel; and wife of the governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, during the presentation of university education scholarship to the student at the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) national women summit, in Ibadan... on Thursday.

Army re-appoints Brig-Gen Usman spokesman, as Brig-Gen Chukwu goes to NIPSS Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Nigerian Army has reappointed Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman as its spokesman after completing a strategic course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies’’ (NIPSS) at Kuru in Jos, Plateau State.

Usman takes over from Brigadier General Texas Chukwu who took over from him about a year ago when Brigadier General Usman was nominated for the Course.

A statement posted in the Nigerian Whatsapp platform on Friday, by Brigadier General Chukwu also stated that he “will be proceeding to the National Institute of Policy and

Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos for his Strategic course.”

The Directorate of Army Public Relations said in the statement that its attention was drawn to a publication in online alleging that “Army reportedly removes Texas Chukwu, re-appoints Usman.’’

“The Directorate wishes to state categorically that the report is not only malicious but an attempt by the writer to tarnish the reputation of the senior officer which he has built over the years in the course of his career as well as misleading members of the public.

Particularly, “the write-up further alleged that his removal followed outcry from different quarters on his “inability” to manage information on counter-insurgency campaign,

which is completely untrue and unsubstantiated.

“Consequently, the directorate wishes to state that the writer has only succeeded in exhibiting his ignorance or complete lack of knowledge about postings and appointments in the Nigerian Army.

The directorate, therefore, call on the online medium to “advise the reporter to cultivate the habit of verifying facts as well as balancing his report before rushing to the press.’’

“The medium is requested to tender an unreserved apology to the senior officer as well as the Directorate of Army Public Relations through the same medium within 24 hours or be ready to face legal action,’’ the statement said.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has been urged to dismiss the prayers and preliminary objection of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s counsel over his eligibility to contest the primary election.

Mr Tony Adeniyi, lead counsel to the claimant Segun Oni made the submission on Friday saying Fayemi’s application lacked merit.

Adeniyi urged the court to favour Oni by granting his plea and direct the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return to his client and declare Fayemi as ineligible.

He also prayed the court to strike out the counter affidavit of Fayemi and INEC’s counsels for not complying with the order of the court to file written addresses.

Counsel to Fayemi, Mr Rafiu Balogun, however, argued that the election was conducted in accordance with the constitution of the party.

Offa robbery suspects appear in court, plead not guilty The Suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in the April 5, deadly bank robbery in Offa town has been arraigned before the Kwara High Court sitting in Ilorin.

Those arraigned were Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to Criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal firearms, culpable homicide preferred against them by the police.

The police charged them with five counts of Criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal firearms, and culpable homicide and armed with dangerous explosive which contravened the provisions of sections 6 (b) 1(2), of the armed robbery and firearms act and 97, 221 of Penal Code Law. Earlier the court had struck out name of the first accused person, Michael Adikwu, said to have died in police custody, from the case after the prosecution, and the state AttorneyGeneral, Kamaldeen Ajibade, filed an application to amend the charge.

The trail judge, Halima Salman, after listening to all arguments, adjourned the matter until Jan. 7, to enable the parties to put their houses in order.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Again, Boko Haram attacks army base in Arege Andrew Orolua, Abuja with agency report Boko Haram militants again on Friday attacked an army base in northeast Nigeria, killing one soldier, military sources told AFP. Fighters with the Islamic State West Africa Province came in trucks fitted with anti-aircraft guns and attacked the base in Arege village near the fishing town of Baga on the shores of Lake Chad.

The base came under attack before dawn, prompting clashes between

the invaders and troops a military source told AFP. “The attack was successfully repelled but unfortunately a soldier was killed and seven others were injured,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the incident.

The same base came under attack on Wednesday, but the militants failed to overrun it “and suffered heavy casualties,” a military statement said on Twitter.

The jihadists have in recent months intensified their attacks on military bases in the northeast, with the most audacious taking

place on November 18 when military sources said at least 43 soldiers were killed at a base in Metele near the border with Niger.

Troops who survived said over 100 of their colleagues were killed, but after a long period of silence, the military on Wednesday gave an official figure of 23 deaths.

The latest attack came a day after President Muhammadu Buhari went to N’Djamena to meet top leaders from Chad, Niger and Cameroon to discuss how to deal with the surge in violence and on the day army authorities concluded COAS Annual Conference in Maiduguri.

7 News

Short News 4 die, 5 injured in auto accident in Nasarawa

At least four people have been reportedly killed and five others injured in a ghastly motor accident that occurred on Keffi-Makurdi highway.

Confirming the incident to newsmen in Nasarawa State on Friday, Nasarawa State command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) said that the accident occurred at Gako community in Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the state on Thursday night According to Mrs Faustina Alegbe, Sector Commander of the Corps, the accident involved a Volkswagen Sharon Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), a Peugeot J5 Van and 12 passengers, who were in different degrees affected by the crash.

“My men from the Akwanga command went for the rescue. Twelve persons were involved and they were rescued and taken to the General hospital in Akwanga, but on getting there, four were confirmed dead and five injured by doctors,” she said.

Alegbe confirmed that the accident initially caused traffic gridlock on the highway, but normal vehicular movement had resumed after officers and men of FRSC cleared the wreckage of the affected vehicles and evacuated victims from the scene of the incident.

NYSC to inaugurate Nasarawa Orientation camp clinic Dec 3

The ultra-modern clinic built at the Nasarawa State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Orientation Camp in Keffi, is to be inaugurated on Dec. 3, according to Mr Unogwu Jacob, NYSC spokesman in the state.

Jacob, in a statement on Friday in Lafia, said that the NYSC DirectorGeneral, Brig.-Gen Sule Kazaure, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Mr Silas Agara, and wife of the Nasarawa governor, Hajia Mairo Al-Makura, are among top dignitaries expected at the occasion.

The statement said that the clinic was built and equipped by the governor’s wife, through her Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Talafil Foundation.

“The facility was built to provide adequate space and health services to corps members without having to leave the orientation camp.

“Inaugurating the facility is a historic event because it is the first of its kind among NYSC orientation camps across the country.

“The clinic has several facilities that are comparable with those found in hospitals; it also has several rooms and several bed spaces.

“As a government, we are delighted to have this facility; we believe that it will help us to cater for the health needs of our corps members,” the statement said.

6,000 maize farmers to cultivate 30,000 hectares in Jigawa – Association

The Executive Governor of Borno State Alhaji Kashim Shettima today Commissioned and presented the keys of 5 G40 Innoson Vehicle Motor (IVM) Hillux Vehicles to 5 deserving Army Warrant Officers who distinguished themselves in the course of serving their father land at the COAS Annual Conference 2018 holding in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.

Boko Haram: Buratai orders troops to take offensive posture Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has charged field commanders to adopt offensive posture and approach in prosecuting the ongoing counter insurgency operations.

Buratai gave charge on Friday in Maiduguri at the conclusion of the Fourth Quarter Chief of Army Conference. He said such posture was necessary to instill fear in the terrorists and over run them.

The Chief of Army Staff, warned troops not to be deterred by the recent setbacks, especially at Metele, where the Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops of157 Task Force Battalion, killed 23 of them and wounded 31 other others.

“Operational commanders at all levels must show leadership and inculcate such virtue in subordinate commanders.

“The recent unfortunate incidences involving our troops have given me great concern and should concern all of us.

“We have not focused on providing adequate force protection and our offensive posture has been below expectation,’’ the army chief said.

According to him, the development of `super camps’ and more emphasis on functioning logistics bases will give us a more deliberate approach to achieving force protection and reducing our delivery of needed logistics to units in the field.

“However, this approach must be complemented by a robust offensive posture that will instill fear in the enemy camp and inject fresh fighting spirit in our troops.’’

He expressed satisfaction that the objectives of the three-day conference had been achieved without giving details, but charged commanders to ensure that decisions reached were implemented.

The army chief used the

opportunity to restate that the army would remain apolitical and nonpartisan in the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

He warned officers and soldiers to maintain peace in their areas of responsibilities and “shun the lure of politicians.”

“You are all expected to deal decisively with any individual or groups, who may attempt to disrupt the 2019 general elections in line with our extant laws and rules of engagement,’’ he said.

Buratai also said that in joint operations with non-military security agencies, field ranks must be given to deserving Senior NonCommission Officers – SNCOs. According to him, this is to ensure proper command and control in all operations where the army participates.

The theme of the conference was “Optimising the operational efficiency of the Nigerian army towards safeguarding democracy and national security in Nigeria.’’

The Jigawa Chapter of the Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria on Friday said its 6,000 members would cultivate 30,000 hectares of land during the 2019 dry season farming.

Alhaji Yusuf Hassan, Chairman of the association said, “These 6,000 maize farmers are the only farmers registered by us. The figures do not represent the state’s entire maize farmers, which are over 100, 000’’.

According to Hassan, the 6,000 farmers will be represented by 30 cooperatives registered under the state’s Dry Season Farming Support Programme.

He noted that maize farmers had cultivated over 528, 000 farmlands in the state during the rainy season.

Hassan, however, said that over 650 maize farms were destroyed by the September flooding.

The chairman commended the Federal Government for facilitating different farmer support schemes, especially the Anchor Borrowers’ scheme.

He described government’s intervention as a success, as it aided mass cultivation and harvests in 2017 and 2018.

28 Nigerian delegates absent at ECOWAS parliamentary session Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja The absence of 28 Nigerian delegates at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament, has again generated a lot of concerns among Members of Parliaments, who believed Nigeria’s non commitment is becoming worrisome.

The Nigerian Delegation Presented their country report on Friday in Abuja, with only Five members on seat, while others merely put up appearance, leaving after a short while.

Although, this isn’t the first time Nigeria is recording reasonable absence at the parliament, barely 10 MPs were present throughout the last ordinary session,in May 2018.

The issue again was raised by MPs from other countries during the plenary.

Amongst the Parliamentarians present during the presentation of country report, was Hon. Shehu Garba, Hon. Asante Vilita Bashir and Hon Garba Idris Kontagora, while Hon. Stella Odua briefly attended the session before abruptly leaving.

Hon.Shehu Garba Sarkin Noma, who defended his colleagues before other MPs, said the low turnout should be excused because of their involvement in activities of the election period.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Nobody should pressurise Buhari Short News to sign Electoral Bill - Sen Lawan .Says Buhari signed more bills than his predecessors

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, has said President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be compelled into signing the new amended Electoral Act Bill into law.

Sen. Lawan said that the president reserves the right to study the bill and should not be pressurised, adding that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not have the right to ask Mr. President to assent to the bill because they are not the National Assembly that passed it.

Speaking to State House correspondents on Friday after observing the Jumaat Prayer at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said that Buhari has read and objected to certain provisions in many bills that were eventually sent back to the National Assembly to look and then return for further legislative actions for him to look at it again.

According to the Senate leader, previous government of President Jonathan did not sign much bills, rather they kept most of the bills sent by the National Assembly.

“I want to give kudos to the President for ensuring that he looks into the bills before signing. Some said he won’t sign because of this or that provisions which are either contradictory constitutionally or maybe it will cause more harm than good, so therefore the National Assembly should look into it again.

“The electoral bill you are talking about has been sent back twice or thrice, that is to tell you that the president is willing to

sign the bill provided it meets certain conditions that will make our electoral processes better and more sane.

“The President is studying this bill, it’s not like you will send it to him and he will immediately sign. This is a sign that he is really interested in what we sent back to him. It is for him and his advisers to read through line by line and see how best the electoral process can be enhanced.

“I don’t think we have ran out of time, in fact, I think we should encourage the president and those helping him to complete going through the bill before he signs. What is the problem? We still have the 2006 Electoral Act as amended that we used in 2015 for an election that was adjudged to be free, fair and an improved process. We don’t necessarily put so much pressure and unneeded criticism of the president when he is yet to complete his analysis of what has been sent to him.

He needs to take his time.

“I will advise, even though I am not one of his advisers, that he goes through what has been sent to him line by line, understand whatever his advisers will tell him and if what we have sent will make the elections in 2019 better, then he signs but if however he discovers some provisions that will bring contradictions and controversies, he can withhold assent.

I’m not advocating that he withholds assent but if he does, that is his right. I want to tell you that the APC caucus in the National Assembly stands with Mr. President on this,” he said.

When asked if the electoral act will be used in the 2019 election should the President append his signature, the former Senate leader responded in the

affirmative, saying that the 2006 Electoral Act as amended, was used in the 2015 general election.

“Who amongst us will tell me that the 2015 general election was not free and fair? The processes were free and fair.

“So if we are not able to get this bill signed, we can still use the 2006 electoral act as amended and in fact we can even achieve better than we did in 2015. We can observe our deficiencies in 2015 elections using the same act and we can improve in the administrative approach to the elections.

“I personally believe the president is doing what is right, nobody should push, pressurise him into signing the bill. He needs to go through it thoroughly and then take a decision,” Lawan stated.

On whether the bill is ready for Mr. President’s assent, the senator said: “We have taken into consideration the observations made by Mr. President and the comment. A society that is human is so dynamic, and an environment that is so politically charged, you cannot be sure of what you will say or judge to be okay, in minute, it could change. So, for me, I believe the National Assembly, we have done what we could to ensure that we work in a way that it will look better.

“But the president reserves the right to study it and not to be pressurised. I noticed that the PDP in their meeting of yesterday was saying the Presidency must sign the bill. Was the bill passed by the PDP or the National Assembly?

“This kind of thing tells you a lot.

I expect members of the National Assembly to be the ones talking and not PDP national chairman or other presidential candidates.”

FedPoly condoles with Dickson’s family

Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Ekowe, Southern Ijaw Local government area, Dr. Seiyabo Enetimi-Idah has commiserated with the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson on the passage of his mother, Mama Goldcoast Dickson.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relation, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, Dr. Enetimi-Idah expressed sadness over the death of Mama Goldcoast adding that the school shares in the grief of the Dickson’s family.

“Mama was a loving, compassionate and supportive home builder, who has left behind worthy legacies. Mama Goldcoast produced a great son and a leader in Governor Seriake Dickson, who had proved his mettle, not only at the state, but also at the national level”,he said.

He prayed God to grant the bereaved Dickson’s family the fortitude to bear the painful loss and eternal repose of the soul of Mama.

Responding, Governor Seriake Dickson thanked Dr. Enetimi-Idah and his entourage for identifying with his family informing them of the burial program which would kick off on the 6th to 8th of December.

Atiku US visa: A confidential matter – US Consulate Tom Okpe, Abuja An official of the United States of America (USA) Consulate has said the issuance of the US Visa to a former president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and any other personality is strictly a confidential matter.

The Public Affairs Officer (PAO), of the US Consulate in Lagos, Brussel Brooks said in Lagos on Friday that the US Government will not discuss the issue in public for any reason, however made these assertions against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the US visa status of the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Alhaji Abubakar has been flayed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for his perceived ‘inability’ to secure a U S visa due to the report of an American congressional panel that investigated allegations of financial impropriety against the ex-vice president and others years ago.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP the major opposition and challenger to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid, has not visited the U S since the spiking perceptions that he has been ‘banned’ from entering the country, downplaying this perception, which has gained momentum as the 2019 elections approach with the U S government has refused to be drawn into the controversy.

The former vice president has said he actually applied to go to the U.S. but was denied a visa.

I can’t take responsibility for Chibok girls’ abduction – Jonathan Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he could not take the blame for the abduction of the over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014.

Jonathan said rather, Boko Haram should be blamed for the abduction of the girls in 2014 because as a President he could not go to the battlefield to fight insurgents.

Jonathan stated this during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

He said, “I cannot take responsibility for the abduction, I don’t control Boko Haram.

They are criminals. But as a President, of course you know it is not the President that goes to the field. You have security and intelligence officers that do the work.

“Let me admit that yes, maybe they did their best but their best was not good enough for us to recover the girls. That I cannot say I am right or I am wrong. That does not mean I am trying to remove myself from any blame.

I may not be blamed for the action but I could be blamed that my security intelligence system was not strong enough to rescue the girls. If I as a politician could tell the whole world that my political ambition for any office is not worth the blood of a single Nigerian, how would I be happy that girls have been kidnapped? I am not that kind of character.”

The former President also lamented the way the Chibok issue was politicised.

Force Public Relations Officer DCP Jimoh Moshood Parading Suspected Kidnappers, Robbers, cattle rustlers and Libyan trained Gorilla fighter at the force Headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Tony Anenih: Buhari, Obaseki, others pay last tributes .He was a politician of uncommon caliber – President Buhari .Anenih, a rare- breed politician – Gov. Obaseki

Tom Okpe, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have extolled the leadership qualities of late Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, eulogizing him as an illustrious son of Nigeria and a politician of uncommon caliber.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire stated this during a requiem mass held as part of the state burial in honor of Late Chief Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Benin City, Edo

State capital.

The president said that Anenih lived a great life of service, and became a bridge builder across the political divide.

He said, “Anenih is a patriotic Nigerian, who has an unequal commitment to the Nigerian project. He is a man that believes in the growth and development of the nation.

In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said Chief Anenih was a rare-breed politician, who was “famed for his political wizardry, an uncommon gift to weather stormy waters and masterfully deliver results from the most difficult situations.

“I stand here today on behalf of the Government and People of Edo State

to pay tribute and celebrate the life of a quintessential rare-breed politician, philanthropist, a leader of leaders, statesman, an illustrious son of Edo and our father, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih.

“I commiserate with the great Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, the National and State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Edo State on the passing of our great icon”.

He noted that the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, contributing to national development in the various capacities he served.

Police refute claims of bandits’ presence in Sokoto Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Nigeria Police Force on Friday debunked claims that a strange group sighted in Sokoto State bearing arms are bandits.

An online portal had reported complaints by locals that a strange armed group from neighbouring Niger Republic was operating in parts of Tangaza Local Government Area of the Sokoto State, carrying arms and demanding levies from residents.

Refuting the claims in a statement, the Force Public Relations Officers Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood said that the people sighted between Sokoto and Niger border were not bandits but herders from Mali, their wives and children with their cattle, carmel and donkeys.

He said, ‘’ they come to same area annually from Mali to Nigeria Border Area in search of water for their Cattle. The herders did not enter the Nigerian Territory before they went back since on Tuesday, 27thNovember, 2018, and no attack on any person or damage to farm crops was recorded. ‘’The Force therefore enjoins the people of Sokoto State and environs not to panic but to go about their law duties without any fear or apprehension.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

9 News

NAFDAC intercepts over 6bn tablets of Short News Tramadol worth N193bn in 1 year — DG ILO, ECOWAS task member Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has revealed that the agency has intercepted more than six billion tablets of Tramadol worth about N193 billion in the last one year.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday where she presented her scorecard for the last one year since her assumption of office as director general of the agency, Adeyeye disclosed that in the period under review, the agency also intercepted 321,146 cartons of unregistered pharmaceutical products worth hundreds of millions of naira.

“Since my assumption of duty, the new director of Ports Inspection Directorate and his team have

intercepted 86 containers containing tramadol and other unregulated drug products.

“These include 23 40ft containers that were recently examined and found to have been loaded with tramadol of various strengths from 120mg to 250 mg tramadol and other unregistered pharmaceutical products that are known to be injurious to the health of the public most importantly to the youth of our nation.

“The tramadol is estimated to be 6,446,100,000 tablets. The worth of the tramadol alone on the street is estimated to be about N193, 383,000,000 on an average cost of N1, 500,000 per carton.

“In addition, 321,146 cartons of other unregistered pharmaceutical products that could be worth hundreds of millions of naira.

“Prevention of these dangerous

drugs from entering into the Nigerian market will reduce millions of youths from hazards of drug addiction that can pose threats and are posing threats to families, Nigerian workforce and the security of the nation at large.’’

According to the DG, the agency has secured the conviction of one of the distributors of tramadol, while three others have been arraigned at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Adeyeye, who said that the court had ordered the destruction of the seized products, explained that the agency was concluding plans to destroy more than 30 containers of tramadol and other unregistered products.

She said that the removal of the agency from the ports between 2011 and 2018, worsened the problem of the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines, illicit drugs and unwholesome food in the country.

states on child trafficking Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed concerns over the low commitment of ECOWAS members states in the implementation of child rights laws.

In a joint workshop on enhancing mobilisation against child trafficking and Labour, on the sidelines of the ongoing second ordinary session of the ECOWAS parliament, the organisation decried the low conviction of child traffickers in the region, stating that most West African countries have not implemented laws relevant to eradicating the trend.

The ILO Country representative and Liaison Officer to ECOWAS, David Dorkenoo, in his address to members of parliament, appealed to them to push for the implementation of necessary legislations on domestics child labour, and child trafficking in their countries.

He said “what we have observed within Africa and the ECOWAS region is the fact that many of our countries have good legislations.

Kwara bye-election: APC queries Senate Tom Okpe, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has queried the upper chamber of the National Assembly on what it described as a ‘questionable decision’ to investigate the circumstances leading to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) losing the last Saturday’s House of Representative’s by-election in Kwara State.

The ruling party said the decision of the Senate must be seen for what it is, an abuse of the powers of the legislative arm of government to pursue selfish political ends.

The Senate decided to investigate the circumstances leading to the ruling party, APC winning the said election in a landslide victory in Kwara state last Saturday in the national Assembly by-elections to pick candidates for the vacant positions.

In a press statement released on Friday by the party spokesman, Mallam Lanre Issah- Onilu noted that while the APC condemns this curious Senate investigation of the by-election which took place in the home state of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, it is also curious that other by-election conducted in Katsina and Bauchi States have not received similar attention from the Senate.

FCTA dragged to court over double allocation of land Idu Jude, Abuja

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Jalal Arabi with the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties, Honourable Ayodeji Joseph when the Committee came to the State House as part of its oversight functions on Friday.

Separated co-joined twins healthy, discharged- UATH Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) has said that the set of co-joined twins separated by the hospital on October 29, 2018 are in healthy condition and have been discharged home.

Speaking on Friday in Gwagwalada during the monthly clinical continuing education of the hospital, Dr Eyinade Olateju of the Department of Paediatrics department said that the operation which was carried out on October 29, 2018 was successful and were subsequently discharged since November 23.

Olateju said, “We were not in a

hurry to discharge them because we wanted to monitor their vital signs and ensure that they could breastfeed well.

“We monitored their vital signs and ensured that the breast milk is safe for them. We are happy that they were each weighing 6.2 kg at the point of discharge’’.

Also, Dr Samson Olori, Lead Surgeon in the operation said keeping the babies alive and strong was a challenge because they were delivered through a caesarian section.

“The babies did not have immediate maternal care, so we had the challenge of feeding them and ensuring that they were nourished before surgery; as well as the challenge of malaria and other infections.

“We were however, able to overcome all the challenges,” he said.

Olori said that medical investigations and X-ray were immediately commenced to know the organs that were joined.

He explained that preparations for the surgery only started after laboratory findings had shown that the babies were fit for the operation.

“A medical team consisting of paediatric surgeons, plastic surgeon, anesthetic doctors, peril operation nurses and paediatric nurses were assembled.

“The team was divided into two groups to ensure that the babies were given attention simultaneously after the surgery that lasted for about four hours,” he said.

Despite efforts to vacate plethora of land disputes inherited from several past administrations, Property owners in Zaudan Paseri and Filli Dabo in Dei-Dei area of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have dragged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to court over double land allocation, which has denied them huge financial investment.

The matter, which came up Thursday the November 22nd, at Jabi FCT High Court, seeks to ensure that both parties settle amicably.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Banjoko adjoined the matter to 4th of March 2019 as requested by the defence Lawyer to FCT Administration to allow both parties seek alternative dispute resolution mechanism and report back to court.

Speaking to newsmen, at the court premises, Chairman of the property owners in Dei Dei, Mr. Friday Okala narrated the experience of the property owners which he described as injustice by the FCT Administration.

A Legal Practitioner and second claimant in the matter, Chijioke Nnaji noted that several efforts have been made to ensure the matter is settle out of court without yielding effort.

Edo re-opens certified burrow pits, tasks operators on best practice

Sequel to meeting to set guidelines for environmentally-friendly operations and other regulatory requirements, the Edo State Government has approved the re-opening of certified burrow pits across the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, the state government said that burrow pits that have been duly evaluated have been reopened and urged operators who are yet to collect their clearance to report to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability for the document.

According to her, “The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability wishes to announce for the information of the general public, and in particular the owners of burrow pits, haulage operators, tipper drivers and other stakeholders, that following the re-opening of the burrow pits that have been duly evaluated, operators who are yet to collect their clearance are to report to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability to collect their letters between 9.00am to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.”

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Smartphones ‘ll consume more than Short News 21GB data per month by 2024 — Ericsson Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja A Smartphone user by the end of 2024 would consume more than 21 gigabyte (GB) of data per month, Telecommunications giant, Ericsson has revealed.

Ericsson according to its global mobility report for November 2018 posted on its website disclosed that by 2024, data consumption per month on average would be nearly four times the amount consumed in 2018.

The report, in other words, estimated that the amount of monthly mobile data traffic consumed by a Smartphone user would rise from 5.6 GigaBytes to 21 gigabyte.

According to Ericson, in addition to the increased usage, the number of Smartphone subscriptions is set

to increase by 45 per cent, reaching a total of 7.2 billion.

According to the report, new video- watching behaviours will be the reason for the increased data consumption by smartphone users.

It also said that video currently stands out as the most significant traffic type consumed by smartphone users, at an average of 60 per cent of total traffic.

This is predicted to grow by 35% annually through 2024 to account for 74% of all mobile data traffic.

According to the report, traffic from social networking is also expected to rise – increasing by 24% annually over the next 6 years. ‘’The increase in video data traffic per smartphone user has three main drivers which include, increased viewing time, more video content embedded in news media and social networking and an evolution to higher resolutions. ‘’Most videos are streamed at low-

definition and standard-definition formats 360p and 480p, respectively.

This was due to restrictions introduced by both content and communications service providers, as well as customers selecting formats with lower bitrates to get the most of their data bucket’’.

The report, however, says that user behaviours are shifting as network capabilities expand and are projected to change more drastically as 5G services are made available.

According to Ericsson mobility report, the streaming of highdefinition (HD) video in 720p and 1080p resolution is increasing and the average resolution of a YouTube in some Long Term Evolution (LTE) network was already up to 720p.

The report says that user behaviours are shifting, with low and standard-definition video formats being overtaken by HD and Full HAD formats.

20-year-old man drowns during friends’ birthday party

A 20-year-old man, simply identified as Chidiebere David, drowned on Thursday night in the swimming pool of a new but popular hotel on Margret Avenue, GRA, Aba in Abia.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Abia, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the incident on Friday, said that the 20 year old man, Chidiebere David accompanied his friends to a birthday party in the hotel and got drowned there.

Ogbonna however did not say if the police was foreclosing further investigations into the matter.

It was gathered that the deceased went with his friends who were over 16 in number to the hotel to celebrate the birthday of one of them.

Chidiebere who hailed from Imo died at the pool with no one realising that he had drowned until sometimes later.

When the deceased colleagues saw his body inside the pool and made frantic efforts to save him, they discovered that he had died.

Meanwhile, relatives of the young man were said to have later arrived at the scene, took his body and deposited at a morgue close to the hotel.

Group seeks EU assistance in sustaining peace in Nigeria

The Executive Director, Save Ijaw Nation Group (SING), Usman Idris-Etanami, has appealed to the European Union (EU) to assist Nigeria in promoting peace in the 2019 elections.

SING is a Non Governemental Organisation (NGO).

Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Friday, Idris-Etanami said that the group was visiting international organisations, especially the EU, to submit letters seeking their support for peace.

“Election is the time people come out to express their will to choose their leaders. It is not the time for people to be afraid,” he said.

Mr Olufemi Lawson, the Director Media and Strategy of the group, said that international bodies had been stakeholders in supporting Nigeria’s democracy.

He said that more of this support was needed now as the nation moved toward the 2019 general elections.

Lawson called on security agencies to be impartial during the polls.

Lawyers in Imo boycott court sittings, protest alleged assassination of magistrate

Governorship candidate of the All progressive Congress (APC), in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, making a speech when he paid a courtesy visit to the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos State, HRH, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado in his Surulere palace for a royal blessing towards next year’s elections.

Harmattan: National Park Service warns on dangers of bush burning Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

As the harmattan season approaches, the ConservatorGeneral of the Service National Park Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni has warned against bush burning during the dry season.

Goni while calling on Nigerians to have respect for the environment cautioned members of the public against uncontrolled bush burning during the harmattan, especially in and around parks.

He said that the service would soon embark on campaign to create more awareness on the dangers of bush burning.

According to him, the campaign has become necessary following the onset of the harmattan season, stressing that some herdsmen

deliberately set fire around wild parks in a bid to get fresh fodder for their animals.

“They do this to enable them access Savannah land to influence early regeneration for their animals.

“We also have incidences where people embark on either individual hunting or communal hunting and set the bush on fire to drive out animals so they can capture or kill them.

“And one of the bad effects is the killing of many animals sometimes in excruciating ways by burning them alive which is among the worst possible deaths.

“An animal that burns to death plausibly experiences a few times more pain than an animal dying in another way, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve these animals.”

He said that each time you burn the bush or set vegetation on fire, even a standing rock would be weakened,

adding “you are not only burning the grasses, you are destroying the soil nutrients.’’

“It also leads to air pollution and increases the carbon content in the atmosphere; and when this happens the ozone layer is destroyed, so you increase the intensity of the heat on the earth.’’

Goni listed some of the measures to guard against uncontrolled bush burning to include the clearing of boundaries around the homes and farmlands.

“At our parks, we ensure that immediately after the rainy season, we embark on boundary clearing, and have graders run across the boundary to create ridges of about six meters in wide.

“This we consider as a fire breaker so that when fire is set outside of our parks, the fire cannot penetrate our parks.’’

Lawyers in Imo State on Friday, boycotted court sittings while protesting the alleged assassination of Senior Magistrate, Remmy Ogu. The chairman of the Orlu branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Chuzzy Attama, read the position of the lawyers while addressing newsmen in Owerri shortly before the protest began.

Attama said that the courts in the state lacked adequate security adding, that the alleged killing of the magistrate was designed to intimidate the judiciary in the state.

“We will march to the state government house, police headquarters, office of the chief judge, the state House of Assembly and the office of the director of state security service to register our protest over the gruesome murder of the legal advocate.

“We call on the Inspector- General of Police to expedite action to bring the killers of the chief magistrate of Uburu magistrates’ court in Oru West Local Government Area to book.

“We demand that the police and other relevant security Agencies carry out a thorough and unfettered investigation into the murder of senior magistrate Remmy Ogu and unmask the killers and bring them to justice,” he said.

Complication of mumps can infect vital organs – expert Dr Victor Fayomi, a general practitioner with a private hospital in Gwagalada, FCT, says complication of mumps can lead to infections of vital organs of the body.

Fayomi said that mumps which is best described as swollen or puffy jaws is a contagious disease resulting from being infected with the mumps virus.

According to the health expert, the infection could lead to infection of testis in males who have attained puberty, ovaries in females and the brain as well as its covering.

“It can also lead to deafness in very rare case and infertility only arise in a small percentage of males with testicular complication.

“It is usually seen in school age children and young adults; the virus is contracted from the saliva and nasal secretions of infected persons when they sneeze cough or talk.

“They also spread it through sharing of eating utensils and via close personal contact. The duration between contracting mumps and its manifestation is between two to three weeks,” he said.

He said that some of the symptoms include fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of appetite, fever and swelling of the jaws.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 1, 2018

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As an actor, you have to be versatile - Tobi Bakre, Ex-BBN Housemate He is smart, savvy and reserved; Ex-Big Brother Naija Reality Housemate, Tobi Bakre is sure one of the most loved housemates of the Double Wahala season. An ex-Banker and a photographer, Tobi sure knows how to find his way to the heart of people. The University of Lagos graduate spoke about his passion for acting, why he wants to act alongside veterans, and passion amongst others. Enjoy…

How has it been since you left the Big Brother Naija house?

From being in Big Brother (Naija), leaving Big Brother House and looking at the things I have accomplished so far, I can only say it’s been a good year for me. It’s been amazing.

Was banking boring after four years?

It was very interesting for me actually. I used to be a currency dealer.

I traded security straight to currencies.

I also worked in the money market desk. It was interesting for me but the banking life generally is a bit routine.

And I had a lot more I wanted to do that I wasn’t exploring. I love photography.

I wanted to be a media person as well. I am not really an office person.

Generally, it is a routine life, every day is the same, but the life that I have now is different, every day is different. I feel better. I feel alive living the kind of life I have now.

Are you doing anything about your photography?

Yes, I am doing an exhibition at the end of the year, a photo art exhibition.

You are in the DSTV campaign.

How did you get involved?

I am in the DSTV campaign, it preaches versatility, which is what my brand is centered around, the ability to be anything, more than one thing. That is really what the campaign pushes.

You can be different things depending on what you want to. You do not have to limit yourself to one thing.

We have seen you in a couple of movies. Is acting one of the privileges of BBN or a passion?

Working in the banking, I always wanted to do something more versatile, I wanted to be in the media, but at that point I didn’t have the patience or; say, I couldn’t just leave the banking hall to start attending auditions and all that so I needed a platform to do the things I wanted to do. Right now, a lot of people I can see what I can do and are hiring me for it.

Do you think you need a professional training or is acting natural to you?

Eventually I will still go to the school of acting just to cross my T’s and dots some I’s; but generally, acting is naturally for some people and in a way, acting is natural for me. But I know I still have to brush up. It is interesting for me.

What got you interested in acting?

I have always wanted to act. It was more of the platform. Now, all of people noticed that I could do it while I was on the show. This is why I am getting the roles. It is just to do more and show people the range of my passion.

Who are those you would like to act with?

All of the veterans, because the older people have more to teach you when it comes to acting. I have been on set with Sola Sobowale. From day one, I already had a lot she was telling me. When you act with such people you become a better actor faster.

What do you like most about being an actor?

The fact that you have the power to be anything. If you are given a script whether you like the character or not, you have to act the part. Every role you are given has to be challenging because you have got to do it well. When they say be a mad man, I am able to lay it out.

What kinds of role can’t you take?

For me when it comes to acting you have to be versatile, you can’t really limit yourself, except it is a role preaching immorality to a large extent I am not going to take that.

What makes you different from other actors?

There is always the Tobi vibe from some of the roles I have played. So, if you want the lover boy Tobi, it is different from the Pastor Tobi. In every role I play I infuse a bit of my personality to it. that makes me different.

Tobi

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

How 25-year-old Chidinma Aaron emerged 42nd Miss Nigeria Last Sunday history was yet made in Lagos as organisers of the Nigeria’s oldest beauty pageant platform, Miss Nigeria, crowned its 42nd queen at an august event tagged ‘The Coronation’. The event which attracted the crème de crème in the society saw 25-year-old Anambra State-born Chidinma Aaron representing the South-East Zone and a graduate of Business Administration from Leeds City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, emerge winner.

Chidinma emerged the top beating 17 other beautiful

Chidinma

contestants to clinch the ultimate prize of N3 million, a luxury apartment and an automobile, while the duo of Chisom Dunu and Ameh Munirah emerged first and second runner up respectively.

Speaking on this year’s edition of the pageant, Chairman, Folio Media Group, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, stressed that the pageant has over the years improved and impacted on the lives of its participants.

His words: “Yearly, the Miss Nigeria theme has remained empowering women beyond beauty as organisers seek to consider applicants beyond their physical look alone but their intellect which matters a lot”.

Speaking further on this year’s edition, Miss Nigeria 1979, Helen Priest noted that in selecting the ultimate winner, six core targets would be crucial which includes education, environment, arts & culture, health, financial management and technology.

Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Kaylah Oniwo, this year’s edition recorded a massive turnout of over a thousand applicants with 40 contestants making it to Lagos for audition which entailed coming up with a campaign against child molestation, a stride no other beauty pageant has recorded.

However, one of the unique features of this year’s edition was the fact that unlike other pageants that has 36 contestants battling for the ultimate prize, the Miss Nigeria organisers made a final selection of 18 contestants drawn from the 6 geopolitical zone with three contestants representing each zones.

The contestants were however judged by Rita Dominic, Tatiana Moussalli, Konye Nwabogor, Fade Ogunro, Uredi Grace, Jasmine Tukur, David Wej, Lessi Peter Vigboro, Osepiribon Ben-Willie amongst others.

The audience were however thrilled by musical performances by Dede Mabiaku, Johnny Drille, and comedian Bovi amongst others.

Making it to the top five included Chidinma Aaron, Ameh Muniarah, Uleko Agida, Chisom Dunu and Ntan Sharon.

World Conference of Mayors endorses AIM festival …As Ghana signs MOU with Motherlands Beckons Stories Mutiat Alli The Africa International Music Festival, AIM, scheduled to hold at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State on 7 – 9 December has continued to gather and accumulate intercontinental reinforcement and support.

Apart from the fact that 15 Nigerian music acts are warming up to participate at the 2nd All Africa music festival being propelled by Motherland Beckons, over 157 music acts from other African countries have signed up for performance.

In a letter of endorsement and support signed by Hon Jack Sims, Vice – president, Trade, World Conference of Mayors Incorporation, US and delivered on November 13 November 2018 , the association commended Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye and Motherland Beckons for this wonderful imitative aimed at building the continent of Africa via music, songs, dances and culture.

“It is with pleasure that we pledge our full support for the Africa International Music Festival holding December 7-9 at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resorts, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos and the Chief Promoter of Africa international Music Festival.

The World Conference of Mayors

would like to show their appreciation to Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye“.

“As the Retired Mayor of District Heights, Maryland, and Vice – President of the World Conference of Mayors - Trade, I have had the opportunity to develop a close 20 years relationship with Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye, and the Motherland Beckons Programme.

“The World Conference of Mayors is in support of Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye’s vision with the Motherland Beckons and Lovers of Africa to enhance and expands tourism in Africa. We cannot think of a better way of

bringing our cultures together other than through music and entertainment,” the group stated.

Meanwhile, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Chieftaincy of Ghana Government on November 16, 2018 signed a monumental developmental tourism partnership (MoU) with Motherland Beckons in Accra. The MoU includes among others, the need to utilise the cultural affinity via music, songs, dance and entertainment as unifying factors for the region.

From left Founder of Motherland Beckons, Dr Akinboboye Olawanle, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of GTA and Hon. Sarah, District Chief Executive of East Ada District

Tee A, Lolo Omotunde unveiled as hosts of Monarch Experience concert …Bisola, Jeff Akoh joins Line-up The Monarch Experience is looking set to become one of the biggest high society events of the year after organizers last week unveiled the hosts and more line-up for the music extravaganza.

The duo of comedian cum master event compere, Tee A and Lolo Omotunde of Wazobia FM have been unveiled as the host and co-host of the night of live music culture extravaganza.

Already confirmed are Fuji maestro, Kwam 1 who will headline the concert and lead an enviable list of performing artistes such as Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters, Queen Salawa Abeni, Bright Chimezie and Gloria Ibru.

The Monarch Experience Concert which is organized by Temple Management Company (TMC) is scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 8th at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Serving up a cocktail of eclectic genres such as Fuji, Juju, Highlife and contemporary Afro Music, some of the finest music icons will deep into their rich reservoirs and perform their original music with full compliments of their live band.

According to Mark Redguard, Head of Entertainment at Temple Management Company, The Monarch Experience has been getting a lot of positive feedback.

Mr. Redguard revealed: “The feedback since we first announced the concert has been awesome. We have the support of DSTV who are beaming the event live to audiences across Nigeria and the rest of Africa.”

He added: “We envision that it has been a busy year for everyone and The Monarch Experience presents the perfect atmosphere for hi-society people to reward themselves with an unforgettable experience.”

South African-based Record Label, IBang Music unveils first act, Nigerian Singer Chibichan IBang Music, a budding Nigerian music record label based in South Africa, has officially unveiled their first signed act - afro-pop and dancehall singer Chibichan.

Born Chibuike Celestine Uzoechi, Chibichan is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who recently relocated to Nigeria from South Africa to focus on his music after garnering mild popularity in South Africa’s underground music scene.

The artiste has released his debut single titled ‘Over Sabi’ which was produced by seasoned record producer Tspize under the label, prior to the official announcement. The song has since managed to make the rounds on social media, following its release.

The announcement came after IBang CEO Prince Aaron Momoh took to social media to unveil Chibichan as the label’s first signee in a post that reads “IBang music is more than just a record label and what drives this team is solely our passion to see Nigerian music evolve. We envision Nigerian music becoming the foremost in the world’s pop culture – and we’ve taken it upon ourselves to be among those that would make this a reality, hence our continuous search for uniquely gifted talents. With that being said, I would like to use this medium to announce our very first signee; he goes by the name Chibichan. This incredibly gifted artist has so much to offer the industry and it takes one with great love and value for music to understand just how massive his potentials are. Chibichan is here to take over and lead a new era in Nigerian music as we know it. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to the world; Ibang Music’s very own Chibichan!

Watch this space”.

Chibichan has expressed his excitement to bring something new to the industry, promising to introduce a different sound which would set him apart from the pack.

In a recent interview, the artist revealed he started playing instruments as early as eleven years old; stating his drumming skills were self-taught and he went on to play at local churches and events, cementing his innate love for music.

The afro-pop act went on to reveal he is working on his debut body of work and his label has recruited some of the industry’s most esteemed producers to help birth the records.

Chibichan is expected to release another single under IBang Music in the not too distant future – stating the song would be titled ‘Energy’ and is produced by a quite revered record producer.

Chibichan

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

13 Gist

Sole cause of infertility is fibroids, says expert

Burna Boy

Burna Boy set to shut Lagos down, announces Concert ‘Burna Live’ Stories by Mutiat Alli Multi-platinum selling singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has made the official announcement of his upcoming concert entitled ‘Burna Live’, scheduled to hold December 26th, 2018 at EKO Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The singer, who has been praised by critics and fans alike for his sophomore album ‘Outside’ which was released earlier this year, made the announcement on social media to his multitude of followers; posting the official artwork.

Several fans have since responded excitedly with majority of them making fervent promises of attendance in the comments, whilst asking the singer what to expect at the concert.

Put together by Loud Africa, other details regarding the concert like the list of other performers are yet to be revealed but many have speculated the concert will certainly recruit some of the industry’s most soughtafter acts, considering Burna’s streak of success, popularity and wide acclaim since his emergence in 2012.

‘Burna Live’ will mark a direct follow-up to the singer’s highly publicized concert at Brixton Academy, O2 Arena in London, which was entirely sold out and was met with overwhelming positive reception from attendees and the media.

Following the wild success of its previous movies, Fifty, The Wedding Party and its sequel - The Wedding Party 2, EbonyLife Films will be holding a grand premiere for its latest movie, Chief Daddy. The long-awaited premiere will take place this Sunday, December 2nd, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Already garnering major buzz on the internet, the premiere is expected to be the most talked-about movie event of the year. It boasts a long guest list of dignitaries, business heavyweights, socialites and celebrities, and is already sold out. Particularly contributing to its grandeur, is the dress code and theme of the premiere, ‘Opulently Nigerian - Be Extra’, which celebrates the richness and extravagance of Nigerian fashion culture.

In contrast to the premiere of The Wedding Party 2, which was inspired by the movie’s glamorous locations in Dubai, the Chief Daddy premiere will portray all things Nigerian; from the décor to the food, the variety of activities and entertainment will fully embrace the country’s various cultures.

Looking forward to the event, executive producer Mo Abudu said, “We are delighted to finally premiere this film. It’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait for our guests to experience this fun-packed movie. This premiere will be Nigerian-centric, showcasing and appreciating the sophistication and glamour embedded within our culture. We want to create a unique experience.”

At the event, which is sponsored by Keystone Bank, Dubai Tourism, Airtel, Johnnie Walker, Bollinger and Luminous, guests will be serenaded with music from Shuga Band and a special live performance from the breakout star of the movie, Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana. Following the reception, an after-party will be held at the

same venue, where guests can unwind to music from DJ Crowd Controller.

Chief Daddy will be out in cinemas from December 14th and fans can also look forward to the official music video for the movie’s theme song, ’The Famzy Anthem (Moving Mad)’, which will debut on the same

Chief Daddy

Goge Africa rebrands, launches 20th anniversary plans At a well-attended media parley at the National Film and Censors Board (NFVCB) Ikoyi, foremost tourism and culture ambassadors- Nneka and Isaac Moses unveiled the new brand identity for Goge Africa –the award-winning tourism and culture media brand which first hit the airwaves on October 1, 1999.

The celebrity couple shared their journey, challenges and future plans in an intimate session with selected members of the Nigerian mass media.

Also, in attendance were TV Star Maymuna Abaji-Yahaya and also the CEO, Rave TV, Agatha Amata.

Narrating their past achievements, milestone tours and remarkable cultural experiences, Amb. Nneka Isaac-Moses, Managing Director, explained the imperative to rebrand the business and refocus her key services in order to better contribute to enterprise development through job creation, she emphasized that tourism and culture provide

Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Nneka Moses strong catalyst for growing the Nigerian economy, as well as other economies in Africa.

After screening an interesting video which chronicled the brand’s adventurous journey over the past 19 years, the Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Metche Isaac Moses explained the focus areas for the brand to include Tourism, Events & amp; Festivals,

Culture, Consultancy, Media & amp; Production and a Digital Craft Store.

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of Goge Africa, a sneak peek into the activities was shared; these include: an Anniversary Gala, Tourism and culture symposium/ conference, Boat cruise and an African Tour to select cities.

In addition, the non-profit

arm of the organization, Goge Africa Foundation outreach for youths as well as a workshop for journalists who report on Tourism and Culture amongst many other activities.

When engaged by members of the press in attendance, the brand representatives expressed their willingness to partner more corporate organizations and individuals interested in exploring opportunities on the sector. They also emphasized the need for more young people to contribute innovative ways to develop the sector.

On the willingness of the government to invest in the sector in order for the economy to reap benefits of tourism and culture like other climes, Nneka Isaac Moses, Managing Director states; “We did not wait for government investment to begin. Just like Nollywood did not. We will continue to promote tourism until we get the commensurate interest and support to develop tourism and culture in Nigeria”.

Ayo Mairo-Ese, Omololu Shomuyiwa to unveil The Future Awards Africa 2018 nominees The wait is finally over!

Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa is set to unveil the nominees for its 13th edition, with the list set to be announced this Sunday, 2 December, 2018.

Doing the honours will be media personality, Ayo Mairo-Ese and ex-Big Brother Naija housemate,

Omololu Shomuyiwa, and will be televised at 3 p.m on ChannelsTV, EbonyLife TV, WazobiaMax TV, African Magic Family and African Magic Epic.

Themed ‘Nigeria’s New Tribe’, the 2018 edition again celebrates young Nigerians driving new narratives, pursuing positive change and making a difference

through social enterprise, social good and innovation, united by the possibilities of their talent, commitment to hard work and driven by achievement.

With twenty categories up this year, the top spots for the awards will be hotly contested as one hundred nominees are set to be revealed by the hosts.

Omololu

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Mixed Grill

Alaiyeluwa of Ibogun, Oba Ifakayode Faluade celebrates Stories by Mutiat Alli The Alaiyeluwa of Ibogun, Oba Ifakayode Faluade, (Anikinikun Ilufemiloye 1) of Ibogun Balogun, Owu Kingdom of Ogun State, is in a gay mood as you read this. His ascension to the throne of his forefathers is now one year old, and the renowned Ifa High Priest and progenitor of Ifa Olokun Foundation, is preparing very hard to make the event very remarkable. The one year coronation anniversary comes up audaciously on Sunday December 9th 2018 at the Ibogun Comprehensive Hgh School, Ifo. Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is also a son of the soil in Ibogun, will be the Father of the Day, while Governor Ibikunle Amosun will be the Special

Guest of Honour. The sleepy town has since come alive in readiness of the festive event, wearing a new look and the people are happy, very expectant of the day; because since the king’s ascension, he has been a good omen to the town in terms of peace, tranquillity and industry. The youthful monarch has also been beaming with smiles in anticipation of the grand day, when he will also use the opportunity to honor top Nigerians with chieftaincy titles.

The event promises to attract a barrage of royalties, crème de la crème of the society, prominent trado-medical practitioners, top notch socialites, captains of industry and indigenes of the town from within the country and abroad. The weeklong event will feature many socio-cultural programMEs that will culminate in the grand finale on Sunday, December 9.

Seagle Property Boss’s daughter, Olayemi Lawal becomes full-fledged lawyer Fathers are known to revel in their children’s successes; so it was for the ever outstanding and masses-loving businessman of note, Imole Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque and Chairman, Seagle Properties, Otunba Yemi Lawal, whose beloved daughter made him extremely proud by adding more to his string of successes. The daughter, Olayemi Hafsat Lawal, just upped the ante of the illustrious Lawal family with a well-deserved and toiled-for call to bar as a certificated lawyer. At the Abuja event, the University of Leicestertrained Law graduate was in her element in company with her proud parents and immediate

Seagle

family members. Enterprising financial expert, Yemi Lawal could not hide his excitement on his daughter’s elevation to the bar as a practising lawyer, with the hope of keeping the flag of the family flying high and higher. In the tradition of her father, Yemi is set to toe the line of success and achievements, given her father’s impetus as an achiever. Yemi Lawal, the head honcho at Seagle Property Development Company Limited, a ground-breaking real estate development company with proven competencies in the development of luxury homes suitable for the middle and high-income families, is also not lagging on the home front.

Oba Ifakayode

Where is Ahmed Adisa Shokunbi?

The least may not be heard about the whereabout of Ahmed Adisa Shokunbi who, according to our source, is currently overseas.

Shokunbi, a very popular socialite, left Nigeria after he joined some of the die-hard Nigerians to protest the happy New Year announcement of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit (PMS) by former President Goodluck Jonathan is missed among his contemporaries within

the society circle who are said to be amazed by his absence from to gigs.

Meanwhile, a lot has been said and written about his absence. Some said he left Nigeria after escaping death where 12 people were left dead in the protest while others said he only wants to keep a distance from society.

Families, friends and associates are still in puzzle on the whereabouts of the vibrant Nigerian.

Shokunbi

Timi Olorunsaye’s endorsement Serial entrepreneur, Timi Olorunsaye has set his eyes on the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, and his decision to throw his hat in the ring as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag bearer is causing serious ripples among the major political parties in Ifako-Ijaiye.

A serial entrepreneur with great business acumen and excellent managerial skills, Timi’s work experience spans years in various sectors and he has a track record of successfully creating and running several small businesses. He currently sits on the board of several reputable Nigerian companies operating in diverse sectors such as information technology, oil and gas, food processing and printing & packaging.

His journey into politics started during his undergraduate years at LASU as a student union activist.

Much later in life, he joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which later metamorphosed into All Progressive Congress (APC).

He later emerged as the chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA. As party chairman, he gave the party a strong footing in Ifako-Ijaiye by building a formidable party structure based on the party’s ideals of socio-economic and political inclusion. Since he clinched the House of Reps ticket of ADC, he has gradually wormed his way into the heart of the people and his mounting acceptance by the public has positioned him as a serious contender in the race.

Although his party is not as entrenched

as the other two competitors; PDP and APC, Timi Olorunsaye says he firmly believes his message of hope will inspire the people of Ifako-Ijaiye to give him their mandate.

Timi

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

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Lagos hosts 3rd Africa Fintech Festival Ladesope Ladelokun

L-R: Heads of Communities of Olomowewe, Chief Shefiu Aguda; Idasho Community, Chief Alisan latifu; Imobido Community, Chief Jegede Lateef; Group Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Aro of Lekki, Chief Adewale Salami; and Baale of Tiye Community, Chief Kayode Mujitafa, during the stakeholder parley between representatives of Lekki Free Trade Zone host communities and Dangote Oil Refining Company in Lagos.

CSR: Dangote expresses commitment to more community development projects As host communities commend Dangote Refinery’s initiatives Motolani Oseni As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility service, the Group Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has expressed the company’s commitment to the execution of more strategic community development projects, particularly those that would improve the host communities.

Edwin, who received traditional rulers and community leaders from host communities in Ibeju-Lekki Free Trade Zone area of Lagos, on Friday, said that the company conducted a baseline survey and needs in all the communities.

He added that it was the findings of the survey that were used in developing a comprehensive Community Development Plan (CDP) and that the company has already embarked on youth empowerment and leadership programme for the host communities.

His words, “the company will continue

to support educational programmes, development of small and medium enterprises, improved infrastructure and creating awareness on proper hygiene and sanitation in the environment.

The Dangote Refinery boss said the company aims to be a good neighbour in its areas of operation, by contributing to the well-being of neighbouring communities.

“We work closely with them to manage the social impacts of our business activities, address any concerns about our operations, and enhance the benefits that we can bring.

We work closely with communities to understand their concerns and identify how to address them. We aim to avoid or reduce any adverse impacts and to manage those impacts that may be unavoidable”, he added.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers and community leaders from host communities in Ibeju-Lekki Free Trade Zone area of Lagos, who was impressed with the provision of communal infrastructures for their communities by Dangote Oil Refining Company (DORC), have expressed

appreciation at the timely intervention of the Company to their needs.

The monarchs numbering 14 at a stakeholder parley in Lagos with the management of DORC commended Dangote Industries Limited, the parent company for partnering them on various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives targeted toward the development of Lekki Free Trade Zone communities.

The Community leaders said that Dangote Industries had so far demonstrated its resolve to address the concerns of the people by complementing efforts of the state government to develop the host communities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where the Dangote Refinery, Fertilizer and Jetty are located.

The royal fathers pointed out that they appreciate the good gestures by the company by doing so much for the communities even when still at the construction stage.

At the parley which took place after a guided tour of the Dangote Refinery, fertilizer and Jetty were the Leaders of all

the communities around the project site, including Idasho, Ilekuru, Okeyanta, MagboSegun, Okesegun, Itoke, Idotun, Alasia, Okunraiye, and Lekki town.

Other neighbouring communities like Imobido community, Tiye community, Mosa community, Ilege community, and Olomowewe community were also represented at the meeting.

Speaking at the event, the Imobido Community head, Chief Jegede Lateef, commended the company for siting its refinery and petrochemical plants in the community saying his community was fortunate because the projects could have been sited elsewhere.

“We appreciate Dangote Industries for its decision to establish a refinery and petrochemical plants in our communities and we believe that the company’s investment will contribute to the development of the community. Dangote is welcome to do his business in our communities and we are fully ready to cooperate with him”, the community leaders said

Flight difficulties: Air Peace deploys more aircraft for flights Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Air Peace has pulled out five of its aircraft for maintenance abroad, to this end, the airline Thursday promised members of the flying public on the domestic routes not to panic over the shortage of scheduled flights as it would soon deploy more aircraft to service destinations currently experiencing air travel difficulties.

Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the carrier was concerned about reports of shortage of scheduled flights across the country and was ready to do everything within its capacity to ease the pain of air travellers.

The airline confirmed that the nation had been facing air travel difficulties since it reviewed its flight schedule downward on account of five of its aircraft it pulled out of service and sent abroad for C-check.

“In the last few weeks, we have been inundated with demands for flights by members of the flying public who wish to travel but could not secure seats as almost all our flights on major domestic routes are fully booked. We are genuinely concerned about the plight of the travelling public and sincerely empathise with them.

“The situation became dire after we recently pulled out five of our aircraft from service for maintenance abroad and had to necessarily review our flight schedule downward to avoid delaying

our valued customers. A check on our reservation platform indicates that almost all our flights are fully booked till the end of the year.

“We, however, are aware of the role we play in ensuring seamless air travel in Nigeria and are not going to let down our dear country and members of the flying public now that they need us the most.

“We urge members of the flying public not to entertain any fear.

Beginning from Sunday, most of our aircraft that went for C-check will start to return to join our operations. We are soon going to schedule more flights and deploy more aircraft across our domestic routes”.

“We have also made plans to cater to the upsurge expected during the

Yuletide. A lot of flights would be scheduled from around December 17, 2018 to seamlessly take those travelling for Christmas and the New Year to their destinations. As an airline that prioritises safety and places a premium on the lives of our valued guests and crew, we have undertaken comprehensive maintenance of most of our aircraft to ensure their readiness for our end-of-year operations.

This is the least we can do for our esteemed customers and nation for their support for us. We will do everything within our capacity to rise to the challenge of air travel currently facing our nation and deliver exceptional service that is sure to leave the flying public truly comfortable, proud and satisfied”, Air Peace assured.

Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, has concluded all plans to host the third Africa Fintech Festival, which is billed to be the trail blazer in the area of advancing indigenous technological innovations and initiatives aimed at solving peculiar African challenges with home-grown solutions,the festival is expected to break new frontiers in technological and financial spheres in Nigeria.

The five-day festival,which will hold at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island,Lagos , from December 3 to 7, 2018, debuted in 2016 ,and led to the formation of Fintech Association of Nigeria FintechNGR as a response to the need to foster collaboration amongst sectoral components in order to enhance transactional,regulatory and beneficial policy framework to drive innovation.

Subsequently, the second edition which held on January 24, 2018, focused on engendering cross-border collaboration, policy aggregation and promotion of indigenous solutions as exportable goods across the continent which led to the establishment of Africa Fintech Network (AFN).

The AFN is a conglomerate of National Fintech Associations from across Africa all working towards the creation of ‘one-market’ Fintech platform for Africa.

According to the organizers of the festival, Fintech Associates Ltd., the festival provides a special opportunity to participants to learn, share and network.

“The time is now to put Nigeria and indeed Africa on the global map in the areas of technology: robotics, artificial intelligence, trans-border trade, human capacity building etc. Don’t be left out of this unique opportunity in learning, sharing and networking your way to advancing your business objectives”, Fintech Associates stated.

NNPC debunks having 70,000 workforce, staff performance probe Idu Jude Abuja The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has clarified that it has neither 70,000 staff in its employ nor embarking on a staff performance probe.

The clarification is sequel to reports in a section of the media stated that NNPC has staff strength of over 70,000 and was about conducting a performance audit of staff across its operations globally.

Making this clarification, the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr.Ndu Ughamadu on Friday, explained that NNPC has never at a point in its history maintained a 70,000 staff strength and wondered the source of such erroneous information.

“NNPC is not embarking on any staff performance audit. What we said in the press release that was apparently misrepresented in the media was that the Chief Operating Officers (COOs) of the various Autonomous Business Units signed performance bonds with the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, as part of efforts to ensure that all the units deliver on their mandates in the upcoming year. There was nothing in that statement that indicated that NNPC would carry out a performance probe of staff”, Mr. Ughamadu explained.

He, however, urged journalists to always adhere to the ethics of the profession and seek clarification whenever they were not sure about any information contained press statements, adding that the doors of the Corporation were always opened to such inquiries.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Trophy Lager rewards more consumers, honours Alaafin Joy Obakeye Trophy Lager, one of the national treasures from the stable of International Breweries Plc, and a part of the AB InBev family organised a three-day beer carnival to celebrate the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III’s 80th birthday in Oyo State.

The event, provided an exciting and culturally appealing experience for consumers, also saw the brand reward winners in its ongoing National Consumer Promo, tagged Honourable Millionaires promo, which was instituted to celebrate Trophy Lager’s 40 years of facilitating goodwill and celebration for Nigerians.

Consumers had a great time as they were thrilled to comedy, drama and musical performances from top artists Speaking on the rationale for the initiative, Consumer Connections Manager, IB Plc, Jumoke Okikiolu, noted that the celebrations are two-fold. “On one hand, our decision to celebrate with Kabiyesi is very much aligned with our brand values as he is a personage who stands tall in the promotion of Yoruba socio-cultural values of honour, integrity and quality service. Also, this fiesta has afforded us the opportunity to celebrate and reward our highly esteemed honourable men and women, who have stood with the Trophy brand for 40 years, for their support and loyalty, in a unique and fun way,” Okikiolu said.

Mr. Funso Elubeku, Marketing Manager, Trophy Lager, IB Plc said, “At the heart of our National promotion is the need to provide a memorable experience for our loyal fans. We are empowering 40 Honourables to win N1 million for the duration of the promotion with other consolation prizes such as free instant airtime worth N80m and N40, 000 cash prize weekly for 40 consumers as well.”

Currently, 16 people have emerged as honorable millionaires and about 250 people have won N40, 000 each till date. “All our consumers need to do is to buy a bottle of Trophy Lager and look under the crown cork, text “TROPHY” space “UNIQUE CODE” under the crown cork to 30810 to win instant prizes and a chance to win either N40, 000 or N1m in the weekly draw. The more entries put in, the better chance of winning the cash reward”, Elubeku added.

Go for fruit juice when you miss breakfast Godwin Anyebe A health and fitness expert, Dr. Bisi Abiola has recommended 100 per cent fruit juice for professionals who are denied the opportunity of regular breakfast as a result of tight job schedules.

Abiola also noted that adding fruit juice to the breakfast table gives individuals who are often too busy to eat regularly the needed nourishment to start their daily activities.

She made this observation during the November Edition of her monthly discourse on the health benefits of 100 per cent fruit juice, a platform aimed at promoting the No-Added Sugar initiative of Chi Ltd. Abiola noted: “The consequence of our modern lifestyle has forced many people to resort to unhealthy lifestyle and feeding habits, which are now frequently linked to the development of an increasing number of diseases like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, respiratory infection, obesity, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and thyroid.

“In most homes, both parents have jobs, whether working for someone else or self-employed, leaving little or no time to cook. So, the norm is a grab-on-the-go meal or going without breakfast. One of the things that come handy in this situation is 100 per cent fruit juice.”

According to the expert, individuals who adopt unhealthy food habits often skip breakfast, eat little fruit and vegetables or stick to one meal a day. A healthy attitude towards fruit juice, she stated, is a convenient way to prevent health challenges associated with busy lifestyles.

“An intake of food balanced with essential nutrients, which include 100 per cent fruit juice, will help improve our immunity level and keep us healthy”, she noted.

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere (left), exchanging ideas with the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Hon Nicholas Mutu (right), during a courtesy visit by the lawmakers at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. In the middle is a member of the Committee, Hon Sabo Garba.

Council on Industry urges FG, BoI, states to grant loan facility to ITF-trained youths Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia The National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, yesterday urged the Federal Government and Bank of Industry, BoI, to grant loan facility to Industrial Training Fund, ITF-trained youths in the country.

This was even as they also called on state governments to serve as guarantors to the youths who are indigenes of their states to enable the youths to access loan facilities in the country.

In their communiqué after their 10th meeting held in Umuahia with the theme: “Ease-ofDoing Business in Nigeria: The Role of States and Local Government”, the meeting presided over by the Chairman of the Council and Federal Minister for Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah also urged the Federal Government and its agencies to patronize made in Abia products, especially boots, belts,

bags and military/paramilitary uniforms.

While also urging the Federal Government to select Abia artisans to participate at International Trade exhibitions/forums, advised states to “create fiscal incentives and simplify the process of (business) registration through the establishment of one-stop shops where all key stakeholders are in one place”, called on states to “establish electronic database for checking encumbrances, boundaries and other cadastral information”.

According to them, “State Governments should provide sufficient land to support cotton production, Federal and state governments to ensure that all industrial layouts are provided with electric power supply as a way to reduce the cost of production, Federal and state governments to improve access roads to all industrial layouts and major markets in each state of the federation (and) the construction and equipping of common facilities building at cluster sites to stop importation of shoes”.

The communiqué disclosed that a total

of 64 memoranda, 8 of which were action memoranda and 56 information memoranda were deliberated upon resulting to the adoption that “the existence of a new operational policy that will drive tomato industry in Nigeria, that the developed tomato roadmap will facilitate an increase in Nigeria’s production of tomato fruit, the need for the revival of all moribund tomato processing plants in the country and the need to encourage investors’ participation in tomato production, processing and packaging along the value chain”.

Other resolutions are “that the leather policy is to transform the Nigerian leather sector from the production and export of raw materials, semi-finished products to the production of finished leather products (FLPs), such as footwear and other leather apparel for domestic and export markets, that the leather sector is an area Nigeria can leverage on its comparative advantage towards the achievement of its goals under the industrialization programme as encapsulated in the ERGP plan 2017-2020.

ANED berates Gov Obaseki over row with BEDC Temitope Adebayo The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, has lent its voice to the ongoing row between the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Speaking in response to media queries, ANED’s Executive Director for Research and Advocacy, Chief Sunday Oduntan, in a statement, said the umbrella body was displeased by the recent treatment of BEDC’s Managing Director by the Governor during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Power to Edo state.

Governor Obaseki walked the MD out of his office during the meeting for, according to him, “...failing to meet obligations to electricity consumers in the state.”

“What is most unfortunate about the whole

episode is that there is a misunderstanding about how the power sector works and this has led to the Governor’s unfair expectations from BEDC. I cannot also rule out with the upcoming elections and everyone looking for scapegoats, that local politics may be involved in this case and that is highly unfortunate,” Chief Oduntan said.

“He mentioned that the state generates over 600MW and as such should not be encountering power supply challenges. However, he needs to understand that the power generated at Azura or any other power plant in the country for that matter is first sent to the national grid from where it is redistributed to different DIsCos for distribution to customers.

“Benin DisCo is only entitled to 9 per cent of the power sent out from the national grid so it is clear that the DisCo does not have the power to retain the 600MW generated by Azura.

“More interestingly is the fact that out of this 9per cent, over 40 per cent of it distributed within Edo state

as the host community of the DisCo. The other three states in the franchise area - Delta, Ekiti and Ondo share the remaining 60 per cent. You can see therefore that Edo state enjoys the lion share of what the DisCo gets already. To allocate more to Edo - which is what the Governor is advocating for - will be grossly unfair to the other states,” Chief Oduntan added.

Chief Oduntan also mentioned it is unfair to attack a DisCo that is on record as having the highest number of pre-paid meters in the country all in a bid to ensure customers get value for their money as well as to end the practise of estimated billing within its franchise area.

An earlier released statement by BEDC reported that the company had completed plans to roll more pre-paid meters with effect from the first quarter of 2019 under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) programme of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory omission (NERC) to further accelerate the metering of consumers.

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2019: Buhari must do more for peace and unity of Nigerian people – James Bassey James, a renowned criminologist is a cleric and president of the Southern Youth Development Forum. He is one man passionate about peace and development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE, James speaks of his passion for the country and why governments across board should not abandon governance at this time because of politics.

He also speaks on why governors of the Niger Delta must collaborate to create an economy for the region outside oil.

Toward the 2019 election, a lot has happened, especially the party primaries for the various political parties, President Muhammadu Buhari running unopposed in APC, Alhaji Akitu Abubakar emerging as PDP candidate and all of these things. It seems to create so much uncertainly about what is coming in 2019. How do you look at this scenario?

I think the issue has to do with performance. The issue has to do with the way Nigerians look at political leaders and the performance of the APC government, especially the performance of the President, but so far so good in terms of infrastructure, the President has demonstrated very strongly the capacity to develop the Nigeria nation. In the area of infrastructure, you know the road network is becoming very visible, the railway is working and so many areas, this is important in so many areas and Nigerians will now compare and take a decision on what to do. But from my own point of view, one thing that will give the President pass mark is the area of security, Boko-Haram has been decimated, but even though we have some attacks here and there, but it is no longer taking urban territories. So I would commend the President and ask him to do more on the issue of security, especially the issue of the herdsmen that are already dying down. There is need for government to build the network of relationship between Nigerian peoples and assure Nigeria of safety and togetherness, because the greatest achievement of any government is the unity of a nation. If we are united, if we live in peace, if we stay together, our strength will become a plus in terms of development. Nigeria is a great nation, so we need great leaders, for me I must give kudos to the President, especially in the area of returning the money so many of the states use in constructing federal roads, and also the Paris Club that he has paid to states.

From the point of the Niger Delta, I think I must also commend the President on the Ogoni Cleanup.

But I want to challenge him to make sure that the contract for the Ogoni Cleanup is done by the people of the area.

If the Niger Delta indigenes are involved in the Ogoni Cleanup, it would have reduced the tension and empowered the people, you

of Akwa Ibow State towards 2019.

The politics of Akwa Ibom State is getting interesting, I am from Akwa Ibom State and a major stakeholder, so I would not like to comment on the personalities, because I know them, they are my leaders. But some of the things that I am trying to do is to pray and seek for God’s direction, but I can assure you that every issue that has to do with Akwa Ibom will be resolved in favour of the people of the state.

You know I have been part of the government of Akpabio and I am part of the government of Udom Emmanuel, the fact that I’m from Akwa Ibom State means that I am part of what goes on in my state, so every Akwa Ibom is part of the government.

know, to see to the development of the region But you realise that the Ogoni Cleanup is highly technical not just what anybody can do.

It is highly technical I agree with you. The job will not be done by spirits. Technical does not mean the call off. Technicality is a language. The experience is required. The issue is that if you engage the Niger Delta people, they have contracts.

Niger Deltans are some of the greatest people on the face of the earth. They have contacts. They have business people across boards. All you need to do is add partnership. They must be able to, they can create partnership with foreign companies, with foreign contractors and bring them to come and do the job. Either you pay commission. But let me tell you, if you encourage one, two, three, four, five and ten people from the Niger Delta region, it will go round the Niger Delta region, it will go a long way in the minds of the people, and engaging the youths. It is not a spirit that will come to clean up the Ogoni area, it is human beings, and human beings in America in Nigeria is the same thing, you now have expatriates that can pair with our people and in any case, it would have been better, it is better to engage the people so that when this issue occur again, our people can come in to do the cleanup, because nobody can take care of your property than yourself.

Having said that, I want to commend the President on giving our people good positions in government, of course you know that the Niger Delta people didn’t vote for him massively in 2015, for the President to come on board to say Nigeria Delta, I want to do business with you, I want you to be part of my story, we have most of the choice ministries and I thank him for that and we would reciprocate when the time comes, but we need him to do more, we need him to empower our people more, create enabling environment for our people, also the issue of pipeline protection, I want to appeal to the President to consider the Niger Delta people to engage themselves manage, engage either from the point of the community, and also the NDDC, and ministry of Niger Delta and the Amnesty programme, you know the President is doing a

James

lot, he is funding the key Niger Delta parastatals that sees to the development of the Niger Delta region.

In your state, Akwa Ibom,

there is some power play since the defection of the former governor Godswill Akpabio to the APC, some people are defecting here and there, how do you look at politics

One thing that will give the President pass mark is the area of security, Boko-Haram has been decimated, but even though we have some attacks here and there, but it is no longer taking urban territories. So I would commend the President and ask him to do more on the issue of security, especially the issue of the herdsmen that are already dying down.

There is need for government to build the network of relationship between Nigerian peoples and assure Nigeria of safety and togetherness, because the greatest achievement of any government is the unity of a nation.

When you say part of the government, what do you mean?

You know I’m from Akwa Ibom State. For the fact that I’m from Akwa Ibom State means that I am part and parcel of what goes on in my state. So every Akwa Ibom person is part of the government, whether our entire government or Akpabio or Udom Emmanuel.

So for us we believe, I believe that we will not, I should not go out to talk about the state from the point of what is goig to happen in 2019.

Because, I believe very strongly that polities will solve itself. The issue would in the next few months work out itself and the people would be happy for it.

Like you said, you are a major stakeholder in Akwa Ibom and also in the Niger Delta region; you were planning a youth empowerment programme Youth Impact Assessment Conference.

What stage is it at, are we still looking at that before the year runs out?

Off course yes. We shifted it twice because we wanted to engage and bring in the major stake holders too and by the popular demands.

There is need for us to even extend it beyond the Niger Delta and to do one or two things across board.

Today Nigeria needs people of like minds. I have looked at the whole issue, I have looked at my state, to my Niger Delta, I have done programmes, I am the president of the Southern Youth Development Forum, while you are looking at the Niger Delta, there is need also to look at the West, to look at the East, and extend the relationship to the North, so what we want

Continued on 18

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Buhari must do more for peace and unity of Nigeria people Continued from 17 to do in the next few months or weeks is to have a pan Nigerian youth conference where the issue of security will be discussed, the issue of empowerment will be discussed and the issue of living together will be discussed.

The conference is about to take place, we will start either in Abuja, Lagos or Akwa Ibom or Rivers and Owerri. We have done almost all the necessary things and we are just waiting for one or two things to take place. We believe that the support will come.

Not the financial support. We need to talk now that Nigeria is going into election. There is need for everybody to come on board.

Nigeria is beyond APC and PDP and APGA and other parties.

You know Nigeria is bigger than the Niger Delta, bigger than the North, bigger than the South West. And bigger than the South East, the issue should be Nigeria now. If there is peace in Nigeria, there will be peace in the North, South, East and West.

My emphasis today is how we can unite the northern youths, southern youths, middle belt youths, the Yoruba youths and all the youths of this country and let us see how our leaders and elders can come together to key into the issue of youth development.

This is because I have discovered in the last few years as a young man and as a citizen of Nigeria that we have spent more time playing politics and we play polities and from the day one that the people are sworn into government, they play polities till the last day and as they enter, they plan to enter the next government. There is need to deemphasise politics and talk about governance. We should put emphasis on government Nigeria has no reason to be poor.

The young men in this country have no reason to be poor. There is so much poverty. It is not caused by this government, it has been there, it is like the direction is lost somewhere in the middle of the sea because there is so much emphasis on politics rather than governance and politics is seasonal. It comes and goes every four years. You know, what do you do after four year? It’s not too late for the government to partner with the Southern Youths. It’s not too late for the government to do something and the President can say tomorrow, what are the banks are doing for the youths.

Let the Bank of Industry the Bank of Agriculture, Nigerian banks wake up from their slumber.

They are sleeping for too long, waiting for government funding and I challenge them to wake up. You know I’m also happy that the President through the Ministry of Finance ordered that all government funds should be sent to the Central Bank, let the banks begin to develop products, not waiting for state government accounts. I think the

state governments should follow suit. Let the government account from the states, even the Local Government Areas be deposited in the Central Bank. That will allow the banks to engage people in businesses.

Today he banks only wait for the governors to return from FAAC so the money that comes in from FAAC across the state is enough for any bank to make commission to live with, so for me, I think that something must be done.

I came up with the idea of the Southern Polytechnic which if we are able to commission in the next few weeks would create a lot of idea for the people of the region and Nigeria, because we are coming up with different ideas.

It’s never too late for us to do what is right, because right now there is need for us to start talking about development and see how we can use it to make a difference in states.

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of some states in the South-South, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa on the derivation issue, what’s your view about that ruling? Do you think it would help to make positive impact in the benefiting states.

It will, I want to thank the President for not interfering in the Supreme Court and I want to thank the Supreme Court judges for not looking the other way. The President must be commended for not trying to interfere by sending the Minister of Justice to stop the proceedings, that is way we the Niger Delta people are very happy with the President and I also want to thank the governor of my state, Udom Emmanuel and the governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson and that of Rivers for pulling resources together to pursue this case. This three states produce the oil, they lay the golden egg that is feeding Nigeria, so it is good for the South to have more, because without oil the salary of the people will not be paid.

In actual sense it is the oil money that they use in feeding the Nigeria nation and that is why an average Akwa Ibom person must be rich, must be very powerful, must be well connected and that is why an average Akwa Ibom person, Niger Delta person must have what it takes to live well. Because God did not make mistake by giving us oil. So we must begin to enjoy what God has given to us. And this President has given us the opportunity to enjoy that and I thank him for that. The governors on their part must save us from crisis by engaging the youths on massive development.

The money that is coming should be added incentive.

The Rivers governor, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa governors must have a central business district, because these states are just two close to each other. The Akwa Ibom State government and the Rivers government can

meet across the Ogoni area and pull up an international business development center with banks, police station, market, international market, you know and hotel where the white men, business people and expatriates that are living in Akwa Ibom can come there to enjoy the facilities, coupled with the fact that we will have a massive revenue area. The government must take advantage of that and develop the people. There is nothing stopping these three governments to say we want to have a university, it has happened before, you know, we want to have one common business that can see to the development of the region and other states will come to join.

The Niger Delta region must be developed, it’s a must do, that is why I talk about the NDDC. Is this line of thought part of the reason why you developed or why you are in the process of developing the Niger Delta Emergency security network?

Yes, because I spent three years doing a study of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria security and also with the fact that I am in charge of the security systems in Akwa Ibom State. I installed and inspected it over the years and in 2012, when the joint task force was set up in Akwa Ibom State, I donated equipment worth millions of naira and in 2016, I donated a state of the art Police Station to Akwa Ibom State Police command, what also motivated me was the letter written by the present Inspector General of Police to me after the donation, on the day of the commissioning he sent me a message. So that letter is what challenged me. The letter is more than Hundreds of millions to me, that the IGP sent me a letter of appreciation, thanking me for donating communication equipment to the police.

But before that I have done a study, if you are travelling from Akwa Ibom to Rivers, you will see that Nigeria police are doing so much, trying to protect the people, but what are the people doing when there is crisis. Who do they run to, you know I did a study in Akwa Ibom, in Rivers in Bayelsa and in all the Niger Delta states on why we have militancy and I discovered that we are not militants.

The Niger Delta people, we are businessmen, we are entrepreneurs, out of 100% if only 2% or ½ % is involved in crime, it doesn’t mean that Niger Delta people are all so bad. So God gave me the idea of the Niger Delta Integrated emergency that it is possible for an Akwa Ibom man to relate information with the Bayelsa man, and it’s possible for Akwa Ibom man to talk to Akwa Ibom, to pass information on crime, violence or issues of boundary dispute to the system and having passed that it is also possible for the information to be disseminated across to different network. This is my area of specialization, it is possible.

Sanwo-Olu

Fulani Monarch to Sanwo-Olu: Remember us when you become governor Stories by Patrick Okohue Sarkin Fulani of Lagos State, HRH, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado has told the governorship candidate of the All progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to remember the Arewa community if God assists him to become governor next year.

The Fulani monarch made the request while welcoming Sanwo-Olu, who paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Surulere for royal blessings towards next February general elections.

According to Bambado, many a times, various candidates visited the palace with a lot of promises but at the end, the Arewa Community was forgotten after they have been able to achieve their aims.

However, the monarch believes that, “with Babajide Sanwo-Olu and people around him, the Arewa Community will see changes and to achieve that, the Arewa Community should be part of the Government, not minding being minority, but we are an important stakeholder and we contribute to the economic

development of Lagos State.”

In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu commended the able leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Bambado, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos for the peaceful atmosphere in his domain and the firm control of his subjects.

The APC governorship candidate expressed his delight over his ‘small home coming’ having spent over 35 years growing up in Surulere, stressing that, as a candidate, he has come as a subject to express his regard, honour, pay homage and visitation to important stake holders in the state.

“And I realise the Fulani/Arewa community in Lagos is important stake holders, and to acknowledge the rulership of Your Highness and your followers that cannot be put aside. We have come to the palace to show ourselves while going out to tell people what we want to do for them as soon as the governorship campaign kicks off next week and to also assure you on peaceful co-existence as Nigerians, we can do business without fear or favour,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

Ooni of Ife admonishes Nigerian youths as Olufunso Amosun hosts Queen Moremi pageant finals Stories: Chris Onuoha His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has charged the youth in the country to braze up and take full responsibilities in the polity of events, saying the country belongs to them.

Speaking from his palace ahead of Queen Moremi Cultural pageant finals, the Arole Oodua, Oba Ogunwusi noted that youths are the leaders of tomorrow and should not be complacent.

He stated: “Reason for empowering youth is that clearly, the future belongs to them. I see myself a lot in them and I live on this throne for them all across the whole length and breath of Nigeria.

“My major wish is that some day the youth of this country will rise up to occasion of how they will claim their right and take full ownership of what belongs to them - the country Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, his imperial majesty will lead monarchs, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and notable personalities in the country to Abeokuta, Ogun State capital as Queen Moremi Ajasoro cultural pageant finals holds.

The much anticipated finale of the cultural event to hold on Sunday December 2, hosted by Her Excellency, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of Ogun State governor is termed by culture scholars as the greatest cultural reawakening pageant to relive the legacy of a popular Yoruba heroine, Queen Moremi Ajasoro.

Mrs. Amosun who incidentally is the model of the living ‘Queen Moremi Ajasoro’ with a book and a plaque dedicated to her name by the Ooni is hosting the 3rd edition to show her support and commitment in uplifting the Oduduwa cultural heritage of the Yoruba land and the legacy of the heroine.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi

Olufunso Amosun

About 400 registrants that indicated interest to contest for the crown where drilled in an audition that produced 40 candidates who went to camp for cultural orientation. While in booth, the ladies were exposed to camp life and cultural values by seasoned cultural experts and about 20 disqualified contestants were evicted leaving 20 for the finals.

The cultural pageant, started three years ago was initiated by the Global Cultural Ambassador to Queen Moremi Ajasoro, Princess Aderonke Ademiluyi under the auspice of House of Oduduwa Foundation and Ooni’s palace.

Two Queens had graced the throne since inception thus, becoming QMA cultural ambassadors while several others also benefited from the foundation’s humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

With Miss Blessing Animashaun becoming the first Queen Moremi model and Miss Oluwatosin Shittu winning the second edition, the current edition will produce a queen that will be the Moremi touchbearer for the next one year alongside other non-winners benefiting from the foundation’s empowerment programmes.

Recall that last year, one of the contestants,

Damilola Falodun who did not make it to the finals was immensely rewarded with empowerment benefit. Having impressed and endeared the Ooni’s heart with her heart touching story of how she lost her parents, dropped from school and had a terrible experience as a slave servant in Oman, Middle East, the Ooni adopted her with a scholarship to continue her University education. The lucky lady who is in her 2nd year in the University is also employed as senior personal assistant to the general manager, Ife Grand Resort and Leisure, Osun State.

According to Princess Ademiluyi, “This year we intend to empower 2 more young ladies who will not win the crown but QMA will impact on their lives immensely too. It has always been Ooni’s idea since he mounted the throne to impact the youth positively. The Moremi legacy also continued with a stage drama that will be coming in December to January, 2019. All these among other things are what House of Oduduwa is doing to give life a meaning and engage the Nigerian youth positively,” Princess Ronke added.

Prince Jide Fadairo, chairman, House of Oduduwa Foundation also stated; “The Moremi pageantry is an attestation to upholding that Yoruba heritage, and this also is to reiterates the importance of the heroine’s legacy so that she will not go into extinction. It’s part of our history and we must always projection it. The Yoruba history in terms of Moremi contributions would not be forgotten.

“The significance of hosting this year’s finals in Ogun State is nothing peculiar, for the fact that Ogun is part of Oduduwa land by extension. It is also a good intention of the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun to have accepted to host this year’s event after the last year edition in Lagos. The idea is to move the pageantry to every different regions of the Oduduwa land so that all the Yorubas will have a sense of belonging to that part of history,” Fadairo concludes.

Celebrities take creative workshop to Emirate Academy As communication manager speaks on other issues

Lorretta Ewara Onyia is an administrator, educationist and the Principal Consultant, Lindell Global Resources, an education consulting firm. She is also the communication manager, Central Emirate International Academy Abuja, one of the schools in the country that is well known for welfarism. In this chat, Onyia speak among other things the upcoming creative workshop with celebrities by the school.

About Central Emirate International Academy and the forthcoming booth camp Central Emirate International Academy, Abuja is a school with a vision to carry along every Nigerian child and to sharpened them to greatness irrespective of their background, religion and social status. Established 5 years ago with full boarding facilities, the school strongly believes that mentorship programme should be organized by schools to help the development of children in the society.

The founder is Mrs Hassan Bala, a child friendly educationist who loves training young people to become role models. The school runs British curriculum and her mantra is global education.

From December 7 to 9, 2018, the school will be having three days booth camp in Abuja that will accommodate and feed about 1000 children from 9 to 22 years old. It is open for children with talents in singing, acting, sports and other creativities for a three-day programme. Although, it is not basically free but affordable.

Top Nigerian celebrities invited to ginger the kids to develop interest in various talents include former Nigerian international footballers, J. J Okocha, Tijani Babaginda among others while former Big Brother Africa winner and model Uti Nwachukwu will also be present alongside other role models. Reasons for bringing these celebrities to the camp is because we want the Nigerian child to tap from their experience and learn to excel and we feel the best way is for the children to meet masters in the field. The Nigerian child needs to know that it is possible to be like who they want to be, hence, exposing them to interact with their role

models become necessary.

What informs the project and what do you intend to achieve by inviting these celebrities?

Anytime, I am outside the country, I am amazed at what children do with technology gadgets around then. In America a 12 year child is already conversant with digital coding, and other amazing things including history narratives. Our children can do it but with non availability of basic infrastructure, it becomes difficult.

Our core reason for involving the stars in the programme is to imbibe ‘Unity in diversity’ in the children and expose them to emerging technology. We are going to bring children from the East, West, North and South together. There is a problem in the country now which is ethnic challenge. We are teaching these children to live in harmony with one and another, that we are one Nigeria. Secondly, we believe by interacting with these stars, the children will be mentored and nurtured and see no difference between Hausa and Igbo or Yoruba star. Every child needs mentoring; you need people you believe and look up to grow. That is what we are trying to achieve.

Do you see these as a way of developing education in the country?

Yes! The passion the school has for every Nigerian child is a strong hope for development of education in Nigeria. First of all, Nigerians are brilliant people. By the time a Nigerian child travel out of the country to pursue his education, within one or two years he or she excel. But the systems and policies in Nigeria for those who cannot afford it are nothing to write home about. I attended a Unity School, Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, Imo State in the 90s. We did not have up to five or seven private secondary schools then.

We also have missionary schools doing well and by then the state government has not taken over the schools. All of us that finish in this Unity School have friends from the North and South, rich and poor. Both the teachers, the curriculum and the friendly ambience were amazing. We

had standard education that can compete globally and was as low in tuition fees, less than N20,000.

Suddenly private schools came and rob the missionary and Unity schools of their status.

I feel it is not right to what we are doing to the present generation. The system now is, if you cannot afford good and quality education, go to public school. An ignorant child is a child who lacks basic knowledge and cannot deliver when necessary. The system also expose them to all manner of vices. That is why we have to remodel our children to become responsible and employable.

In America and Europe, primary and secondary education is free. Parents have enough time to save money to fund their university education.

Apart from that there are a lots of scholarship programmes for brilliant children. These are things we need to put into consideration in this country to get our education right.

And to be candid, if our education system could introduce basic vocational training at Junior Secondary School level such as Home Economic, food Nutrition and other craft like we have in the former Technical Schools, then there will be no need to struggle for university education to become rich. Even at the expense of basic infrastructure, education and health must not be underestimated.

What are the challenges the have encountered since inception?

The major challenge the school had to contend with is teachers’ quality. Our youths are brilliant and intelligence but when you want to balance the certification with the teaching practical there is a disconnect. The school opened a full Montessori training center to train teachers every Saturday.

But we have overcome it overtime and today we have quality teachers. We have been able to make the study of History and government compulsory in the school for secondary school students. History subject is compulsory for the students whether they are of science or art class.

We have started A-Level class in January. We also have A-level class and tuition fee in the school is affordable with scholarship programmes for indigent children.

How is the school getting fund considering the number of children on scholarship?

We have not gotten any government support or sponsorship from private organization but the proprietess Mrs. Hassan we tell you ‘if I live a legacy that I transform a child I will sleep in peace.’

What do you think government should do?

Man power training is key, once a teacher who has passion for teaching is trained, the better for it. The future of the children depends on every teacher. That is why we at Central Emirate International Academy are regularly training our teachers in our schools every week. Teaching is a passionate job. You must love it and be excited about it. We cannot have fantastic building, equipped lab, buy books for our library without the right manpower.

Central Emirate International Academy is the first school that started training children on drone usage within FCT. There is a big drone center open for children who are passionate about technology and ICT. ICT experts will also come to train them about Coding during the booth camp. We are calling on parents to release their wards for this wonderful and educative experience already enjoyed by the children in UK, Europe and America.

What are your advice to parents?

The world is a global village and one cannot hide under ignorance. Parents should give their children an all round education that involves an opportunity to learn everything positive from sport, music, art and culture to other creative talents. Every child has a talent and it is good to discover it at early stage. Parent should take their wards to a school that has adequate infrastructure for career developments. This will help to boost their morale and create opportunities for international reclining.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday December 1, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

g 21 US pilots want more training on new Boeing jet after crash

G7 declares ‘unwavering support’ for Ukraine over Russia standoff Foreign ministers from the world’s seven biggest economies, known as the Group of Seven or G7, have condemned Russia’s actions in Kerch Strait as they reaffirmed their “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

A statement by G7 members - the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the High Representative of the European Union - on Friday said there was “no justification” for Russia’s use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel.

“We urge restraint, due respect for international law, and the prevention of any further escalation. We call on Russia to release the detained crew and vessels and refrain from impeding lawful passage through the Kerch Strait,” the statement read.

“We, the G7, once again reiterate that we do not, and will never, recognise Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Olexiy Makeyev, political director at Ukraine’s foreign ministry, told Al Jazeera that Ukraine was defending itself “from the Russian aggression”.

“We count on the support of our American partners and we enjoy a full support also by the European Union,” he said.

The G7 statement came a day after US President Donald Trump cancelled his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, saying the muchanticipated talks at the G20 could not take place while Ukrainian sailors were still in captivity.

Russia on Sunday blocked three Ukrainian military vessels from passing through the Kerch Strait on their way from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov - the shared internal waters of both countries.

The confrontation escalated after Russia seized the three vessels and captured 24 Ukrainian crew members, who were later put under a 60-day pretrial detention and sent to Moscow.

Ukraine said the detainees were Russia’s “prisoners of war”.

Russia insists the Ukrainian sailors crossed into Russian waters illegally, with Putin saying the border guards “fulfilled their military duty” in seizing the ships.

As the threat of a “total war” grew, Kiev introduced martial law in 10 of its 27 regions for 30 days “to avoid an all-

out Russian invasion”.

On Friday, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko told Britain’s Sky News broadcaster that Trump’s decision to cancel the scheduled talks with Putin was an evidence of the Russian leader’s “isolation”.

“After a chemical attack in Britain, after a terror attack on MH17, after the Russian aggression in the east of my country, after Syria, after all these catastrophic actions, Putin is in isolation,” he said.

Ban on Russian men entry Also on Friday, Ukraine barred Russian men between the age of 16 and 60 from entering the country.

Andriy Demchenko, Ukraine’s border service spokesperson, said it was not a blanket ban.

“Russian citizens will go through an additional interview at the border and their previous visits to Ukraine will be scrutinised,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that the decision to block them will be taken on a case by case basis, with necessary exceptions.

“Exceptions might be applied to individuals with diplomatic status, transport personnel, people with temporary or permanent residency in Ukraine, and those coming for

humanitarian purposes,” he said.

Poroshenko said the move would “prevent the Russian Federation from forming detachments of private armies” in Ukraine “similar to the operations they tried to carry out in 2014”.

Ukraine believes that Russian citizens and soldiers are fighting alongside Moscow-backed rebels, who in 2014 seized parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, declaring them independent from Kiev.

Ukraine has also launched military drills in the Sea of Azov, with its soldiers role-playing the repelling of an attempted Russian landing on the coast.

Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Friday that Moscow would not implement a similar travel ban on Ukrainians as it would be “irrational”.

She accused Poroshenko of using martial law as a way of “raising his falling electoral ratings” in an attempt to earn points during the “latest Russophobic wave”.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 10,000 people, including civilians.

UNICEF: More than 1.5 million children in CAR need emergency aid

Around two-thirds of all children in the Central African Republic (CAR) need emergency aid, UNICEF has said, as it sounded alarm bells over the “neglected” crisis ravaging the country.

In a report published on Friday, UNICEF said around 1.5 million children were in need of humanitarian assistance, with at least 43,000 children under the age of five “projected to face an extremely high risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition next year”.

“CAR has the world’s second-highest newborn death rate and maternal mortality ratio, fewer than three out of five children make it through primary school, and almost half the population has no access to clean water,” the report said.

UNICEF’s top representative in the country, Christine Muhigana, said the plight of children “desperately needed the world’s attention.”

“Children in CAR are constantly facing violence, fear, they’re recruited

into armed groups, they’re living under unimaginable poverty and facing malnutrition,” she told Al Jazeera.

One of the world’s poorest nations despite a rich supply of diamonds and uranium, the CAR has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when Muslim Seleka rebels toppled President Francois Bozize’s government.

In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigilante units dubbed “Antibalaka”.

Thousands have been killed while a quarter of the population has fled their homes.

Earlier this month, the UN’s World Food Programme warned that if nothing was done to reverse the humanitarian situation, a famine would hit.

It said if people continued to flee their homes and abandon their fields, the country of 4.5 million people would face spiralling food insecurity.

“The conditions are becoming

desperate,” Muhigana told Al Jazeera.

“Recently in Alindao [a town 200km east of the capital Bangui] what started as an attack between two armed groups ended up as a barbaric attack on the civilian population who were at a

displaced camp.

“About 20 children died, 80 children were made orphans, many fled to the bush and this constant volatile situation is putting a great toll on children in the country.”

Southwest Airlines says its pilots will get more instruction on an automated anti-stall system on certain new Boeing jets, and American Airlines pilots are also seeking more training. The system is under scrutiny after a deadly crash in Indonesia.

The developments came Thursday after Boeing technical experts met separately with pilots from both airlines.

Indonesian investigators are probing whether pilots on an Oct. 29 Lion Air flight were overwhelmed when incorrect sensor readings activated the anti-stall system and automatically pushed the nose of their plane down. The Boeing 737 MAX plunged into the Java Sea, killing 189 people.

The anti-stall system differs from those in previous Boeing 737 models.

Pilots at American and Southwest say Boeing didn’t explain the changes in the new plane’s operating manual.

Boeing says the MAX is safe and that there is a procedure for stopping the nose-down command. The Chicagobased company, however, is considering whether software changes in the antistall system are needed.

Modern planes use sensors outside the fuselage to measure airspeed and the pitch of the plane’s nose. The sensors can malfunction, however, and safety experts have suggested that Boeing will have to change the automated anti-stall system of the 737 MAX — which entered service last year — to prevent it from responding to a single erroneous reading.

Southwest Airlines said all of its pilots will get additional classroom and simulator training by the end of the year.

Airline spokeswoman Brandy King said the training will include recognizing and reacting to situations in which the nose might be pointed too high, and unreliable sensor readings.

Boeing representatives met Sunday with leaders of the pilots union at Southwest. The union declined to comment on the meeting.

Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines pilot and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, said several members of his union met with Boeing’s lead engineer and chief test pilot for the 737 MAX on Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas. He said they quizzed the Boeing experts on how erroneous readings from a single sensor could trigger the nose-down command.

American Airlines pilots who were already familiar with the 737 got 56 minutes of training on a tablet computer when learning to fly the MAX, and “it seemed to suffice,” said Tajer, who is a pilot himself, “but clearly there is more to this aircraft.”

A Boeing spokesman said the company always examines aircraft design and operation after any accident or incident.

“Boeing continues to evaluate the need for software or other changes as we learn more from the ongoing investigation,” said the spokesman, Charles Bickers.

A spokesman for American declined to say whether the airline had agreed to the union’s request for more training, saying only that the airline was working with the union.

At the end of October, Southwest had 26 Boeing 737 MAX jets, American had 16, and United Airlines had seven, according to Boeing figures.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

2018 CAF African Player of the Year: Ahmed Musa, Ighalo, Iwobi picked

Super Eagles stars Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi are among 34 players nominated for this year’s CAF African Player of the Year.

Ighalo finished as one of the leading scorers in the Chinese Super League and he is also top of the goals charts in the qualifying tournament for the 2019 AFCON. Ahmed Musa scored twice for the Super Eagles to beat Iceland 2-0 at the World Cup in Russia.

He has now scored a total of four goals at the Mundial.

Alex Iwobi has continued to establish himself at top Premier League club Arsenal as well as the Super Eagles.

Other notable nominees include previous winners Mohammed Salah

(Egypt and Liverpool) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Manchester City) as well as Sadio Mane (Senegal and Liverpool).

The nominees will be pruned to a final three.

The winner of this prestigious award will be decided by CAF technical and development committee, media experts, legends, coaches of the quarterfinalists of both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup as well as coaches and captains of the 54 member-associations.

Previous Nigeria winners include Rashidi Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke and Nwankwo Kanu.

Meanwhile, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been nominated for this year’s African

g22

Youth Player, while Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will again contest for the Coach of the Year.

Ndidi featured for the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Russia and has been outstanding in the Premier League with Leicester.

He has been the Young Player of the Year at Leicester City for the past two seasons.

He will contest for this accolade with the likes of Franck Kessie of AC Milan and Cote d’Ivoire and Andre Onana of Cameroon and Ajax Amsterdam.

Rohr, on the other hand, was first nominated for this recognition last year after he qualified Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup. He has now qualified the team to the 2019 AFCON with a match to spare.

AWCON: Beat South Africa, get $10,000 bonus each, NFF tells Super Falcons Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been promised a winning bonus of $10,000 each should they beat the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in Saturday’s final of the 2018 African Women’s Nations Cup. Defending champions, Super Falcons, will look to retain the title when they face the Banyana Banyana at the Accra Sports Stadium.

And the Nigeria Football Federation in a bid to motivate the Falcons have dangled the massive winning bonus before them.

“Each player has been promised a whopping $10,000 winning bonus by the Nigeria Professional Football Federation should they beat the South Africans, ” Super Falcons Media Officer, Jane Nweze, disclosed from Accra on Friday.

“It is a way of motivating the players and hopefully they will get the job done on the pitch on Saturday and bring the trophy home once again.

“We are all looking forward to the game. The players are in high spirit and we can’t wait to step on the pitch tomorrow.”

The Super Falcons will look to avenge their 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their first game in the competition.

The Nigerian ladies are yet to concede in open play in the tournament following the defeat to South Africa, edging out the Shepolopolo of Zambia and Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea 4-0 and 6-0 respectively in their remaining two group games.

The Falcons edged out the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 4-2 on penalties to book a spot in the final.

...As Dennerby urges Super Falcons’ special performance to beat Banyana Banyana Super Falcons head coach Thomas Dennerby insists his team must produce a performance better than they had in their previous games of the AWCON 2018 to beat the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in Saturday’s final at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Nigerian ladies started their AWCON 2018 campaign on a poor note going down to

NFF begin process for fresh state FAs elections

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have kicked into motion plans to conduct fresh elections into the State Football Associations.

In a letter dated November 28 and signed by NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, the state FAs were asked to furnish the NFF with their various plans for fresh elections.

The NFF demanded from the 36 State FAs and FCT their electoral committee

and appeals committee members, election guidelines as well as proposed date and venue for the polls.

The letter also made it very clear that the elections may be conducted on or before the date of the last polls of the various state FAs. The state FAs form the bulk of the 44-man NFF congress, the highest decision-making body of the country’s football.

a 1-0 defeat to South Africa but have since recovered from that setback to make it all the way to the final.

The defending champions produced a fine performance in the other group games against Zambia and Equatorial Guinea, winning 4-0 and 6- 0 respectively.

The Falcons were however dominated for long spells in their AWCON 2018 semi-final win against Cameroon before eventually prevailing 4-2 on penalties.

The Swede has however tasked his players to up their game in Saturday’s AWCON 2018 final in order to avenge their defeat to the Banyana Banyana in the first game “We are carrying on with the same plans as always, we will have to improve our attacking play against the better teams and hopefully we will see an improved performance tomorrow,” Dennerby told reporters during his AWCON 2018 final pre-match press conference at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

“All our players are fit to

play except something happens before the final. It is my first time of coaching on the continent and nobody will be happier than me if we can win.”

The South Africans are still the only unbeaten team of AWCON 2018, and have played a delightful attacking brand of football.

The Banyana Banyana also have the competition top scorer Thembi Kgatlana (five goals) in their ranks, but Dennerby says he has mapped out a plan to stop their opponents in AWCON final.

“We need to stay strong defensively, we need to pass a bit more rather than play early long balls because that makes it easy for the opposition defenders. We need to take our chances and play like we did against Zambia and Equatorial Guinea,” he added.

He also provides updates on the fitness level of his team ahead of the AWCON final.

“We had treatment for all the players, rehab training, a postmatch meeting & we’re training towards tomorrow’s game,” Dennerby stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, December 1, 2018

23 Sports Times

Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury ready to rumble in LA showdown Deontay Wilder will aim to rekindle America’s love affair with heavyweight boxing on Saturday when he faces Britain’s Tyson Fury in a highstakes showdown of undefeated fighters.

As the reigning World Boxing Council champion, Wilder is the latest custodian of a belt which has been worn by some of the heavyweight division’s most iconic names stretching back over more than 50 years.

Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson head the who’s who of Wilder’s predecessors, evoking an era when heavyweight boxing was an integral part of the US sporting landscape.

Yet as Wilder prepares for the eighth defense of a title he has held since 2015, he remains a virtual unknown.

At the age of 33, Wilder has compiled an impressive record which includes 40 victories, no defeats, with 39 knockouts.

But his unblemished record and undeniable punching power have yet to capture the imagination of American sports fans.

Even now, three years into his reign as champion, he is sometimes mistaken for NBA superstar LeBron James.

That could change on Saturday when the 6ft 7in Wilder faces off against Fury, the trash-talking “Gypsy King” who is also unbeaten, with 27 wins from 27 fights, 19 inside the distance.

For Wilder, Saturday’s fight at the Staples Center is an opportunity to announce himself to a significant audience.

It is the first time he is the feature attraction on a pay-per-view television card. An explosive display against Fury will burnish his box-office appeal.

‘The baddest man’ “America has a mighty man in me,” Wilder boasted at an ill-tempered press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

“America has the baddest man on the planet.

“I put in the hard work to make it here.

I’ve grinded and worked. There’s no way I’m going to let a man come from another country and take what I’ve been building.”

Victory for Wilder or Fury will thrust them to the front of the queue to face Britain’s Anthony Joshua, holder of the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization heavyweight belts.

While several obstacles would need to be overcome before a money-spinning Joshua fight can happen, the clamour for a unification bout could become irresistible.

For Joshua’s eventual challenger to be Wilder, he must overcome the imposing 6ft 9in frame of Fury, a man on a mission who returned to the ring in April after a two-year absence following a battle with depression, drink and drug abuse.

Three years ago, Fury stunned the boxing world after defeating champion Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO and lineal titles.

The high of that victory however was to be followed by a descent into despair.

Fury, who was subsequently stripped of those belts amid two failed drug tests, recently revealed he had tried to commit suicide.

“I just wanted to die so bad, I gave up on life,” Fury said.

But with his demons overcome, and his licence restored, Fury returned earlier this year, stopping Albanian journeyman Sefer Seferi after four rounds in April before outpointing little-known Francesco Pianeta in August.

Rotherham’s Clark Robertson begs Semi Ajayi not to leave Rotherham United defender Clark Robertson hopes that his flourishing partnership with Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi is not broken up in January.

Robertson has played the last six games for the Millers, five of them next to Ajayi in central defence and they have gone unbeaten in that time.

While the Scot has performed admirably, it is Ajayi that continues to get the headlines following his international recognition with Nigeria.

Boss Paul Warne said it would be a good January transfer window if he can keep Semi Ajayi at the club, and Robertson is not keen on losing his buddy either.

“He (Semi Ajayi) is great to play alongside, he is quick, strong and good on the ball,” the former Blackpool player told The Star.

“I think we complement each other well with the qualities we have.”

He said further of Ajayi: “I’d like to think I don’t get caught out of position too much, but it is always nice to have someone with pace next to you, he is just good to play alongside.

“He is obviously going to have a lot of attention, he is in the Nigeria squad and that is only going to enhance his reputation, but I hope we can keep hold of him because he is a great player.”

official of the Cairo-based told AFP. A report of the last two inspection visits to central African state Cameroon will be made during the meeting.

CAF inspectors recently traveled to the country, which last hosted the tournament in 1972, to check security, infrastructure, stadiums, and accommodation.

After the executive committee

meeting, a decision whether Cameroon should continue as hosts of the June 15July 13 African football showpiece is set to be made.

If Cameroon are rejected, CAF will have to launch a new application procedure to designate another host country for the biennial tournament first staged in Sudan 61 years ago.

Alex Iwobi nominated for Arsenal Player of the Month for September Super Eagles winger, Alex Iwobi, has been nominated for Arsenal player of the month award for November.

Iwobi was nominated for the honour alongside the trio of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira, and Rob Holding.

The Nigeria international laid on an assist for Alexandre Lacazette in the Gunners’ 1-1 with Liverpool and delivered an inch-perfect through ball in the build-up to Arsenal’s winning goal in the 2-1 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last Sunday.

Iwobi who penned a new lucrative deal with the North London club before the start of the current season has been one of the club’s top performers under new manager, Unai Emery.

He was among the first team regulars rested in The Gunners’ UEFA Europa League clash against Ukranian club, Vorskla Poltava on Thursday. Arsenal won the match 3-0.

Iwobi face serious competition from German goalie, Bernd Leno who has continued to impress in the absence of regular first choice, Petr Cech.

Leno made four key saves in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Wolves before clawing an 89th-minute header away in the win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Lucas Torreira’s outstanding start to life in England continued as he played a key role in the draws with Liverpool and Wolves, and the Gunners’ victory at

World soccer ruling body FIFA will vote next year with intent to tinker current loan system which some have described as highly exploitative.

The current system some say makes it possible for clubs to sign so many players they do not need and begin to loan them out indefinitely.

The new system will put a limit to the number of players a club can loan out according to FIFA. It is understood the proposals would limit clubs to only loaning between six and eight players to other clubs per season.

It is however unclear whether the new rule would apply to domestic loans or homegrown players. It is hoped that when FIFA votes next year more clarification will be given.

FIFA has been in touch with clubs regarding their planned changes.

One of the contacted clubs, Chelsea,

currently have 39 players out on loan including Nigeria international Keneth Omeruo currently on loan to Spanish side Club Deportivo Leganés FIFA said: “The said package includes, among others, the development of the regulation of loans of players for the purpose of youth development as opposed to commercial exploitation.

“The number of loans per season and between each club shall be limited and bridge transfers and subloans shall be prohibited.”

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo joined premier league side Chelsea from Standard Liege in 2012 and was immediately dispatched on loan to Dutch side ADO Den Haag.

That move marked the beginning of his unending romance with loan deals. The 25 year old has since then been to six different clubs including Middleborough.

Tottenham announce fan event as stadium move edges closer

CAF withdraws AFCON 2019 hosting rights from Cameroon The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has reportedly withdrawn the 2019 African Cup of Nations hosting right from Cameroon, according to reports.

Earlier, the executive committee of CAF are to meet in the Ghanaian capital Accra on the sidelines of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations tournament, an

Kenneth Omeruo may benefit from FIFA loan system overhaul

Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Iwobi is set for a fresh test of his resurgent form when Arsenal host London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Tottenham have moved a step closer to finally opening their delayed new stadium after the club announced a “familiarisation event” for supporters.

The Premier League team have been playing their home matches at Wembley since their historic White Hart Lane stadium was demolished at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Tottenham had hoped to move into the 62,062-capacity arena on September 15, but the opening has been delayed twice by safety issues at the stadium, which has been constructed on the site of the old White Hart Lane.

Although the north London club will play all of their remaining home games this year at Wembley, they still hope to get permission to move

to their new home in the next three months.

In a sign that the stadium is nearing completion, Tottenham revealed 6,000 season ticket holders will be allowed to visit the south stand of their new arena on December 16.

It will be the first event at the new stadium involving supporters.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said earlier this month that he is hopeful they will be playing in the new stadium by January or February.

And Pochettino on Friday admitted he is pleased to see progress being made.

“It makes me feel we are close to competing there. It’s an important thing for the fans to show our new home and it makes me very happy,” Pochettino said.

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