Dtn 1 5 2018

THE

DAILY

TIMES

Trump confirms sale of Tucano aircraft to Nigeria

Ï Presidency planning to release imaginary gains of Buhari’s US visit, PDP alleges Mathew Dadiya and Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The United States President,

the sale of Super Tucano aircraft by the US government to Nigeria.

Trump made the confirmation on Monday when he and Presi-

Donald Trump, has confirmed

NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG

Continued on page 6

War against graft claims big fish as court jails SAN https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 642

Ï Judge sentences Joseph Nwobike to prison without option of fine Ï EFCC secures first conviction against Senior Advocate Ï Embattled senior lawyer heads for Appeal Court

N150

Peter Fowoyo, Lagos

ÏÏÏ “The defendant’s level of

culpability was high and was carried out with impunity repeatedly over a period of time. The level of culpability was high but, the level of consequences was limited.

“The defendant, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, is hereby sentenced to a period of one month of 30 days imprisonment for each of the 12 counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The sentence is to run concurContinued on page 5

BBN winner, Miracles, receives N25m Cheque, SUV, home theatre system 5

PENGASSAN wants FG to end illegal refineries in Rivers L-R: United States President Donald Trump and President Muhammadu Buhari during the latter’s signing of the Visitors Book at the White House, Washington DC... on Monday

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Suspension: Sen Omo-Agege knows fate May 10 6

Fidelity Bank profits soar by 94% as PBT hits N20bn B4

L-R: General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; Chief Marketing Officer, Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo; Senior Brand Manager, Pepsi, Segun Oshunkeye and Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, during the BBNaija Season 3 Finale Live screening and sponsored by Heritage Bank held at The Podium Event Center, Lekki in Lagos

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

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News

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Trump to Buhari: America won’t accept killing of Christians in Nigeria ÏÏÏ

President Donald Trump of the United States has told President Muhammau Buhari that his country will not accept the killing of Christians.

The American leader said this while playing host to his Nigerian counterpart at the White House on Monday.

“We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being mur-

dered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen,” Trump said.

On his part, Buhari said is working hard to address the problem.

He also thanked the US government for approving the sale of military hardware to Nigeria.

The clash between farmers and herdsmen took a

different dimension when gunmen invaded a Catholic church in Benue state last week.

Two priests and 17 worshippers were shot dead.

Condemning the attack the Pope prayed for Christians while conducting a mass in Rome on Sunday.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had staged a nationwide protest against the killings on Sunday.

APC Congress: Sen. Hunkuyi tasks party members on gender equality ÏÏÏ

Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi on Monday charged members of the All Progressive Congress to ensure gender equality in the forthcoming ward congress.

Hunkuyi gave the charge during a stakeholders sensitisation meeting on the forthcoming party congresses held at his constituency office in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Hunkuyi, who represents Kaduna North Senatorial District on the platform of APC, observed that gender equality would not only give the women a sense of belonging but also ensure equity and Justice in the polity.

He said that the meeting was not a political campaign but meant to sensitise stakeholders and supporters to resist imposition of delegates through affirmation or

selection during the forthcoming party congress.

He said: “I want to task members of this great party to be gender sensitive by electing women into different positions.

“Make sure that you elect credible persons in every ward who will steer the affairs of this great party; apart from that, make sure that you elect learned individuals.

“Make sure you resist any attempt by those in positions of authority to impose candidates on you; Kaduna State Government does not want to hold congresses; instead, they have already compiled a list of those they want to impose on people.”

He said such a move was a violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the party’s constitution and should be resisted.

Hunkuyi gave an assur-

ance that his struggle to bring about leadership change was not meant for personal aggrandizement but to liberate Kaduna people.

According to him, politics is not about enslaving people but fulfilling promises, changing the lives of the electorate for the better to ensure positive development.

He alleged that some thugs attacked him and his supporters during a meeting at ENDwell Hotel in Kaduna on Sunday.

Hunkuyi said the attack would not deter him and his followers; however, “this will ginger us up to actively struggle for positive change in Kaduna State”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting attracted APC chieftains from across the state.

60,000 killed’ in middle belt violence since 2001- Group ÏÏÏ A coalition of civil so-

ciety groups has said that at least 60,000 people have been killed in the middle belt region since 2001.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on Monday, the coalition said while over 600 people had been killed, more than 160,000 people have been displaced in Benue state alone between January and February this year.

“The African centre for strategic studies estimates that over 60,000 have been killed in this rising violence in the middle belt, representing a yearly aver-

age of over 3,500 killed,” said Abiodun BaiyewuTeru, director of Global Rights Nigeria.

“There has been no accountability for these killings. Instead, they seem to have been accompanied by impunity. In response to these killings, government has offered excuses.

“Earlier in the year, the defence minister appeared to justify the killings, blaming them on interference with traditional grazing routes or adoption of laws in some states outlawing open-grazing. Such explanations are disin-

genuous, disreputable and disgraceful.”

The coalition also accused the political class of turning their backs to affected communities and instead “focusing on political campaigns” and election preparations in defiance of the 1999 constitution that guarantees protection for all Nigerians.

The coalition resolved to establish a Nigerian CSO crisis action on the middle belt to explore collaborative and complementary options for constructive action on the crisis on the crisis of mass killings in the region.

PHOTO TIMES

Annual General Meeting of Transcorp: Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu(middle); President/CEO, Mr. Adim Jibunoh(left); and Company Secretary, Mrs Helen Iwuchukwu (right), at the 12th Annual General Meeting of Transcorp Plc held in Lagos on Monday

L-R: Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; General Manager, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), West Africa, Dayanand Sriram and Marketing Manager, Home & Hygiene, RB West Africa, Mrs. Omotola BamigbaiyeElatuyi at the Ministerial Press Briefing in Commemoration of the 2018 World Malaria Day in Abuja.

L-R: Adenike Bankole, Head of Product Management, Payporte; Wangi Mba-Uzo Ukwu, Regional Director, Mnet West Africa; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria; Winner of BBNaija Season 3, Miracle Igbokwe and Ose Ben Wille, Divisional Head, Corporate & Specialized Banking, Heritage Bank during the presentation of prizes to the winner of BBNaija Season 3 Double Wahala held at MultiChoice Nigeria head office, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos...on Monday

L-R: Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Bhupendra Suri; Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC), Zoran Bogdanovic; Ifako-Agege NBC Distributor, Alhaja Adeitan Motunrayo; Coca-Cola Company Business Unit President for West Africa, Peter Njonjo and Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), George Polymenakos during a visit by MD/CEOs of NBC and Coca Cola to Ifako-Agege market in Lagos.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

5 News

War against graft claims big fish as court jails SAN Continued from page 1 rently.”

With the above words and for two hours five minutes on Monday, Justice Raliat Adebiyi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja sentenced Dr. Joseph Nwobike, a Senior Advoctate of Nigeria (SAN) to 30 days’ imprisonment without option of fine over attempt to pervert the course of justice It is instructive to note

that this is the first conviction that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would secured against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The EFCC had alleged that Nwobike offered N750,000 and N300,000 gratifications to Justices Mohammed Yunusa and Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Lagos respectively.

In a 15-count amended charge, the anti-graft

agency claimed that Nwobike offered the two judges money to allegedly pervert the course of justice.

Dr. Nwobike, who appeared in court at exactly 8:45am wearing a navy blue suit with white shirt and red tie, was also alleged to have made false statement to the EFCC in the course of investigation.

But Justice Adebiyi, who began to read her judgment at about 9:40am

found Nwobike guilty of 12 counts out of the 18 counts allegations brought against him and sentenced him to 30 days imprisonment on the 12 counts.

The judge held that Nwobike, who was sweating profusely in the courtroom on Monday, deliberately attempted to pervert the course of justice by sending text message to a judicial official with instruction to influence the assignment of several cas-

L-R: Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna; Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule; Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye; his counterpart for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan; Special Adviser to the Governor on Information & Strategy, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas at the on-going Y2018 ministerial press briefing as part of activities to commemorate the third year in Office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja... on Monday.

BBN winner, Miracles, receives N25m Cheque, SUV, home theatre system ÏÏÏ

Big Brother Naija (BBN) Double Wahala winner, Miracle, was on Monday, presented with his prizes including a cheque for N25 million, an SUV, a voucher for an all expense paid trip, and a premium home entertainment system.

The presentation was done at the winner’s press conference which held at the MultiChoice Nigeria office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Also present at the event were other Big Brother contestants who, alongside Miracle, received DStv explora decoders with a year’s free DStv premium subscription.

The Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “MultiChoice remains at the

forefront of empowering the Nigerian youth and all areas of the creative industry. Miracle is an example of the young, enterprising, resourceful, innovative and ambitious Nigerian youth.

“A trained pilot, his sojourn in the Big Brother house was an entertaining and endearing one as he won the hearts of viewers in Nigeria and across Africa. We are pleased to present him with his prizes today, even as we continue to support him in his future endeavours”.

Big Brother Naija: Double Wahala premiered on January 28, 2018. After three months of excitement, drama, suspense and a steady dose of trouble, the show which was hosted by Big Brother alumnus and

talk show host, Ebuka, ended on April 22, 2018, with Miracle, everyone’s favourite “flyboy”, emerging as the winner.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi MbaUzoukwu, said: “The Big Brother platform is indeed an important one as it provides the necessary spark to kickstart the careers of the contestants. Even though Miracle has deservedly emerged as the winner, we cannot ignore the fact that all 20 housemates played ‘the game’ and entertained Nigerians. They have all been given a platform to pursue different endeavours courtesy Big Brother and we can only salute their drive even as we pledge to continue to support their

quest for success.”

Speaking on his win, Fly Boy as he is now called, disclosed that he never had any strategy playing the game from the start but one thing that kept him going was been real and true to himself.

On his plan with the N25m, Miracle noted that his first priority is to further on his pilot zeal which is on its last stage and investing in agriculture as he wants be tagged a Captain Billionaire, citing Aliko Dangote as one of his role models.

Big Brother Naija: Double Wahala was proudly sponsored by PayPorte, the preferred online store, and other sponsors including Heritage Bank, Dufil Foods and Legend.

es to Justice Yunusa.

She noted that Nwobike conviction would serve as a deterrent to lawyers and stakeholders in the justice sector to desist from such act, saying that the development will send a signal about the seriousness of the government to fight corruption.

She observed that Nwobike was obviously motivated by the zeal for success and the will to succeed at all cost.

In considering the plea for leniency by Nwobike’s lawyer, Wole Akoni, SAN, Justice Adebiyi stated that Nwobike being a senior advocate has brought shame to the legal profession.

She however stated that in sentencing the defendant, the court considered his no previous criminal record, his comportment in court and other factors in reducing the 2 years prescribed jail term to 30 days in prison.

The EFCC had alleged that Nwobike at several occasions sent text messages to one Jide, a Federal High Court official with instruction to ensure certain case he filed should be assigned to a specific judge.

Although Justice Adebiyi held that there was no concrete evidence by the EFCC to prove the more serious offence of perversion of justice, she held that the fact that six out of the 10 cases which Nwobike requested to be assigned, were successfully assigned to the judge he wanted, showed a deliberate attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The judge said, ”It is curious that 6 out of the 10 cases filed were assigned as suggested by the defendant to Jide inspite of the fact that he is not an assigning authority. In proving the ingredient of attempt to pervert justice, act must be immediately connected to an attempt.

From the evidence before me, it is clear that the defendant attempted to pervert the course of justice.

He is accordingly convicted.”

On the allegation of offering gratification to Justice Yunusa and other judges with the aim of influencing the outcome of his cases, the judge held that EFCC failed to prove that the N750,000 given to

Justice Yunusa actually influenced any case before the judge.

The judge also held that the EFCC failed to prove the allegation that the defendant gave false information to its official during the cause of their investigation.

But hours after his conviction, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), filed a notice of appeal against the judgment by Justice Raliatu Adebiyi of the Lagos High Court.

In a notice of appeal which was immediately filed by Nwobike’s lawyer, Wole Akoni (SAN), the senior lawyer contended amongst other things that the allegation of attempt to pervert the course of justice for which he was convicted was not proved by the EFCC. The appeal also insists that the judgment was unreasonable and unwarranted.

Meanwhile, the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and some senior lawyers have reacted to the conviction and sentencing of Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN) to a month in prison.

While some lawyers said the punishment was mild just a “slap on the wrist”, others described it as a sad development.

Some lawyers during interviews described the sentence as a “slap on the wrist” considering that the law under which Nwobike was sentenced prescribes a mandatory two-year sentence.

In his reaction, the Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana, told journalists: “I just heard the news 20 minutes ago though a one month sentence is light, conviction is conviction.

“Certainly, he is liable now to be disbarred apart from being stripped of his rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The stain is there even if he is given a VIP treatment during his stay in prison.

“I would not know if the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt but since they have proved their case against him, then too bad for him.

Continued on page 7

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Trump confirms sale of Tucano aircraft to Nigeria Continued from page 1 dent Muhammadu Buhari were addressing a press conference after their meeting in the White House.

He noted that the aircraft will improve Nigeria’s terrorism fight.

“We are also helping our Nigerian partners by facilitating intelligence, cooperation and providing training and military equipment to Nigerian forces. For example, we recently sold Nigeria 12

US A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, great aircraft, in the first ever sale of American military equipment to Nigeria.

“This new aircraft will improve Nigeria’s ability to target terrorists and protect civilians,” he said.

Buhari had earlier come under criticism over purchase of the Tucano aircraft with some Nigerian senators moving for his impeachment.

The Senators had during plenary, last week Thurs-

day, asked Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to invoke section 143 of the constitution in view of Buhari’s anticipatory approval of the extra-budgetary spending of $496 million to purchase the aircraft.

But the spokesperson for President Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) however, defended Buhari’s action on Sunday, saying Buhari acted under the doctrine of necessity.

Buhari also said beyond

helping Nigeria to tackle corruption, his administration is also committeed to ending scourge of human trafficking and smuggling.

He said, “My administration is committed to combating both jihadist movement and the scourge of human trafficking and smuggling. In the world today, there is more human trafficking than they have ever been. You can believe that.

“They (smugglers) use

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle); the Technical Consultant to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Mr. David McEwen (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu Gekpe, during a courtesy visit by the UN Consultant to the Minister in Abuja.... on Monday.

the internet better than almost anybody is able to use the internet. So, think of it, in the modern world, in this world, there is more human trafficking and slavery than at anytime in the history of this world. It is hard to believe.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alerted Nigerians and the international community of plans by the Presidency to once more deceive the public by releasing imaginary and fictitious investments and economic opportunities as gains from Buhari’s visit to the United States.

The party said in a statement on Monday that investigation has revealed that part of the scheme is to inject extraneous issues in their account of interaction between President Buhari and President Donald Trump in order to arrive at a predetermined impression of a successful state visit.

This it mentioned, includes presenting President Trump with false performance indices and claiming that the US President endorsed the Buhari administration’s imaginary economic direction, its discredited anti-corruption war as well as the failed handling of security in the country.

PDP explained in the statement that this is in addition to bogus claims of imaginary deals sealed with certain investors to bring in huge investments

into Nigeria, a practice that has become a pattern whenever the President goes on official visit abroad.

The statement reads in part: ‘’We invite Nigerians to note that the Presidency had always claimed to attract huge investments, the latest being claims of a $15 billion investment during the 2018 Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM), whereas no sign of such investments have come to our country.

“Furthermore, we are aware that in line with this scheme, a particular cabinet minister has, since last week, been moving around media houses and other interests in the United States with a view to procuring, swaying and lobbying for endorsements for President Buhari.

“We note that the issue of governance by falsehood and procured endorsements in the past three years has led our nation into the present predicament in all sectors.

“As we move towards 2019, it is imperative that Nigerians are not fed with fake performance indices, whereas the market dynamics and reality on ground show the contrary.

“We therefore charge the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to shed their proclivity for propaganda as government by falsehood cannot yield any dividend to the people”.

Suspension: Sen Omo-Agege knows fate May 10 Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏ

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday fixed May 10, 2018 for its judgment in the suit filed by Senator Ovie Omo- Agege (APC, Delta Central) who is challenging his 90 days suspension from the Senate.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba reserved the judgment after lawyers to Omo-Agege, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), that of Senate and Senate President, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), and the Solicitor General of the Federation, Dayo Apata who represented the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their ad-

dresses while canvassing the merits of their arguments.

At the hearing of the matter on Monday before the parties adopted their addresses, Justice Dimgba dismissed an application filed by the Chairman , Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the Vice - Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bala Ibi- Nallah who wanted to be joined as co- defendants to the suit.

The judge said that their application which was argued by Paul Erokoro (SAN) was incompetent.

Justice Dimgba said, “Having considered the principles governing

joinder of parties, I don’t believe that there is any contribution the parties seeking to be joined who are agent can not pass to the principal- the Senate.”

He said that if the committee Chairman and vice chairman were allowed to be joined, it would open flood gate for other Senators who are members of the Committee to seek to be joined.

“Beside, the fact that this application is incompetent, the reason given by the counsel for not filing their defence along with their application is unreasonable.

The judge agreed with the plaintiff ’s lawyer that

the Senators are agent of the Senate in the instant suit ,therefore they are unnecessary parties.

Justice Dimgba said that as a matter of fact, the court ought to have hear the suit Thursday last week . “I hereby dismissed the application.”

Senators Anyanwu and Ibi-Allah are Chairman and Vice - Chairman of the Ethic and Privileges Committee that recommended the suspension of Senator Omo- Agege for 180 days before it was reduced to 90 days by the President of the Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Adopting his client’s written address, Dr. Izinyon (SAN) urged the court

to give an order restraining the defendants and their agents from interfering with Omo-Agege’s rights and privileges as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or preventing him from entering or remaining within the prescient or Chamber of the Senate or National Assembly or attempting to forcibly remove him from the Chamber of the National Assembly or undermining the senator’s ability to function as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The AGF, who was represented by Apata, aligned himself with Izinyon’s submissions and stated that the AGF is a defen-

dant of the 1999 Constitution. He said that the action of the Senate which led to the suspension of Omo- Agege are unlawful and unconstitutional.

Lawyer to the defendants, Magaji SAN on his part, urged the court to dismiss the suit. He said that Omo- Agege was not an ordinary member of Senate , he is a lawyer and member of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Magaji said, “He OmoAgege took oath to obey the very rules he want the court to declare void. Besides, he had in the past participated in the suspension of other erring members of the Senate.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

7 News

War against graft claims big fish as court jails SAN Continued from page 5 “On the surface, the sentence seems lenient but the implications is quite devastating, he is now a convict.”

Also reacting, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, the Executive Director, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), expressed displeasure over the sentence.

Mumuni, who said he had yet to read the full details of the judgment, noted that given the weight of the offence, the punishment was mild.

“For the enormity of the offence, I do not think one month imprisonment will be sufficient punishment.

“That one month sentence to me is on the lighter side; in fact, it is very, very light,” he added.

Mr. Ademola Adewale, a senior lawyer with over 30 years experience at the Bar, criticised the one month prison sentence, describing it as ridiculous.

“The sentencing of Dr. Nwobike (SAN) by the learned trial judge is ridiculous, it is a simply pat on the back.

“It undermines the fight against corruption and a heavier penalty would have served the purpose of punishing the level of judicial impunity Dr.

Nwobike has displayed in this case.

“In the circumstances of this case, the best way EFCC on behalf of Nigerians to show displeasure against this judgment is to appeal against the sentence, the action is an endorsement of judicial impunity,” Adewale said.

Another senior member of the Bar, Mr. Wahab Shittu, said the sentence was a sad development and sad day for the legal profession.

Shittu, who is also a prosecutor for the EFCC said: “He was my classmate at Master’s degree level, it is not easy to become a lawyer and it is much more herculean to be a SAN. “The fact that a SAN has found himself in this kind of light is quite unfortunate and it is a sad day for the legal profession and for those who hold the inner bar in manifest respect.

“I’m saddened by this development but again it is a demonstration of the fact that the law is no respecter of persons.

“I salute the courage of the judge, Justice Raliatu Adebiyi, who was able to apply the law forcefully not minding whose ox is gored.”

Shittu also noted that the case had not ended with the sentence given by the High Court and that

Nwobike’s legal battle is far from over.

“My further reaction is that this is not the end of the matter. I foresee this matter getting up to the level of the Supreme Court.

“There will continue to be a debate on whether the punishment meted out to the senior advocate is commensurate to the offence.

“There are those who will argue that the judge ought to have imposed the maximum punishment of two years imprisonment but whatever the case, it is on record that the court has imposed some level of punishment.

“Let us see if this judgment is upheld by the higher court. I see Nwobike appealing this judgment up to the Supreme Court.

“If this judgment is upheld at the level of the Supreme Court, it means he can no longer practice law as a legal practitioner and will lose his privileges as a SAN. “I know it has a wider implication for his career and that is why I know he will fight it up to the Supreme Court. But for now, let us be content that justice is done,” Shittu said.

Justice Adebiyi sentenced Nwobike under Section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The section says “Any person who attempts in any way not specified in this law, to obstruct, prevent, pervert or defeat the course of justice, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for two years.”

Wife of Ondo state Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (left), during the wedding between Chukwunwike Ogbogu (middle), and his heartthrob Chukwudumebi (right), at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, GRA Inland Ward, Onitsha...over the weekend.

Tourism Development: Minister seeks MDAs cooperation Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called for cooperation among the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to boost tourism development.

This he pointed is to enable generation of relevant data that will assist in making policies and planning decisions for the development of tourism and its related bodies in Nigeria.

The Minister stated in Abuja on Monday when

he received the Technical Consultant of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Tourism Statistics, Mr. David McEwen, on a courtesy visit to his office while on a visit to the country to meet with the various MDAs of government with a view to developing a framework for the generation of data in the nation’s tourism industry.

“Tourism, as an industry, and the other sectors are interdependent, so it’s not by coincidence today that while Mr. McEwen is here, he is going to interact with at least ten

other parastatals or departments and ministries, including the National Bureau of Statistics; the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation; the Nigeria Police Force; the Central Bank of Nigeria; the Nigerian Immigration Service; the National Park Service; the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria; the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria and the National Population Commission and other bodies”, the Minister said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture,

which develops policies for the tourism industry, does not generate the data required for policy formation and planning for the industry, hence the need for cooperation and coordination of the relevant MDAs. “The coordinating role of the ministry is of great importance and is for us to ensure that we persuade and get the cooperation of all the other different actors in the industry for us to be able to plan and develop”.

According to him, most of the agencies that generate the data are not un-

der the purview of his ministry, but their input remains paramount in order to develop tourism in Nigeria.

In his earlier remarks, The Technical Consultant on Tourism Statistics of the UNWTO, Mr. McEwen, said tourism is one sector that depends largely on other sectors to succeed.

“I don’t think there is any industry that needs coordination and cooperation like tourism. It’s one part that the airlines can’t do without accommodation, and accommodation too can’t do without the airlines,” he said.

The UNWTO Consultant said from the experience he gathered from other countries, statistics generated by other agencies and organs play a vital role in attaining the objective of tourism development, hence the need for the government to play a vital role in the development of synergy for tourism to thrive in Nigeria.

Mr. McEwen said there will be a Technical Workshop on Tourism Statistics for stakeholders on the way forward, during the UNWTO/CAF Meeting to be hosted by Nigeria in Abuja in June.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Sex-for-mark scandal: Obaseki salutes Monica Osagie’s courage, tasks varsity authority on justice The Governor of Edo

in the ongoing investigation of the alleged sexual harassment by one Professor Richard scandal. uncommon bravery at a time many female students have come to accept sexual harassment as a norm in our

painstaking and thorough investigation of Osagie’s allegation and serve justice without fear or favour.

“Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ranks high in moral standard and educational

equally

interested

in

the

Local Government of Edo State. Our institutions of higher learning must appreciate that it is a privilege to be saddled with the task of moulding the minds

urge the university authority to rise to the occasion and defend but must be seen to have been

added.

He urged students at all levels of learning “to give knowledge acquisition their

“The world is watching the worth commending.”

The governor urged the university authority to ensure

way the case will be handled and my administration is

problems.”

investigative panel set up by the university that the disgraced Professor Richard Akindele deliberately failed her because she refused his sexual demand.

She said she did not score 33 but was failed so that she could bow to his sexual demand.

Her testimony followed the release of a recorded telephone

ideas and models that can solve the nation’s developmental

rounds of sex to enhance her marks.

Prof. Akindele has since been suspended by the university authority after the report of the university’s investigative

Buhari failed to project economic interest with Trump – PDP The Democratic

Akindele’s suspension followed its observation “that a prima facie case of inappropriate relationship with the female student was established.”

Obaseki called on students to emulate Monica Osagie by becoming voices against all forms of harassments and oppression in the nation’s ivory towers.

President

People’s Party

Muhammadu

meeting with US President Donald Trump at the describing as embarrassing “as he completely failed to project the economic interests of our nation before the American government and the world.”

The party said in a statement issued by Kola Ologbondiyan its National was

alarming

that

in bilateral negotiation and failed to address the issue of the drop in the US purchase mainstay of our economy.

The opposition party stated: “Nigerians and the business community were aghast when President crude oil to his American counterpart even when in the course of question and

he cannot “tell America what to do”.

L-R: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Macus C.D; First Lady, Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello and Health Portfolio Manager, MTN Foundation, Victor Orie-Ononogbu at the MTN Foundation Yellow Heart Walk For Life initiative in Minna, Niger State.

had no answers to President Trump’s stance that the US has not been investing substantially in Nigeria owing to unconducive economic climate under

Court orders forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s Abuja choice properties

of the PDP that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running a moribund economy ALSO READ: Meeting with Trump yields results

By Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

“More disturbing is the revelation by President Trump that the US has been supporting Nigeria with the sum of $1bn annually

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court Abuja Division on Monday ordered an interim forfeiture of two choice properties linked Patience Jonathan to Federal Government for 45 days.

The properties situated

They are registered in the name of Ariwabai Aruera lady.

Justice Dimgba gave the order while ruling on an the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He ruled: “Having dismissed the motion challenging the ex parte have gone ahead to carefully consider the application along with all the materials

placed before the court to support the request for have already been listed at the commencement of this ruling. essence of this application is to preserve an asset pending the completion convinced

that

where investigation reveals the commission of a crime.

“The applicant is at liberty to apply for a renewal of the that such an application to be valid is made before the expiry of the 45 days validity period granted by the court.

“Given the highly contentious nature of this

those

justify a favourable exercise of the court’s discretion to grant the relief sought in the application. grant relief 1 and relief 2 sought.

“Relief 3 is refused because it is not supported by the grounds of the application and thus unnecessary in the circumstances of the application.

“The order of court granting the relief shall last only for a period of 45 days within which the applicant must conclude necessary criminal charges

that where the applicant wishes to physically access

refused and instead gave them 45 days to further investigate and prosecute if they so wish with liberty to apply for renewal.

“That is actually victory for us as the property was not forfeiture”. ex parte motion seeking temporary forfeiture of some properties allegedly belonging to Ariwabai Aruera Reachout Foundation which has a link with the

“An order authorising the EFCC to appoint competent

forfeited to the federal government pending the conclusion of investigation.

The EFCC also said the application was predicated on the fact that the property

execution of the order herein

examination.

the representatives of the

sought to stop intervene

inventory of all the contents

Patience

of such inventory to this court.”

Patience

Jonathan

Chief

had prayed for “an order forfeiture of the assets and property set out in the

had

through

application seeking to be heard on the ground that the federal government had demolished part of one of the property they sought to seize. He also complained

reacted to the judgement.

What the EFCC wanted was for the property in dispute government but the court

suit.

“An

order

stopping

alienation or otherwise of

court for forfeiture order was an abuse of processes as according to him the EFCC court on same properties.

that Nigeria received only $500m last year.

“We had expected

respond to President Trump on the whereabouts of the shortfall of $500m. had no answers to the security situation of daily President Trump described restricted himself to his American government has summarily indicted government for its failure to ensure the security of lives and property of citizens.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

9 News

Uber, taxify drivers to protest insecurity along driving routes Drivers operating under Uber, Taxify and other e-Hailibg schemes under the aegis of the National Union of Professional e-Hailing Drivers Partners (NUPEDP) have vowed to embark on strike during the May Day celebration following discrepancies observed in the condition of service and engagements arrangement, including

security concerns, unrealistic targets and poor pricing mechanism.

According to a statement on Monday in Lagos, the NUPEDP stated that its members have decided to embark on a nationwide strike following an exploitative and uncaring policy of the service providers.

In the statement signed

by NUPEDP Secretary, Mutiu Ola Awosanya,

the group vowed to downtool come May Day due to exploitative nature of many of the App’s companies.

“Due to exploitative and uncaring nature of the service providers, the Apps companies that merely serves as interface between the passengers (riders) and we (drivers), driver partners and investors; it has become necessary for

us, after several appeals to them to fashion out ways and manner to start addressing the too numerous challenges we face daily in the course of our jobs, to make our appeals open to the larger public.

“Paramount among the several challenges that we face daily are in poor condition of service and engagements; Lack of concern for security

measures; Unrealistic targets; Poor pricing mechanism and others.

“It has become necessary to withdraw our services on 1st May 2018, marking the May Day Celebration. This serves as protest towards the treatment we were being subjected to by these app companies.

“This withdrawal is the beginning of our agitation

in Nigeria. We hope that by this, well-meaning Nigerians and all apparatus of government within the transportation sub-sector of the economy would come to our aids.

“The strength in our unity cannot be over-emphasized.

It is high time our huge investment is given serious considerations,” the association stated.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (left) and the Technical Consultant to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Mr. David McEwen (right), during a courtesy visit by the UN Consultant to the Minister in Abuja on Monday.

Corruption: ICPC reiterates need for special courts The acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Abubakar has lent his voice to the call for the establishment of special courts for corruption cases.

Dr Abubakar, in his lecture titled ‘Corruption, Economic and Financial Crimes: Special Courts to the Rescue’, delivered at the 5th Criminal Justice Reform Conference organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Asaba, Delta State, said that the creation of special courts for corruption cases would remove with the adjudication of

conventional courts.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the commission, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, a copy of which was made available to news men in Abuja, on Monday, the chairman said, “Establishing a special Court to adjudicate over corruption and other we have longed for since the establishment of our Commission.

‘The proposal will no provision of Section 61 (3) of the ICPC Act 2000, which requires that Chief Judges of states should designate with corruption cases and

‘The clamour for the establishment of such special courts is borne out of the desire to ensure expeditious disposal of such crime cases.

Instances abound where cases pending in our conventional courts are stagnated and unduly delayed.” He said.

He further argued that the creation of special courts would free-up judges from other responsibilities in view of the fact that most judges are overloaded with According to him, “A recent research by the Commission1 (ICPC) into the reasons for delays in the disposal of corruption cases found that assigning

too many cases to one judge was one of the major causes of delays. It further revealed that 83% of the respondents endorsed the creation of specialized courts to handle only corruption cases as that would expedite and fast-track the prosecution of such cases and in turn lead to more convictions.”

Dr Abubakar, however, warned that the creation of special courts without full implementation of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 would not bring the desired turn around in criminal justice system.

He cited wilful delay of court processes especially by defence lawyers

in corruption cases to frustrate prosecutions in complete violation of Section 396 (3) of the ACJA Act. “In as much as the ICPC subscribes to the establishment of special courts, I make bold to say that there would hardly be

justice, you champion this

lawyers maintain their usual tactics of frustrating the smooth administration of justice,” he warned.

He, therefore, called on both the bench and bar to contribute their quota in

adhering to the relevant provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, notably Rules 14, 30 and 37, most especially Rule 30 which provides that a legal practitioner shall not conduct himself in any manner that may obstruct,

by eliminating all forms of delay in the trial of corruption cases.

“I, therefore, urge that as Ministers in the temple of

anti-corruption in Nigeria.

You must avoid glorifying corruption but insist on ensuring that justice is done.

We should strive to leave a good and lasting legacy for the coming generation.

‘This will require

administration of justice,” he added.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Ex-Police Affairs Minister dissociates self from plot to replace Buhari

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi A former minister

L-R: Dr, Grace Nduka Ajalie; Dr. Tola Owoturo; Dr. Bidemi Dawodu; President, Dental Support Foundation( DSF) and Dr. Bola Awokoya at the DSF Media Interaction on oral dental care awareness in Lagos...on Monday.

Benue Attack: Only 5 of 23 LGAs in Benue free from attacks by herdsmen – Ortom

By Idu Jude , Abuja

NYSC Governing Board inspects Lagos camp facilities

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday May 1, 2018

Politics Wabara seeks recall of Omo-Agege over alleged role in theft of mace Stories by Patrick Okohue Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the people of Delta State to immediately commence the recall process of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central district.

It will be recalled that Omo-Agege was suspended on April 12 by the Senate for 90 legislative days over remarks he made against new sequence of elections adopted by the Senate in the now vetoed 2018 Electoral Bill and also in the centre of the controversy surrounding the hijacking of the Mace of the Senate.

Wabara also called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to immediately role in the saga.

Recall that thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege, invaded the red chambers and forcefully took away the parliament’s symbol of authority.

Speaking at an event at the weekend, Wabara who commented on the Senate invasion saga said, “That was a rape on democracy. I was there at the helm of speaking on good authority that it was an invasion on the National Assembly.

“Anything can happen to me stepping out of here. The leadership of the Senate would have been President would have been installed that day.

Sen Wabara

Sen Omo-Agege

“I salute the resilience of the leadership of the Senate. This senator should be recalled immediately.

“INEC and his people should immediately commence the process of his recall. I urge the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to start the process of disrobing him.”

Wabara also called for the strengthening of the institution of National Assembly even as he sought for the establishment of National Assembly police.

He said, “The National Assembly institution should be strengthened. If state governors are thinking about state police, the National Assembly should start thinking about NASS police.”

In a veiled reference to the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari against Nigerian youths, Wabara urged Nigerians to be resolute in their commitment to the wellbeing

11

Gov Bagudu urges NBA to lead in freeing Nigeria from corruption Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu on Monday urged the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and equity to free the country from pervasive corruption.

Bagudu said at the 2018 Law Week organised by the state branch of NBA in Birnin Kebbi that in

He commended the association for organising the event, describing it as historic and timely.

In his remarks, the state NBA Chairman, Mr Ebenezer Oguelina urged the state government to adopt the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to enhance quick access to justice.

“The act was introduced for the

it is still being regarded as part of the norm.

The theme of the Law Week is `Promoting a Corrupt-Free

society in the administration of criminal justice.

“Many states have already adopted same and we cannot

of ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and equity to free our society from all forms of corruption.

“The society still takes corruption as part of life, especially in the public sector, as such our legal institution must do something to address the trend,” he said.

said.

He also called for proper remuneration for workers including lawyers, adding that “If a worker is poorly paid, you cannot justly expect optimal performance from him. “Our members are forum than this to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

anybody to demonise and denigrate them.

Fayose committed no offence supporting his deputy, says PDP chieftain A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ighoyota Amori, has said that Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Prof. Kolapo Olusola, to succeed Amori told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that Fayose, like every other PDP member, had the right to support any aspirant to be the He said that what was important was to have credible primary to elect a candidate for the July 14 poll, and assured that the PDP national leadership would conduct a fair primary for the candidate to emerge.

“The good thing is that the delegates for the primary are known already; so, the process cannot be manipulated.

“There are statutory delegates, who are also known to everybody, and there is no dispute about that. that will conduct the primaries, they are made up of credible people.

“It is going to be open because PDP wants to test its sincerity with the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun. So, nobody should exercise any fear at all about fairness and transparency,’’ he said Amori, who is the Political Adviser to the National Chairman of PDP, Chief Uche Secondus, explained that Fayose’s support to his deputy in the governorship race would not give the aspirant automatic ticket.

He said there had been many instances where the incumbent supported a candidate and such candidate failed.

“For me, people should exercise their freedom to support anybody they want to support. What is important is that the national body should conduct free and fair primary.

“I am telling you that the Uche Secondus-led executive will conduct a free and fair primary for all of them. is elected through free and fair primary, the election is almost won.

“When other aspirants do

not feel cheated knowing that everything came out clean and clear, and that the candidate was determined by the electorate, everybody will support the candidate.’’

Amori said that the aspirants in the party for the Ekiti contest were now in good term since they were assured of credible primary.

He urged all party stakeholders in the state to work in unison for the success of the party in the election.

Gov Wike

Senator pleads with constituents to prevail on Gov Wike to stop alleged attacks on him

The senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Chief Andrew Uchendu, has urged Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers him.

Uchendu, who spoke weekend, at the First African Church (Holy Trinity Anglican Church) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a victory thanksgiving organised in his honour by his family, stated that his victory was as a result of God’s intervention.

He called on Christian leaders

Gov Fayose

him, noting that his concern as a

senator was to ensure peace and development in his senatorial district and Rivers State as a whole.

He said: “One month after I

Amaechi and his wife. But today I am back to represent my people with a stronger voice. am anointed by the Lord. I decided that my victory will be dedicated to peace and reconciliation in the state. I wrote to Amaechi and Wike that I want to make peace. Amaechi invited me, but till today Wike has

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Shekarau renews presidential ambition, declares bid for 2019 Stories by Patrick Okohue A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau has formally declared his intention to contest for the 2019 presidential elections.

Shekarau seeks to contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Education Minister said that his decision was spurred by numerous clarion calls. He said; “As you may be aware, for quite some time now, since, after the 2015 general elections, there have been various calls made by individuals and groups from many quarters, nationwide, urging my humble candidature for the contest of the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the next general elections, due in 2019.

“I strongly believe that the people are doing so out of their conviction of contentment and satisfaction based upon the modest successes recorded while I served as the Governor of Kano State (2003 to 2011), and also as a Minister of Education (July 2014 – May 2015).

“In response to these calls, and in view of the seeming intricacies and the boundless complexities involved in such a national assignment, I have consulted across the geopolitical

By Benjamin Omoike Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that information is the fuel of government that should be treated as a valued asset. He said for good governance to thrive, adequate information dissemination and management is a major component not to be overlooked.

According to him, this is why every responsible government should, and would always place premium on establishment, maintenance and

who examined and appraised the issue and advised me accordingly.

“I am pleased to say, based on these wide consultations, that I that participating in the democratic process of serving humanity boundaries, and also beyond just winning an election.

“I have therefore decided to accept the clarion calls, and will in due course and in accordance with the guidelines of my party, the Peoples humble self for the contest of the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the forthcoming 2019 general elections,” he said.

It will be recalled that the exgovernor had also in 2011 contested the presidential election on the platform of the All Nigeria People Party (ANPP), but lost.

Shekarau

Saraki expresses confidence in Nigerian youths’ capacity to match their peers worldwide Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that Nigerian youths have capacity to match their counterparts anywhere in the world.

He spoke at the orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Yikpata, Kwara State.

Saraki urged Nigerian leaders to do everything humanly possible to give youths the opportunity to excel.

He declared: “Most of you would shine if we give you that opportunity.

We shall do everything to ensure that your future is bright.”

Saraki was at the camp to

commiserate with the corps members over the death of one of them, Miss Hilda Amadi Ichechukwu.

The Senate President, who led a one-minute silence in her honour, described his visit as part of a process of immortalising her.

He said: “We must take up the responsibility of doing more to ensure that this type of thing doesn’t happen again, and that every corps member leaves the camp with good memories.

“The camp should not be a place of endurance, but where you should be happy to be, as it would impact your

life even after service. Times are hard, but we have a country that has great potential.”

He lamented the state of facilities at the camp, and stressed the need to improve on its medical and other amenities.

The Senate President however argued that the poor state of facilities and other issues were not enough reasons to review the scheme, adding that it was a ‘valuable asset’ to the country.

He expressed concern about the clinic; hostel facilities, kitchen, and other components at the camp,

which, he said were in dire need of expansion and rehabilitation.

He also promised to ensure that the fencing of the orientation camp was done on time to improve on its security.

The Senate President promised ensure that the state government begins to pay local monthly allowance to corps members serving in the area.

The State Director of the NYSC, Mr. Amaefule Remigius, described the late Amadi as a young lady, full of life, intelligent, beautiful and very active in all camp activities while alive.

Tinubu condoles with Ajimobi, Tambuwal over death of Speaker, aide The All Progressives Congress (APC), National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commiserated with the Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi over the death of the Speaker of the

state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo.

He also mourned with the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over the demise of his Special Adviser, Media and

Publicity, Imam Dalhatu Imam.

Hon. Adeyemo died last Friday old.

Asiwaju Tinubu in a statement signed by Tunde Rahman, said in was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo.

“For a young man with such a promising career to be so plucked by death leaves a sour taste in the mouth. But who are we to question God? “Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. I also extend, through you, my condolences to the family left behind by the deceased, to his colleagues in the state assembly and to the government and people of Oyo State.

“I pray that God Almighty grant repose of his soul and grant his family the strength to bear this loss.”

Gov Ajimobi

Gov Tambuwal

Information, fuel of good governance – Ambode

Tambuwal, the APC National Leader said: “Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences over the death of your Special Adviser, Media, Malam Imam Dalhatu Imam.

“His death was a loss not only to you, the government and people of Sokoto State and Kaduna, his home-state, but a loss to all of us.

“I knew the deceased since his time at THISDAY as Political Editor, through when you were Speaker of the House of Representatives and he your Special Adviser. his work and to the journalism profession. His death is a loss also to that profession.

“I wish I could say something that might erase the sadness and loss but words fail us at such times.

All I can say is that you take heart. I pray that Almighty Allah grant his wives and children the strength to carry through this moment.

“I also pray that Allah grant him Aljanna Fridaus”.

information management system.

The governor said this in his keynote address at the training of some senior civil servants in the state with the theme: “Information Management for Positive Perception of Lagos State Government Programmes, The Role of Civil Service”.

Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, said while it might be true that what sustains a government or a system of government is the will of the people, it must be considered that is information and the way it was managed.

According to Governor Ambode, the onus of making this possible falls on the civil service and, therefore, the reason why “in most democracies of the world it (civil service) represents the ‘permanent government’ that must be equipped to adequately advise the government of the day, implement government programmes reasoning sanctioned citizens.”

behind governmentprogrammes to the

are well-equipped to discharge these tasks, the programmes of government will be positively perceived by the populace and will thus receive the needed support for success,” the governor said, even as he reiterated his administration’s unrepentant and dogged belief in the all-important role of the civil service in the state.

“This is what informs the many varied and in-dept trainings that have been delivered to all cadres of Lagos State civil service since the “Today’s training continues in that laudable tradition with a focus on how the Lagos State civil communicate government decisions, actions, and programmes to the citizens of Lagos State and the world at large,” Governor Ambode said.

Gov Ambode

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Editorial Commentary

13

OUR POSITION

N

The Senate invasion and matters arising

igerians were again thrown into confusion when on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, people suspected to be political thugs invaded the Senate chamber during plenary and made away with the mace, the Senate symbol of authority.

The drama started with the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, for 90 legislative days for taking the Red Chamber to court.

The invaders entered the chamber about the same time the embattled Senator Omo-Agege walked into the chamber, at the beginning of the plenary, when the senators were presenting petitions from their constituents. And soon after that, the Senate, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi, said the act was an attempt to overthrow the legislature.

The Senate’s statement had read in part: The action of the hoodlums is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such. All security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilise their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act.�

Members of the House of Representatives led by the Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun, had in a show of solidarity to their colleagues visited the Senate chamber to express support for the senators. The joint session resolved that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, must recover the stolen mace within 24 hours.

While all this lasted, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, was attending the Spring Meeting

of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund in Washington, and the Red Chamber was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Although the presidency through the Office of the Vice President had promised to join forces with the federal lawmakers to get to the root of the matter, it is necessary to note that Nigeria, is a country whose democracy is still young and an act of this nature is capable of weakening its democratic institutions if not urgently addressed.

It is instructive to note that the Federal Government has said that it had directed security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the breach of security that led to the invasion at the chamber. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammad, said in a statement that the government had ordered that security around the National Assembly complex be reinforced to prevent a recurrence.

But Omo-Agege had repeatedly denied involvement in the invasion of the Senate chamber by thugs.

However, it would be so shameful of his personality and constituency if at any time, it is established that he actually meddled in this act as this will worsen the issue of insecurity that led to such act by a supposed distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who happens to be a lawyer by profession.

Even though the senator had denied his involvement in the saga, it is believed that the security agencies have not done enough to unravel the mystery behind the saga.

Although the IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, had mandated the Inspector-General’s Monitoring Unit to investigate the theft and apprehend the culprits, we are surprised that nothing in that direction has

Historical Times in Pictures

been achieved yet. To make matters worse, IGP Idris chose to send a representative to the Senate instead of appearing personally to answer relevant questions on the Senate invasion.

If the Police top cop had honoured that invitation, he would have explained to puzzled Nigerians why the hoodlums were able to beat all the elaborate security checks in the National Assembly to storm the highest law-making chamber in the land, smashing security gadgets and injuring the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mrs. Sandra Davou. She was the only security personnel who dared to challenge the invaders. Others just watched while it lasted and only reappeared after the thugs had sped off.

This recent incident again exposes the serial failures of the Police and the security agencies in recent times to respond to the demands of their duties and this is difficult to understand. Our law enforcement agencies seem unable to protect our people from armed killers.

The successful and unchallenged invasion of the Senate leaves us wondering whether it is a question of incapacity or, perhaps, those who allege that elements of our law-enforcement agents have become partial in the ongoing power-play between the National Assembly and the Presidency, may have a point after all.

Otherwise, we cannot see how the invasion could have succeeded while the culprits remain at large from the law till date. Irrespective of what we think of the members of the Legislature, whether at the federal or state level, they represent the people. The invasion of the Senate was a flagrant violation of our democracy. We therefore demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits. All officials who compromised on the issue must be firmly sanctioned, no matter how highly placed.

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News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

300, 000 dies of malaria in Nigeria annually - Gov Amosun The prevalence of scourge malaria in the country has been a great concerns and need declare state of emergency on the health sector as 300, 000 people dies of malaria across the country annually, Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said.

The governor, represented by his deputy governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga stated this while decorating the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo as ‘Net Ambassador’ during Insecticidal Nets replacement campaign of 2018, held at Arcade Ground, Governor’s Ogun State Capital.

He said African region has a burden of 90 percent

of preventable disease and 91 percent death of disease worldwide, noting that Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa account for about 24 percent of the disease and 24 percent of malaria death globally.

Amosun added that in Nigeria today, malaria responsible for approximately and 30 percent of hospital admissions, indicated that thus contributed to 11 percent of Maternal Mortality, 25 percent of infant mortality and 30 percent of under age 5 mortality.

He said about 110 million cases were clinically diagnosed annually, noting that malaria bite of mosquito happened to be the cause of death for about 300, 000 persons yearly in Nigeria, and it’s frequently

happened among the children and pregnant women that lives especially in rural and rustic communities which their death could not make news lines.

In the same vein, the Minister of Health, Dr. Isaac Adewole, represented by Director General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Prof, Babatunde Salako, in the country due to the fact 69 percent of household in Nigeria had at least one Insecticidal net, adding that only 39 percent of household in Ogun State had at least one Insecticidal net.

Adewole said that only 19 percent of household had at least one net for every two million Insecticidal Nets in the state would increase

tremendous of elimination of malaria in the country, urging the state to take ownership of the campaign process to ensure sustainability.

He admonished the traditional and religious leaders in the state to support the process, not just support the campaign but the net hanging activities in their communities to ensure sustainable net culture in the state. Adding that major set back in the process was poor net use, appealing to every house hold to sleep inside the mosquito nets to eliminate malaria in the country.

The Catholic Relief Services, Vice President and remains a major public health problems in Nigeria considering the high level prevalence which leads to

increase in maternal and morbidity rate especially among the children and pregnant women in the country.

He noted that with the support of ‘Global fund’ and the implementing agency Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the scourge of malaria had reduced maximally even to a standstill, at least from 42 percent in 2010 to 27 percent in 2015, with indication of reduction in malaria scourge in the country. reduction, the donor ‘Global fund’ and implementing agency CRS approved the distribution of over 3.3 million using of technology platform to fast track the programme through mobile devices, noting that the nets would be

Government Areas and 37 Areas of the state.

Earlier, the ‘Net Ambassador,’ Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo said malaria is a killer diseases that had kept so many people out of their good jobs including the civil servants, adding that it had impoverished people in the country and make poverty thrive in the country.

Alake urged the residents to troop out for the collection of the nets in order to redeem their pledged of the cards being collected earlier in their various domain, saying that they should use the net according to the instructions of the health educators across the state, especially the rural and remote areas which the scourge persist.

Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye (2nd left); addressing the media during the on-going Y2018 ministerial press briefing as part of activities to commemorate the third Year in Office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, April 30, 2018. With him: Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan (2nd right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Information & Strategy, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku (right) and his counter on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule (left).

Adeyemo, best speaker I ever worked with – Ajimobi Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has described the late Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, as the best speaker he has ever known since he began his political career.

Speaking publicly for the occurred, the governor extolled the late speaker of the state’s 8th Assembly during a condolence visit by a delegation of Ibadan

Monday.

Breaking his silence on the death of the speaker, the governor said that he was yet to come to terms with the stark reality that he would no longer see or hold meetings with the late Adeyemo.

On the delegation, led by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba

Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola.

Ajimobi said, “I do appreciate this condolence visit on the demise of our colleague, brother, son and our speaker.

Since his exit, I have refused to speak publicly because he was so close to me. I thought for a young man who had been very patriotic, diligent, hardworking

Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Eddy

and development of this state to just pass away so suddenly.

But, that is the will of God. “Regardless of his young age, we take solace in the fact that it is not how far, but how well. I have witnessed and read about many speakers and equivocation, I can say that he was the best speaker that I have ever worked with.

“In terms of intellect, humility, integrity, knowledge and the Omoluabi virtue a good leader must possess, I can say without mincing words that he

was the best. It is painful that we lost him. I can say that he did very well.

“He was also very religious.

Many people are religious but ungodly. But this man was religious and godly. I have no doubt in my mind that he is resting in perfect peace. I thank you for this visit and I pray that the Almighty will spare the rest of us to live long to impact positively on the society.”

Speaking earlier, Oba Balogun said that the death was

a great loss to the state, adding that the intellectual capacity of the way he had led members of the House of Assembly without rancor.

The monarch said, “This visit is intended to convey our heartfelt condolences and express our sadness to the government and people of Oyo State as the speaker left us at a young age of 47 and when we least expected it because he was not reported sick.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

15 News

Armed conflicts impact women, girls differently – Minister

By Tom Okpe, Abuja The

Minister

of

Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Allhassan has said that impact on women and She also said for this impartation, the United Nations Security Council resolution focuses on engaging women in peace and security which is a comprehensive framework within women’s protection and roles in which peace process can be addressed.

Speaking in Abuja

on Monday during the National Inter-sectoral meeting on Implementation of the 2nd National Action Plan (NAP), the Minister, represented by the Director Women and Gender Dpt. Mrs. Anne Aliyu said: “In our society today, the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) for women, peace and security, acknowledges that armed hence the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 focuses

on engaging women in Peace and Security, being a comprehensive frame work within which women’s protection and roles in peace process can be addressed”.

Hajia Allhassan noted that the observation at the launch and inauguration of the revised 2nd NAP indicates awareness of the UN Security Council is low which needs promotion at the meeting and even after saying; “This process provides an opportunity to boost awareness of the UNSCR 1325 and

by extension ensure the implementation of the 2nd revised NAP”.

In her earlier remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Ifeoma Anagbogu, represented by the Deputy Director Women and Gender, Mrs. Friyer Bulus said that the and Social Development got the mandate at the launch and inauguration of NAP in December 2017 to assist the National mandate of coordinating

and supervising the implementation of the revised NAP. “It may interest you to note that the mandate of coordinating UNSCR 1325 rests with the Ministry; in response to that mandate, the Ministry launched the 2nd NAP on UNSCR 1325 in May, 2017. The new pillar in the revised NAP responds to our current National realities and local contexts. These are prevention and disaster preparedness, participation and representation, protection

and prosecution, management, recovery and

crisis early post-

and partnership including coordination and management”, she added.

The National Action Plan for the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related resolutions of Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria with support from the United Nations Women (UN Women) said: “Achieving sustainable peace and human security depends on the collective

Delta Govt prioritises completion of Ogwashi-Uku Dam project State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Fidelis Tilije, says the state government will strive to ensure the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, a Federal Government project.

Tilije, gave the assurance in Asaba, the state capital on Monday at the Ministerial organised by the state Ministry of Information.

He said that the multimillion naira dam project, which was initiated in 2006 by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, had since been neglected.

He said that due to the importance of the dam as a channel for irrigation and water supply to several communities, including Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, Ibusa, Okpanam and Asaba, among others, the state government had been appealing to the Federal Government to complete it.

Tilije said that the state government would do all within its powers to support the project and ensure that it was not abandoned.

“We can’t wait to see the multi-million naira OgwashiUku dam project waste away.

“Our in-house study tells us that this dam with its water treatment plant has the capacity to supply potable water to Ogwashi-Uku, UbuluUku, Issele-Uku, Onicha-Ugbo, Ibusa and Asaba, the state capital.

“We have been piling pressure on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, not to only complete the dam but also to hand over the operations and management of the dam to the state’’, he said.

US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 30, 2018, in Washington, DC. PHOTO: AFP

Gov Umahi suspends appointees in Ikwo Council, orders for their arrest over arson

By Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has suspended all appointees from Echi-Alike Ikwo community in Ikwo local government area in Ebonyi State and ordered the state Commissioner for Police, CP Titus Lamorde, for their arrest for arson. the Echi-alike Development Centre Coordinator and the members, the governor’s Technical Assistants, among other appointees from the area.

The governor added

that the youth leader of the community and the members of the vigilante should also be arrested.

He gave the order during a Security Council meeting at state executive council Chambers, government house Abakaliki on Monday.

One of the appointees and Coordinator of Echi-alike Development Centre, who was at the meeting was immediately rounded up and taken away by the police Commissioner who was part of the meeting.

The two neighbouring communities of Echi-Alike community in Ikwo LGA and Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, have been at war over land

dispute since 30 years but there has been renewed hostilities between the two communities in recent time that has claimed many lives and millions of properties.

Many natives of the two communities have also been displaced and are being camped by government at The decision for their arrest followed a disclosure by the Speaker of state house of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, by the governor on Friday, the Ikwo militias still struck again on Saturdayand Sunday and burnt schools and houses in Enyigba community.

Umahi that he knew of a school that was burnt.

Angry Umahi ordered the Attorney General to secure a court order on Wednesday, to keep the appointees in police custody till permanent peace was restored.

He said the appointees’ salaries would be aggregated to rebuild the burnt school.

The governor explained that he gave a phone number to the affected appointees to always text/ give report of any case of renewed hostility in the warring communities but none of them did.

Umahi, who urged the stakeholders of the warring

communities to call the attackers to lay down their arms, said he might be compelled to arrest the big men from both Izzi and Ikwo clan if the crisis persists.

Umahi also announced that the land in dispute has been taken over by Ebonyi state government forthwith, adding that “ any of the two LGAs to attack, their fund would be used to remedy any destruction caused”.

He said government would take part in burying the victims of the crisis but emphasized that the funds of the two LGAs would be used for it.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

APWEN President decries decline in science courses

By Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The president of Association of Professional Women Engineers Nigeria (APWEN) Engr Mrs Felicia Nnena Agubata has decried the decline in the study of science subjects in schools across the country.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Engr Agubata noted that the decline in the study of science

courses such as Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has forced APWEN under her leadership to embark on STEM in order to create awareness on the girl child approach to these courses in their school.

Agubata explained that her focus be on primary schools because according to her, at secondary school level the students were already scared of mathematics

and other science subjects adding that they want to encourage them to take up those subjects that give students nightmare.

She added that study of sciences and engineering provides solutions to human problems because these courses are problem solvers According to the APWEN President, ‘Invent in Bauchi State with its launch at Wausau Central

Primary school in a bid to catch them young at the point they are young and still struggling to and thinking of what subjects to do.

Mrs Agubata who was impressed with the large turnout of dignitaries to ten pupil were awarded scholarships while a of its kind was built in a primary school to encourage the girl child

science education.

She expressed optimism that with APWEN in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation that the project will be given a boost especially with associations programs.

Agubata expressed delight that things have changed in the aviation sector in terms of women embracing engineering profession saying that

the number of women engineers has risen. growth to awareness being created on the need for women to embrace the engineering profession in all sectors.

Agubata appealed to governments of all levels, communities, parents and well-meaning individuals to encourage girl child to embrace engineering courses in order to build a great nation.

MTNF Yheart Niger 2 :LR: Health Portfolio Manager, MTN Foundation, Victor Orie-Ononogbu; Permanent Sectary Ministry of Health, Dr. Macus C.D; First Lady, Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello and Wife of the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Hajiya Saratu Marafa at the MTN Foundation Yellow Heart Walk For Life initiative in Minna, Niger State.

Imo ALGON backs Sen Uzodinmma’s defection to APC

By Val Okara, Owerri The Imo State chapter of the Association of Local Government Councils in Nigeria (ALGON), has thrown its weight behind Senator Hope Uzodinmma’s declaration to the All Progressives Congress (APC) assuring him of their and for his political aspirations.

A statement in Owerri, by Enyinnia Onuegbu an executive of the State ALGON, said the Association had an emergency meeting last Saturday in Owerri, to deliberate on Senator Uzodimma’s declaration for APC and resolved to stand by him all the way both in APC and in his political aspirations.

Sen. Uzodimma, Imo West, formerly of the PDP declared for APC last week at the APC national Headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by the APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, state governors, the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation (SGF) and other “We deliberated on the development and all the 27 local governments in the state were in agreement that we support the senator’s declaration for APC.” He also added that, “We will also support him in whatever political aspiration he has, because we have tried and tested him and we know that at any time, he is a dependable partner in progress.”

Uzodimma’s defection to APC also enlisted spontaneous commendation from some Imo stakeholders who the courage to say at the declaration, that he will insist for Ndigbo in the APC led federal government and on a Presidency of Igbo extraction in 2023.

Meanwhile, the declaration of Sen. Uzodimma (Imo West) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set Imo State agog as many

stakeholders are rallying round him in solidarity for stating at the declaration ceremony that he would push the South-East in the APC led Federal Government and for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023.

Uzodimma, a former PDP Senator and Chairman of

PDP to a mass declaration for APC at the party’s Secretariat in Abuja Monday.

He said the group was joining the APC in the National interest to consolidate the good work of President Muhammadu Buhari in the country by expanding his support base all over the federation. But he also made it clear that he would push of Ndigbo in the APC led Federal Government and for the South-East to produce the President of the country in 2023.

ACPN launches manifesto, urges FG to address insecurity

By Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress and the government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to address insecurity as it launched its manifestos.

The Party also urged the electorate to open their eyes in the coming elections in order to enjoy dividend of democracy by properly engaging political parties and their candidates on their programs.

In a statement signed in Abuja on Monday, ACPN National Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu O. Galadima, said presented its manifesto to the public for easy reading and assimilation.

While presenting the party’s manifesto, the statement urged “the citizens to open their eyes in the 2019 election in order to enjoy dividends of democracy by refusing

by anyone, refusing to be bought and by engaging candidates and political parties and voting for them based on the programs they have in their manifesto, their character and antecedents of their candidates.

“Political party manifesto is a vital compact and covenant between parties and the people. It is a statement of objective, vision and agenda of a party prior to election. It is a public declaration of aims and policies of a candidate. It’s a set out framework, leading to a direction if voted into power.

“Since the second Republic in Nigeria it has become parties in Nigeria to present to the people a concise instrument of engagement.

What is usually given to the public is a document which is neither a working or a workable document with no

commitment.

“Our people should open their eyes in 2019 in order to enjoy dividend of democracy by refusing to and by refusing to buy over and ensuring proper engagement of political parties and their candidates for voting for them base on the programs.

“It is on this note that we wish to present to Nigerians the laudable vision and mission statement of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria”.

On the killings in Benue State and other parts of the country, Galadima appealed to Christian faithful not to take the law into their hands adding that the planned protest by Christians on Sunday should be carried out peacefully and should not be hijacked by hoodlums saying; “Where your right ends, there another person’s right begins”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

17

News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Edo Assembly passes vote of confidence on Buhari Edo House of Assembly has passed a vote of

also

Q1: FRSC records 13 per cent drop in crashes nationwide

condemned

people of the state and also the

economy

of

condemned

the

the

The House on Monday

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Retd, (M), flanked by the Directing Staff, National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Senior Executive Course 40, 2018, Study Group Six, Group Capt. Mohammed Gumi (R), and a Senior Fellow of the Institute, Dr. Jacob Tsado, during a courtesy call . . . at the Government House, Yenagoa. Photo by Michael Owi.

ACBF invest $20m in capacity building projects

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Okowa appoints 9 Perm Secs

and also be able to

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Tuesday, May 1, 2018

19 News 17 News

Imo: Reps member declares support for Ihedioha’s guber bid

By Nwachukwu Emeka The member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Honourable Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, has urged Imo youth to go and collect their PVCs and prepare to vote out the present administration in the 2019 guber election.

Ezenwa, made the statement at the endorsement of a youth support group,

Ihedioha Youth Movement (IYM), in Owerri, the state capital.

The former Deputy Speaker and governorship hopeful, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, while endorsing the Owerri North Chapter of the group, noted that the youths must be ready to be known for something and urged them to build a brand for themselves especially at this early stages of their lives.

Group wants Lagosians to obtain PVC The convener of the Lagos Women for Akinwunmi Ambode and APC women leader (South West) Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson has urged all women in Lagos to register for permanent Voters Card, to be able to exercise your civic rights come 2019.

She made the call at the Party’s Secretariat in Lagos when she hosted the winners of the recently held rally of LAWAA in Lagos.

While presenting cheque to the adjudged best local government, she enjoined other members to mobilize every other woman in

the neighborhood not to disenfranchise them self.

Ikeja local govt clinched N250,000 while Surulere local government went home with N200,000 meanwhile other three winners which include: Ifako Ijaiye, Mushin, and Ojokoro local government went home with N150,000 each.

Other LAWAA members who were on hand to support the women leader includes its chairman Hon. Olayinka Oladunjoye and Media chairman, Hon, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba.

According to Ihedioha ‘‘I am particularly pleased with what you are doing here, I want to assure you that you have my full consent and support. I want to urge IYM members, to identify your individual talents and build a brand around it. ‘‘For me, my brand is leadership, I am an administrator who appreciates quality. I urge you to identify the real change agents, because we

cannot move from what we have today to anything less in 2019”.

He highlighed that the state under his watch will receive total rehabilitation “In the state civil service, appointments are no longer on merit in accordance with civil service laws but what we have today is a case of lawlessness, outright disobedience to procedure.

As at today, our various secondary and primary schools no longer engage in physical education and inter house sports. How then can we produce the future Kanu Nwankwos, Nwakali’s and the Iheanacho’s? I will reintroduce those basics in our educational system when I became governor.

Partner with me, let’s reclaim and liberate our State’’, he noted.

APGA chieftain warns against imposition of candidates for 2019 polls A member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has urged the party’s leadership to guide against imposition of candidates in next year’s elections.

Ezeonwuka, made the call when Mr Chido Obidiegwu, an aspirant for Ihiala Federal Constituency visited the Ogilisi Foundation in Oba Idemili South, Anambra on Monday.

He also said that many people were coming into the party not because they believed in its ideology but because they needed it as a platform to clinch positions, noting that such people at the detriment of would spell doom for the unity, stability and prosperity of APGA as a party.

According to him, “we have people who have worked for the

his aspiration.

Obidiegwu, said that though

to occupy political positions and Obidiegwu is one of these people.

“Now, there are rolling and fair weather politicians who are coming into the party because they feel APGA is viable now and that they can use it as

job among his contenders, he was more encouraged by the quantum of approval he had received from the people of the constituency.

He pointed out that Ihiala had

their stooges.

“As a chieftain of this party, I am saying we should not allow these new friends to come and grab what should go to those who have toiled and nurtured APGA’’.

Responding, Obidiegwu, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Events, said the visit was part of his wide consultations with the grassroots and stakeholders on

at the Federal House of Representatives and promised to use his contact and knowledge legislations for his people.

“I am here on consultation towards my aspiration to represent Ihiala Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

“Our consultation is to be in tune with the grassroots and Ogilisi-Igbo is one of such people and we believe it should cut across all the social strata.

Chairman, Transcorp Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu( 2nd right); President/CEO, Mr. Adim Jibunoh(3rd right); Company Secretary, Mrs Helen Iwuchukwu (1st right); Directors – Dr Stanley Lawson and Emmanuel Nnorom, at the 12th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos on Monday

Gov Abubakar warns matriculating nursing students against drug, prostitution Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, has warned newly students of the state College of Nursing and Midwifery to shun drug abuse, prostitution and examination malpractice.

Abubakar, gave the warning on Monday during matriculation of the 256 student nurses and midwives of the college in Bauchi, the state

capital.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Zuwaira Ibrahim, also urged them to focus on their studies and shun any social vices that could truncate their future endeavours.

“The state has done a lot to provide the enabling environment for learning in the college.

“We, therefore, do not want to compromise standards. You should remember that you are in this institution to learn,’’ he said.

The governor urged the tutors to leave up to expectations by impacting the needed knowledge to the students.

Earlier in her remark, the Acting Provost of the College,

Mrs Rakiya Saleh said the college started its academic activities after securing provisional accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

“With the support of state government, the college became a reality. The Nursing and Midwifery Council will soon re-visit the college to assess the level of preparedness

“We are appealing to the state government to redouble required facilities before the visit of the council to ensure full accreditation,’’ she said.

The provost congratulated the matriculating students for being among the lucky few who scaled through the various selection processes.

Group demands probe of Adeosun, NASS over release of N10bn Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Resource Centre, has called for the of Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the leadership of the National Assembly over the release of N10 billion by the Minister to the lawmakers outside their budgetary entitlements.

The group, made the demand in a petition signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, to the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

According to the organisation in a statement on Sunday, “if these allegations are found true, then it will be clear that the National Assembly has masses and it will be clear that rooted in the country”.

The statement said that the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, was said to have released the money to the National Assembly outside its N125 billion budget and that the lawmakers spent the money on exotic cars.

The statement reads: “In line with the aforementioned subject, HEDA is really concerned that despite the cash crunch and public outcry, the recent release of whopping N10 billion, not appropriated or approved by the National Assembly, to leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, in a surreptitious manner smacks of corruption, conspiracy, abuse fund.

“According to the report and documents published on April 23, 2018, by an online newspaper, it was revealed that Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives likely used the claim to purchase exotic cars as a decoy for money laundering, corruption, stealing, forgery and illegality. by the newspaper showed that the purchases were made by the three arms of the federal parliament—the Senate, the House of Representatives and the management unit of the lawmaking arm.

“The Senate spent N3.2billion on these cars. The lower chamber followed closely, acquiring N3billion worth of exotic cars in 17 deals. The management of the National Assembly wrapped up the car procurement extravaganza, taking delivery of N430 million worth of cars using “As the public suspected, two reliable sources in the National Assembly have described payments for the cars as a charade, saying they were made as part of arrangements to funnel National Assembly.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Wike blames FG for collapse of law, order in Nigeria

By Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State has stated that the collapse of national security was a fallout of the alleged political interference of the Federal Government in the operation of security agencies.

Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the participants of Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 Study Group Three from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike alleged that the deliberate political

actions of the Federal Government compromised the security architecture of states.

“What we have seen in most cases is that security lapses are a result of political interference,” the governor said.

The governor alleged that the case of Rivers State was in and out of Rivers State of newly promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Akin Fakorede, who was between March 29 and April 4, 2018, for the purpose of carrying out alleged criminal electoral activities. the course participants to the alleged “indictment of

ACP Fakorede as contained on page 66 of INEC Report into Rivers Rerun Elections wherein the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Akin Fakorede was indicted for electoral fraud, violence, and ballot box snatching and Governor Wike also alleged that Mr. Fakorede was given special promotion as a reward for the job he did for the Police in Rivers State during the rerun elections.

“He has been transferred back to the state in preparation for their planned manipulation of the 2019 General Election.

“The Federal Government has laid the foundation for crisis and violence in

2019. They are the ones who perpetrate crisis. We are peace makers that is why we are drawing the community to these actions,” the governor alleged.

Commenting on the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Governor Wike said that the agency was established to complement the work of Federal Security Agencies.

He said that the organisation which was fashioned in line with an existing model in Lagos State under the leadership of respected retired military, police, and The governor said while

the Federal Government allowed the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to thrive in Lagos, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States “for political expediency”, they opposed it in Rivers State.

“The Federal Government Security Agencies lack the personnel and equipment to provide security for all communities.

The neighbourhood safety corps will complement payment of salaries, the State Government funds the logistics and operations of the security agencies,” he said.

In his remarks, Leader of the Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 Study

Group Three from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Rear Admiral Ahamefule Eluwa, said that the group was working on how to profer solutions for the security challenges facing the country.

He said the theme of this year’s course as approved by the President was: “Strengthening Internal Security Framework and community policing in Nigeria: Models, Policy Options and Strategies”.

He said that the NIPSS Study Group would study the Neighbourhood Safety Corps established by the Rivers State Government for the security of the state.

Hoodlums rob DELSU students of 160 mobile phones, N550,000

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba.

Armed hoodlums operating within Abraka Community in Delta State, in the early hours of Monday

L-R: Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; General Manager, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), West Africa, Dayanand Sriram and Marketing Manager, Home & Hygiene, RB West Africa, Mrs. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi at the Ministerial Press Briefing in Commemoration of the 2018 World Malaria Day in Abuja.

Charge my husband to court, wife of same sex advocate tells police

By Ladesope Ladelokun Two months after her husband was allegedly whisked away by security agents, friends and family of Mr. Frank Okoli have not recovered from the shock and pain that hit them.

In a Gestapo manner, Policemen numbering about ten invaded his church on January 30, shot sporadically into the injury on him and left him in a pool of blood, his wife, Mrs. Okolo, lamented.

Frank Okoli,50, father of four children is the founder of Fresh Fire International Ministry, an Metropolitan Church, founded

by Rev. Jide Macaulay.

Narrating how her husband was abducted, Mrs. Okoli had this to say: “On the 30th of January, 2018 at about 4:45pm, a group of seven uniformed police policemen invaded the Ministry while shooting sporadically in

the air. Rev. Frank Favour Okoli and members of the Ministry were descended on and beaten they can lay their hands on.

After these merciless and callous beating, he was taken alongside two members of his ministry to an unknown location.”

She described her experience as harrowing since the day her husband was taken away, where he was taken has so far hit a brick wall. But the wife of the Pastor has one wish : To be back again in the arms of her husband.

According to the mother security agents would violently down memory lane, she said their ordeal started on February 5 2014, in Gishiri, a suburb of Abuja when over thirty men armed to the teeth unleashed terror on her family. Hear her: “It was while they were preparing to eat their lunch, that over 30 men armed with daggers, cudgel, iron rod,

matches,

clubs,

horsewhips

armed Policemen stormed the house, descended on him, and start beating him saying “ we will kill you today”, “ you will get 14 years in prison”.

“He was stripped naked and manhood. It was during this struggle that a deep cut was right thigh and the left side of his lower abdomen.

“The most senior of the commercial photographer to take photo of his nudity before taking him away whilst soaked in blood. He was detained for four days, and only released when I paid #100,000.00.

“Because of this and with the realisation that our lives are in grave danger, we relocated to and treated of the multiple at a hospital here.

“There was relative peace for some time before another round of threats, harassment,

intimidation and extortion from security agencies started.”

Speaking on why her husband has been regular target of security agents, Mrs. Okoro said her husband is being persecuted for his belief and campaign that the rights of homosexuals to be respected. While the same sex evangelist’s relatives admit he must have ran afoul of the law, they appeal and demand the release or prosecution of the same sex evangelist.

Meanwhile, the wife of the gay rights activist says her husband is not gay. She said, “My husband is a happily married man and an evangelist who strongly believes that every human being deserves respect, dignity and rights that are inalienable to them.’’

She is therefore urging the international community and other well meaning organizations and individuals to prevail on the security agencies to release him or prosecute him.

hostels at the state owned university (DELSU), and carted away over 160 GSM phones including the sum of N550, 000 estimated.

It was gathered that the armed hoodlums started their operation at the popular hostel in Ekerejeta area of Abraka town before they swooped on others around 5:30am at gun point.

A victim and an under graduate of the university, Mary Osakwe told our reporter; “The armed hoodlums at gun point, ordered us to face the ground in our hostels, they took our plasma television, Ipad, four pairs of shoes, clothes, they were with sophisticated guns, they scaled our hostel 5’ fence” disclosing that armed hoodlums under the guise of operatives of the vigilante, came knocking on their doors upon their refusal they were forced opened.

Investigation revealed that it was the third time armed hoodlums were particularly the female hostels and made away with undisclosed sums of money including their victims’ properties.

Meanwhile, burglars

had on Sunday broke into the female hostels around 9:30pm and reportedly made away with properties of some of the students who had traveled out of town.

Among the rooms they were said to have broken into, one of it belongs to a 400 level Geography student, Rosemary Obihi who also sells phone accessories where the hoodlums allegedly made away with many of her accessories worth over N2million.

But the Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who incident, told our reporter that; “The police arrested two of the suspects, and are currently being interrogated at Abraka Police Division” adding that upon the interrogation, he confessed to be native of Kogi State who had been operating in Abraka town with the help of an indigenes.

DSP Aniamaka said; the Internal Security Networks in the university are not doing enough to arrest the situation, we have deplored more policemen to Abraka town for 48hours patrol”.

Speaking to our reporter the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Victor Peretemode said; we are working with a view to change our security network, we will bring the hoodlums to book soon”.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Change of Names 21

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TITILAYO BOLA AKANNI ,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TITILAYO ELIZABETH AKANNI OLUSESI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, ISABELLA ALEXANDER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, CHRISTABEL KALU BELLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS .OLATOKUNBO MARY IJAOLA ,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS .BEJIDE MARY OLATOKUNBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBAYO KAFAYAT FUNMILAYO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NJEMANZE KAFAYAT FUNMILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DURU UCHE PETER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NJOKU UCHE PETER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MARIAM BOLANIRAN PELUMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MARIAM ISHOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF LOSS OF ORIGINAL SUB LEASE, REG AS NO 1/1/193, AT THE LAND REGISTRY ENUGU, BELONGING TO MRS EMILY OGUADINMA OF PLOT WR/17C CITY LAY-OUT ENUGU. ALL EFFORT OF TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT THE MINISTRY OF LANDS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS JASMINE ONYINYE IGBOKIDI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS JASMINE ONYINYE OBIEKWE . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS .MISS AJADI KHADIJAT AFOLAKE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS OYENEYE KHADIJAT AFOLAKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FRIDAY AYE LAWAL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FIRDAY LAWAL ABUTU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIME BERNADETTE NGOZI AND CHIME BERNADETTE NWATOKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIME BERNADETTE NGOZI NWATOKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NKOLIKA MBA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANINNIA GLORIA EBELE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BALOGUN AFUSAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAMUEL OLUWAKEMI AFUSAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKORO DORATHY ONYINYECHI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKONKWO DORATHY ONYINYECHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME /CORRECTION OF DATE BIRTH I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOMOH GLORIA SHERIFAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOMOH GLORIA OCHUWA. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 02/6/1992. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AROHUNSORO PETER OLUFEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJO PETER OLUFEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AJIMO OGUNLEYE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AINA FUNMILAYO OGUNSAKIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNBANWO IRETIOLUWA ABOSEDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAYIWOLA IRETIOLUWA ABOSEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAKIRAT SOKUNBI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLATUNJI JANET SOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BAKARE ARIKE RAMOTA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABUBAKARE ARIKE RAMOTA .I WAS BORN ON 03/09/1969. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMMANUEL EZENNADI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHINEDU EZENNADI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MISS CHINOMSO CHINEDUM NWANMUO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MRS CHINOMSO CHINEDUM OGUJUDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UDOH ENDURANCE NICHOLAS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UDOH DAVID NICHOLAS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ILECHUKWU OBIANUJU PRECIOUS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ILE OBIANUJU PRECIOUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, PATIENCE AKPAN JOHN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MRS. PATIENCE UBONG UFFORD. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THIS IS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, OKON GODWIN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, ONYONONWI GODWIN OKON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AMOS LYNDA EZINNE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS LINDA EZINNE UGORJI EZEOKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOBODO ULOMA PEACE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWAJAGWU ULOMA PEACE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZEAGU JOY GINIKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZEAGU JOVITA GINIKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWODO ADAEZE MARTHA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWODO ADAEZE NORA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBITOYE JOHNSON NOFISAT DAMILOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWAL NOFISAT DAMILOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWAL MULIKAT ADETORO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LABIYI MULIKAT ADETORO, DUE TO MARRIAGE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGBAI ODINAKA CALISTA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHUKWU ODINAKA CALISTA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJUKWU UZOAMAKA JUDITH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ORAMADIKE UZOAMAKA JUDITH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EME BLESSING NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONWUKA NWANNE ONUOHA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OGUNTUGA REBECCA GBEKELOLU OLARONKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. AWAM REBECCA GBEKELOLU OLARONKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOSU CHIEMEZIEM LAWRENCE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOLISA CHIEMEZIEM LAWRENCE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOHAMMED AMINA TSOKAR MWUESE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GRACE MWUESE AONDOAKAA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWAL ABDULAHI AJAYI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAMILEKAN EZEKIEL AJAYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKEOMA CHINYERE ROSABEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EFIKA CHINYERE ROSABEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS YUSUF JAMIU ABAYOMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS YUSUF GANIYU AKINOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ON MY BANK DOCUMENT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS TERZUNGWE JACOB INSTEAD OF TERZUNGWE JACOB IORGBUUSU. I WAS BORN ON 22/08/1984 NOT 27/08/1987.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MISS NKEWESHE ESTHER NKEMDILIM NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MRS OKONJI ESTHER NKEMDILIM .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MISS. OLADEJO ADENIKE TOPE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, MRS. OLANIPEKUN ADENIKE TOPE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, OLUWA OLAIDE HAMAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, OLUWA-OKOYA OLAIDE HAMAT .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIMASHAUN TAOFEEQ OLUMIDE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIMASHAUN TAOFEEQ ALADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUSTAPHA SUNDAY DAMILARE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUSTAPHA OKANLAWON DAMILARE .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOKO CHINEMELUM NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWOKO KENNETH NELSON CHICHI .ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADELESI OLUWATOBI ADEWALE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADELESI OLUWATOBI GABRIEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

I,FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OSAYOMI STEPHEN SUNDAY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADUNJOYE STEPHEN SUNDAY .ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ABDULSALAM ROFIAT ABIODUN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ABDULAZEEZ ROFIAT ABIODUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DORATHY UGWUMBA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NGOZI DORATHY AZOMIWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALANI BILIKISU ADELOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ARAGBUWA BILIKISU ADELOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADEBAYO ADEDOYIN MOJISOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS FABUSUYI ADEDOYIN MOJISOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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ADDITION OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GODSWILL EFFIONG NYONG, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS IDORENYIN EDET SAMPSON. THAT BOTH NAME REFER TO ONE AND SAME PERSON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZEMA CHINEDU B NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZEMA BETHRAN CHINEDU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. DIAMOND BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWRENCE MERCY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWRENCE MERCY WEYINMI . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GBADEGESIN ADEOLA ABOSEDE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAYIWOLA ADEOLA ABOSEDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MY NAME WAS MISTAKENLY WRITTEN ON MY BVN AS ADENIJI SAMSON OLAWALE INSTEAD OF MY CORRECT NAME WHICH IS ADENIYI SAMSON OLAWALE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

MY NAME WAS MISTAKENLY WRITTEN ON MY BANK ACCOUNT AS ADEBAYO ALIMO INSTEAD OF MY CORRECT NAME WHICH IS ADEBAYO AZEEZ OLUWADARE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.ACCESS BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

22 Change of Names LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF COMPANY SEAL , DIAMOND AND ZENITH BANK CHEQUE BOOKLETS , ORIGINAL LETTER HEADED PAPERS , FIRS SUBMITTED VAT RETURNS FROM JANUARY -MARCH 2018, INVOICES , WAYBILLS ,CONTRACT AWARD DOCUMENTS FROM FRSC AND OTHER DOCUMENTS . BELONGING TO JEDI GLOBAL CONCEPT NIGERIA LIMITED. (RC807125) .

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE . IF FOUND ,KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE .

CHANGE OF NAME

ASU WISDOM OYEN

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGBOGU NDIDIAMAKA MERCY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS CHUKWUEMENAM NDIDIAMAKA MERCY ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES BEARING MY FORMER NAMES REMAIN VALID. BANKS, NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE, RELEVANT AUTHORITIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FESTUS ABANG ODU NOW WISHED TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ASU WISDOM OYEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME

THAT THE FOLLOWING NAMES ARE FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LUCY NDIDIAMAKA UKATU, ANDREW CHUKWUNAGOROM UKATU, CHISOM NNEAMAKA UKATU. TH.AT THE SAID NAMES WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LUCY NDIDIAMAKA UKATUASI, ANDREW CHUKWUNAGOROM UKATUASI, CHISOM NNEAMAKA UKATUASI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

GOD’S EMPOWERMENT MOUNTAIN TOP FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. INNOCENT ODOH - CHAIRMAN 2. EVELYN IFEANYI ODOH - SECRETARY 3. CYRIL CHIOKE AFAMEFUNA 4. PAUL ONWUHALU 5. ABUGU CHRISTIAN OSONDU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. SUPPORTING AND HELPING ONE ANOTHER 2. PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG MEMBERS AND PEOPLE. 3. BRINGING HOPE AND COMFORT TO ALL PEOPLE. 4. MUTUAL CO-OPERATION TOWARDS ALL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION(CAC)PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

LILIAN CHINNOYE IBRAHIM

KOFOWOROLA MARIAM

OGUNWOBI OLAMILEKAN

MRS SHITTU ADENIKE ABIOLA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LILIAN CHINNOYE CHUKWUAFU NOW KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LILIAN CHINNOYE IBRAHIM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITIES CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BASHUA YETUNDE MARY ,NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS BASHUA KOFOWOROLA MARIAM .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE .

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SUNDAY OLAMILEKAN OPEYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNWOBI OLAMILEKAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADEDOKUN ADENIKE ABIOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS SHITTU ADENIKE ABIOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CORRECTION OF NAME

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THAT ON MY BANK DOCUMENT, MY NAME WAS MISTAKENLY WRITTEN AS MICHAEL CHUKWUEMEKA NWAGWU INSTEAD OF MICHAEL CHUKWUEMEKA. THAT MY CORRECT NAME IS MICHAEL CHUKWUEMEKA. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FOWOTADE OLUSOLA ELIZABETH AND OLUSOLA ELUYEMI FOWOTADE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. SHOBOWALE OLUSOLA ELIZABETH DUE TO MARRIAGE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJOBO TUNDE, OJOBO TUNDE GEORGE AND OJOBO TUNDE TEMITAYO, NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GEORGE OLATUNDE TEMITAYO .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ODEWUSI MODUPE ELIZABETH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OBALOLA MODUPE ELIZABETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNORUKA FRANK-DE-NWA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNORUKA FRANK NNAMDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS TITILAYO OLAKANMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OJESOLA-OLAKANMI ABOSEDE TITILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC/ AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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CORRECTION OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. OLAYIWOLE OLUFUNKE FOLAKE FUNMILOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. AMOS OLUFUNKE FOLAKE FUNMILOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS STELLA OPARA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS PERPETUA OSINACHI OPARA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANDINYENEAMA POLYCARP UDOFOT, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ANDINYENEAMA IME KING. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THAT ON MY BVN, MY NAME APPEARS AS YUSUF OGUNDARE, WHILE ON MY NATIONAL I. D CARD, IT APPEARS AS OJUOLONA YUSUF AKANO WHICH IS MY CORRECT NAME. THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS YUSUF OGUNDARE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJUOLONA YUSUF AKANO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TEMITOPE ESTHER, BUT WISH TO ADD ALLI TO MY NAMES. THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALLI TEMITOPE ESTHER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBISI OLUWANIFEMI SHIKEMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESANYA OLUWANIFEMI SHIKEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY ADEPEJU MONISOLA ROMIMORA..

NOW MONDAY ADEPEJU MONISOLA. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AS SEGUN SOJI AYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OWOADE SOJI. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY OLIVIA MAC NOW AYEGBAJEJE OLUWASEUN SIMEON. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY SALAUDEEN FARIDAT OKIKIOLA NOW OLANREWAJU FARIDAT OKIKOLA. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY NWAEZE ALEX GOD’SWILL NOW NWAEZE ONYEDIKACHUKWU GOD’SWILL. FORMER DOCUMENT REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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THIS IS TO CONFIRM AND CERTIFY THAT LAMBE OLANREWAJU BODE BOLAJI IS THE SAME PERSON AS LAMBERT BOLAJI. BUT HENCEFORTH, I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAMBE OLANREWAJU BODE BOLAJI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDULMUMIN RAMATA BEKI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED BASHIRAH ABDULLH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ABIMBOLA BOSEDE STACY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ABIMBOLA - OLORO BOSEDE STACY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FAITH MICHAEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SARAYA AMOS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BILIKISU OLUWATOYIN LAWAL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BILIKISU LAWAL ALADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

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I FORMERLY KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OYEKAN OLAMIDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNSEMI OLAMIDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE LETTER OF ALLOCATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT JOSEPH OKEKE THE DIRECTOR OF GUBABI & CO LTD, 6 ADELEKE STREET IYANA ERA OJO LAGOS. THE ITEM LOST IS LETTER OF ALLOCATION TO SHOP NO B 710 ALABA INTERNATIONAL MARKET OJO LAGOS STATE. OJO LGA TAKE NOTE.

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FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EDWIN JOHNPAUL, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMIRIGBE PAUL AGI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TOKI AFOLASHADE YESIRAT, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNLEYE AFOLASHADE YESIRAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEBAYO ADEKUNBI DAMILOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IJOSE OLUWADAMILOLA ADEKUNBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADAMS-ETTA GBEMISOLA RUTH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RASHEED GBEMISOLA RUTH .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Oyo Speaker goes home Thursday ÏÏÏOyo

State Government on Monday announced that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adesina Micheal Adeyemo, will be buried at his residence in Lanlate Area of the state on Thursday.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun said that the Service of Songs for Hon. Adeyemo, who died on Friday, April 27, 2018 after a brief illness, will hold

on Wednesday, May 2 at Oke Ado Baptist Church, Oke Ado Ibadan by 4pm.

He added that there will be a Special Session and Lying in State at the House of Assembly Complex on Thursday by 8am and the Motorcade leaves for Lanlate thereafter.

The late Adeyemo, the Speaker of the 8th Assembly , represented the Ibarapa East State Constituency in the State House of Assembly and was sworn in as Speaker of the State House of As-

sembly on June 12, 2015.

Prior to his position as Speaker, he was Deputy Chief Whip of the House, member of Fund Allocation, Works and Transport, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Appropriation and Public Finance committees of the 7th House of Assembly.

The late Speaker was the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Conference of Speakers and also the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, among Speakers of

the States’ Houses of Assembly.

He was a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association. He also served in the executive committee of the Ibadan branch of the NBA as an Auditor and Assistant Secretary.

According to Arulogun, Nigerians from all walks of life nationwide will attend the state burial for the late Speaker who is survived by his wife, children and aged parents.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left), after the cheque presentation to the Kwara State troupe, winners of the State Category, during the closing ceremony of the African Drum Festival in Abeokuta.

EDO AND DELTA PORT HARCOURT DWELLERS ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER THE PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NWADIBIE IFEANYICHUKWU JOHN - PRESIDENT 2. IYELIH JULIUS OGWIGHO - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE GREATER UNITY AMONG ALL MEMBERS IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, MARRIAGE, RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES AND AFFILIATION. 2. TO DISTINGUISH EDO AND DELTA ETHNIC GROUP FROM OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS IN PORT HARCOURT. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NWADIBIE IFEANYICHUKWU JOHN (PRESIDENT)

BENJAMIN GLOBAL MINISTRY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. GREEN, DAGOGO ADA.....CHAIRMAN. 2. DAPPA, UDOCHI URE (MRS).....SECRETARY. 3. NEMIEBOKA, DASON DABIYE. 4. UJILE, CLAUD GOGO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1)TO PROMOTE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHIN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA USING DIFFERENT PLATFORMS. 2) TO PARTNER WITH OTHER LIKE MINDED ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA TO EXPAND THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 3) TO EQUIP THE LOCAL CHURCH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA THROUGH TRAINING OF LEADERS. 4) TO PLANT AND ESTABLISH CHURCHES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA. 5) TO DO EVERY OTHER THING THAT WILL PROMOTE THE SPIRITUAL, MENTAL, AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING OF PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

News 23

Trump: Nigeria an amazing country, I’ll like to visit Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏUnited States Pres-

ident Donald Trump has said described Nigeria as an ‘amazing country’, saying that he will like to visit the most populous country in Africa.

The US President also hailed efforts being made by the Buhari administration to improve the country.

Trump stated this on Monday at the White House while holding a joint conference with President Muhammadu Buhari after their bilateral meeting.

The United States President had found himself in the eyes of the storm earlier this year when he was accused of calling African nations “shithole countries”.

Asked if he would consider visiting Nigeria, Trump said, “I would very much like to visit Nigeria. It is an amazing country and in certain ways, I hear from the standpoint of the beauty of a country, there is no country more beautiful.”

Both President Buhari and Trump, how-

ever, said they did not discuss his reported use of vulgar language to describe African nations.

President Buhari also told journalists that he kept quiet about the comment because he was not sure about the accuracy of the reports.

“I am very careful with what the press says about others and myself. I am not sure about the validity or whether that allegation against the President (Trump) was true or not. So, the best thing for me is to keep quiet,” President Buhari said in response to a question about it.

Affirming that the issue wasn’t discussed, Trump, however, stressed that there are some countries that are in “very bad shape and (are) very tough places to live in”.

Trump added, “We didn’t discuss it because the President (Buhari) knows me and he knows where I am coming from and I appreciate that.”

CHRIST REFUGE & HARBOUR CHRISTIAN CENTER

PERFECT PEACE PROSPECT INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. IRENE OBIOMA NZIMIRO 2. IKENNA OFODILE NZIMIRO 3. UFUOMA FLORA EKPECHAM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE PLATFORMS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PURSUIT OF PEACE AND PROGRESS AND SOCIAL COHESION IN ALL AREAS OF HUMAN ACTIVITY. 2 TO PURSUE CHILD EDUCATION BY UNDERTAKING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS.

TRUSTEES : (1) OJUA DAVID OLORUNFEMI (2) IDOWU SEGUN EMMANUEL (3) ODUSANYA AZEEZ (4) AKINUBI STELLA SHOLA OBJECT:1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

GOD’S ORDER CHURCH OF CHRIST

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. AKANBI SIMEON OLUFEMI - GENERAL OVERSEER /FOUNDER 2. AKANBI RUTH OLUWAFUNMIKE - GOD’S ORDER MOTHER 3. AKANBI OLAJIDE OLASUNKANMI - PROPHET OF THE CHURCH 4. OYEBAMIJI JULIUS OLUFEMI - CHAIRMAN OF THE CHURCH 5. MOORE AYOTUNDE OLADELE - AGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ,PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B.198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: EBERE OKONKWO, FCIS SOLICITOR

BLESSED FAMILY CHURCH, LAND OF GOSHEN THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MICHAEL OLUFEMI OJO. 2. MICHAEL GRACE MODUPEOLUWA. 3. ODESOLA TAYE OMOBOYENLE.

TO WORSHIP OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO INCULCATE THE LOVE OF GOD IN THE HEART OF PEOPLE. 3. TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP IN MARRIAGES BY PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD AND COUNSELLING COUPLES FACING MARITAL CHALLENGES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION(CAC)PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ICT 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Our pick of the best 2018 Smartphones - T3 Welcome to T3’s roundup of the very best smartphones money can buy. The T3 team has tested every handset under the sun, and this guide is designed to provide you with all the key info you need so you can choose the best smartphone for you.

We only include the best phones in this list, so you can be

mode, and FaceID (which actually works very well).

It’s the marriage of software and hardware, something that

and we’ve listed all the phones in order of preference, too, so

especially the case when it comes to Face ID. Of course, we have to mention the price. The iPhone X costs a considerable £999, making it the most expensive iPhone to date.

We’ll start by saying this, if you think that’s too much

best cheap smartphones.

So whether you’re after the most powerful Android smartphone money can buy, or a shiny new iPhone upgrade, we’ve seen and extensively tested them all so you don’t have to.

It’s worth noting, that the LG G7, OnePlus 6, and Honor

about prestige and branding.

Apple has slowly been morphing into a luxury goods company for a while now, and the iPhone X is another step in that direction. It’s essentially a luxury item from a designer

waiting to see what these brands have up their sleeves.

Samsung charging £850 for the Note 8.

for your need, beginning with the very best phone currently available...

succeeded in creating an incredibly desirable package. It’s the best smartphone you can buy.

Okay, so unfortunately Samsung hasn’t released a perfect phone - there are a few small niggles - it’s not the most exciting update over the S8 (which can now be purchased relatively guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you buy this phone.

Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S9 deals 3. HUAWEI P20 PRO

the iPhone X SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 180gDimensions: 155 x 73.9 x 7.8mmOS: Android 8.1Screen size: 6.1-inchesResolution: 1080 x 2244 pixelsCPU: 1. IPHONE X Simply the best smartphone you can buy today SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 174gDimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mmOS: iOS11Screen size: 5.8-inchesResolution: 1125 x 2436 pixelsCPU: Apple A11 BionicRAM: 3GBStorage:

2. SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 The OTHER best smartphone you can buy today…

SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 163gDimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mmOS: Android 8.0Screen size: 5.8-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2960 pixelsCPU:

camera: Triple 40MP + 20MP + 8MP LeicaFront camera: 24MP f/2.0 REASONS TO BUY +Premium design REASONS TO AVOID

camera: 7 MP f/2.2 REASONS TO BUY +Incredibly desirable +Future of the iPhone REASONS TO AVOID -Fragile whisker. The Samsung Galaxy S9 is so close (especially if you prefer Android), while Apple’s own iPhone 8 Plus gives you so much of the iPhone X technology without the extra cost. In the end though, it’s the ultra-desirability of the iPhone X that wins it. the 5.8-inch AMOLED screen. It’s certainly true that the edgeto-edge screen looks absolutely stunning, both from a design perspective and from a technology viewpoint.

Of course, there’s also the top ‘notch’. This does intrude on the screen slightly, especially when you want to be fully immersed in something, but call me crazy – I kind of like it. It gives the phone a visual identity.

Aside from the screen you’ve got Apple’s blazing fast A11

3000mAhRear camera: 12 MP f/1.5Front camera: 8 MP f/1.7 REASONS TO BUY +Amazing design REASONS TO AVOID -Bixby -Similar to S8

-’Just’ HD screen smartphone giant, and we really, really like it. It’s the ideal smartphone if you’re looking for a premium alternative to the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9, but it’s also got plenty of features which make it great device in its own right.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is the best Android smartphone in

read that right, this camera has three camera sensors, a 40MP

managed to resist the temptation to add an iPhone X-style

are can be used to capture some very pleasing images.

The OS is coming on leaps and bounds as well, and the design and feel of this device really is fantastic.

It’s a smartphone that really puts a cat among the pigeons.

The pigeons in this case being Samsung, Apple, and Google.

The S9 is the complete package, as well as the amazing display and industry-leading specs, this handset also has decent With all of that combined, you get not only the best-looking smartphone, but one of the top performing smartphones in the We think the 5.8-inch S9 is perfect, but if you’re after an ever features a massive 6.2-inch display.

design. life is class leading, capable of lasting around two days.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

25 ICT

Our pick of the best 2018 Smartphones - T3 SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 162gDimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3mmOS: Android 7.0Screen size: 6-inchesResolution: 1080 x 2160 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 6/8GBStorage:

allows Apple to add wireless charging. The S8 and recent S9 design does make the iPhone 8 feel slightly dated now, however.

It’s inside where the iPhone 8 Plus has received the biggest overhaul - now packing Apple’s blazing fast A11 Bionic

REASONS TO BUY REASONS TO AVOID Looking to upset dominance by the big brands is OnePlus, who took the mobile world by storm in 2014 with one goal,

latest and greatest mobile OS. It is expensive, and may be too large for some, so the standard iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch display is also worth your consideration.

The OnePlus 5T gives you the latest smartphone trends, including an impressive 6-inch edge-to-edge display and dual camera set up with portrait mode. These new features are sensor, and a genuinely premium design.

Perhaps what’s most impressive is that you’ll get all of that for less than £500.

The OnePlus 5T isn’t perfect though, the premium only HD, rather than QHD (2K) found in many of its more expensive rivals.

Still, it’s a very impressive phone, and if you’re reluctant to go for.

You can read about the imminent OnePlus 6 here, and decide whether it’s worth waiting for.

4. GOOGLE PIXEL 2 XL The best smartphone camera SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 175gDimensions: 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9mmOS: Android 8Screen size: 6.0-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2880 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 4GBStorage: REASONS TO BUY +Great camera REASONS TO AVOID -Plastic-like metal -Lackluster screen We can’t tell you how close it is between the Google Pixel 2 XL, iPhone X, P20 Pro and S9 for the title of ‘best smartphone in the world.’ All four are great smartphones, but the sleek design, and amazing screen puts the iPhone, Huawei, and Samsung in the lead, just.

The Google Pixel 2 XL is still an amazing smartphone especially if you prioritise camera quality and want software straight from Google.

Whether it’s the excellent camera, the metal-and-glass chassis, the oodles of power involved or just the fact that the software and virtual assistant work in perfect harmony with the hardware, Google’s got a lot right here and this is a brilliant phone.

2017 was when Google came into its stride with the smartphones. The design is distinctive and has character, and the Pixel 2 XL’s edge-to-edge screen makes it the one to go for.

Of course, if you prefer smaller screens, the 5-inch Pixel 2 is also available, which is identical the OG (apart from size and screen).

5. ONEPLUS 5T

SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 188gDimensions: 158.5 x 74.9 x 8.5mmOS: Android 8.0Screen size: 6-inchesResolution: 1440 x 2880 pixelsCPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835RAM: 4/6GBStorage: 64/128 GB SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 202gDimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mmOS: iOS11Screen size: 5.5-inchesResolution: 1080 x 1920 pixelsCPU: Apple A11 BionicRAM: 3GBStorage:

REASONS TO BUY +Great camera REASONS TO AVOID

REASONS TO BUY +Excellent camera REASONS TO AVOID -Dated design -iPhone X is coming Here we have the iPhone 8 Plus - probably one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. Some feel its sheer size does make it tricky to hold, but there’s no denying Apple’s beautiful 5.5-incher is a winner. If you prefer iOS to Android and don’t want to splash out on the iPhone X, this should be Apple has chosen to stick with a similar design to the iPhone 7, swapping the out the all-metal case for a glass back and making it heavier (more premium feeling). There is a glorious

-Fragile design The HTC U11+ is the most impressive smartphone HTC has made in many years. Taking the best bits from the U11 and combining it with a sexy edge-to-edge display, with a bit of extra innovation thrown in for good measure.

It’s again shown the rest of the competition how to make performance is right up there too. HTC has really worked on the criticisms of the previous generation devices, and created It’s great to see HTC innovating with the squeezable edges, which make interacting with the device much easier, and the minimal tweaks they’ve made to stock Android are amazing, making this one of our favourite smartphones in 2018.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Bayelsa Dep Gov wants more priority attention for internal security Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah(rtd), has called on Nigerians to issues of internal security, as the nation was currently experiencing a lot of internal security challenges.

Rear Admiral John Jonah at Government House, Yenagoa, when he granted

audience to members of the Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, who are in the State for a local study tour.

The deputy governor noted that, Nigeria was currently facing a lot of security challenges, pointing out that, the topic for Study Tour, “Strengthening Internal

Security Framework and Community Policing Model and Strategies “, was very apt and advised the participants to generate a policy document at the end of their programme at NIPSS that, would be He said, he was optimistic that the various security agencies in the country were on their toes, in tackling the security challenges, but also

noted the complex situation of the assignment.

The deputy governor further noted that, the State government was in the community heads, with a view to ensuring that, they identify criminals and brigands in their domains for possible prosecution by the security agencies.

Earlier, the Leader of the Team, Retired Group

Captain Mohammed G. Gumi, said that, the group, which is Study Group Six of the Senior Executive Course 40, 2018, was in the State on a Study Tour that would last for one week, during which, they would interact and engage relevant stakeholders on issues of internal security in the State.

According to him,

would be evidence and research-based, stressing appropriate solutions to the current internal security challenges in the country.

He also stated that, NIPSS was established in 1979 to serve as a think-tank for policy formulation, with participants always drawn from various institutions of the public service, including the armed forces

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Omo N’oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, during a visit to the Governor in Osun State.

NUJ gets new exco in Niger

By Saka Bolaji, Minna A

new

executive

emerged for the Niger state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists following its election held in Minna on Monday.

A new Chairman, Abdul Idris from the Radio Niger Chapel emerged winner with 102 votes defeating the immediate past Chairman, Mohammed Mohammed from Newsline Chapel who had 91 votes.

For the position of the Vice Chairman, Suleiman Aliyu from Radio Niger Chapel emerged winner with 100 votes defeating Tanko Adamu of Federal Information Resource Center chapel, who had 88 votes.

The National Secretary, Mr. Gbemiga Bamidele who declared the winners after a rigorous voting process commended the Journalists for their conduct and comradeship during the election.

Other executives were

returned unopposed, they include Abu Modu from the Correspondent Chapel as the Secretary, Dauda Mohammed as the Assistant Secretary, Danladi Hassan Idris as the Financial Secretary, Ruth Kwange as the Treasurer and Uriah Hana as the Auditor.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Abdul Idris pledged to ensure that the them will be safeguarded adding that they will ensure that everyone is carried along in its decisions.

He assured members that their collective interstate would be their guiding principles urging all stakeholders and past leaders to join hands in moving the Council forward.

Abdul then commended for conducting a free and fair election saying, “this election Niger state Council of NUJ have had in recent times.

2 killed in fresh herdsmen attack in Delta

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba of Onocha-Olona in Aniocha-North Local Government Area of Delta State by rampaging Fulani herdsmen has claimed the lives of two persons in the area, and six others severely injured in Ubulu-Uku community Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

Our reporter reliably gathered that the dead victims Emmanuel Nwanyi, Joseph Obada and Julius in their farms in Olona Community by the herdsmen after a minor disagreement over the destruction of the farm crops allegedly by their Sources said the Herdsmen allegedly killed the two farmers with their daggers, and left them in a pool of their blood on Saturday evening till the following day when their bodies were found.

But the state police commissioner, Mr. Mahammed Mustafa were

arrested,

and

are

currently being detained at the state CID for further investigation.

He told our reporter; “We have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of the two farmers in Olona, they (suspects) are currently being detained for further investigation” disclosing that the police have commenced 24 hours patrol in the community with a view to bringing the hoodlums to book.

An eye witness and resident of Onicha-Olona, Chiedu Nwandu who spoke to our reporter said; “These herdsmen have taken over Olona community, they have killed over three persons in the recent times, they killed two farmers in their farm lands with daggers, FG/State government should come to our aid, our people cannot sleep now with their two eyes closed, they also rape our women, Olona community is under siege”.

Investigation revealed that Onicha-Olona, and its neighbouring communities’ residents have been under herdsmen who with their

people farm crops worth millions of naira in the last one year.

Further investigation revealed that during night fall residents of Olona community are restricted from going outside their houses for fear of the nefarious activities of the herdsmen while the farmers often times go their farmlands with vigilante operatives.

An Elder statesman in the community, Chief Chume Odiaka told our reporter; “Our women don’t go to the farm alone for fear of these Fulani herdsmen, during night fall, we cannot be seen outside our houses, they have taken over the community and our farm lands”.

Meanwhile, the state police Ubulu-uku community, adding that six persons were perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen.

The Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who spoke to our reporter said; “The Fulani

of Ubulu-Uku on Thursday evening, and injured six persons, we are investigating the incident, and we have arrested two suspects” and warned that the police will do everything possible to bring lawless persons to book.

Only recently, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmmanuel Uduaghan in an interview with our reporter in Asaba, condemned the surge of herdsmen menace across the country, describing it as a sensitive issue that can tear Nigeria apart.

According to him; “The issue of herdsmen menace is very sensitive, the challenge has the potential of breaking the country, it has done a lot of damage, farmers are no longer going to farm, this means increase in hunger level it is that bad”.

It would be recalled that Ubulu-Uku community Monarch, Obi Edward Akaeze was sometime three years ago, was kidnapped and murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen with three of them arrested, and confessed to the crime upon interrogation by the police.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

27 News

Umahi suspends appointees in Ikwo Council, orders their arrest

By Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has suspended all his appointees from Echi-Alike Ikwo community in Ikwo local government area of the state and ordered the state Commissioner for Police, CP Titus Lamorde, to arrest them for arson.

The appointees Development Coordinator

and

Centre the

members, the governor’s Technical Assistants, among other appointees from the area.

The governor added that the youth leader of the community and the members of the vigilante should also be arrested.

He gave the order during a Security Council meeting Chambers, Government House Abakaliki on Monday.

One of the appointees and Coordinator of Echialike Development Centre, who was at the meeting was immediately rounded up and taken away by the Police Commissioner who The two neighbouring communities of Echi-Alike

community in Ikwo LGA and Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, have been at war over land dispute over 30 years, but there has been renewed hostilities between the two communities in recent time that has claimed many lives and property estimated at millions of naira.

Many natives of the two communities have also been displaced and are being camped by government safety.

The decision for their arrest followed a disclosure by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, that after the cease

adding that “ any of the two on Friday, the Ikwo militias still struck again on Saturday and Sunday and burnt schools and houses in Enyigba community. to Umahi that he knew of a school that was burnt.

A visibly angry Umahi General to secure a court order on Wednesday, to keep the appointees in police custody till permanent peace was restored.

He said the appointees’ salaries would be aggregated to rebuild the burnt school.

that he gave a phone give report of any case of renewed hostility in the warring communities but none of them did.

Umahi, who urged the stakeholders of the warring communities to call the arms, said he might be compelled to arrest the big men from both Izzi and Ikwo clan if the crisis persists.

Umahi also announced that the land in dispute has been taken over by Ebonyi state government forthwith,

would be used to remedy any destruction caused”.

He said government would take part in burying the victims of the crisis but emphasized that the funds of the two LGAs would be used for it.

FG restates commitment to global fight against terrorism The Federal G o ve r n m e n t commitment to the The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, gave this pledge at an International Conference terrorism in Paris, France.

The Conference, which had as theme “No money for terror”, was hosted by the French President, Emmanuel Macron and

Managing Director/CEO, Africa Prudential Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade (right) receives his award from Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema at the BusinessDay Top 25 CEOs Award held in Lagos on Thursday

2019 : You don’t deserve third term, parties tell Delta lawmaker

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Coalition of the State Chairmen of Registered Political Parties in Delta State, has advised the member representing the Ndokwa Ukwuani Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai to shelve his plans of re-contesting for a third term in 2019, since he has failed woefully to champion their cause.

The group argued that there Ossai N. Ossai has done to bring dividends of democracy to the Ndokwa Nation that would warrant his going back in 2019.

The political parties Chairmen, made their position known in a press statement and a copy made available to our reporter titled, ‘A strident call on the Ndokwa Nation to return Dr. Olisa Imegwu to the House of Representatives in 2019 in order to halt

further oppression and marginalisation of the Ndokwa people’ and endorsed by the trio of Chief Efe Tobor, Amb. Jude Eze and Comrade Emeka Bidokwu, the chairman, secretary and publicity secretary respectively.

According to the coalition, the Ndokwa Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State is the only area in Delta North senatorial district that produces oil and gas in commercial quantity, which enjoys the distinction of being called an oil producing area, but unfortunately the area has nothing to show for it, due to inept leadership or poor representation.

“We note that since 1999 till date only the Ndokwa West and Ukwuani LGAs have been producing the House of Representatives members, including a three - time Senator, but the only time Dr. Olise Imegwu from Ndokwa East LGA won the election

to represent the Federal Constituency, his tenure was short-lived as it was judicially truncated under very controversial circumstances.”

Continuing; “the short period Dr. Imegwu spent in the House of Representatives, he sponsored two motions which were successfully passed. They were the repair and rehabilitation of Ossissa/ Kwale/Ozoro/Oleh roads and the rehabilitation of EmuUno/Abbi/Ogume/Onicha Ukwuani roads and the Kwale/Ashaka/Igbuku roads which were handed over to the Federal Road Maintenance The party Chairmen further observed that the Ndokwa people still view the Imegwu days at the House of Representatives with nostalgia as Dr. Imegwu hit the ground running with a sense of purpose and urgency to change the story of the Ndokwa people, warning

to go back to the House of Representatives in 2019 is not only deceitful but also ungentlemanly as he had passionately pleaded for support from stakeholders of the Ndokwa Nation in his 2015 bid with a promise to support an Ndokwa East son to go to the House of Representatives.”

It could be recalled that in line with that promise, the stakeholders in the 37 clans of the Ndokwa Nation recently endorsed Dr. Imegwu as their preferred choice for 2019 Ndokwa Ukwuani Federal Constituency election in view of the dismal performance of Ossai N. Ossai so far.

“The stakeholders contend that Imegwu, even out of

the constituency in 2019 since Ndokwa West and Ukwuani LGAs have both had their turn of two terms each.”

While calling on Ndokwa people to rally support to Dr. Olisa Imegwu as he gets set to go back to the House of Representatives in order to change the fortunes of the people, the Coalition maintained that the choice of Imegwu will be panacea for the continued relegation and marginalisation of the people in the socio-political and economic equation of Delta State and Nigeria in general.

The Coalition recalled that while Imegwu was at the State House Assembly he was voted and crowned as the best legislator in his time,

the cause of the Ndokwa Nation through an open door policy which has become his leadership trademark. They have also agreed that Ndokwa East LGA should be giving the opportunity to represent

projects which includes; the N9 billion Kwale/Ashaka / Igbuku roads, N70 million Ossissa road project, N50 million Afor Obidigbo road project, Obi Opute road project.

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; President of the World Bank Group, Jim Kim; US Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin as well as UK Chancellor, Phillip Hammond.

Adeosun, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Conference, said the country was terrorism.

In her address to the conference, the Minister said, “The Nigerian Government is very against

terrorism

and

terrorists’ activities.

“The Government, in addition to monitoring of the formal channels of Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other bodies, is also monitoring ‘non-formal cash-based structures’, which can often be used for illicit purposes.”

Adeosun emphasised the need to address the root cause of terrorism and not the symptoms.

She disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service were working to cash movements and transactions at the various borders, including Niger, Benin Republic and Cameroon.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Community leader lauds Senate President’s leadership

Lagos identifies 149 distressed buildings, demolishes 40 in 1 year

By Benjamin Omoike

By Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

The Lagos state government on Monday said it was gratifying to

synergy among the three arms of Commissioner

and Adiyan Waterworks Phase

for where the government even

two-term present

administration

governor

and

the

to

in synergy with other arms of government to revive the nation’s

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, welcoming Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who was a Guest Lecturer at the Fourth Distinguished Guest lecture of the University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo City...on Monday.

FCTA Director gets leadership merit award

By Nwachukwu Emeka Present

Territory

Administration

they wrote to me that they

here as they deserve the

at

the

award

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

29 News

Gov Ahmed advocates solar energy drive

By Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed solar energy drive as an alternative source of energy to meet local needs, create wealth as well as guarantee green economy.

Governor Ahmed made the call last weekend at set of trainees on full scholarship programme in Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Installation and Entrepreneurship sponsored by RiccofortezzaAsteven Energy Limited at the International Vocational, Technical, and College, Ajase-Ipo. The Governor noted that opportunities inherent in green economy are huge and immeasurable which could be harnessed and converted to energy for proper use to create wealth and drive industrialisation.

According to him, “in green energy lies the future of Nigeria for abundant opportunities rather than relying on limited source of energy”.

Governor Ahmed also stressed the need for improved power infrastructure in order to create jobs and ensure economic growth.

The Governor who congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their training urged them to make judicious use of the training and N1 million worth of start-up equipment to empower themselves and contribute to the economy.

He assured the youth that the government would continue to create enabling environment and make funds available to jump start businesses and make them job creators rather than job seekers.

In his address, the Chairman, Asteven Renewable Energy, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo congratulated the 25 graduands for developing interest in green economy and charged them to exploit opportunities therein to become entrepreneurs.

Dr Akpoyibo thanked the state government for the opportunity to extend his company’s corporate social responsibility to the state.

Responding on behalf of other graduands, Mr. Oluwaseun Ajibola thanked Governor Ahmed and the sponsor of the training for the opportunity, promising to use the product grants to jump start their businesses and become contributors to the economy.

He explained that the training on solar energy was a worthwhile experience as it exposed them to the rudiments of Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Installation and Entrepreneurship.

Pix 2506 L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas; Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule; Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye and his counterpart for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, fielding

Experts task varsity lecturers on students’ learning experience

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu Experts in the education sector have canvassed for enhanced students’ learning experience among academics in order to improve the quality of graduates of higher education in Nigeria.

They made the call recently at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi International Conference organized by the Faculty of Education of the institution with the theme “Enhancing Students’ Learning Experience and Satisfaction in Higher Education”.

They noted that education was central in addressing the myriad challenges of the economy of any country in the quest to achieve sustainable development and produce quality manpower. And further

and learning experience in our higher institutions is required to improve the quality of graduates, and also to achieve the universal sustainable development goals.

The Dean of Faculty of Education in the University, Dr. Chinyere Nwajiuba while welcoming the participants to the event noted that students were the epicenter of learning in higher institutions; hence all making sure that they have positive learning experience and satisfaction.

She maintained that higher education has a number of challenges, which would only be surmounted through concerted enjoining participants to imbibe technology-aided learning and teaching to improve the quality of higher education in Nigeria.

“Fostering quality teaching and powerful learning experience is a key challenge for many

higher education institutions in Nigeria today. The common assumption that an individual who have obtained a Master or Doctorate degree is highly because of postgraduate degree is erroneous”, she stated.

She maintained: “It is imperative that university teachers are equipped with the appropriate skills and concrete strategies to establish their teaching and learning credentials.”

Delivering the keynote address, an Associate Professor and Director of Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom, Dr. Katheleen Quinlan stated that students often mention one-on-one interactions with teachers as being their most powerful experiences. She noted that these interactions

feedback on any essay they had “This interaction is important because we know more than students do about all kinds of thing, not just our specialist more about time management, why something is important for one’s larger life, how to study students can take advantage of, resources that might be available”, she said.

She maintained that the most powerful lecture experiences are those that include active involvement in learning and thinking, learning that is connected with students’ own goals and interests, interactions with peers, particularly those Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chair of the occasion and the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi described

the conference timely and the theme apt in the midst of numerous challenges confronting higher education in Nigeria.

She noted that it was not enough to have good course contents, adding that teachers should also provide good learning experiences for their students that are backed up with She further argued that despite the importance of Information and Communication Technology tools in teaching and stimulating students’ learning experience in the 21st century, teachers still remain paramount in the drive to turn-out quality graduates.

The event was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and witnessed by the wife of Professor Uche Azikiwe.

Taraba CAN urges FG to end attacks, killings

By Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo.

Christians in Taraba, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sunday staged a peaceful protest against barbaric and incessant killings going on across the Country.

Daily Times reports that the Christian brothers and sisters including the Clergy converged in their thousands on the Secretariat of CAN in Jalingo the State capital.

According to our Correspondent, the Christian brethren, who dressed in Federal Government to end the killings across the Country allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen.

The protest was in compliance with the directives of the National Secretariat of CAN to dress in black as a sign of mourning for those killed in killing of two Catholic Priests in Saint Athanasius Catholic Church, Mbalom in Benue State.

They however, called on the Federal Government to end the killings to avert Nigeria from going into another civil war.

Some of the Protesters carried various placards with the inscriptions: “Buhari, end the killings” “Our Churches are not Grazing Fields, “Enough is Enough for barbaric killings”, among others.

They added that they will begin to defend themselves

with whatever means available if the Federal Government fails to end the killings.

Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Taraba State Acting Chairman CAN, Apostle John Aina called on the Federal Government to arrest the killers for prosecution.

“The conspiracy of silence between the Presidency and the Security Chiefs has led and dangerous dimension as churches and murdering of anointed men of God”, “These killings must stop now, otherwise we shall do Federal Government sending

want action now”, spirits, why is it that nobody has been arrested despite the killings of hundreds of people on a daily basis in Benue, Taraba and other parts of the Country. displeasure and condemn this conspiracy of silence to the Federal Government and the Security Agencies who are paid with tax payers’ money to protect the citizens but they are rather colluding with the terrorists to kill Nigerians,” he said.

The CAN Acting Chairman condemned the conspiracy of silence by the federal government in the face of the killings going on in the country and urged Christians to be vigilant and protect

themselves in the face of growing insecurity in the country.

Presenting the protesters message, of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Barr. Mrs. Anna Darius Ishaku prayed God to intervene in the needless and unfortunate killings in the country. in the unfortunate situation we believe that there is nothing God cannot do, so we pray God to intervene in this very dangerous situation”, she said.

The National President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle had last week directed all Christians in the country to embark on a peaceful protest on Sunday April 29th to protest against killings in the country.

TIMES SPORTS Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Steenkamp can set a new SA record

R

ikenette Steenkamp (Tuks) is going to set a new South African record in the 100m-hurdles the question is just when she is going to do so.

On Saturday during the University Sports South Africa Athletics Championships in Sasolburg, she won in a time of 13.04s which is just 0.05s slower than her personal best time which she set last year running 12.99s.

Corien Botha set the 100m-hurdles South African record way back in 1998 when she ran 12.94s.

Steenkamp has purposely chosen to have a more conservative start to her season this year. Saturday was only the third time she raced. It is exciting to note that she has been able to run a faster in each of her races. At the end of March in

her first race she ran 13.24s in Sasolburg, two weeks ago in Potchefstroom she clocked 13.13s and now her time is 13.04s.

It means she has improved by 0.10s with each race.

“I think I have made a wise decision to race less locally as it means that I will start my European campaign fresh. I got a whole month to train before my next race which is 4 June in Prague.”

Last year Steenkamp competed in five international races winning four and finishing second once. She twice clocked times faster than 13 seconds. In Ostrava, her time was 12.99s.

During a meeting in Switzerland, she ran 12.92s which were 0.02s more quickly than Botha’s national record. Unfortunately, the wind from behind was measured at

2.01m/s which mean it was too strong by 0.01m/s for Steenkamp’s time to be official.

The Tuks athletics team had a dismal performance at the USSA Championships finishing fourth overall. Northwest Pukke won, with the University of Johannesburg second, Kovsies third.

What counted against Tuks was its lack of

Real and Zidane look to overcome Bayern Zinedine Zidane may have won two consecutive Champions League titles but he refuses to admit a third would brand this his very own era at Real Madrid.

Real stand on the brink of a trio leg against Bayern Munich in t h e last four o n

Tuesday, when they will carry a 2-1 lead, and two away goals, to the Santiago Bernabeu.

It makes them favourites to go through and, for many, heavy favourites to win the tournament after already beating Paris SaintGermain and Juventus in the knock-out stages.

For Zidane, a third European crown as coach is now in sight, which would put him level with in the pantheon of successful managers.

Only the three triumphs of Paisley, however, came at one club, Liverpool, and over a single era, in 1977, 1978 and 1981.

11 years, with two clubs, Real and AC Milan.

“We cannot talk about this,” Zidane said on Friday. “Coaches like this were given a lot of time, they did a lot of things.

“I am comfortable, we have done well, it is two and a half years that have been good but the rest, ‘Zidane’s Real Madrid’, let’s wait a bit.”

Even Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have lifted Europe’s biggest prize only twice, all with more years in management under their belts.

But Zidane’s merits as a coach and tactician continue to be downplayed, at least in part because the Frenchman owns arguably the most talented squad in the world and, in Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League’s greatest ever player.

Pliskova withdraws from Prague Open

There will be no home court showdown for Karolina Pliskova with her twin sister Kristyna after the former world No 1 pulled out of the WTA Prague Open on Monday with injury.

“I’m very disappointed and sad that I won’t be able to play,” said Karolina Pliskova, complaining of a groin injury.

Now ranked at six in the world, Pliskova put the injury down to fatigue after seven games in the last nine days, including a tournament-winning games for the Czech Republic.

Karolina’s withdrawal means she avoids playing her 72nd-ranked twin whose career has been overshadowed by a sister who was runner-up at the US Open in 2016 and whose title triumph in

took her trophy tally to 10.

Kristyna has one title on her CV from Ta s h k e n t in 2016 and has career

earnings of just under $2 million compared to Monte Carlobased Karolina’s $11 million.

depth outside the sprint events. Northwest Pukke won gold medals in 12 events with the University of Johannesburg’s athletes being victorious in nine. Kovsies won seven while Tuks only won five gold medals (all sprint or hurdling).

Thembo Monareng set a new personal best time winning the 100m in 10.18s. **Sokwakhana Zazini (TuksSport High School) is busy setting up an impressive record when it comes to winning local races.

At the CAA Southern Region Youth and Junior Championships in Boksburg, he managed to win both the 400m-hurdles (49.99s) and the 400m (46.07s). The last time he was beaten locally racing in his age-group (under-18 and under-20) was 2016.

Enyimba’s Fatau Dauda apologises for red card against Akwa United Enyimba goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has apologised for his draw with Akwa United.

The Ghana international, who has been on splendid form this minute of the encounter.

Dauda acknowledged that his expulsion was the turning point in the game and may well have cost the two-times African champions all three points.

“It’s very unfortunate that happened,” he said. “Who knows, we should have won the

game if we had been 11 players “The only thing I can do now is to ask the forgiveness of the fans, and of the whole team. This will not happen again.”

Coach Yusuf: Super Eagles will defeat DR Congo Super Eagles Assistant Coach Salisu Yusuf said on Monday that the Super Eagles would defeat DR Congo in their May 28 friendly, slated for Abuja.

Yusuf, who made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the Eagles would use the match to send signal of hope to Nigerians.

He described friendly matches as fundamental in shaping the that friendly matches were not just meant to record victory but to strengthen teams.

“We are sure of winning Congo DR in order to keep our hope in the World Cup alive and tell Nigerians that we are very ready for the task ahead.”

The coach pleaded with Nigerians to continue to support the team, assuring that the

Eagles would not disappoint.

He said that the Eagles were one of the best teams in Africa, noting that the team had demonstrated its Yusuf noted that Nigeria had and preparations for the World Cup. He said that the Eagles were determined to make not just Nigeria but Africa proud in Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation recently announced a change in the venue of the Nigeria-DR Congo friendly from Uyo to Abuja.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

31 Times Sports Everton unveil new home kit for 2018/19 season Everton have revealed their new kit for next season, which

League on Saturday.

The club and

collaborated with the club’s supporters in the process of selecting the design for the new

Neymar set to return to Paris as he makes ‘very satisfying’ injury progress

and third strips.

Gary Evans, Chair of the gone to listen to the feedback Rafael Nadal remained atop the ATP rankings released on Monday after breezing to his 11th Barcelona title over the weekend.

ATP rankings on April 30:

The striker has been back in Brazil for several weeks after against Marseille in February but is poised to return to the French capital as he builds up return to action ahead of World Cup 2018.

Checks that the 26-year-old went through have reinforced “The

result

of

kit

these

1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8 770 pts 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 8 670 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5 195 4. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4 985 5. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4 950 6. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4 470 7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3 545 8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3 390 9. John Isner (USA) 3 125 10. David Goffin (BEL) 3 020 11. Pablo Carreño (ESP) 2 440 12. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2 220 13. Sam Querrey (USA) 2 220 14. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2 175 (+1) 15. Jack Sock (USA) 2 155 (+1) 16. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2 130 (+1) 17. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 2 060 (+1) 18. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1 995 (-4) 19. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1 840 (+1) 20. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1 835 (+1)

resulted in what we believe is a really strong design for next season.

“As a fan you always look forward to the reveal of a new kit and this one doesn’t disappoint. This is a shirt that Evertonians will be proud to wear.”

Club captain Phil Jagielka is also a fan of the new kit, which features a collar and the players’ shirts.

“This kit is a subtle nod to Everton’s traditions, but is one that every one of us will wear proudly on Saturday and for to write the club’s future,” he said.

“When you pull on an Everton shirt you are representing Evertonians everywhere, and

right foot are evolving very the players has had can now French club reads.

“What will follow

is

a

which will begin in the next few days in Brazil and then continue at the Ooredoo training centre.” is expected back in the French capital on Thursday.

Ligue 1, having arrived at PSG

in the league and picked up a further 15 assists.

Lionel Messi overtakes Mo Salah in European Golden Shoe race Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in Barcelona’s

and three behind Messi; the Italian has

points), while PSG’s Edinson Cavani and Inter’s Mauro Icardi have 27 goals

overtake Mo Salah in the race for the European Golden Shoe.

Messi’s 41st club hat-trick helped

Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich is in fourth (28 goals, 56

Kane is in seventh with 26 goals (52 points).

If Messi does stay ahead of Salah,

reaching 550 goals for Barcelona in 634 appearances.

That puts the Argentine on 64 points, two clear of Salah, who had seven shots in the 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday, but could not hit the target.

Messi, who won last season’s European Golden Boot having scored points, is now in pole position for another individual title, and has four

A return to action before the not been entirely discounted but looks very doubtful.

with Salah’s two, starting with the Clasico on Sunday evening.

In third place is Inter Milan’s Ciro

get his hands on the European Golden Were Salah to overtake Messi in the

since another Liverpool forward, Luis Suarez, shared the award with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago.

Golden Shoe outright, after scoring 31

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Active infrastructure, national roaming key to seamless communication –NCC PG B6

Africa prudential records 55% growth in revenue

Motolani Oseni

Investor services and business support firm, Africa Prudential Plc recorded an impressive growth in its Profit After Tax (PAT) for 2017 financial year, even as it been named among Top performing companies in 2017 listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and was presented with the BusinessDay Top 25 CEOs Award at a dinner held in Lagos recently.

In fact, the company’s shares on the NSE recorded capital appreciation of 38.4 per cent, which translates to N2.62 billion contribution to the overall growth in market capitalisation at the close of 2017. Collectively, the 25 CEOs accounted for over 45 percent of the success recorded on the NSE last year.

Managing Director/CEO, Peter Ashade was joined by other top CEOs in Nigeria as they received the prestigious award at a well-attended event organised

by BusinessDay Media Limited.

According to the award organisers, Africa Prudential Plc qualified for the award, having met the criteria of its share price outperforming the All Share Index (ASI) of the NSE. Mr. Peter Ashade noted at the event that the company’s impressive performance and the recognition on the night is attributable to the strong corporate governance culture delivered by the Board of Directors, and the unflinching dedication of Management and staff of the company.

In a related development, Africa Prudential Plc announced its Unaudited Financial Statements for the first quarter of 2018, showing an impressive 55 percent year-on-year growth in revenue, and 35% growth in profitability.

According to the financial statement, which was released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange last week, the company recorded a total revenue of N1.01 billion, compared to N0.65 billion in the corresponding period

of 2017, which translates to a growth of 55% year-on-year.

Profit Before Tax also grew by 35% from N0.40 billion in Q1 2017 to N0.54 billion, while Total Assets grew marginally by 3% from N21.93 billion in 2017 to N22.66 billion. Conversely, Shareholders’ Funds shrunk by 4% to N6.64 billion from N6.94 billion recorded in 2017. Notes to the financial statement showed that the drop was largely due to increased dividend pay-out.

Commenting on the financial results, Managing Director/ CEO of the company, Mr. Peter Ashade said, “The results depict a strong momentum demonstrated by the Company, as we strive to continuously improve and expand our business operations. I am pleased to say that Africa Prudential is still poised to be #1 in Nigeria, with an aspiration to expand into the African market, driven by technology; and translating to strong opera-

tional and financial efficiency”.

He also stated that, “The Company recorded a Turnover of N1.01 billion; a growth of 55% over the previous financial period and a Profit Before Tax of N0.54 billion, which represents an increase of 35% over the previous period”.

He further emphasized that Africa Prudential Plc is still a strong player in the registrars’ business, and intends on sustaining its growing pedigree as

a leading investor services company in Nigeria, whilst aspiring to become a leader in Africa in the near future.

Africa Prudential Plc is a leading share registration firm, investor and business support services provider in Nigeria; and the only registrar firm listed on the NSE; specializing in customer-focused, technologically driven service for corporations.

L-R: Ibidapo Martins, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc; Titi Ladipo, Human Resources Manager, Fareast Mercantile Limited; Grama Narasimhan, Executive Director, Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank Plc; Shina Atilola, Group Head, Strategy and New Business, Sterling Bank Plc and Olufemi Festus, Head, Human Resources, Sterling Assurance Plc, during the launch Specta online lending platform powered by Sterling Bank in Lagos...reecntly

Hard time awaits smugglers, says new Customs boss The new Controller of Customs (CAC), Ogun Area Command, Michael Nwagbara has promised hard time for smugglers.

Nwagbara said this in a statement signed by Mr Joseph Attah, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service on Monday in Lagos.

According to the controller,

the command will continue with the ongoing effort to stem the activities of smugglers which have caused great damage to the economy.

“We are going to improve on the existing tempo of crushing smugglers syndicates, making use of all that is in our auxiliary,” Nwagbara said.

The statement also said

Nwagbara’s predecessor, CAC Danni Madugu, generated N6.1 billion between Jan. and Dec. 2017.

According to the statement, Madugu has been redeployed to the Customs Headquarters as Acting Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) in charge of Enforcement.

It said the command recorded 810 seizures valued at N1.5 billion within the period.

The statement listed the impounded items to include 442 vehicles, 104 motors-cycles, 21,789 bags of rice, 15,825 cartons of poultry products, 1,934 kegs of vegetable oil and cannabis among others.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Autonomy key to professionalism, generation of more revenue –FIRS boss Motolani Oseni

Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Mr. Tunde Fowler, has said autonomy is the key to professionalism and generation of more revenue across the country, while calling on state governors to empower State Internal Revenue Services (SIRS) by making them autonomous.

Fowler made the call at the 137th Meeting of the JTB in Ilorin. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Wahab Gbadamosi, FIRS Director of Communications and Servicom.

“The good work that you are doing is evident in the performance of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS. It is good enough for others to follow. We commend

the work that KWIRS is doing and agreed amongst ourselves to adopt is as a model. Like I often tell my colleagues, we members of JTB must not disappoint Nigerians.

“I like you to call on other governors, your colleagues in other states who have not taken the bold step to please do and give autonomy to State Internal Revenue Services. Please help us to convey this to them as an ambassador and tell other governors,” said Fowler.

He also called on JTB members to intensify efforts to-

wards meeting revenue targets.

Fowler commended Ahmed for growing the internally generated revenue of Kwara State.

“I like to commend the efforts of the Executive Governor in transforming the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service. It is on record that the State annual IGR grew from N7.1bn in 2015 to N17.2bn in 2016. I therefore, urge the service not to relent in its efforts and continue to work hard to justify the encouragement received by the State Government,” said Fowler, who is also the Executive Chairman,

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The meeting had as theme: “Collaboration amongst tax Authorities: Its Impact on Revenue Generation and Service Delivery to Taxpayers.”

Governor Ahmed, who declared the meeting open, told the 36 Chairmen of the State Internal Revenue Service that KWIRS’ ability to grow Kwara’s annual Internally Generated Revenue from N7.1bn in 2015 to N17.2bn in 2016 is predicated on three key planks: People, Processes and Technology.

He noted that Kwara’s IGR moved from N600 million in 2015 prior to autonomy to N1.5 billion monthly, with increase of about N17.4 billion in 2016.

His words: “As you are aware, the Kwara State government signed the Kwara State Revenue Administration Law No. 6 of 2015 on the 22nd of June, 2015 and since then the face of revenue administration has witnessed significant changes that started with the complete change of the people, process and technology for the administration of taxes”.

Arik Air commences flight into Bauchi

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Arik Air has announced that it is spreading its wings to Bauchi with the launch of flight services to the City from May 9, 2018.

The airline will be operating three weekly flights from Abuja to Bauchi with connections to and from Lagos on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said the inauguration of flight operations to Bauchi is borne out of the importance attached to Bauchi State as the ‘Pearl of Tourism’ in Nigeria and underscores the airline’s commitment to the growth of tourism in the country.

“Arik Air has always been at the forefront of the development of aviation and tourism in Nigeria. We are committed to the opening up of the country to commerce and industry through air connectivity. Our plan is to connect all viable airports in Nigeria so as to expand the frontiers of commerce and grow the economy”, Captain Roy stated.

Bauchi becomes Arik Air’s 20th domestic destination and firmly placed the airline as the leading carrier in Nigeria.

L-R:Country Head, Internal Audit, Tunde Dawodu; Executive Director, Corporate Bank, Akin Dada; Regional Treasury Sales Head AnglophoneAfrica, Adetokunbo Uko and Charles Nwobi, Segment Head, Commercial Banking, all of Ecobank Nigeria at the BusinessDay TOP 25 CEOs Award in Lagos… recently

PENGASSAN wants FG to end illegal refineries in Rivers The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal and Rivers State Government to urgently put an end to illegal refineries causing soot in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

According to the senior staff trade union, the soot, in the form of thick black smoke which covered the entire Port Harcourt city, could be the root cause of some of the respiratory problems being experienced by inhabitants of the city, saying that the health implications of the endemic black soot in Port Harcourt could be worse than Ebola if evaluated on the long term effect.

In a statement signed by the PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade For-

tune Obi, this soot was not getting any serious attention because most of the people affected were still performing their daily task while they swim in this soot that had been confirmed by experts to be carcinogenic.

“The black soot settles on everything and finds its way into the corners of living rooms no matter how hard people try to stop it. Food items in Port Harcourt markets are as well not spared from getting mixed with this deadly soot that is ever present everywhere,” he stated.

Comrade Obi said PENGASSAN in collaboration with other concerned bodies and citizens had severally created awareness to call the attention of the government to act swiftly and put an end to whatever was the source of

this killer soot.

“Majority believed that the source of this soot is due to incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons as well as asphalt processing, burning of barges/vessels used for oil bunkering and illegal artisanal refinery operations in some parts of the state.

“There is need for collaboration among all stakeholders to end this environmental hazard.

We therefore call on the State and the Federal Governments to put strategic action in place to finally address this black soot and put an end to whatever is the source.

This is not the time to play politics with people’s lives,” he said.

He said the Federal and State Governments, security agencies as well as all agencies in charge of environment, including the National Emergency Management

Agency (NEMA) and its Rivers State counterpart, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSRDA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and other agencies handling related issues should tow a defined and safe path in handling illegal oil vessels as well as the criminal act of illegal refining of crude oil that were said to be the key reason of this menace.

“The governments should also involve the locals and possibly constitute them into Environmental councils to monitor their areas for any possible illegal refining of the crude and such other dangerous acts that are inimical to human existence.”Comrade Obi demanded that the criminals perpetrating these evils should be arrested and prosecuted,” he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

B3Business News

Fraud: Court orders EFCC to release cars to oil marketer Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to immediately release two exotic cars in its custody, to an oil marketer, Anthony Adejugbe.

Justice Oguntoyinbo granted the order after entertaining an application filed by Adejugbe and his company, Tonique Oil Services Limited, seeking a court order directing EFCC to release the cars; a Toyota RAV4 with registration number JW 383 AAA, and a Lexus Jeep LX 570 marked TE 389 KJA in the custody of EFCC. The anti-graft agency had taken possession of

the two cars following an interim order of forfeiture obtained from the Federal High Court on July 23, 2013.

The court had earlier granted the order of interim forfeiture on the ground that the applicants, were facing a charge at a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.

But November 13, 2017, Justice Lateefat Okunnu discharged and acquitted Adejugbe and his company, Tonique Oil Services Limited, of the charge N272.5 million fraud, thus, removing the basis for the continued seizure of the two cars.

While delivering ruling on the application, Justice Oguntoyinbo held that though, the court recognized the power of the EFCC to temporary forfeit

any property under investigation, in order to preserve it from being dissipated, but that such interim order of forfeiture should not last forever adding that once that owner or owners of such properties are cleared of any guilt, their properties be released to them by lifting such order of forfeiture.

The trial judge held that since the Lagos state High court has discharge and acquit the applicants of any crime, there is no basis for the Commission to hold on to the two vehicles, more so, it did not file any application for stay of execution, nor appeal the judgment of the court discharging the applicants.

Consequently, Justice

Oguntoyinbo ordered the EFCC to forthwith release the two cars to the applicants, Adejugbe and Tonique Oil Services Limited.

The EFCC had sometimes in 2012, charged Adejugbe and his firm, Tonique Oil Services Limited, before Justice Lateefat Okunnu, of Ikeja High Court of Lagos, on a two count-charge of alleged N272.5 million fraud, in a charge marked ID/198C/2012.

However, justice Okunnu in her judgment delivered on November 2017, discharged and acquitted Adejugbe and his firm of the said crime. Freeing Adejugbe and his firm of the said charge, Justice Okunnu held that the prosecution did not bring up substantial

L – R: Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presenting a replica of the closing gong to Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, FCA, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) during the Closing Gong ceremony in honour of the new president of LCCI at The Exchange on Monday.

Air Peace, crew win NIPR awards

Air Peace and six of its crew members revelled in accolades on over the weekend when the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) rewarded them with the ‘National Carrier of Repute’ and ‘Nigerian Crew of Repute’ awards respectively.

The organisers said the recipients delivered flight services with exceptional efficiency.

A statement by Mr. Chris Iwarah, the spokesman for Air Peace said that Dr. Rotimi Oladele, President of NIPR presented the awards to the airline and its crew members during the annual

conference of the institute in Umuahia, Abia State.

Air Peace, he hinted had brought honour to Nigeria in the aviation industry and proved that the nation had the capacity to fix its challenges.

Oladele affirmed that the carrier’s on-time performance, customer service, safety and fleet maintenance reputations were unparalleled.

The NIPR boss commended Air Peace’s crew chosen for the ‘Nigerian Crew of Repute’ award – Capt. Adesola Arasi, First Officer Violet Enahoro, Ademola Olowolade, Ann Otiede, Ye-

misi Beckley and Paul Ijeh – for distinguishing themselves in their engagements with members of the flying public.

He justified the choice of Air Peace and its crew for the awards, saying they were practically assessed by NIPR teams without their knowledge.

He said a total of 20 airlines were covertly assessed by the institute’s teams on board 29 flights and at the carriers’ offices. Air Peace and its crew, he said, emerged winners after securing a total of 67 per cent of the votes.

Responding on behalf of

Air Peace, Iwarah assured that the carrier was driven by a passion to project the name of Nigeria globally through exceptional flight services.

From seven aircraft and five routes at launch in 2014, he said Air Peace had increased its fleet to 24 aircraft and taken its flight operations to 12 domestic and four regional destinations.

Iwarah said the airline was set to broaden its regional route network with the addition of Monrovia (Liberia), Lome (Togo) and Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) in the next few weeks.

evidence to prove its case against them.

The judge ruled that: “There is, therefore, reasonable doubt regarding the case of prosecution that the payment in question was intended by the defendants for use in paying off part of the second defendant’s loan.

“In the event, and by reason of all the foregoing, it is my findings that this is neither a case of stealing, nor

one of obtaining by false pretence”.

Reviewing the facts of the case as presented by both parties before the court, Justice Okunnu said the prosecution failed to bring strong evidence enough to show that there was such known fact or even, a whiff of rumour to back their case of alleged fraud against the defendants, she declared.

Wealth creation: Obaseki converts ICE to tech-innovation hub as Awosika tasks youth Ladesope Ladelokun As part of initiatives to engage and develop skills of the teeming youth population in the state, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government has converted the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) in Benin City to a technology innovation hub, Obaseki disclosed this at a two-day workshop organised by the state government in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria, for young entrepreneurs as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, at the weekend, in Benin City.

He noted, “In a few months’ time, the state governments will set-up the first technology innovation hub with thousands of computers supported with high-speed connectivity. The state will invite technological companies to provide support services at the hub.”

The hub, he said, “will serve as a facility for training youths in the state. It would also be used as a centre for follow-up training for youths who are participating in similar training programmes organised by the state government in partnership with the First Bank of Nigeria.”

Obaseki explained, “The state government has decided to reposition the former Institute of Continuing Education into an advanced learning centre and an innova-

tion hub. Work has started and, in few months, the Centre will be ready with computers and equipment for the training of our youth.”

The governor also tasked youth in the state to register on the EdoJobs portal, noting, “The portal was created to provide data from which youth who will benefit from the state government’s job and wealth creation initiatives will be selected.”

He added that the state will retrain youth to be able to realise their potential, noting, “We are trying to correct the faulty education and prepare our youth to compete favourably with youth in other parts of the world.

“We will not lament and continue to make excuses as we have drawn the line to make youth in the state productive. The next generation of children in the state will have world class basic education that will see them through life.”

Obaseki noted that the state will continue to partner with firms like First Bank of Nigeria to provide youth with remedial knowledge and skills to make them employable and become entrepreneurs.

Chairperson, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, commended the governor for his people-centered policies, noting, “The state is fortunate to have a governor whose heart is with his people. He has the right network with firms that can assist youths create wealth for themselves.”

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Fidelity Bank declares PAT of N18.9bn in 2017 Stories by Motolani Oseni Fidelity Bank on Monday released its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December, 2017 to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), posting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N18.9billion, representing a 93.7 per cent growth while compared to N9.7billion recorded in the previous year.

The bank is however, proposing to pay 11 kobo dividend to shareholders, even as it grew Gross Earnings by 18.3 per cent to N179.9billion from N152.0billion in 2016, whilst Net Interest Income (NIM) increased by 15.4 per

cent to N71.5billion in 2017, Net Operating Income rose by 9.9 per cent from N86.0bn to N78.3billion whilst Total Assets grew by 6.2 per cent from N1.3trillion to N1.4 trillion in the period under review.

The performance capped a remarkable 2017FY for the bank which returned to the international capital markets and successfully issued a $400m Eurobond that was over-subscribed by over 200 per cent.

In other indices, Total Expenses declined by 2.3 per cent to N65.7bn from N67.2billion whilst Liquidity Ratio stood at 35.9 per cent compared with 33.2 per

cent in the previous year.

Commenting on the results, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, expressed delight with the performance.

According to him, the Bank sustained its performance through disciplined balance sheet management, strategic cost reduction, increased focus on the corporate, commercial, SME segments and continued execution of its retail and digital banking strategy.

“We are delighted at the results, which showed strong growth in key revenue lines, significant traction in our chosen business segments and a correspond-

ing decline in our operating expenses despite the high inflationary environment”, he stated.

According to him, the implementation of initiatives from its Business Process Review Project and the Bank’s digital focus, continued to impact positively on operational efficiency as “total operating expenses declined by 2.3 per cent to N65.7 billion leading to the cost-income ratio dropping to 67.5 per cent from 77.3 per cent in the 2016FY. The combination of the strong net revenue growth of 9.9 per cent to N7.7 billion and the 2.3 per cent decline in total expenses which trans-

lated to cost savings of N1.5 billion resulted in our increased profitability”.

Increased digitization has resulted to over 25 per cent of the Bank’s fee-based income as customers’ adoption of its mobile/internet platforms improved to 35 per cent in the 2017FY and led to a 21.0 per cent reduction in vault cash holding.

Similarly, the Bank’s retail banking strategy continued to deliver good results. Savings Deposits grew by 15.2 per cent to N178.6bn, accounting for 23.0 per cent of total deposits from 19.5 per cent in the 2016FY. This has improved the Bank’s lowcost deposits ratio to 77.0 per cent of total deposits.

L-R: Chef Patron, La Petite, Raphael Duntoye ; Host, The Kitchen Show, The Food Network Channel, Sunny Anderson; Head Chef, Heels in the Kitchen, Imoteda Aladekomo and Head Chef, The Benedict Experience, Benedict Okuzu at the press conference to announce the 2018 Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Food and Drink Fair in Lagos..recently

Imbibing corporate governance key to building enduring financial institution –Elumelu Imbibing the corporate governance culture is key to building an enduring financial institution, Chairman, UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu told participants at the lender annual Group Chairman’s Forum held recently in Lagos.

Elumelu, whilst addressing participants during the forum, reminded them that putting the customers at the forefront and tailoring the activities of the bank in line with their demands remains the focal point of the bank Strong and institutionalized corporate governance, laden with excellence in customer service, according to Elumelu will drive more investment to the bank and thus allow it to contribute meaningfully to the development of the African economy.

The Forum is a platform for group integration, re-strategising

and knowledge sharing with the overall aim of putting the bank on firm standing to actualize its goals and targets for the financial year.

The theme of this year’s forum was focused on three main areas: ‘Efficient and effective communication across the group; Entrenchment of enduring corporate culture and corporate governance..

He said, “As long term investors and Africa enthusiasts, we are committed to the markets in which we operate and to the wider African economy. We will continue to work with credible partners and governments across Africa to identify and develop those critical growth poles required for the sustainable development of all African economies’.

“In line with this, we must inculcate a culture that enforces corporate governance, individual and corporate accountability, a high sense of urgency and a customer

first orientation in getting things done. Responsiveness and accountability are key attributes of High Performing Organizations. We know that the culture of corporate governance is key and we intend to focus on this to ensure that our goals for the financial year are duly met,” Elumelu said Also speaking at the 3rd Chairman’s Forum, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who emphasized the bank’s goals of Excellence, Enterprise and Execution, said that the business had to be more customer-focused than ever before, adding that the elements of effective and efficient communication could not be toyed with as they represent an embodiment of what the bank stands for at all times.

Participants at the Group Board Forum resolved to do all in their power to continue to position the bank as the leading Pan-African

Bank across all key indices – brand equity, human capital, customer service and profitability, whilst also inculcating a culture of responsiveness at UBA, with zero tolerance for any regulatory infraction across all operations.

Speakers at the Forum included Director of Marketing Corporate Communication, Bola Atta, Director of Human Capital Management, Patricia Aderibigbe; Head of Risk, Uche Ike and the Managing Partner of Angela Aneke Associates.

The newly appointed Regional CEOs, Emeke Iweriebor, Amie Sow, Abiola Bawuah and Martin Che also presented on how they intend to achieve their strong objectives for this financial year. The forum ended on a very strong and positive note which witnessed all participants in an up beat mood.

Heritage Bank pledges continuous support for BBNaija Heritage Bank has said it would continue to partner with MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, owners of the DSTV and GOTV brands to bring the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show to viewers across Africa and beyond.

Group Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank, Mr. Fela Ibidapo, disclosed this at the grand finale of the BBNaija which held over the weekend.

According to him, “we will continue to partner with Multichoice on the project because we believe in entertainment, adding that they are also interested in working with the Ex-housemates to finance Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) for them if they could come up with a business plan.”

The third season of the reality TV show tagged: Double Wahala ended on Sunday with Miracle Igbekwe, a pilot and model winning the grand prize of N45 million out of five finalists that competed for coveted prize at the finale. The others are Cee-C, Tobi, Alex and Nina Chinoso.

The grand prize is made up of cash reward of N25 million, an SUV Jeep valued N12 million, N4.7 million to travel to international destination of choice and N3.3 million for the purchase of a complete home entertainment system.

In terms of ranking, Miracle scored 38.18 percent votes to emerge the winner, Cee-C 28.04 percent, Tobi 22.54 percent, Alex 7.07 percent while had Nina 4.18 percent.

Besides winning the grand prize, Miracle had earlier emerged winner of the season’s Payporte arena games challenge with a prize of N1 million, Pepsi Challenge N1 million and N200,000 wager allowance after picking the box tagged number two which contained the prize money.

Mr. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the host of the programme said a total of 170 million votes were cast for the third season while 30 million votes were recorded in the last week of the programme.

The show started on last January 28 with 20 housemates with four of them debuting in a reality show for the first time in their lives.

This was an increase over 12 that participated in the season two edition.

The new comers are Nina Chinoso 21 years- old, Vanessa Williams aka Vandora from Edo State, Teddy A 29 and Kelvin Burle aka KBrule 23 years-old.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

B5Capital Market

Transcorp shareholders ASI down 0.57% in April as commend company’s investors gain N8.4bn return to profitability Stories by Adesola Afolabi

Shareholders of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) have commended the management of the company for their effort and commitment towards bringing the investment conglomerate back to profitability.

The shareholders who spoke during the company’s 12th Annual General Meeting which was held in Lagos on Monday, said that the leadership of the company had showed their doggedness and hard-work which according to them has translated into huge returns for the shareholders as reflected in the financials which was being considered at the meeting.

The National President, Association for the Advancement Rights Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Faruk Umar, who spoke at the meeting, said that the management of the company kept to their words of delivering superior returns to the shareholders just as they promised in the previous meeting.

He said, “The results we are considering today is very commendable. We have hardly ever seen a company that went from a loss position to a profit position by over 1000%. This is beyond impressive. This has gone a long way to increase shareholder’s faith in the company and has proven to us that Transcorp Plc. It is even more exciting to note that shareholders will be rewarded with a total dividend payment of N812,959,820 translating to 2 kobo per share. We are very pleased with this turnaround, and we trust that the company will do all it can to uphold this.”

Transcorp’s results for the financial year ended December 31, 2017, showed

that Group Revenue hit N80.28bn translating into a 35% revenue growth compared to its result the preceding year. Group Profit Before Tax closed the year at N12.31bn, this is a huge leap compared to Loss Before Tax of N5.93bn which was recorded at the end of the 2016 financial year.

Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Tony O. Elumelu, while addressing shareholders, said, “Your company is truly Nigeria’s own conglomerate. It was setup to drive the nation’s economy in a positive direction by investing in catalytic sectors, capable of improving lives and Transforming Nigeria.

When Transcorp is doing well, you don’t have to check to see if Nigeria is also doing well. Their journeys are intertwined.

The chairman also said that the Transcorp team would explore the conglomerate’s oil & gas assets and to also leverage on these assets to maximize Transcorp’s potential in the power generation space. “The plan is for Transcorp Power to continue expanding its generating capacity and contribute even more to the national grid despite already emerging as Nigeria’s highest generator of Power,” he explained The President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, Adim Jibunoh who also addressed shareholders at the meeting thanked the shareholders for their support over the years, while promising them even better returns in the coming years. According to him, the company has been involved in a number of projects which will ensure that shareholders begin to enjoy real value for their investment in the next few years.

April was a bearish investment month at the equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The performance indicator of NSE, the All Share Index (ASI) which opened for the month of April at 41, 504.51 points declined by 0.57 per cent or 236.5 basis points to close the final trading day at 41,268.01 points.

Although the equities market on Monday began the first day of trading for the week on a positive note, having gained 0.06 per cent to close the day at 41,268.01 points as against a 1.15 per cent growth recorded last Friday. Being the last trading day in the month of April, the consolidated

gains for the month were not enough to yield a positive return as m-t-d yields closed -0.57 per cent while year to date returns appreciated to 7.91 per cent.

Market observers and analysts; however expect sustenance of recent gains into the coming trading days, provided first quarter results of listed companies show positive performances.

Researchers at United Capital, an investment firm said on Monday that “we expect investor sentiments to track the inflow of Q1-18 earnings numbers.”

Monday’s growth performance was impacted by gains in the Industrial and Banking Indices. The industrial index gained 0.56 per cent on the back drop of a

0.41 per cent or N1 growth in the share price of Dangote Cement. The Banking index similarly increased 0.43 per cent as Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings gained 1.47 per cent, 0.18 per cent, 0.40 per cent respectively.

Investors gained N8.4bn as Market capitalisation which closed at N14.949 trillion increased from previous session’s N14.940 trillion.

The day’s top three gainers were CILEASING, HMARKINS and BETAGLAS, increasing 9.35, 6.25 and 4.97 per cent to close at N1.52, 34 kobo and N79.25 per share respectively.

On the other hand, REGALINS (-10.00 per cent), DANGFLOUR (-5.00 per cent) and ETERNA (-5.00 per cent)

L–R: Dr. Oluwole Cole, CON, Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI); Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, CON, Immediate Past President, LCCI; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, FCA, President, LCCI; Mrs. Toke Mabogunje, Deputy President, LCCI; Mr. Muda Yusuf, Director General, LCCI and Pai Gamde, Chief Human Resources, NSE during the Closing Gong ceremony in honour of the new president of LCCI at The Exchange...on Monday.

Sterling Bank records profit after tax of N3.1bn Sterling Bank has reported a profit after tax of N3.1 billion on gross earnings of N39.8 billion for the first quarter ended 31st March 2018. The impressive first quarter net income is an improvement on net income of N1.9 billion for the corresponding period of 2017, representing an increase of 65.2%.

A further review of the financial performance indicates that net loans and advances increased by two

percent to N609.8 billion, customer deposits rose by 4.9% to N718.5 billion, while total assets (excluding contingent liabilities) were relatively flat at N1.05 trillion.

Commenting on the financial performance, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, the Chief Executive Officer of the bank said, “We are pleased to be starting 2018 on a good note, by sustaining the strong performance delivered in 2017 with growth across key financial indices.

emerged the day’s top three losers, to close at 27 kobo, N13.30 and N6.27 per share respectively.

Meanwhile, volume and value of trades traded on Monday grew 41 per cent and 78 per cent. Investors exchanged in 4,699 deals a total of 450.5 million units worth N4.959 billion.

Topping the list of most traded stocks was Mutual Benefits that sold 131 million units of shares worth N31.4 million followed by UBA that traded 67.8 million shares valued at N781.1 million, FBNHoldings that exchanged 53.6 million shares amounting to N670.3 million, Zenith Bank that transacted 23.6 million shares at N648.5 million and Transcrop that sold 16.1 million shares worth N27 million.

This demonstrates strength and is indicative of our outlook for the financial year.”

Remarkably, the bank’s gross earnings grew by 39.3% to N39.8 billion from N28.6 billion in the first quarter of 2017, with the Improvement in earnings directly linked to measured growth in retail lending as well as a 90% increase in transaction banking revenues.

“Our net operating income also grew by 34.2%, aided by a 50% reduction in impair-

ment charges. We continued to experience a significant improvement in asset quality as cost of risk declined by 140 basis points to 0.8% from 2.2% in 2017. Overall, Profit after Tax (PAT) rose by 65.2% to N3.1billion resulting in a 410 basis point increase in Return on Average Equity to 12.8%,” Mr. Suleiman further stated.

He added that Sterling Bank is actively mobilising private sector capital to solve some of the most pressing

social and economic needs of Nigerians. “We have aligned the bank’s business model to offer financial and non-financial solutions to key areas which are at the HEART of Sterling Bank – Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.”

In the period under review, the bank successfully launched Farepay, a contactless payment system as part of its transport sector intervention in Lagos State. The

payment system which is ensuring efficient fare collections will plug pilferage and revenue leakage making it possible for the sector to attract the much-needed capital investment required to transform it. Sterling Bank’s goal is to replicate this nationwide as it remains resolute in its conviction that the transport sector is an important catalyst for socioeconomic growth and sustainable development.

ICT B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Why iPhones price may crash soon Active infrastructure, Stories by Ladesope Ladelokun Facts are rife that the iPhone prices may soon crash in the market; due to the Apple’s latest attempt to diversify its OLED panel supply chain, which appears to be a non-starter.

This followed a report that recently indicated that LG fell behind schedule after running into manufacturing issues.

Industry operators, however, opined that Apple will probably have to stick with Samsung as its sole supplier, demanding a discount from Sam-

sung as it doubles its order of OLED panels from around 50 million in 2017 to nearly 100 million in 2018.

In fact, Apple needs 25 million OLED displays for the remaining iPhone X models it plans to produce this year and 75 million addition displays for the next-generation iPhone models coming this fall. Reports have pointed to a 5.8-inch model as well as a 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus, both of which will feature OLED displays, according to DigiTimes Due to the size of the order, Apple is reportedly putting pressure on Sam-

sung to cut the unit price of each OLED panel to $100 from the $110 that the supplier charged in 2017.

Also, DigiTimes notes that, the OLED panel accounts for nearly onethird of the total production cost of the iPhone X, and is one of the primary reasons that the phone costs as much as it does.

If Apple can save money on this key component, it could potentially pass those savings along to consumers.

Analysts say Samsung could just say no, especially knowing that Apple doesn’t have anywhere else to turn at the moment, but sources say

OLED panel makers in China are poised to lower prices in order to keep their production lines up and running. When that happens, Apple will be free to jump ship, so it might be in Samsung’s best interest to cut a deal with Apple in order to remain the primary supplier of OLED panels.

However, industry sources say as the price of OLED panels begins to drop, Apple will have a much harder time justifying a four-digit price tag. Recent reports have suggested that Apple’s 5.8-inch iPhone X successor might start at $899 instead of $999.

L-R: Omobola Johnson, former Minister of Communication Technology; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, FirstBank; Princess Sarah Sosan, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State; Yewande Zaccheaus, MD, Eventful Limited; and Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, FirstBank at the Runway Jazz Event held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos ...recently

HMD Global confirm May launch for new Nokia phones HMD Global has announced that their new Nokia 1, Nokia 6, Nokia 7+ and Nokia 8 Sirocco will be launching in May. The new Nokia 6 ($399) and Nokia 1 ($149) will be available in selected Australian retailers from this Friday, May 4th while the Nokia 8 Sirocco ($1199) and Nokia 7 Plus ($649) will be available in selected Australian retailers from Tuesday, May

17th.

All four handsets were announced at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, with the Nokia 8 Sirocco being touted as the rejuvenated brand’s “first true flagship” device.

The Nokia 6, Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8 Sirocco are all set to arrive as part of Google’s Android One program while the Nokia 1 runs on Android Go: Oreo Edition.

According to Mark Trundle, Country Manager for ANZ at HMD Global, “You know how passionate we are about design. Great design should deliver an intuitive and effortless interaction; it should look and feel incredible, and performs flawlessly. Above all, it should make you feel something.”

“The Nokia 8 Sirocco is the true embodiment

of that effortlessly elegant craftsmanship, combining a premium curved glass finish with incredible performance. The Sirocco name is synonymous with ultra - premium Nokia phones of the past, and it felt like the perfect match for already popular phone into this design classic.

We are delighted to offer this phone exclusively through JB Hi-Fi.”

national roaming key to seamless communication –NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified national roaming and infrastructure sharing as capable of promoting seamless communication of telecoms subscribers.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof.

Umar Danbatta , said this during the stakeholders’ forum on “ Development of Framework for National Roaming and Active Infrastructure Sharing in Nigeria’’ held in Lagos recently.

Represented by the Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr Austin Nwaulunne, he noted that the benefits of infrastructure sharing cannot be overemphasized, adding that there will be noticeable reduction in network deployment costs and gradual elimination of rural-urban divide.

Danbatta said subscribers would be able to roam on the network of other service providers where there service providers are unavailable.

Expressing commitment of the NCC toward the growth and development of the telecoms industry, Danbatta said an Industrial Working Committee was inaugurated in 2017

Umar Garba Danbatta

to work out the modalities for implementing National Roaming and Infrastructure sharing.

According to Danbatta, the past few years have seen the trajectory of the global telecommunications industry shift toward the implementation of cost-saving mechanisms which facilitate the effective utilisation of network resources for the provision of telecommunications services.

He said National Roaming and Active Infrastructure Sharing were two of such initiatives which have been successfully utilised to achieve improved coverage, cost reduction and the efficient utilisation of scarce network resources by regulatory agencies.

“To ensure that these benefits are realised, pertinent issues such as quality of service, mobile number portability, issues of fair competition, billing and reconciliation, appropriate roaming agreements, extent of regulation required the need to continue to incentivise operators.“To rollout infrastructure in under populated areas which were also considered in the articulation of the framework,’’ he concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

2018 May Day: Unions bemoan poor living conditions of Nigerian workers The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have expressed concerns over the living conditions and government’s response towards Nigerian workers as the world workers day is celebrated.

Deputy President of the NLC, and the Chairman of the 2018 Joint May Day Committee, Comrade Najeem Yasin, noted that as a result of the economic

and political crisis in the country, most workers are on the verge of losing faith in governments’ numerous promises of a better future. “There is overwhelming evidence to show that the living conditions of Nigerian workers and citizens have deteriorated in the past few years.

“To worsen the precarious condition that we workers have found ourselves in the absence

of meaningful social cushioning, especially by way of decent wages and dignified working conditions. “Even the minimum wage promised by the government is yet to materialize. The broader economic and political dynamics of our country continue to tempt many workers to lose faith and hope in the Nigerian promise.

“It is under these dark clouds that we seek to

inspire strength, confidence and hope in Nigerian workers and ordinary Nigerians who currently feel shortchanged,” he said. On security, the CoChairman and Chairman TUC FCT chapter, Comrade Amodu Olayinka, said that organised labour was in partnership with all security operatives across the country to avoid a repeat of workers’ revolt as witnessed at the last May Day workers’ celebration.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation/Head, EdoJobs, Mrs. Dare Ukinebo (left); and the Chairperson, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, at the 2-day workshop organised by the State Government in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria, for young entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, at the weekend in Benin City.

ASUU raises concern over 16m unemployed graduates The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed its displeasure over 16 million unemployed graduates and about 12 million children out of school.

The union called on President Muhammadu Buhari to safeguard the future of Nigerians and protect them from being tagged “youth sitting down and waiting for freebies”.

University of Ibadan ASUU Chairman Dr Deji Omole, who stated this in a chat with reporters, added that it became imperative for the Federal Government to be reminded that the future of the children of the masses must

not be used to play politics.

Recalled that the government had raised the hopes of declaring an emergency in the education sector in April, this year, apparently to proffer solutions to the low quality of education being offered Nigerian children, he wondered why in this last week of April, the plan to declare an emergency in the sector had not been perfected.

Omole said: “We are sad for a government that fails to improve access to education for teeming millions of youth yearning for education to state that the same youth are sitting down and waiting for freebies.

“What has the government done to salvage the condition of 12 million out of school children in Nigeria? What has the government done to ensure employment for over 16 million unemployed Nigerians?

“What plan does the government have for graduates who go through the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) every year but frustrated by lack of job and hostile environment to even start a small and medium scale business? If the government fails to attend to the needs of the youth today, they will become nightmares for Nigeria in the future.”

B7 Labour

Minimum wage: NLC spots financial leakages as factor for default payment The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged government at all levels to identify financial leakages in order for Nigerian workers to get paid the proposed minimum wage Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, made the call during the public hearing of the North-Central Zonal Federal Government Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage, held recently.

The NLC President suggested that corruption must be reduced at all levels of government, in order to pay the new national minimum wage.

“If corruption by public officials at both federal and state levels is reduced, there would be enough resources to pay workers the new minimum wage,’’ he said.

Wabba, however, faulted claims by some state governors that they lack resources to implement a new minimum wage, giving the current economic challenges.

He said the issue of nonpayment of salary was not about lack of resources, but rather about mismanagement of available resources.

He said that there was no way the nation could wish away the inflation, which he said, had eaten away the value of N18, 000.

“If we are able to reduce the fundamental corruption in our system where the elite see political office as an avenue to accumulate wealth.

“We can then have more than enough to service the poor and implement a new minimum wage.

“If they reduce what they are stealing, there will be enough to pay workers. In fact, some people even stole their share of the bailout.

“To say that because of resources, the workers should continue to be impoverished is unacceptable,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kogi government during the

public hearing expressed its readiness to implement whatever amount agreed upon as the new minimum wage.

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, represented by his deputy, Mr Simon Achuba, said that the state government, however, looked forward to an acceptable and implementable minimum wage.

He called on the Federal Government to increase the distributable amount of the Federation Account to all tiers of government, especially the states and local governments.

“We want to reiterate that Kogi Government will always support the efforts of the Federal Government in alleviating and ameliorating the deplorable conditions of service of workers through enhanced salary packages.

“It is a statutory responsibility we intend to fulfil with zeal and commitment.

“In this regard, we called on the Federal Government, states, organised labour, and private sector to work together to arrive at a workable and implementable national minimum wage,” he said.

Bello commended the committee for organising the public hearing, saying that it was capable of providing the committee with the opportunity to assess the problems confronting the public service in each state.

He lamented that the huge financial debt and a backlog of unpaid salaries inherited from the previous governments had been a major burden on his administration.

“That is why we will continue to require the special assistance of the Federal Government for greater impact.

“To this end, we wish to commend the efforts of the Federal Government in assisting states with funds to settle their financial obligations to workers,” he said.

Business Feature B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

How First Bank shares wealth management principles with women in Nollywood

Barely a week ago, had the First Bank Nigeria hosted Women in Nollywood Entertainment, following their beckon to understand wealth management techniques and implement sustainable business structures in the creative industry.

The event, which was tagged “The Women in Entertainment Wealth Management Series” opened up with a brief charge by the Chairman of First Bank, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who spoke on the “Anatomy and Mind-set of wealth”.

Mrs. Awosika explained how she began her personal business at 25 and grew it consistently over the years to a multi-billion naira centre in a male dominated industry through a principle she called “My sand and block principle” “I decided that anything that seemed good for my generation and my time will have to come later and I waited to create a foundation that I knew that I could build up. This principle I love to share with young people. When you have cash, it’s like sand, right? When you gather sand, it’s more sand, right? When you have enough sand to mould a block, and you mould a block, what then do you have? A block right?

But when you scrape off the edges of the block with your fingers, what comes of ? Sand. Good.

So if you forget anything here today don’t forget that you should not ever scatter your sand until you have moulded your block. Why? Your block will always give you sand and your sand is your disposable income.

It is the money you use in buying weaves, asoebi, clothes, jewelry, travelling etc. It is only when you have first waited for your block to be moulded, that you can have available sand

to spend” The women were further exposed to a Roadmap to wealth creation in a session handled by Dr. Remi Banjoko who explained the need for targeted savings and investment options. They were also educated on the legal implications of the components of a contract whilst on a project in a session handled by lawyers at Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbnor & Segun.

There was a question and answer session where uncertainties surrounding issues raised were demystified.

A resounding question bordering around the challenges of savings in an industry where the jobs are cyclical and expenses of paying bills and showing up occurs year round was tackled by veteran Actor Omotola Jolade Ekeinde.

Omotola said: “Most of us are creative minds and one thing is synonymous with us all, we live the life. Speaking personally, a lot of people notice I don’t go out much, the simple reason is because I can’t afford it. I can’t buy a dress for an event knowing I can only wear it once. For showing up at any public gathering, we have to hire a stylist, get make up done and a lot of other things. When an actor appears and we ask to pay for appearance, these are the reasons.”

She explained that because actors are not like music artist who gets paid per performance made, it is a great idea to stay scarce and remain valuable in the industry.

Omotola however agreed that savings and investments has been a struggle, asking another question burning on the minds of her fellow actors. Omotola wanted to know “How will FirstBank help me as a woman to really start to double my money to the

L-R: Chioma Akpotha, FirstBank Nigeria Plc Chairman Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde at the first edition of the “Women in Entertainment Wealth Management Series” held in Lagos...recently

extent that I can build it into a project or something else I want to do in future.

We need something especially for the creative industry, because it is a complex business and practicalising savings is complex in our industry, when others are struggling with just paying bills. We are struggling with paying bills and showing up.”

In response, Mrs Awosika assured that the Bank will not rest till it provides a solution to the challenge facing the women in the multibillion dollar industry.

“First and foremost, I am the chairman of the bank and I am here for you. You can attest to the fact that we have invested a lot into this. There is a whole team from high level staffs to heads of private banking and several departments and it is all for you. We don’t mess around and when we decide to face something we take it heads on. This is your industry, and the reason we are engaging is to

glean, take information and be able to provide solutions to problems that are unique to your industry.”

Awosika explained that before FirstGem was birthed, she had 9 sessions with thousands of women and understood the unique challenges women in SMEs were facing. FirstGem is a service product created by FirstBank that comes in variants of Savings and Current accounts, designed to benefit women professionals, entrepreneurs, SMEs, women in paid employment as well as low income earners, traders and artisans.

It provides female customers with access to support funds for their total financial empowerment, free business advisory, specialized trainings on business development initiatives, regular information and insight on business opportunities in various sectors and industries as well as tremendous discounts at merchant outlets that offer lifestyle products

and services amongst other benefits.

“So, we are talking to you, first, from your personal individual side because at the end of the day everyone goes home alone. It is about you and yourself, and we intend to work with a focus group to define the problems, decode it and come up with something suitable for this industry” Speaking on the challenges of looking good and keeping up with appearances, Mrs Awosika said: “Remember Princess Kate Middleton, before her, Princesses don’t wear clothes twice. But Kate came on the scene with self-confidence and self-assured goals and decided first that, high street was good enough. It did not have to be couture, and second, it was okay to wear it more than once.

Find yourself in a way that you are self-assured and comfortable in your own skin. Don’t forget what your long term goals are. Don’t let others define you. If my car breaks down on the road. I will get down and I will walk. I know

it’s tough and it’s difficult when people consistently judge you but if you impress them and end up broke they will still laugh at you. So, let them laugh at you while you build your wealth.

But when you get to the point when your block has been moulded you will buy one clothe per day and nobody will have the mouth to talk about you. Have a heart for a season and a time, define the odds and expectations of your goal and do what you need to do for you and not for anybody else.”

The event is the first in a series of engagements stemming from the desire to provide enabling opportunities for women to achieve their financial goals and aspirations.

First Bank realises women in diverse careers and businesses contribute a great deal to the Bank’s bottom line and the nation’s GDP in the long run.

The Bank has therefore, shown and expressed its commitment to supporting them to stimulate sustainable growth and national development.

2018 May Day L1

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Members of Radio and Television, Theater, Act, Workers, Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) Bayelsa State Chapter matching during the 2017 May Day celebration

PDP to workers: Stand in defence of democracy, rights

By Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2018 Workers’ Day Celebration, saying they should defend the country’s democracy and resist oppression by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

The party also added that Nigerian workers must also not spare any energy in raising a strong voice against the violation of human rights and manifest insensitivity of the Buhari administration to the unabated mass killing of compatriots in Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Yobe, Borno, Plateau, Zamfara and other parts of our country by marauders and insurgents.

PDP said, “our labour force must also speak out against harsh anti-people policies and the corruption ravaging the Buhari administration, leading to the collapse of our once robust economy with loss of over 24 million jobs and attendant acute hardship, poverty and destitution in our country today.

In the last three years, Nigerian workers, in all sectors, have been receiving the short end of the stick while the safety nets established by the PDP have all been eroded. Purchasing power of our workers has fallen to its lowest; the middle class has been eroded, while palliative institutions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) set up to provide succour for workers have become cash cows for corrupt agents of the Presidency and the APC’’.

The party further drew the minds of workers, on the need for the defence of democracy, stating that the party will

continue to urge workers to defend our democracy by standing against incessant constitutional violations, interferences and invasion of the legislature and the judiciary, persecution and harassment of opposition and lack of transparency in the system.

It said that the Labour unions had made a lot of sacrifices to earn the nation’s

independence as well as the return of democratic rule in 1999 and must therefore stand to defend our democracy and the unity of our nation.

“We therefore charge our workers to save our nation by taking up their Permanent Voters Card and vote out this incompetent and repressive administration come February

2019, so that next year’s Workers’ Day celebration would be a celebration of freedom in Nigeria.

On our part, as a party committed to the wellbeing of all Nigerians, the PDP restates its commitment to our workers even as we salute their courage, resilience and commitment to nation building’’.

Ngige drums support for FG, pledges better days ahead

By Idu Jude, Abuja Against the backdrop of incessant strike actions being embarked by the organised labour unions across the country, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has commended the resilience of the Nigerian workers and called for their continued support for the success of the present administration.

The Minister in a goodwill message on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Ministry and its parastatals, to the Nigerian workers on this year’s Workers’ Day, recalled the historic role of the nation’s workforce across decades and urged it to further stand firm with President Muhammadu Buhari as he returns Nigeria to greatness.

“The cardinal objective of the present administration is the revival of the economy; enhancement of the security of the nation and zero tolerance for corruption. The Federal Government has so far covered a considerable millage notwithstanding teething challenges. I therefore solicit your continued support towards bringing these national goals to fruition.”

The Minister further expressed the

unequivocal commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the enhancement of workers’ welfare and prosperity for all citizens, charging them to use the occasion to reminisce on the positive outcomes of the labour’s struggle for a better working rights and decent work environment.

“This is an administration that places a lot of premium on the welfare of workers and all citizenry and has done so in very transparent manner. Our openness is to provide enough window for all Nigerians to appreciate the state of the nation and the efforts of the government.”

“Our modest achievement in creating equable condition for job security and improved welfare for workers, as evident in the fact that no Federal civil or public servant has lost his or her job in the last three years of the administration despite economic downturn, as well as the on-going effort to give effect to a new national minimum wage easily bear out Federal Government’s commitment to the upliftment of the workforce.”

“This year’s celebration therefore presents an opportunity for a collective reflection on the contributions of the labour movement to national growth on the one hand and the

steadfastness of the Buhari administration to the welfare of workers on the other.”

The Minister finally assured all workers of better days ahead, as it continued to find a ground to adopt a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Ngige

L2

2018 May Day

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

NLC, TUC bemoan insecurity, Glo hails Nigerian youths unemployment workers on May Day

The need for an increased synergy among the security agencies in Nigeria as a panacea to ending incessant killing in the country again has been stressed, just as increased welfare package was said to be contributory to the improved economy of the country.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Aliyu Waba, while in an opening speech during an annual lecture preceding the 2018 workers’ day, said that the workers union in Nigeria,

engaged the government in several issues, which includes insecurity in the country, youths unemployment as well as general economic growth of the country.

According to Comrade Aliyu Waba, the Nigerian workers day 2018 is going to be for the freedom of Nigerians and most of all the workers are to celebrate itself, having started the struggle decades ago.

This years edition, he pointed out will not go without presenting core issues bordering on the development of the country which the politicians has failed to recognize. contribution because the workers create the wealth of the Nation which they failed to recognize. If you look from the pre-colonial era, the workers, has been trying to reshape the government, a movement inherited from the railway workers protest that sent a message to the Government. These has been a contentious issue of which policy government will adopt”.

Comrade Aliyu waba, stated that in the present dispensation, the labour union has engaged the Government on policy issues including those that are very common to development, prosperity and youth unemployment. “despite all these contribution, the Nigerian workers has not the politicians has failed to reason along the line workers”.

On the on going public hearing on new minimum wage, he announced that his leadership is hopeful that the negotiation He also promised to take the agitation to the next level but most importantly to ensure

Ayuba Waba that the workers who create the wealth would not be neglected.

On insecurity across the nation, he pointed out that there wouldn’t be any reasonable development in any country with the level of insecurity across the country. “the primary purpose of government is to protect lives and property therefore, in the celebration, of this years’ workers day, we call on the society to be proactive and that will increase productivity and for Nigerian to achieve positive development there will be adequate security”.

While speaking in a lecture, proceeding the workers day, a guest lecturer professor Onjeh Gyewado of university of Jos, said that the time has come when the working class must be moved to the next level.

Dealing with the lecture theme ‘the role of Labour Movement in National

Bobboi Kaigama Nigerian workers has since been limited to in the repositioning of Nigeria.

Professor Gyewado, advised that the causes of the insecurity across Nigeria, is lack of synergy among security agencies organised insurgents.

The lecturer however, recommended that the labour union, also will have to unit its unions, stating that the Joe Ajaero slinter group, would have to toe the way of hounour by joining the Nigeria Labour Union and its sister body the TUC to form a formidable front in pursuit of its agenda. by creme de la crème of labour movement in Nigeria, precedes the mayday celebration today.

Total telecommunications service provider, Globacom has felicitated with Nigerian workers, describing them as “pivotal to the sustenance of the Nigerian economy owing to their resilience, diligence and steadfastness”.

The commendation was contained in a congratulatory message from its head office in Lagos in commemoration of this year’s International Workers’ Day, the theme of which is “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”.

The telecommunications giant admonished them to redouble their efforts and sustain their dedication to duty at all time, while advising them not to relent in contributing their quota to the cause of building a strong work culture that will produce world-class products and services in Nigeria.

While seizing the opportunity to eulogize the Nigerian workforce, Globacom acknowledged their doggedness and avowed commitment to productivity in spite of the daunting challenges confronting them daily.

According to the company, “the flexible and dependable Nigerian work force had been the back bone of the nation’s economy over the years and has contributed immensely to the development of the vibrant telecommunications sector that we have today.”

International Workers’ Day is promoted by the International Labour Movement and celebrated annually throughout the world in recognition of the immense contributions of workers to the economic growth of countries.

FCT Minister urges labour, FG partnership for economic recovery Stories By Idu Jude, Abuja As the Nigeria labour congress joins the world in celebrating workers day, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mallam Mohammed Bello, has advised the organised labour to partner the Federal Government in its economic recovery agenda in Nigeria.

Bello, in a press statement ahead of workers day celebration, said that his administration is poised to bring positive change and a living wage for Nigerian worker and the FCT in particular.

He said, ‘‘I am delighted to convey the sincere felicitations of the Administration and residents of the Federal Capital Territory to Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2018 Workers’ Day Celebrations. The theme for the year which centres on “The Role of Labour in National Development, Dare to Struggle; Dare

to Win,” is indeed very apt. Its focus on national development reflects the efforts of the present Administration to rebuild and restore the declining fortunes of the nation.

In this project, the Nigerian labour, indeed, has a pivotal role to play”.

The Minister further stated that right from the cradle of the Nigerian nation, no group has made more sacrifices and paid a greater price than the Nigerian worker.

He noted that from among the Labour, its administration; find the finest corps of citizens whose patriotic efforts drive our industries and social services.

“You are the men and women who labour daily to run our hospitals, schools and public utilities. You build and maintain our roads, protect lives & property and account for the prospecting, processing and management of our national resources. You deserve to be adequately rewarded for the sweats of your

brows and the strength of your fists”.

Mallam Bello, pointed out further that the ongoing efforts to review the salaries and wages of the Nigerian workers bear eloquent testimony of the recognition of your contributions to national development by the present government. Mr. President led the way by inaugurating a 30member Tripartite Committee to review and recommend a minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

“As I bring our felicitations, I would like to appeal to Labour to partner with government towards the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the present government.

Your support would be useful in meeting the objectives of the plan, which include, to diversify the economy, grow skills, create wealth, expand infrastructures create jobs and ensure food security”.

Bello

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

L3 News Analysis

Varsity lecturers seek solution to herdsmen, farmers clashes

By Ephraims Sheyin Worried by the frightening dimension of the herdsmen/farmers clashes across the country, lecturers of the University of Jos recently organised a symposium where they brainstormed on the menace that has claimed several lives and displaced millions.

Among other concerns, the lecturers focused on why the violence had lingered for so long, the contending issues, hope for an early end to the gory sights, and whether the violence was beyond the security agencies.

Other issues included the allegation that the military on Nigerians to defend themselves, and the fear that the nation could descend into anarchy and possible disintegration.

To set the tone for the symposium that had the theme: “Ecology, class and categorical politics in contemporary Nigeria’’, Dr. Chris Piwuna, Chairman,

sword. It is time to reason, time to dialogue, time to be

Farmers and herders

“As a union, we do not accept the puerile and absurd argument that people that have lived together for hundreds of years can no longer live together.

our rural dwellers.’’

He accused the Nigerian ruling class of destroying the country by purchasing and amassing all the arable

those slaughtered in their homes, and our children fear to go to school because they could be abducted.

answers. Who are these gunmen? Who is arming

Piwuna declared that the solution to the security challenges could only be found within the reaching a consensus while challenging government to provide platforms for consistent dialogue.

He said that ASUU, as leaders of the intellectual a solution to the problem before it snowballed into a monster that could swallow everyone.

On her part, Prof. Lami Lombin, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and former Director General, who was the chairman of the occasion, said that herdsmen to embrace a modern way of breeding cows, in view of the realities on ground.

“Arable land is in short supply following rising demand and climatic changes that have destroyed a vast of the natural habitat.

“Pastoralists must be dynamic; many things have changed. In 1950, we had a population of 33 million.

an already bad situation. It used to be 25,000 displacing more than 10.5 million people.’’

Lombin explained further: “Our population has grown astronomically, while land resources have more farmers, industrialists and cow breeders competing for land resources that get smaller by the day.

“The world has moved on; cows are being ranched in view of the dictates of realities. Herdsmen in Nigeria must move with the times in the interest of peace, the cows, and the general society. The simple truth is that the world can no longer accommodate open grazing which the Nigerian herdsman is insisting on,’’ she said She added that demographic changes and been worsened by Nigeria’s porous borders and a poor data base that had made it impossible to current realities and adjust because their age-old lifestyle was no longer sustainable in today’s world.

“The simple reality is that people are tired of violence and want to sleep at night,’’ she declared.

Prof. Omotoye Olorode of Olabisi Onabanjo occasion, said that the search for a solution must begin with the search for the real owners of the cows

the country and what is the size of their herds?

“Government must also be sincere in the search

security personnel, they hardly bother. They often claim to be waiting for instruction from `above’ which hardly ever comes, leaving the helpless victims at the

Some discussants, however, opined that the problem had remained intractable because it had not been properly diagnosed.

One such discussant, Malam Adamu Aje, decried

Malam Sani Suleiman, a herdsman, said that a lot of frustration was massing up for both the herdsmen and the farmers because each side was feeling robbed of justice.

“The farmer feels frustrated while the herdsman feel

“turned a simple disagreement into a huge crisis”.

“The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, says foreign herdsmen after the 2011 election, while others

that have neither cows nor farmlands. We must reach out to the ordinary peasant directly involved in Prof. Ochapa Onazi, former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, who shared Olorode’s opinion, emphasised the need to involve the real herdsman and farmer in the search for peace between the duo.

“The two groups have always lived together and wrong. They are in the best position to determine how and why things got so bad and should be central to Prof. Monday Mangvwat, another former Vice Chancellor of the university, while calling for a return farmers and herdsmen, suggested that traditional to the crisis.

He, however, advised Fulani herdsmen resident in Plateau communities to always report strange their host toward ensuring that such strangers did not Mangvwat also appealed to the Fulani ethnic group to reject the perception that they had an unforgiving nature, saying that such impression was not good for them as a race.

Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university, accused the resident

the real farmers and herdsmen because they feel the heat of this crisis,’’ he said.

He said that Fulani herdsmen were against ranching, colonies, and grazing reserves because no

of paying lip service to the lingering clashes, saying that bills for the establishment of a commission for nomads and the resuscitation of grazing reserves and routes had been “abandoned’’ by the National Assembly.

He urged leaders to encourage herdsmen and

that the crisis was assuming frightening dimension banditry and armed robbery, and accused the ruling the herdsman against the farmer with whom he had enjoyed a symbiotic relationship over time.

For Prof. Stephen Banfa, the solution to the crisis rests on a return to the history of how people and nations rose from one stage to another.

“Nations have moved and so must Nigeria and its herdsmen. The herdsmen cannot remain static in a pastoralist and medieval economy in an era of capitalist economy. They cannot be moving from place to place. They must embrace ranching as the

villages hit, Gofwen said that such occupation Gofwen accused the security agencies of “not doing enough’’, and alleged that security personnel deployed to protect the rural areas had often remained in the towns and highways, leaving the

pushed to the wall. When that happens, the result will be unpredictable,’’ he said. that was renowned for producing Irish potatoes, maize, rice and millet.

“If the situation continues, hunger is imminent are afraid to return.

He also accused government of hypocrisy, after they had occupied the residences of their victims into their own.

concert with the resident Fulani people.

“If the resident Fulani herdsmen do not expose the marauders, that mutual trust that existed in the past will be eroded and the situation will continue to degenerate from bad to worse,’’ he said.

Prof. Rotgag Gofwen of the Department of Sociology, in his contribution, blamed the violence on

states. Others trace the crisis to encroachment on traditional grazing routes. What it means is that we are yet to get to the root of the problem. Unless we get to that root, we shall not come out of this hole,’’ he said.

Other discussants opined that the violence was just part of a larger expansionist agenda, and advised anyone championing such agenda to discard it “so as not to plunge the country into anarchy and chaos”.

“The rains are here, but instead of the potatoes, we drastic steps to end the violence in the interest of the nation,’’ he said.

Overwhelmed by the torrents of contributions, the lecturers resolved to form cluster groups that would dissect the contending issues and come up with a

Positing that justice was a precondition for peace, Analysts, while commending the lecturers for the Benue, Taraba and other states, and ensure the return tension and restore peace.

But Prof. Zanzan Uyi of the Faculty of Architecture, “We are told that it is a problem caused by desert encroachment. Israel, Libya, and other Arab nations are 90 per cent desert lands, but export food and fruits.

Can’t Nigeria do same and claim lands encroached upon by the desert?

“Again, only recently, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of

breeding grounds for ideas.

They say that such platforms will give perceived “enemies’’ the opportunity to voice out their anger, frustrations, grievances and concerns, which will facilitate the search for common grounds.

Piwuna is on the same page with the analysts.

“The discussions will be sustained; we must, Ultimately, a cross fertilisation of these ideas will form the basis upon which the contending issues will be resolved toward building a consensus that will facilitate the return of peace to the troubled rural communities.”

more cows than those in Nigeria. Let the herdsmen Sheyin is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Life & Living

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Countries with highest welfare status in focus Wars, economic crises, the spread of depression, stressful business and social life, never-ending money desire, and many other things often create the feeling of “taking away and going too far away lands”. Almost everyone in the world has this idea, “escaping from where you are”. True, but where? What countries are more livable than others? I am very curious about the question of which countries are more comfortable, more “livable” in terms of economic, security, education, health, welfare and psychology. Let’s get it sorted now. According to researches; There are three basic points in the research: 1- Individuals living a long and healthy life, 2- Individuals cultural level, 3- Individuals living conditions. According to this survey, Norway is now the most livable country. Here are the most livable countries in the world.

Norway The Norwegian kingdom, in its official name, is a country that has announced to the world that it does not want to enter the European Union because it has a standard of living and development above the European average. In fact, not only this feature can answer why Norway is at the top among the most livable countries in the world. Norway, with its coastal oil reserves and largest “fishing” economy, offers its citizens a life that is well above European standards. Norway, the most expensive country in the world, has about 6 million citizen, the majority of whom are old people. As it can be understood from here, people live very long because their living standards are very high. Since life in Norway is comfortable and highly prosperous, people built a calm environment and keep individual life pre-programmed. This high level of prosperity has made Norway as one of the most popular country to immigrate too for the last 50 years.

New Zealand Formally known as the New Zealand Nations Community, it is the second most livable country in the world according to the year 2016. The land of New Zealand was the land of Maoris, about 1,000 years ago, is now one of the countries with the highest Human Development Index.

New Zealand, which has a population of about 5 million, is entitled by the corruption detection index as the country title with the least visibility of corruption together with Denmark. New Zealand; The average age of education for the individual is the second in the world, the seventh in the average life expectancy for the individual, and in terms of the gross national income per capita is one of the tops.

Finland Officially , The Republic of Finland, , has a

Norway

Australia

population of about 6 million. Perfect public services are increasing the happiness and prosperity of the country, which is completely free 9 years of uninterrupted education, free of higher education and vocational training. The literacy rate in Finland is about 100%.Finnish people, has created Scandinavian style concept, which invests in health and family support areas to make the their citizens more prosperous.

Families are paid according to the number of children they have, and all children can receive their health, education and security needs free of charge. National health insurance in Finland; Test, treatment, medication and transportation services are free of charge. In recent education system of Finland, became popular worldwide for its success. In education, they are refusing conventional education system.

Canada Canada, the northernmost country in the North American continent, has a population of 36 million. Canada is one of the world’s most livable and dependable countries by the United Nations. Canada is the country that allocates most budget to education among all developed

countries. Education is under the supervision and guarantee of the Canadian government. Canada is a wealthy country that has high technology. The high standards of living are referred to as small America with the implementation of the free market-based economy system. According to the 2016 report of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada is the country with the highest level of education in the world. It is in the first place in the world in terms of the level of education and purchasing power and in the 4th place in the United Nations Human Development Index.

Australia Australia, an island country, has no land border to any country. Australian lands are homeland of indigenous Aborigines once which now is a country free market economics perfectly prevails. Australia, ranked third in the World Freedom Index of 2010, is the world’s 13 th largest economy. Australia’s per capita GDP is very high, and the Human Development Index is the second in the world. In this respect, Australia deserves to be among the most livable countries. The temperate climate of Australia and its associated lifestyle has always been appealing to those living in the country. Although the central part of the country is covered with large deserts over wide areas, the temperate climate is dominant in the settlement centers on the coastal shores: As a result, for people living in Australia, outdoor life has become an indispensable lifestyle. The multitude of sunny air creates a positive psychological effect on humans and reflects in every moment in social life.

Sweden The Swedish kingdom, in its official name, is the third largest country by area among the European Union countries and has about 10 million population. According to The Economist’s Democracy Index, Sweden is the most developed country in terms of economy. Sweden, which has a population of about 10 million, is also in the seventh place according to the United Nations Human Development Index. Sweden is a free and open society. This concept includes free press, the right to demonstrate, freedom of expression, the right to act freely in nature. Sweden is a country among the world countries where gender equality is at its highest level. It is based on the idea that a

society of women and men equally shared power and influence is more just and democratic. A well-developed welfare system provides a balance between work and family life of the two genders.

Advanced technology, wealth of natural assets, and traditional energy research that have been around for years ... Sweden is one of the leading countries in the field, while the world is adopting more sustainable energy systems.

United Kingdom United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , in its official name, is commonly known as UK or Britain.UK which has a population of more than 65 million people. The high standards of living make Britain a destination of attraction, so it receives a lot of immigration from both the eastern and southern countries. The British people are very attached to their traditions, allowing the people of the country to live in a safe environment with unwavering justice and trust. So much so that both the public and the police are so attached to the law that the English police do not carry any weapons except in special cases, but only have a wooden stick with them. Only this is enough to make Britain one of the most livable countries.

Because justice, human rights, marriage, health, education and other opportunities are essentials for every human being. UK is among the top ten countries in terms of economics with its $3.638 trillion economy.

Denmark Denmark, the homeland of the Vikings, dates back to the 8th century. Denmark, which has a population of about 6 million, has 5 million Danish people, while about 1 million people are refugees from other countries, mainly Bosnian immigrants. One of the most important features that make Denmark one of the most livable countries is that there is no evidence of corruption in the country. In fact, according to the 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index, together with New Zealand, it deserves the title of the country with the least corruption in the world. In this respect, peace, prosperity, development and other conditions that people need are in place in the country.

Source: wogst.com

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Foreign Affairs

‘How Africa can solve electricity problems’

Electric meters

By Rebekah Shirley At least 110-million of the 600-million people still living without access to electricity in Africalive in urban areas. Most are within a stone throw from existing power grid infrastructure.

In Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Liberia alone there are up to 95-million people living in urban areas. All in close proximity to the grid. In Kenya about 70% of offgrid homes are located within 1.2km of a power line. And estimates for “under-the-grid” populations across sub-Saharan Africa range from 61% to 78%.

Besides energy access being crucial for many basic human needs, these underserved populations represent a massive commercial opportunity for cash-strapped sub-Saharan African utilities. Electricity providers could reach tens of millions of densely

packed customers without the cost of a last-mile rural grid extension.

So, why aren’t these potential consumers connected to the formal grid?Urban communities often face many challenges in obtaining electricity access. These range from the prohibitively high cost of a connection, to the challenges of informal housing, the impact of power theft on services and sociopolitical marginalisation. In many cases, these obstacles are difficult to address successfully.

However, recent advances in distributed renewable energytechnologies mean a more affordable, faster to deploy, cleaner alternative is at hand in Africa. One that can step in where policy and utility reforms are wanting.

Barriers to grid connections One of the major barriers to electrification is the cost of a grid connection. A grid connection in

Kenya, for instance, is estimated at USD $400 per household. This is nearly one-third of the average per capita income of a Kenyan.

Beyond pure cost barriers, urban communities often can’t access energy services for other socioeconomic reasons. For instance, not being metered because they don’t have a formal address. Or living in in an area that is difficult to service – such as near flood plains or in informal housing settlements.

Corruption among electricity service providers, power theft by customers and the establishment of electricity cartels also complicates and limits electricity access.

Finally, the utilities themselves face many challenges in implementing reforms to get more people connected. Take the example of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company, which owns and operates most of the electricity transmission

and distribution system. In 2015 it introduced a subsidised connection fee of US $150. This was done through the Last Mile Connectivity Project. In one year, this installmentbased payment plan led to a 30fold increase in legal electricity connections in impoverished neighbourhoods.

But the project was marred by cost overruns and inflated and misreported new connection numbers. On top of this, newly connected households often have very low consumption levels and low-income customers were often unable to make payments, even at subsidised rates.

Without the necessary infrastructural development, experts arguethat the program puts a strain on the technical, commercial and financial resources of the utility.

This means that the programme may find it difficult to generate revenue, recover costs or provide the service intended to new customers.

Decentralised renewables Decentralised renewable energy technologies offer an important solution for “under-the-grid” electrification. They are simple, fast and agile. They have short installation times, and offer a reliable electricity service for informal settlements.

Pay-as-you-go solar systems and appliances, for example, can provide a much lower barrier to entry. Compared to the high upfront connection costs noted earlier in costs on average USD $9 per month for 36 months after which point the household owns its system.

The renewable energy sector recognises this under-the-grid market.

In fact, about 35% of solar lighting product sales in Kenya are made in peri-urban areas. And it’s a good bet.

Evidence shows that the willingness to pay for decentralised renewables is much higher than a grid connection because they are seen as more reliable.

Policies to support decentralised technologies include: integrated energy planning that incorporates these solutions, adopting and enforcing product quality control incentives – like reduced import duties for products or local loan and grant programs.

These solutions show that with the right approach, and simple innovations, Africa’s prospective urban customers can finally get access to electricity.

Ben Attia, a Research Consultant with Greentech Media, contributed to the writing of this article Written by Rebekah Shirley, Research Director at Power for All and Visiting Research Scholar, Strathmore University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

L6

Foreign Affairs

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Reconciliation, key to peace, Nigerians in Europe tell FG

By Oluchi Okorafor, with agency report

have herdsmen encroach on

President African Diaspora

enforced as obtainable in other countries.

“It is particularly worrisome as these herdsmen now use

that there was an urgent need for Nigeria’s government to institute a sincere peace building process among stakeholders.

According to Ugochukwu “Clashes between herdsmen and farmers have been lingering on for long. Government needs to come up with implementable solutions that would be passed as laws.

Nigeria should also move on

should not be allowed to carry such arms”. Ugochukwu added.

While condemning the on the need to further strengthen its borders “ saying that when will continue to be proliferation therefore the sources of arms coming into the country to be

stopped.

Ugochukwu further urged government to apply the same force it used in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in dealing with foreigners who masquerade themselves as herdsmen.

Founder of the Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum in a telephone interview told Newsmen that government should engage independent build peace and reconciliation in Benue State.

“People must be engaged irrespective of their religion and

Trade tariffs: Deadline looms on US exemption for EU

to in order to understand their grievances and have a sense of

countermeasures.

Austria were unanimous in their call for urgent intervention- by way of reconciliation.

They opined that the herdsmen to address the crisis could trump the nation’s democracy.

It would be recall that over 100 people have been killed suspected herdsmen in various communities in Benue State.

peace building process”

Afghanistan: 11 children killed in suicide attack on convoy

By Oluchi Okorafor, with agency report military convoy in southkilled at least 11 children who Sixteen

other

people

were

when a bomb-laden car exploded man Qasim Afghan told AFP. suicide blasts in the Afghan capiincluding Agence France-Presse chief photographer for Afghani-

among the injured.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. manian soldiers were wounded

forces were also among the casu-

the innocent Afghans whose lives were needlessly taken from them

foreign forces.

facing deportation due to a tightening of immigration rules.

labour shortages.

The former home secretary apologised to parliamentarians earlier this month after a multitude of reports revealed how members of the so-called Windrush generation - who have cades - were being denied ser-

climb down from that statement and said that “local” targets for she had not been aware of them.

The cabinet minister came unian reported a six-page leaked other senior ministers which

seen the document. by the British daily suggested

and honest account of how this inexcusable situation happened shadow home secretary for the

said.

with its own duties on US imports Trump responded by calling for furacross the EU are employed in the steel industry and the steel association Eurofer says President Trump’s to a steep surge in steel imports into the EU. Germany’s Chancellor Angela no breakthrough was reached.

“For the time being our priority is the ongoing high-level dialogue to EU and US to work together.

A European Commission spokesman said the EU was “patient but also prepared”.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur

has indicated some US allies will be given last-minute exemptions if they

cut in its steel exports to the US but other countries also face a Tuesday deadline. emptions while talks took place over Nafta (the North America Free Trade

It appears that President Trump German carmakers in particular.

-

countries who treat the U.S.

minister in six months’ time.

-

tary.

The prime minister has been under scrutiny herself for the Windrush row over the strict rules she had introduced durvices and landlords to demand evidence of people’s immigration status.

“We are optimistic they understand this would be a bad idea for

-

-

target of increasing the number of enforced removals by more than 10 percent.

ment has been in regular contact with the White House on Canada’s tempo-

all.

UK home secretary resigns over Windrush scandal that removal targets for undocumented immigrants did not exist.

talks have been postponed for a week.

Afghanistan.

man Said Aziz Ahmad Azizi

as for “inadvertently” misleading legislators about the existence of deportation targets for undocumented immigrants. day evening came after weeks of scrutiny over her handling of a scandal centred on the treatment of immigrants of mostly Caribbean descent who arrived in the

The EU says it expects a “permanent and unconditional” exemption to replace the temporary

“The Benue people and victims

decide; that is very clear.” sued a statement making clear that -

Amber Rudd

day how quickly it would respond if the US refused to exempt the bloc

Public Discourse

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018

L7

The Monguno I know

By Tom Okpe Monguno, a Local Government Area in Borno State Nigeria with headquarters in Monguno town has an area of 1,913km and a population of 109,851 as at the 2006 census.

The postal code of the town is 612 and one of the sixteen local government areas that constitute the Borno emirate, a traditional town located in the state.

In January 2015 when the Boko Haram insurgency was making the village of Dorn- Baga for the internally displayed persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri following the capture of the nearby Bama by the insurgency. The two towns were captured by the illegal forces precisely on the 26th of January 2015.

Amnesty International expressed concern that local residents request more troops for protection from Boko Haram had been ignored by the Nigeria Army. On February 17, 2015 the Nigeria Military retook Moguno in a coordinated air and ground assault.

This is the town where this amiable; humble philanthropist, complete gentleman and a detribalised Nigerian Maj. Gen. Babagana Mohammed Monguno (Rtd.) hailed from. His father Mohammed Monguno was a brother to the late elder statesman,

Lagos and holds a bachelor of science Degree in Architecture and a Masters Degree in Internal relations. He also obtained a PhD from a university in the UK. of the Nigeria Army who was once recommended for the chief of Army prestigious positions in the Army including, Commander, Guards Brigade, Deputy Commandant, National Defense College, Chief of Defense Intelligence (CDI), Chief of Defense Logistics and Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Oshodi Lagos before his retirement.

Monguno was appointed as the National Security Adviser (NSA)

by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 13th July, 2015.

He is a member of course 21 set of the Nigerian Defense Academy and speaks the three Nigeria Idoma.

A man who does not believe religion is the problem today opined that the problem of the

If I were born to a farmer in the South, East or Western part of the country, I would have been a Christian, so whatever privilege God gives to one is by his mercy which should not be used to intimidate others Babagana Munguno

world and of course Nigeria without exception is politics.

Monguno once told the writer that to be born into a certain family or part of Nigeria is a privilege than anybody.

“If I were born to a farmer in the South, East or Western part of the country, I would have been a Christian, so whatever privilege God gives to one is by his mercy which should not be used to intimidate others”.

A good philanthropist and a brother to all, he has more Christian friends and as a member of the great Kings College alumnus, interacts while in their company addressing everyone as brother.

A man bound with humility, though born to the family of Mohammed Monguno, a senior civil servant and brother to the

has discipline and humility as his As commander Guards Brigade, he led the troop that saw the then President, Late Umar Musa of his several trips abroad. The Commander on his return came to Zenith Bank with his full Military Ceremonial regalia as a Brigadier General, met me outside the Bank on my return from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for banking interactions on behalf of the Bank.

I felt nervous and in my curiosity, put my hand in my trouser pocket

of my pocket. The General feeling what I was going through and trying to calm my nervousness, stepped down in his uniform with his ceremonial sword beside him, the ground and gave it back to me with people watching us. I became cold to the marrow, wondering and asking myself, could I have done this to another man if I were to be in his position? From that day, I learnt that great lesson of humility.

A man of high discipline who has the interest of his country at heart, following the rising spate of socio-political tension in the Gulf of Guinea, the National Security Adviser (NSA), MajorGen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), recently insisted on the leadership of Nigeria within the Gulf of and strategic role in Africa.

Speaking at the decoration of the Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (ONSA), Commodore YEM Musa to the new rank of Rear Admiral, Monguno insisted that Nigeria could not position would be detrimental to

other services especially from the Central Government, the maritime challenges we have are enormous.

“One of the reasons I insisted on having the Gulf of Guinea summit in Abuja was because, we really pressed for Nigeria to take over the Chairmanship of the Gulf of Guinea being the only blue water Navy in the whole of the Gulf of Guinea; knowing full well the antecedents of the Nigerian Navy and so many situations, I just thought that it would also be an added platform for the Nigerian Navy to show what it can do”, he stated The Federal Government appointed two Nigerian companies, Notore Chemical Industry and Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and chemicals, granted exclusive rights to manufacture the product for local consumption after the Federal government banned the importation of Fertilizer following discovery that certain grades were used to manufacture the improvised Explosive device (IED) employed by terrorists in the country which had been used for incessant bombing of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta Regions, a visibly angry Monguno said that the

Ekwe Ibas, to decorate Musa argued that “we cannot think

Adviser (ONSA) will not hesitate to close down any company engaged in acts of illegality in the manufacture and distribution of fertilizers in the country.

Navy

Security Adviser has observed with

standing.

Monguno who joined the Chief

without

support

from

total dismay, some unpatriotic act and abuse of the goodwill of government, reports of these companies have indicated that about 71 percent of the 2.05 million metric tons cumulative annual production is being exported to the detriment of our national economy. This has resulted in a spike in the price of urea-based fertilizers in Nigeria with obvious implications on food security in the country.

“In view of the foregoing, I wish to categorically state that the government will continue to adhere to the rule of law, however, it must be noted that the rule of law is not akin to anarchy. hesitate to close and withdraw the operating license of any company that exports products without

work to put in place measures to access production and determine exportable quantity by the respective companies”.

A man who always insist that the right thing be done at the right time, but do not welcome mediocrity, cheat and laziness will always reward hard work and punctuality like he did in all the command he headed during his those who worked with him.

This is the Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno I know.

Okpe is journalist.

an

Abuja-based

For the Record

L8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2018

Workers’ Day: Tapping into our greatest weapon

By Atiku Abubakar Nigerian workers, I congratulate you for this day. I salute your courage and resilience going through one of the most trying economic times in Nigeria’s history. But these challenges are showing how resilient and hardworking Nigerians are and that your indomitable spirit and work ethic will continue to go unchallenged throughout all of Africa.

These values have been the bedrock of Nigeria’s labour movement since its beginning. A movement workers and later coal miners in the days of colonial administrations in Nigeria. A movement that has grown in height and status as the single largest rights protection organization, representing not less than sixty million workers in our country.

Owing to the sheer size of its membership, the labour movements in Nigeria – under the umbrellas of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress – have evolved to become the pivot of governments’ objectives of delivering good governance and providing higher standard of living.

Over the years, our labour movements have negotiated higher wage regimes for the Nigerian worker and it (labour) has remained a key component in the consideration for how much Nigerians pay on fuel and energy consumption. These are noble ideals that have ensured that Nigerians have more disposable income – an important safeguard for the kick-start of a prosperous economy.

Having been in government at a high level and being a private sector player with thousands of Nigerians on hand the needs of workers both in the private and public sectors and the importance of the labour movement.

But as I have stated throughout my adult life, true federalism and a proper decentralization of resources and functions away from the government at the center to the governments at the state tier of our governmental structure is key to providing the labour force what they need and deserve. I believe that our federal government in addressing the needs of our labour force.

But we must have tangible solutions to address the needs of our incredible and talented labour force. Let’s engage our leaders on the following:

on.

2. Industrialization: The continuing rate of deindustrialization in our economy is of grave concern.

Particularly our manufacturing sector which is supposed to create jobs for our productive youths, has continued to face decline as a result of unfavourable conditions imposed by the challenges of epileptic power supply, high cost of credit, and multiple exchange rate regime and in extreme case inadequate foreign exchange supply and depreciating value of the naira. This trend must be reversed. Ability to broker the required synergy with international partners and the private sector in key sectors of the economy such as automobile, textiles, service industry, agro allied petrochemicals, fertilizers and pharmaceutical industries, building materials, milling, paper and paper products, solid minerals, iron and steel, etc., should be labour and the Nigerian people.

3. Education: Our Educational Sector has continued the Unions and the government have experienced serious setbacks as a result of the authorities’ penchants for reneging. This has persistently left us with a demotivated academic and non-academic Unions in the higher institution whose understandable resort to incessant strikes have rendered our institutions of higher learning comatose and pushes a substantial number of our youths out of the shores of the country in search of a more stable academic calendar and quality scholarship. This has exerted tremendous pressure on Funding for the educational sector has remained decimally low. The country has over the years, performed far below the international standard in terms of annual appropriation to the education sector. This problem cuts across all tiers of government. As we speak today, the Central Bank of Nigeria is in custody of billions of Naira, funds representing the Federal Government’s share of the Universal Basic Education Fund, which state governments are expected to draw from by paying their own counterpart funding. Majority of the states not provided the required matching funds. which they can take this country if accorded quality and in education has done to the economies of the Asian

works should be adequately rewarded. The reward of a service well rendered is a reasonable wage that can keep the earner sensibly motivated to put in his best. The as is currently obtained in the country, considering the current economic reality is not only ill-motivating but embarrassing.

While it is adequate that the federal government can set the standard for the national minimum wage, such a national minimum should however not be interpreted by respective state governments (especially the rich states) as being the maximum wage they should pay to their workers but simply the baseline for them to build

resources through the education of our youth and adult population. We must increase funding for our education and research institutions where the foundational rubrics of our development can be hatched and nurtured.

4. Healthcare delivery. Nigeria’s Healthcare delivery system is in shambles. The system is exposed to poor funding and massive corruption. The rot in the system is so deep that unless a drastic measure is taken to comprehensively address it, the country might lose the chance to be a global player when its citizens can’t

Atiku Abubakar

There is an urgent need to make serious commitments to massive investment in the healthcare delivery system. We need a leadership that can gather enough investment in the upgrade of infrastructure and procurement of modern healthcare technology and equipment for our hospitals and primary and secondary healthcare facilities.

This would drastically reduce the annual lose to medical treatment abroad. It is on record that Nigeria loses so much annually as a that the Africa Union’s Ministers of Health minimum benchmark/ aspiration but a target that must be surpassed. was in Government. We initiated and got the pension reform act passed into Law to address the serious challenge that turns our workers into beggars after retirement. Recently, there seems to be a deterioration in the administration of pension in the country.

Incidences of MDAs and other employers withholding deductions Administrators (PFAs); cases of workers leaving public service and processed; and non-payment for those who are already pensioners – especially by state governments are becoming not just rampant but alarming. This indeed needs to be seriously addressed.

Many state governments are yet to join the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). It is apparent that despite all the hitches associated compared to its shortcomings. A critical factor here is that it is funded, and the funds once paid into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of workers, are protected from the general mismanagement and misappropriation that we see at virtually all levels of governance.

These reforms once embraced by the government and political parties of all shades will expand our economic base and address the needs of empowering our youths, and there is no doubt that the labour movement in Nigeria has a huge role to play in ensuring that the objectives are met.

In closing, if we truly wish to address the needs of all Nigerians.

If we wish to end the violence, extremism, and terrorism that grips our nation. If we wish to create a nation where we can see and hug our children and grandchildren every day and not only see them when they return from foreign lands where they have a that unites us and gives all of us a common purpose of building great nation is not one purchased from a foreign government, but one that is found within each and every one of us – the weapon of pride and an unyielding desire to work and succeed. If we allow this weapon to reach its maximum potential by empowering our labour force then we would have set the standard for a rebirth that will unite us, protect us, and get Nigeria working again.

God bless Nigerian workers.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigerian workers celebrating the previous Workers Day

Being a text of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the occasion of Workers Day celebration