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FG halts inauguration of NSITF board over 13 alleged N30bn looting

Court bans blind B6 people, amputees from Mount Everest

How Jumoke Akinjide, others received N650m cash from 6 bank - Witness

10 die in multiple auto crashes in Nyanya, Abuja 14

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SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 598

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Like Dapchi, like Chibok:

Deepening misery and lost future Ladesope Ladelokun

ÏÏÏNineteen days after about 110 students of

Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi, Yobe State were herded away in trucks, panic, confusion and worry still linger over the fate of the missing schoolgirls, rehashing sordid memories of over 200 missing Chibok girls abducted in 2014 by Boko Haram elements, The Daily Times has gathered.

With tales of indoctrination, sexual abuse that trailed the previous abduction, and the possibility of destinies and dreams condemned to the graveyard, sleep has eluded Kachalla Bukar, father of one of the schoolgirls, Aisha, 14, abducted by the terrors of the

North-East. Kachalla, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said tears had not stopped streaming down the cheeks of his wife since the February 19 abduction, making agony an unwelcome companion of his entire family.

“We don’t want these girls to stay long with those militants. Anything can happen to them,’’ Kachallah said. While some survivors have given conditions to return to school, a survivor, Miriam Miko, 15, said she would never return to school, shattering her dream of becoming a health technologist later in life in an interview with an online portal, The Cable.

Continued from page 4

Simplicity is what makes you stay away from trouble –Kehinde Bankole L2

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

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News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Like Dapchi, like Chibok: Deepening misery and lost future

Continued from page 1

For Mariam, only living souls can dream and hope.

Before the latest attack on GGSTC, Dapchi, insurgents had violently terminated the lives of 42 students of Government Secondary School, Mamudo in 2013, while 58 were killed in Federal Government College, Buni Yadi in 2014 – all in Yobe State.

In the run up to the presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari had assured that every Nigerian child would be safe in Nigerian schools, but some observers say it is now a watery assurance with the abduction of schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State.

According to the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF), Boko Haram insurgency has caused the closure of more than 57 percent of schools in Borno State, leaving about three million children without education and 2,295 teachers killed across the North-East since 2009.

Meanwhile, the incessant attacks on schools across Nigeria by kidnappers and insurgents have sparked the debate about scrapping or keeping the boarding school system among stakeholders and experts.

An educationist, Dr. Safiya Muhammed, said the boarding system should be discontinued if it cannot guarantee the safety of students.

She said, “The boarding system has been very good in the past when schools were really secure but the situation has changed.

“As long as there is no security surrounding boarding houses, I do not think this system should continue because it creates lots of challenges for the girls and their parents.”

Safiya, who spoke on a live in-

terview monitored in Lagos, said that despite the advantages of the boarding system, there can’t be effective learning when life is threatened.

Another educationist, Mr. Remi Lawal, traced Nigeria’s security issues to politics. Lawal believes there is no reason to scrap the boarding system.

Hear him: “I do not honestly think we should scrap the boarding system because of this. The two cases we have had lent credence to politics of ‘do-or –die’ in our nation. Only one can be attributed to criminals who we know were armed by politicians. I would suggest we follow the trend of these abductions, the last time the military was removed shortly before the abduction. And it is the same for this.

“The entire security issues are political, cutting the nose to spite the face. All these are mere postulations, no proofs to validate my claims. Scrapping any aspect of education will only fulfill the desire of politicians to keep us uneducated and subjugated.’’

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, berated Federal Government for failing to secure the abducted schoolsgirls in Dapchi despite the fact that a similar incident happened four years ago.

Onyekachi, who spoke on a live programme broadcast in Lagos, said nothing was learnt from the previous abduction. He, however, called for Nigerians to embrace state police.

He said, “It is unfortunate. I think they have not handled it well. You know the one that happened in America (Florida shooting), I’ve been following it. The government was blaming the FBI

because there was this issue of threat they didn’t take seriously.

“When they make a mistake, they correct it immediately. In our own case, what did we learn a lesson from Chibok? We have learnt nothing. And you can see that we have repeated the same mistake.

So I think government should be blamed.’’

He continued: “One, you told Nigerians you have defeated Boko Haram completely last week (not technically), and this week, they struck.

“And they struck with ease, they struck with efficiency. So, it then means that you are lying.

You have not defeated them technically or totally. It is unfortunate.”

Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Labode Popoola, has told staff of the university who join the ongoing strike by the Non Academic Staff Union of Universities that they would not get their salaries for the period of the strike.

Briefing newsmen over the strike action, the Vice Chancellor noted that he had met with workers several times on the issue and others and made the financial position of the University known to them, adding that non-academic unions members are not the only body affected.

Popoola blamed the inability of the University to pay the

money on paucity of funds.

He noted that despite the financial situation of the University, salaries were paid promptly, a situation he said does not obtain in most state Universities across the country.

According to him, the University is being funded through Internally Generated Revenue, the bulk of which comes from the fees paid by students, adding that other sources that are expected to contribute to the funding of the University are not doing so because of lack of fund.

The Vice Chancellor, who said the University authorities have resolved to adopt the “no work no pay” rule on

paid millions of dollars to the terrorists and released some of their commanders as demanded.

“So, we have given them the motivation to kidnap more if they want more money and the release of their brethren still in custody.

We are back to square one.”

On what the Federal Government should do, the former commander had this to say: “First thing is for all megaphone of governments and security agencies to stop announcing that they have defeated Boko Haram. Each time they do so, they motivate them to do something outrageous to tell the world that they are still there.

He added: “Ending Boko Haram menace won’t be easy because religion is involved.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki with the Speaker of Ghana’s parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye, on arrival in Accra last night to join in the celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy in Ghana.

UNIOSUN VC says no salaries for staff that join NASU strike ÏÏÏThe

On the way forward, Ubanu said: “The way forward is to review the security architecture.

State police, despite all likelihood of abuse, to me, is still the best.

A former JTF Commander in Maiduguri, Born State, blamed the latest abduction of Dapchi schoolgirls on the decision of the Federal Government to pay insurgents millions of dollars in exchange for Chibok girls.

The commander, who spoke in confidence with The Daily Times, said paying insurgents for the release of Chibok girls is enough motivation to kidnap more for more money.

He said, “What we are doing wrong is that we negotiated for the release of Chibok girls. We

adamant workers, said attendance register has already been opened for workers to ensure that the go back to work.

Popoola called on eminent citizens of the state, parents and guardians, students and well-wishers to prevail on the workers to return to work and give the University peace to move on in the interest of the students and service to humanity.

The Vice Chancellor expressed surprise that the workers are not appreciative of receiving their full salaries while some categories of workers in the service of the same state government are earning modulated salaries as a result of meagre resources

Dasukigate: Dokpesi received N2.1b for doing nothing, witness tells court ÏÏÏAbubakar

Madaki, a prosecution witness in the on-going trial of former Chairman, DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, told the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday that Dokpesi received money for rendering no services.

Madaki, under cross examination by Dokpesi’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), said: “Dokpesi was paid for doing nothing, for rendering no service”.

The witness said that the N2.1 billion, under investigation, was funds from the office of the National Security

Adviser.

According to him, all the funds in the account of the National Security Adviser are for national security.

The witness, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said that he was part of the team that was appointed by the commission to investigate funds meant for national security that were allegedly diverted.

He told the court that the funds were allegedly diverted even by those who they were not entrusted to.

When Agabi sought

to know what evidence he had of the diversion, the witness said: “The funds were found in their accounts when they had no reason to take it” He added: “This is because they could not account for any contract they executed for such payments.”

Justice John Tsoho adjourned the matter until April 13 for continuation of cross examination of the witness.

Dokpesi and his company, DAAR Investment are standing trial over the N2.1 billion received from the

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

5 News

We can’t pay lip service to science and technology - Dogara Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏSpeaker

of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said that Nigeria cannot expect to excel as a nation if it does not match words with action in science and technology development.

While pledging the commitment of the House to supporting the growth of science in the country, he added that it is imnovation that dictates the country that leads, and is key to ending youth unemployment.

Speaking at the Technology and Innovation Expo 2018 in Abuja on Friday, Dogara stressed the importance of scientific development and said that it also provides an avenue to tackle youth unemployment, which has been a perennial challenge to successive administrations in Nigeria.

He said, “If we think that we can continue to pay lip service to innovation and still excel as a nation, we will be deceiving ourselves or we will be expecting something that was never the case, never has been and never will be.

“There is no way in the contemporary world that the destinies of nations can be secured without the needed advances in science and technology.

“As a matter of fact, this should be the most important national focus because whatever it is that you have as a nation, whether it is the wealth that is buried beneath the surface of our land, you need science and technology to bring it

out.”

The speaker also urged young people to be innovative, as it remains one of the most effective ways of attaining global recognition and effectively managing resources.

He said, “When we talk about science and technology, we are talking about innovation.

Thankfully, innovation involves nothing new because all that we need to innovate with is already here with us. Innovation involves arranging old things in new ways and I guess some of the participants today can attest to that. It’s thinking about things that are not working and even things that are working, and how to improve on them.

“Any nation that out innovates you can outcompetes you in the modern global space so as a nation, we have every reason to devote attention to events like this. I can tell you there’s no better way that we can rein in resources in terms of money than to innovate.

When you innovate, it’s like a light that attracts the entire world to you.” “ I’m particularly impressed, for instance, if you take the area of agriculture, in the nation of Israel. Even the United Nations said that Israel, though a desert nation, is the most agriculturally efficient nation on earth. Just because of innovation, so many people go to that desert nation to learn how to farm.

“Even in the area of warfare, it is innovation that dictates the country that leads, and if

Chairman of Folio Media Group (FMG), publisher of The Daily Times, Mr Fidelis Anosike, signing the condolence register of the former Chairman of The Daily Times, the late Pa Laban Ngoli Namme, during his condolence visit to the residence of the deceased in Lagos on Friday we think that we can continue to pay lip service to innovation and still excel as a nation, we will be deceiving ourselves or we will be expecting something that was never the case, never has been and never will be.

“I want to commend this ini-

tiative and say that as members of the National Assembly, we pledge totally our support. We will continue to put the funds there for our teeming young people to innovate.The crisis of unemployment facing us in this nation will be brought to

an end. That is what we expect of those who are innovating on our behalf.

“It is only in the field of science and technology and innovation that even if you steal, your nation will be proud of you and you’ll be celebrated.”

NYCN demands empowerment, 30 percent affirmation for youths Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe National Youth Coun-

cil of Nigeria has canvassed for more entrepreneurial support and 30 percent affirmation for the Nigerian youth in the political sphere of the nation which is from the centre to the Local Governments.

The Director of the Directorate, Comrade (Amb) Obinna Nwaka said this on Thursday at the NYCN 2018, 2nd Annual Conference tagged, “Roles of Nigerian Youth in Fostering Peace, Accountability & Good Governance” organized by the

Directorate of Political & Democratic Matters of NYCN. Nwaka said that proper restructuring of Nigerian youth and development should be tackled first before the much sung political restructuring.

“What we want for Nigerian Youth is Entrepreneurship, 30% affirmation space in political parties and appointments in LGAs, States, Federal and including Private firms operating in Nigeria, Mentorship, Youth empowerment, Grant, National Youth Centre in FCT , Subvention to National Youth Council of Nigeria, Scholar-

ships and Core-financing of meaningful Youth programs or projects to give us sense of belonging.

“On Restructuring of the country, proper restructuring of Nigerian Youth welfare and development should be indispensable and be given utmost priority, though we are beaming our searchlights on all elected political officeholders noting those who are performing below the expectation of the electorates because there shall be ‘continuity or discontinuity,” Nwaka said.

He also used the forum to

commiserate with the victims and families of the recent Dapchi kidnap, saying that the National Youth Council of Nigeria condemns the kidnap and implore the Security agencies, politicians and businessmen to discontinue using the youth for political and financial achievement.

Also speaking during the event, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kinsley Moghalu tasked the youth on evolving a new Nigeria that will meet their aspiration and needs.

While stressing the need to

revisit the nation’s youth policy which he said will reposition the condition of Nigerian youth whom most of them are living under N600 daily, he noted that empowerment will be the only panacea.

Presenting a paper on the theme: “Nigerian Youth: The Power and Strength to Entrench Democracy, Amb. Audrey M. I. Okere noted that the conference was timely and should be sustained to the grassroots level as most youth found at the rural areas are vulnerable and can be manipulated by conflict entrepreneurs.

6 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

How Jumoke Akinjide, others received cash payments of N650m from bank – Witness Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA

prosecution witness, Usman Zakari, on Friday gave a graphic details before a Federal High Court in Lagos of how of a former Minister of State for for the Federal Capital Territory, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, and two others allegedly took delivery of N650million cash in March 2015.

The witness, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appeared as the second prosecution witness in the case.

According to him, Akinjide and two others collected the N650m cash at the Dugbe branch of a new generation bank in Ibadan on the standing instruction of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources,

Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Zakari said his investigation revealed that the N650m was part of a total sum of N23bn which Diezani warehoused in the bank.

He said he found that the N23bn was the naira equivalent of a total of $115.01m, which Diezani collected from three oil marketers and Lano Adesanya in the

build-up to the 2015 general elections.

Zakari, who was led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said his investigation followed “a top classified Category A intelligence” about a meeting convened

by Diezani in her house in December 2014.

According to him, the meeting was attended by Diezani, the Managing

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (third right) with the Management Team of The Choice Flame Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu led its Managing Director / Editor-in-Chief, Rev. Fr. Longinus Ugonwa (right), during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu, in the spirit of the Lenten Season.

Secondus leads dignitaries to Delta as Urhoboland celebrates Ibori ÏÏÏUnity Square, Ovwor,

Olomu, Ugheli south Local Government Area, Delta state will alive Saturday, as the people of Urhoboland hold a grand reception for one of their own and a former governor of the state, James Ibori.

Among the dignitaries to witness the event are Uche Secondus, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta; Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past governor.

The programme will be chaired by Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye, an emeritus professor and former vice chancellor of the University of Benin.

Ministering at the thanksgiving service are Cyril Odutemu, bishop of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion and God-Dowell Avwomakpa, bishop of Christ Missionary Crusaders.

Ibori, an Urhobo indigene, was governor of Delta state from 1999 to 2007.

Shortly after he left

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions over the central states of the country on Saturday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Friday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 33 to 41 and 19 to

29 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that the southern states would experience cloudy morning over the inland and coastal cities with day and night temperatures in the range of 30 to 36 and 22 to 26 degrees Celsius.

It also predicted localised thunderstorm over

power, anti-corruption agencies started investigating him for alleged corruption.

A court had initially absolved him of corruption charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but the commission filed an appeal and the case continued.

Ibori eventually fled the country to evade arrest but he was nabbed in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK where he

was convicted and jailed in April 2012.

He was accused of stealing nearly £50m from the coffers of the oil-rich state.

Ibori regained freedom in 2016 and returned to Nigeria the following year.

A mammoth crowd welcomed him home, making many to wonder how he his travail did not affect his popularity.

Since his return Ibori has attended high-profile events and has also spoken at a number of programmes.

NiMet predicts cloudy, sunny weather on Saturday Owerri, Akure, Ibadan, Oshogbo, Ikom, Asaba, Ogoja, Calabar, Warri, Eket, Yenegoa and Portharcourt in the afternoon and evening hours.

According to NiMet, Northern states will experience partly cloudy to sunny conditions throughout the forecast period with day and night

temperatures in the ranges of 38 to 42 and 20 to 27 degrees Celsius.

NiMet predicted: “Localised thunderstorm over some parts of the southern region of the country are not unlikely and stability over some parts of the northern states in the next 24 hours.”

Director of the financial institution and some oil marketers.

At the meeting, the ex-petroleum minister, according to Zakari, informed the bank MD that the oil marketers would be bringing different dollar sums to him while she instructed the bank chief to help her keep the money in the bank’s vault until further instructions.

The investigator said pursuant to the meeting, one Auctus Integrated Limited took $17.8m to the bank; another company, Northern Belt Oil and Gas, took $60m to the bank; while one Mid-Western Oil Services Limited also paid $9.5m.

The witness further said, “An individual, Lano Adesanya, brought the sum of $1.8m; our findings further revealed that the three oil marketers made payment of the sum of $89m and some fractions. Investigations further revealed that the then petroleum minister’s aides made available $25m and some fractions in suitcases, which were warehoused in the new generation bank’s cash vault.”

He added that “upon the receipt of the money by the financial institution, the then petroleum minister instructed the new generation bank to convert the said amount into naira, precisely on March 26, 2015.

“The financial institution complied with the instruction; the said amount was converted into naira to the tune of N23bn and some fractions.

“After the conversion, the then petroleum minister, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, instructed the bank to pay the 1st defendant (Akinjide) and the 2nd defendant (Senator Ayo Adeseun) and one Mr. Yinka Taiwo the sum of N650m, through her son, Ogbonna Madueke.

“The 1st defendant and the 2nd defendant and Mr. Yinka Taiwo then proceeded to the bank, Dugbe branch in Ibadan, Oyo State and signed a receipt of payment individually for the collection of N650m.

“They signed for the money and took it to the

residence of the 1st defendant (Akinjide). The defendants made a cash payment of N650m without going through any financial institution, an amount which was more than the amount authorised by law to be paid in cash,” Zakari said.

He told the court that upon being interrogated, Akinjide and Adeseun “admitted making cash payments in that amount.”

But the defence lawyers, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Michael Lana and Akinola Oladeji, urged the court to expunge Zakari’s entire evidence for being hearsay.

They contended that the investigator could not give evidence about the meeting in Diezani’s residence and the payments of money, which he did not personally witness.

“I’m placing reliance on Section 38 of the Evidence Act, which says that hearsay evidence is not admissible,” Oladeji argued.

He added that the persons competent to testify about the meeting were Diezani, the bank’s MD and the oil marketers who were present.

He said since it was not established that the people who attended the meeting were dead, Zakari could not testify about the meeting. Same line of argument was canvassed by Ayorinde and Lana.

But the prosecuting lawyer, Oyedepo, maintained that Zakari’s evidence was not hearsay but his personal findings in the course of his investigation.

Oyedepo said, “The evidence given by PW2 of his investigative findings cannot be hearsay. In view of the fact that the evidence that PW2 gave was the discovery he made in the course of his investigation, the law is settled that such evidence cannot amount to hearsay.”

The EFCC’s lawyer therefore urged the judge to dismiss the objection.

Justice Muslim Hassan later adjourned the matter till March 23, 2018 for further hearing.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

7 News

CP Lagos inaugurates committee to mop up illegal, prohibited firearms Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Chamberlain Usoh, Maope Ogun-Yusuf and Gimba Umar during the Channels Television Sunrise Daily at the Government House Port Harcourt…. on Thursday

Deputy Chief of Staff, Gov’s aides arrested over communal clashes in Ebonyi Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏDeputy

Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Prof. Fidelis Okpata and other political appointees from Ekpomaka and Inyimagu communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state have been arrested, following the persistent hostilities among the people of both communities, which has led to loss of lives and property worth millions of naira.

Visibly angry Governor David Umahi in an enlarged security meeting with security chiefs and stakeholders from both Ikow and Abakaliki Local Government Areas of the state, Thursday ordered for their arrest pending

the time of the amicable resolution of the crisis.

Umahi directed the Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Titus Lamorde to arrest the appointees and stakeholders from the two warring communities.

He expressed dismay that despite the decision of the state government to set up a committee to look into the crisis, the two communities have refused to give peace a chance to enable the state government look into the cause of fresh hostilities in the areas.

“I am sad that there is still crisis in these communities despite the fact that we set up a committee in this state to look into the matter.

“We pleaded with the communities to ceasefire and await the outcome of the committee report but it does appear that they do not want to give peace a chance. I therefore order the Commissioner of Police to arrest all the stakeholders and political office holders from the communities.

Without looking back, all of you in this Executive council chamber are under arrest. I want the Commissioner of Police to detain you people until peace returns to the communities”, he said.

He further warned that his administration will do everything possible to ensure safety of the people of the state and deal with anybody found fomenting troubles in the communi-

ties no matter how highly placed.

Among the arrested appointees and stakeholders from Ekpomaka and Inyimagu communities were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof Fidelis Okpata, all political office holders from the communities.

It will be recalled that fresh hostilities broke out in Ekpomaka-Inyimagu and Izzi communities on the 25th of February and since then, lives and property have been reported lost which prompted the state government to set up a committee chaired by the first Vice President of the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ezeogo Romanus Iyioku with Chief Felix Mgbada as secretary.

Armed hoodlum kills businessman in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Delta

ÏÏÏRampaging

hoodlum in Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, has allegedly killed a 52-year old businessman, Gabriel Ossai, and robbed him of N120,000 including motorcycle. The police commissioner, in the state, Mr. Muhammadu Mustafa, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Asaba on Friday, said the suspect identified as Fri-

day Obih, Alias Buster, shot the businessman at a close range during which he and his gang members were robbing unsuspecting motorists in the area.

He disclosed that the suspect was arrested on intelligence gathering adding that he would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Also, the police detectives in Warri A’ Division have arrested two suspected transformer thieves, and recovered stolen sum of N100,000.

The police image maker in the State, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, gave their names as; Kelvin Oghenero, and Chuks Kelwe, adding that they were intercepted by the police with the stolen transformers in their operational vehicle with number XW 968 EKY along Warri /Sapele road.

He said investigation was on going as the suspects would be charged to court on completion.

Meanwhile, the police

in Ughelli have arrested seven suspected cultists and are currently being detained at Ughelli Police A’ Division for attempt to initiate others.

Mr. Mustafa Muhammadu Police Commissioner the state and the suspects were allegedly involved in shoot outs with members of various cult groups, adding that the Police in Ughelli Division went after them and they arrested in neighboring village.

Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi has inaugurated a committee to mop up all prohibited and illegal firearms in Lagos State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Chike Oti on Friday.

According to the statement, the Committee which was set up on Thursday March 8, is headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Muhammad Ali Ari and has nine senior officers as members.

“The team is charged with the responsibility of mopping up all prohibited firearms in and around Lagos State, “ the statement reads.

The Committee was said to have held its first meeting immediately after its inauguration at the Police Headquarters Ikeja.

At the end and of their deliberation, the committee had declared, “with effect from March 8th 2018, three weeks’ grace period is given to all members of the public who have illegal

and prohibited firearms, to submit such firearms to the nearest Police Station or Area Command office to the person. “ The prohibited firearms includes all firearms with slide action mechanism, pump action rifles of all categories, military rifles, pistols and revolvers, machine guns, rocket launchers, projectiles bomb and grenades.”

The Commissioner of Police had also given the Committee the power to enter into any house or premises based on credible intelligence with a duly signed search warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction, in search and recovery of the aforementioned weapon types, on the expiration of the three weeks’ period of grace.

In the statement, Edgal therfore urged members of the public in possession of Prohibited and illegally acquired firearms to take advantage of the 3 weeks grace period to turn in their firearms or risk being arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Act of 2004.

Police, accountants plan new crime control strategy Nosa Akenzua, Delta

ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Delta State Command, has pledged to collaborate with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in combating the corruption menace plaguing the country through forensic audit.

Receiving the delegates of ANAN, who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday at the police headquarters in Asaba, Delta State, the police commissioner, Muhammad Mustafa, said that the association is very crucial, most especially at a time when corruption bedevils the nation.

“As police officers, we will look forward to you assist us, especially in the area of forensics. This is a national problem that we have all identified and we must proffer solution.”

“We need serious collaboration and training; we look forward to seeing you guiding some of our investigators on financial cases in this command, so do not be surprised to see us send-

ing somebody to your organization for guidance and training,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of ANAN, Asaba branch, Comrade Emmanuel Akpri, said that with the courtesy call, the association has maintained a cordial relationship with the Police.

Seizing the opportunity to welcome the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Comrade Akori assured him of a harmonious experience, stressing that Delta State is peace loving, even as he said that the role of the accountant cannot be undermined in a society desirous of development.

“As a society, we need the help of the accountant to put things in order and that is why we cannot do without getting the police closer to us,” Akori said.

Introducing members of the newly elected executive, who were on his entourage, comrade Akori Solicited that the cooperation between the police and ANAN should remain friendly as he relished the memories with the immediate past commissioner of Police.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

8 News

Buhari returns to Abuja, observes juma’at ÎÎÎ

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday returned to Abuja after two-day working visit to Plateau, and joined hundreds of Muslim faithful to perform the weekly Juma’at prayer at the Aso Rock Mosque.

Among those who joined the president to observe the prayer were:

The Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Alhaji Ahmed Rufa’I and the DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura.

The President had earlier on Friday in Jos inaugurated the Plateau State Tractor Ownership Scheme as part of activities to mark the end of his

working visit to the state.

The scheme has a tripartite arrangement, in which the beneficiaries would pay 60 per cent of the total cost while state and local governments would pay 30 and 10 per cent balance respectively.

The tractors were supplied at the cost of N1.4 million each.

Also, in the course of

his two-day official visit to the state, President Buhari had on Thursday at a Town Hall meeting inaugurated the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace, and congratulated the Governor, Simon Lalong, for uniting the people of the state.

He restated his commitment to arrest the cycle of violence that had engulfed

some parts of the country.

Lalong said: said: “I wish to encourage your Excellency to continue with the good work you are doing, and I wholeheartedly congratulate you for uniting the people of Plateau State.

“I am indeed quite impressed with gains and successes recorded in the area of conflict manage-

ment and peace-building, which has returned this state to the path of relative peace.

“Let me express the Federal Government’s commitment to support and assist the Peace Building Agency in its effort to arrest the vicious cycle of violence and lay the foundation for sustainable peace in our country.”

Lagos land use charge against democratic ideals – LCCI

ÎÎÎThe

President Muhammadu Buhari driving a tractor in Jos, capital of Plateau state, on Friday while inaugurating the state tractor ownership scheme.

PH to Maiduguri rail line to cover 2,000km in six states - Amaechi ÎÎÎ Minister of transpor-

tation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the PortHarcourt to Maiduguri rail line will cut across six states of Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the minister said the rail line will cover a total of 2,000 kilometres.

In August, Amaechi said President Muhammadu Buhari approved the rail

line alongside the ones of Kano to Daura, in Katsina state; Kano to Maiduguri, Makurdi to Jos, and Jigawa to Niger Republic.

Speaking after inaugurating the board of parastatals under the ministry, in Abuja, the minister said the federal government is currently working on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line.

He said the contracts of the line from Ibadan to Kaduna and Kaduna to Kano had been awarded.

“We have forwarded our documents for the loan to the China Nexim Bank hoping they will give us loan this year for us to commence construction,” he said.

“We are negotiating for the contract of Port Harcourt to Maiduguri which is about 2,000 kilometres because it has to take a spur from Owerri through Nnewi and Awka and then from there to Abakiliki, while proceeding on to

Gombe where we take a spur to Yobe, I think we got up to Yola, and then to Borno.”

Amaechi said the rail lines will ease transport difficulties between Kaduna and Abuja and that “a lot of people scared of road accidents will now use the rail.”

While inaugurating the board members, the minister urged them to put in their best while on their respective posts.

the board has put logistics in place to ensure the conduct of one of the best examinations in recent times.

“If you come around to the board, you will find out that the atmosphere is relaxed.

“We are fully ready and on top of the game, just as we expect a hitch-free conduct of the examination nationwide.

“Today, we will start with just one session, which has been the tradi-

tion every year.

“From tomorrow (Saturday), we shall have the full three sessions for the candidates as stated in their examination slips.

“Our advice, therefore, is for the candidates to ensure that they adhere strictly to all the rules guiding the examination.

“There is no shortcut to success. Our helplines are always open to candidates with issues.

“They should feel free to talk to us rather than re-

sort to self-help or engage the services of fraudsters, who might want to take advantage of them,’’ he said.

An official at one of the examination centres, Dalewares Institute of Technology in Lagos, Mr. David Babalola, said that the centre was prepared for the test.

He said some candidates slated for the examination on Friday had been around the centre as early as 8.00 a.m.

We will conduct hitch-free UTME – JAMB Joy Anyim

ÎÎÎThe Head, Media and

Information of the board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, expressed the optimism in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

One million, six hundred thousand candidates, inclusive of 367 visually impaired candidates, are participating in the examination scheduled to end on March 17.

According to Benjamin,

President Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI) Babatunde on Friday said that sanctions to defaulters under the reviewed land use charge (LUC) of Lagos are too severe and not in tandem with democratic ideals.

Ruwase who made the observation during a stakeholders’ forum on Friday, also said while the chamber would not encourage or support any form of infractions of the law, the sanctions must be proportional and fair.

Land use charge law stipulates a 25 percent increase in charge if payment was not made between 45 and 75 days.

It also prescribed a 50 percent increase after 105 days and a 100 percent increase if payment cannot be made between 75 to 105 days.

The law prescribed that a property shall be liable to enforcement if payment is not made after 135 days of notice.

“There would be instances where the citizens are willing to pay, but just do not have the capacity to pay, given the state of the economy,” Ruwase said.

“The Nigerian economy is only just gradually recovering from recession.

Many companies are yet to return to profitability.

Industrial capacity utilisation has declined, purchasing power is still very weak, occupancy rate in many commercial and residential properties are still very low.

“All of these have adversely impacted the returns on investment in property market and points to the fact that current market value of property may not necessarily reflect the rental income

for the property.”

He said only 300, 000 property were paying the charge, while 700,000 property were identified for tax payment.

According to him, emphasis should be on getting more property into the tax net, rather than imposing additional burden on those currently on the database.

He urged the government to explore the platform presented by VAIDS to capture more property owners into the net.

Ruwase suggested that implementation of the law be suspended, while the grey areas should be sorted out in the interest of fairness, equity and natural justice.

According to him, there is no evidence to show that adequate dissemination of information to critical stakeholders was followed and conditions stipulated for law review occurred before implementation of the law.

He said stakeholders were concerned that assessed value used for computation of the law was high and difficult to justify.

According to him, the business community appreciates government’s efforts in investing in infrastructure and security and businesses are willing and ready to pay their tax.

He appealed to the government to create a tax environment that would be fair, equitable, inclusive, transparent and investment friendly.

Akinyemi Ashade, Lagos state commissioner for finance, said the law aimed at entrenching a regime of self-assessment, would allow property owners to make their own calculation and know their rate with the help of professional valuers.

Politics

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Ambode’s performance in Lagos APC National Secretary faults Clark’s call for State may earn him return ticket of Emergency in North East unopposed –Tobun ≥≥10&11

≥≥ 12

APC chieftain charges youths to leverage on opportunities-Razak Nigerian youths have been urged to leverage on opportunities available for them and carve a niche for themselves as solution provider early in life.

This forms the thrust of the third Trek Africa Entrepreneurship Conference (TAEC) 2018 theme, “Spirit of Enterprise” held in the Expo Centre of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) complex.

The Chairman of the occasion and elder statesman, Chief Lanre Razak, an astute business mongul harped on the need for youths to grow in self reliance.

According to Razak, government in other states of the country should provide take off grants to the tune of N5m to youths, like what obtains in Lagos State through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), to aid entrepreneurial spirit.

He noted that the chain reaction of this available funds will multiply and increase, giving room for others to benefit and grow economically able individuals in the society.

“I admire the activities of young Nigerian entrepreneurs who have been revolutionising their trade, their success inspires me to advocate for inclusion of vocation into the education system in the country.

“I advise that government initiate an entrepreneurship course into the University curriculum to help integrate them into society so as to groom them ahead graduation, so employment won’t be an issue.”

He charged unemployed youths to embrace entrepreneurship as the best

RAZAK option in the diversification of the economy.

The Guest Speaker, Mr. Adeniyi Adams, Managing Director, Knight Stone Properties Limited, who delivered a lecture at the conference noted that poor employability status of the youth remain the problem, not unemployment.

“The youths should take advantage of the situation, the challenge in Nigerian economy should rather be a drive for creativity not an obstruction.

“There is no future for Nigeria except we introduce entrepreneurial education from our secondary school level, employability is the main problem with our youths, not unemployment.

The convener of the (TAEC) initiative, Mr. Oki Samson stated unequivocally that though various socioeconomic indices points the negative, youths should maintain their stance of being self reliant while leveraging on big players information made available.

“It is a fact that various economic indices like rate of inflation, unemployment rate, are pointing negative, but we cannot fold our arms and let situation be.

“Yet, it is unrealistic to expect the government to provide jobs for every single youth in the country, thus, youths should prioritise and learn skills that can take them out of poverty.

“TAEC 2018 brings key players in the private sector, policy makers in government circles and experts in finance and economy together to spur enterprising youths and fashion out strategies that will enable the country extend the frontiers of enterprise development,” Samson said.

Grace Amah, a Nollywood ambassador, Debby Larry Izamoje, Ayodeji Finni, Tosin Sonusi, Special Ambassador of ECOWAS Youth Council on Education, Alaba Ayinuola, Ifunaya Mitchell and Chichi all form team of panelists spurring participants creative and entrepreneurial competence.

No crack in Lagos APC over Oyegun, says party chieftain A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, says there is no crack in the state’s chapter over its opposition to the tenure elongation of Chief John Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olusi and other party elders in the state met in Lagos on Tuesday to take a position on the Oyegun-led executive’s extended tenure.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Henry Ajomale, had on Feb 27 attended a National Executive Council meeting of the party in Abuja where tenure extension for Oyegun-led executive by one year was ratified.

The party’s NEC also approved a year extension for state executives of the party.

Ajomale is the chairman of the Forum of APC state chairmen.

Olusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the state chapter’s position on the issue, despite the fact Ajomale was present at the Abuja NEC meeting, did not mean a crack in Lagos APC.

“There is no crack in Lagos APC. Nothing like that at all, our opposition to the tenure elongation should not be misinterpreted.

“Yes, Chief Ajomale was in Abuja where the tenure of the National Working Committee was extended by one year. That was in Abuja.

“He came back home to Lagos and submitted his report to the party here for deliberations and consideration.

“The elders of the party in the state met yesterday on the issue and we took the state position, which is that we are opposed to the tenure elongation.

“We based our position on the party’s constitution which is clear about tenure of executive officers. It is normal in a democracy to have different people having different positions on issues.

“What we did yesterday was just an expression of our democratic right,” he said.

Asked if Ajomale was present at the Lagos meeting where the position was taken, Olusi gave an affirmative response.

He said the position was the consensus of

9

AJOMALE everyone present, including Ajomale himself.

He said the atmosphere after the meeting was lively, indicating that Lagos APC was one house.

“Chief Ajomale was at the meeting as well as other elders. The atmosphere was lively. We took photographs and exchanged pleasantries.

There is no problem in Lagos APC,” he said.

Efforts to speak with Ajomale on the issue proved abortive as he did not respond to phone calls.

Ambode’s wife seeks removal of barriers impeding women’s progress Benjamin Omoike As Lagos joined the rest of world to mark this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has called for the removal of barriers impeding the progress of women in the country.

Speaking at the Women’s Day celebration held at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, Mrs. Ambode said women must be ready to challenge stereotypes and should rise up to question old established practices that were not women-friendly.

March 8 every year is observed worldwide as International Women’s Day, to celebrate the achievement of women, beam the searchlight on challenges facing them and to push global activism for total women’s emancipation.

Mrs. Ambode said: “We must remove barriers tand in the way of the progress of women. When we stand together, we can achieve anything and any obstacle can be pulled down.

“We must nominate and support women for emerging opportunities, whenever they arise. Supporting one another is a duty we owe and must carry out every time for women to move on,” she said.

The Lagos First Lady said though grounds remained to be covered, women must not lose sight of where they were coming from, hence the need to celebrate their achievements always.

She said that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Press for Progress”, was suitable as it gave assurance of greater successes as women pressed further.

She identified literacy, health, economic empowerment, politics and governance, as areas of noticeable success for women, stressing that they served as impetus of courage for women to press further for progress.

The governor’s wife submitted that while gender parity would not be achieved overnight, it certainly would not take eternity.

Also speaking, Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, reiterated his administration’s commitment to protect and uphold the dignity of women in the state.

“We will continue to give maximum support to all agencies and institutions established to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of women. In line with our administration’s inclusive policy; we shall continue to provide equal opportunities for all citizens without prejudice to gender and socio-economic background.

Ambode, who was represented by the former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Aderenle Adeniran-Ogunsanya, said the theme of the celebration was apt as it reminded women of the need to be steadfast and not relent in advocating for positive change and moving forward in all areas of human endeavour.

“Beyond the traditional role of home keeping as mothers and wives, there is a lot women can contribute to national development. It is an indispensable fact that some progress has been made over the years as a result of sustained advocacy by government institutions, and most especially, non-governmental organisations.”

Politics 10 This is your second term, almost seven years as a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly; I want you to look at the past years, with regards to your previous experience in the public service, what unique things have you learnt in the Assembly?

My experience as a civil servant is incomparable to what I have learnt in the assembly, because in the assembly, you need to be up and doing, you need to be reading on a regular basis, you need to update yourself, you need to know what you are doing. You need to know that what you are doing concerns the whole state and by extension, your job is to think for the people, to reason for them and make laws to govern them, so it is a different ball game entirely and politics is full of intrigues. So you must be wary of your environment. It is based on the laws that you make that will enhance the formulation of policies that will govern the people. But as a civil servant, you are to implement the policies made by the executives; you are implementing policies as a civil servant. In the Assembly here, we make laws that would lay the foundation for formulation of policies that civil servants would go and implement. One requires analytical thinking, the other requires procedural approach. While that of the Assembly requires analytical thinking, you must be able to see things from a broader perspective, look at the merits and demerits, look at the implications of the laws, how it affects the people. But in the civil service you are to carry out the directives given to you by the executive.

You got to the Assembly unopposed in your second term in your party, but prior to the era of former speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, nobody ever came from Epe to the House twice.

Now, what lessons did you learn from your being returned into the House unopposed and what burden did that put on you?

Well, I feel humbled with that singular honour given to me by my people to return to the House unopposed; it shows they are pleased with what we are doing in the House. That now gives me a burden that I must not fail, I must not go below expectation. The people are expecting much from me, one now knows that the people repose absolute confidence in you, you must not fall short of their expectations else that would bring you down in totality. I feel humbled for their honour and I feel challenged because with that opportunity, I must be ready to do more for that thing which earned me my ticket at my party level unopposed, so that the people would not regret putting me here. I am challenged to do more, I am challenged to put in my best and to give them a good representation in the House. I must put in all my heart to do the job, because to whom much is given much is expected. So, I feel humbled and honoured and I appreciate my people for their belief in me.

Don’t you think you would be asking them for too much by seeking for a third term in office?

I must be honest with you, I am not the one asking them for a third term, they are the ones that are saying that ‘Tobun, you have to go back.’ They feel

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Hon. Abiodun Tobun represents Epe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. In 2015, he was returned to the House unopposed on the platform of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in appreciation for his love for them through giving and people-oriented programmes. Now, Tobun, the Chairman, House AdHoc Committee on Works and Infrastructure, is seeking a third term in office in the 2019 election. He told PATRICK OKOHUE in this interview why he wants to return to the Assembly and why the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode may return in 2019 unopposed.

TOBUN

Ambode’s performance in Lagos may earn him return ticket I am doing what is expected of me, they said I am collaborating and working with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state, who, fortunately, is from my constituency, to develop Epe on all fronts. My people told me what they want, what they want is the development of the community, dividends of democracy and they are seeing that in multitude. Before then, I was the one lobbying here and there, striving to get things done, and they were getting results. Now all I have to do is to push a little and they see the result and it is the people that are now saying you have to go back. It is coming from across the board, the people that really matter in the community; the traditional rulers, the party leaders, the religious leaders, the market men and women as well as the community development associations, everybody want me back into the state House of Assembly.

They said that they are aware that some people have come here third time, fourth time and fifth and that if you are doing well, you have to go back to the House and continue what you are doing.

I feel honoured and humbled and I feel that they want me to do more. What do I mean by that, I must be able to think

outside the box for the people, to attract dividends of democracy the more to the constituency, you must ensure you do not absent yourself from office or do anything that would bring the constituency to disrepute, either in the larger society or in the House and that is exactly what I am doing.

If what you are saying is true, how come one of the leaders in the community is said to be propping up his son to challenge you for the office in 2019?

I don’t think any leader would do that, the leader in question is just trying to tell his son to start going through the tutelage of political rudiments, it is not really a serious business. Because I doubt if the boy in question has a membership card of our party, the APC. It is until recently that the Supreme Court ruled that civil servants can join political parties, before then civil servants were not allowed to be involved in partisan politics. That is why I said I doubt if he is a member of the party. It is a recent judgment and it is expected that someone must have been a member of a party for a period of time before contesting for an election through the party.

Everywhere across the country people are coming out to signify their interest, but in Lagos State I am seeing him as the sole candidate of our party and by extension a governor unopposed in the state, because those who are supposed to challenge him in the other parties, especially in PDP are decamping to join him and that was what worked for me in the second term, when people were now saying why must we contest against Tobun, what we feel we can do is what he is doing and he is even surpassing it

However, the boy is coming up, he can come around after I must have served my time out and the people say ‘Tobun, you have tried your best, give another person a chance.’ I want to assure you that when the time comes, it will be the particular leader who is propping his son up that would be the one to raise my hands that ‘Tobun, we want you to go and serve again.’

Are you saying you don’t expect to have any opposition in the constituency again this time around?

I am not seeing any opposition for now, it is not as if people are not showing interest. You know any good thing would surely attract more people. Good things are not meant for only one person, nobody would not want to be called an honourable member, but it is based on majority support. The beauty of it is that the father of the young man you are talking about is my leader, no doubt about that. He would tell his son to go and relax, when the time comes. The young man is coming up, they are the ones that would take over from us in the future. But not now, we are still agile, we are still active. The people want us and the voice of the people is the voice of God, nobody can change the will of God. Epe is having a good time because Governor Ambode is from the area, how would you say the governorship seat has impacted on the area?

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has impacted so positively and so meaningfully too on Epe. The governor combines an approach. In governance in Lagos State, there are two approaches that people are adopting, one is community CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

11 Politics

Ambode’s performance in Lagos may earn him return ticket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

based approach, that is developing the rural area, to decongest the urban areas, another is urban driven development, they concentrate on the urban and abandon the rural areas. But, in the case of Governor Ambode, he combines the two; he is developing both the urban and rural areas at the same time, moving the state to the next level. He is turning the state to a megacity. He has impacted not only on Epe or East Senatorial District, but all parts of the state are feeling his impact.

The governor is God sent and like I normally say, this man is hungry for development and he is striving hard to put his name in gold and he wants to do things that when he leaves the office it would be difficult for anybody to beat the standard that he has set, it will even make people to be afraid to want to contest for that position, because he would have taken governance to the next level.

That is why today, people are afraid to come out against him, and we have few months to primaries. Nobody has come out to indicate interest to contest against him in the party even from the other parties.

Everywhere across the country people are coming out to signify their interest, but in Lagos State I am seeing him as the sole candidate of our party and by extension a governor unopposed in the state, because those who are supposed to challenge him in the other parties, especially in PDP are decamping to join him and that was what worked for me in the second term, when people were now saying why must we contest against Tobun, what we feel we can do is what he is doing and he is even surpassing it, do we go and expose ourselves, that is what is working for him, he has done wonderfully well that everybody is now afraid to challenge him and it is not by his making, it is the way God wanted it, that is why I say he is God sent.

He has been doing wonderfully well and we can see it, we can feel it, we can touch it. You go to any part of Lagos State; you will see his hand work. As we are sitting here look outside the window you will see what he has done, cross to any part of the state, he has done what nobody has done before. At least no local government or LCDA can say that he never touched them. He has just approved the construction of 181 roads and has released money for one road in each of the local governments and LCDA across the state. The last time it was two each of the councils and LCDA. Do you know how many bridges he has constructed, how many pedestrian bridges? The longest pedestrian bridge in West African sub region is that Ojudu/Berger Bridge. They call it twin pedestrian bridge and you see pedestrian bridges all over, you see Flyover Bridge in Ajah, you see Flyover Bridge in Abule Egba, what people thought was not possible he is doing it, so the opposition crumbled, he is doing it because he loves to do it.

There has recently been an upsurge in the number of people

I am not the one asking them for a third term, they are the ones that are saying that ‘Tobun, you have to go back.’ They feel I am doing what is expected of me, they said I am collaborating and working with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state, who, fortunately, is from my constituency, to develop Epe on all fronts. My people told me what they want, what they want is the development of the community, dividends of democracy and they are seeing that in multitude.

TOBUN falling over themselves to endorse Governor Ambode for second term, but some people are saying yes Ambode is doing well and deserves to have a second term, but that many of those doing the endorsement however are not doing it in the interest of the governor, but for self interest, sycophancy, do you agree?

I want to tell you that at this level, most people doing it are not known by the governor, but they are doing it because they can feel it, do you change a winning team? When you have an ace striker, who scores at all times, do you go and change that striker and bring a dead wood that will bring your club down? So, I think those doing Ambode for second time are doing it to send signal to whoever may have that ambition to kill it, because when the support is coming from all angles the message will be clear that if you come out you won’t have any supporter. This is unusual in political terrain.

Normally they want people to come out so that they will take money from them, but come out to support Ambode, but now they are living above their individual primordial sentiments or personal gain and taking the interest of the larger society into consideration, that is why you are seeing this. How many people can he compensate, how many groups will he give money to, those people doing this are doing it for posterity sake, saying this man is doing it and also to encourage other people to do good. Service delivery, so that when you are put in place of power you will do what you are supposed to do people will appreciate. I think what they are doing is to appreciate him.

Like the former governor of the state said, the reward for hard work is more work. So, by the time everybody now come together to say your Excellency sir, we give you this ticket unopposed he will feel humbled and he will do more.

Because he will want his record to soar higher than it is now, he will want to do more and I am sure he will do more and once he does that who says tomorrow he cannot be president of this country, because Nigeria is moving away from this man know man government, we now want service delivery, we now want people who will move us out of this shackles of oppression and if you see people who are doing it with passion, with sincerity of purpose, with all their might and strength, we want to encourage such people to continue to do more. So, I think what they are doing across the state and across the country is to appreciate him. A leader of our party told us at a public gathering that the governor has succeeded in taking governance above the common standard of excellence, that is what is encouraging him to do more, I don’t think he can buy everybody over, but his work speaks volume and it is his work that we are seeing that is making people to endorse him How would you convince the people about why you want to contest for a third term?

I don’t need to convince them, they know where they are going. I am doing my best for them, I have attracted development to the constituency, and they see me regularly. They discuss with me regularly and I embark on projects constantly. Seeking for a third term

is not my bidding, it is the bidding of the community. I would only tell them that I would do more and I am ready to do more, I am willing to do more. The records are there. I give them UTME Forms, I do a lot of education programmes, empowerment programmes, water projects, I give them transformers and I make myself available to them.

They must see you regularly. I go to my community regularly and they come here everyday. There is no day you come here that you would not see the people from my community here. That is what we call establishing a relationship with the people. I don’t need to tell them who I am, they know me and they know what I can do. It is just to tell them I would do what I would do and even do more this time around.

What would be your advice to the state government on the issue of refuse clearing in the state despite the Cleaner Lagos Initiative?

There is always a problem if you start a new project. When the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was doing it alone, they were not doing it well. Also, the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) do not have the capacity to clean the state. That gave opportunity for cat pushers to take over and they were creating problems for the state. That was why the state government contracted Visionscape for the Cleaner Lagos project, they are building scientific landfill sites all over the state, they are also bringing in their equipment gradually.

Don’t forget that the programme is new, they have been moving round, so it would take time for them to get it right.

They work throughout the day to get the job done. By the middle of the year, they would have gotten all their equipment on ground to work. Also, don’t trust saboteurs who dump wastes all over the state to sabotage the project.

Why can’t the officials of the Lagos State Neighborhood Corps (LSNC) be doing the job of monitoring the state on that?

Human beings are the most dangerous in the world. Somebody driving a car would just dump the waste and move away, how do you catch them.

Some people dump waste from moving vehicles, how do you catch them. I don’t think this is good enough. Why can’t people put their waste in the bag and dump it in the right place.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Donald Duke urges Nigerians to unite to seek better welfare

DUKE

Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke has called on Nigerians to come together to demand that their welfare is put in the front burner of government agenda.

Duke in a letter to Nigerians he personally signed on behalf of Coalition for Nigeria noted that one thing the people have in common regardless of status, is a deep seated national sense of discontentment, noting that the question then arises; “What are we doing about it?”

He wondered if the people, are prepared to do something or only whine about it “as we have been doing for years without end?”

“With shrinking opportunities and an increasing demand by our young and effervescent population, it is evident that except something is done and urgently too, the future is bleaker, riskier and more dangerous.

“We see daily the migrations through the Sahara in a journey to the unknown.

Young men and women in the prime of their lives, ready to risk the unknown

with the vague assurance that it couldn’t be worse than their present circumstance and predicament.

“In times past, our young folks were abducted into slavery against their will.

Today, they literarily walk into enslavement.

“The fact that this is happening in an age of enlightenment by relatively enlightened young men and women is even more telling. If this does not set off alarm bells among us, then we are soulless and inhumane: the very essence of a human being!

“Enough of whining, let us together take up the gauntlet and demand the course of action that would ennoble our society and her people. And if this is not done now, when? And if not by us, whom?

In every struggle, there is a result. If you try, you may succeed, but if you don’t, you are definitely bound to fail.

“I choose to join others and with every breadth in me, be in the vanguard for a better society, knowing that together we can make the difference. We wish to welcome you aboard.”

APC National Secretary faults Clark’s call for emergency in North-East The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, has said that the call by Chief Edwin Clark for the declaration of state of emergency in the North East was misguided and ill-conceived.

Buni was responding in a statement to an earlier call issued by Clark, in which he demanded President Muhammadu Buhari to declare complete state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states because of renewed Boko Haram attacks.

The APC scribe said Clark, an elder statesman from the South South had been an anti-North East crusader for long. “Initially, during the ex- President Goodluck Jonathan era, Edwin Clark and his cohorts denied there was abduction of the Chibok girls, saying it was politically intended to malign the ex-president.

“He (Clark) later pressed for imposition of state of emergency in the North Eastern states which only gave advantage to the insurgents to launch vicious attacks on the people,” he said.

Buni explained that it was the likes of Clark who misled former President Jonathan into treating the fight against Boko Haram with levity. “It was also on the advice of people like Clark that exPresident Jonathan attempted extending the state of emergency for the third time but the move was rejected by the National Assembly because the previous experience yielded no results,” he said.

He said the Buhari administration had grossly tamed activities of Boko Haram without a state of emergency, saying, “We remain confident that this administration will bring an end to the insurgency without a state of emergency,” he said.

CLARK

Lagos assures on retention of excellence status through strategic management culture Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson has urged the Head of various MDAs in the state to embrace strategic management culture in order to ensure the State maintain the leading position among its counterparts in Nigeria.

Dr. Benson gave the charge during a ‘Strategic Management Workshop’ organised by the state government for Directors in conjunction with Human Capital Management and Solutions LTD. The commissioner in his opening remark harps on the importance and inevitability of strategy, strategic planning and management in organisational management for effective service delivery.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the team of facilitators for this programme will situate the topic of the training within the pres-

AMBODE

ent circumstances of the Lagos state public service with a view to identifying the areas where the service may have to evolve, new innovation or reposition for better delivery “,Dr Benson said.

Also speaking at the 2 -day workshop tagged “Embracing a Culture of Strategic Management in the Lagos State Public Service”, the Director of planning, Mr. Ayodeji Aruna said the training programme is a demonstration of the confidence placed on the state civil service which is driving the machinery of government.

Mr Aruna urged the participants to go back to their desk better informed to deliver quality service, so as to ensure that Lagos state continues to maintain its position as the centre of excellence among the states in Nigeria.

Hon. Adedayo Famakinwa, representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who held forte for the Speaker of the house at the event, reiterated the commitment of Governor Akinwumi Ambode led administration to ensure a better Lagos.

Group drums support for Buhari’s re-election Movement for the Actualisation of SouthEast Presidency (MASEP) has called on Nigerians to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

The leader of the group, Mr Humphrey Onyima, who made the call in an interview with news men on Thursday in Abuja, said Buhari deserved a second term because of the “good works’’ the President was doing.

He flayed the negative opinions expressed over Buhari’s re-election by some Nigerians, saying that “We want to categorically state here and now, without recourse to what anyone thinks or has thought, that we back President Buhari for the 2019 presidency.

“We also call on others to do same because so far, President Buhari has done well; the construction of the three-phase Second Niger Bridge is on course.

“The bridge will by-pass Onitsha and Asaba to connect to the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway at Nkwerre-Ezunaka and then, cross Atani to the Asaba-Benin Expressway at Okpanam, with a total length of 44km.

“Also, to the credit of this government, between June 2015 and July 2017, it had earned $58 billion in oil revenue, according to the OPEC,’’ Onyima stressed.

The leader of the group noted that while the payment of contractor’s liabilities running into trillions of Naira was ongoing, insecurity was being given the desired attention.

According to him, massive development of rail transportation is ongoing; the agelong, clash between herdsmen and farmers is also being addressed by the government, among others. He explained that the Buhari administration had in 2017 issued a N100 billion bond with a 7-year term, so as to facilitate the rehabilitation of 25 key economic road projects across the country.

Onyima said the roads include the Oyo-Ogbomosho Expressway, Ofusu-OreAjebandele-Shagamu dual carriageway, Yenagoa Road Junction-Kolo Otuoke-Bayelsa Palm, Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway and Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

Others, according to Onyima are the Kaduna Eastern By-pass, Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, Dualisation of Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, dualisation of Suleja-Minna Road with each geo-political zone benefiting.

“Power generation is on the increase as more power plants are coming on stream.

This government has set a target of ending fuel importation by 2019.

“Also, licenses have been issued to 10 modular refineries with a refining capacity of 30,000 barrels per day and total refining capacity of 300,000.

“Without mincing words, this government has given Nigerians more hope and reasons to believe in our future as a nation, than we have ever had at any time in our history.

“For many years, we were led down dark paths by a misguided few and today, everything is being done to reverse that disgraceful, obnoxious phase in our democracy.

“To be honest, this cannot happen overnight, not even in four years. Thus, we want to call on Nigerians to get behind the President and vote him into office come 2019.

“We therefore issue a rallying cry to every Igbo man, woman and youth to support President Buhari for 2019, as we prepare our house to present ourselves for election in 2023,’’ Onyima said.

He emphasised that the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu, Rochas Okorocha, Ken Nnamani, Chris Ibe and Gbazuagu Gbazuagu were willing to lead the South-East to support Buhari and also occupy Aso Rock in 2023.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

13 News

Building collapse: Court dismisses ‘No Case submission’ of Synagogue Church ÏÏÏA Lagos High Court

Sitting in the Igbosere area of Lagos Island has dismissed the “no-case submission” filed by the Registered Trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations and two engineers involved in the collapse of a six-storey building belonging to the church.

On September 12, 2014, the building belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed in the Ikotun area of Lagos,

killing a total of 116 persons, most of whom were South Africans visiting Nigeria on religious tourism.

After the building collapsed, the Lagos State Government sued the church and the two engineers, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, who were involved in the construction of the building alongside their companies — Hardrock Construction & Engineering Company and Jandy

Trust Ltd. The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions said that the defendants violated Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State 2010 as well as Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

After a coroner’s verdict which recommended that the church should be prosecuted for failing to obtain necessary approval before embarking on the construction of

the building, and that the two structural engineers be prosecuted for criminal negligence, the defendants were arraigned on April 19, 2016, but they pleaded ‘not guilty.’

The State Government subsequently opened its case, called witnesses and tendered documents to prove the allegations against the defendants.

However, upon closing its case in October 2017, the defendants, rather than enter their defence,

filed a ‘no-case’ submission, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

The defendants insisted there was nothing in the evidence by the prosecution to require that they enter any defence.

They, therefore, urged the court to discharge them.

The prosecution opposed the no-case submission and argued that the defendants had a case to

answer, based on the evidence of all the prosecution witnesses.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo dismissed the no-case submission filed by the defendants and held that a prima facie case had been made which required them to make certain explanations.

He then adjourned the case until April 27 for the defendants to open their case.

Amaechi charges agencies board members on fight against corruption Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏ The newly inaugurat-

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (third left), with members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) during the 2018 International Women’s Day Celebration, with the theme “Press for Progress’’, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, at the Police College ground, Ikeja... on Thursday

FG stalls inauguration of NSITF board over N30bn looting Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige Friday, in line with presidential directive, inaugurated all the boards of parastatals under the Ministry of Labour except the board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Daily Times recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2017, constituted the board of the NSITF with the former president of NUNPENG Chief Frank Kokori as the chairman.

However, giving reasons the board was not inaugurated alongside others including National Productivity Centre (NPC) National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Micheal Imoudu National institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) today, Ngige said he has the full consent of the President to stay action on inaugurating the board of the

NSITF pending the outcome of Administrative Enquiry recently set up by the Ministry to investigate the mindless looting of the agency.

Charging members of other boards so inaugurated against the repeat of the rot in the NSITF, Ngige said “the operations of the various parastatals must strictly conform with Financial Regulations Especially Section 32 and the provisions of the Procurement Act. The audited accounts of the Parastatals must always be prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities as and when due.”

“The NSITF for example is reeling from massive looting with no audited account for five years. A whooping sum of Five Billion Naira was unearthed by Audit Panel of Enquiring as having been taken out of the NSITF coffers with First Bank in one single day without vouchers. Worse still, the Organization maintained

no cash book as required

by Financial Regulations.

This resulted in massive looting of funds by Board Members acting in concert with the management Staff.”

“When we say N5 billion taken in one day, that’s not the only amount missing.

Over N30billion Naira cannot be accounted for and the members of the past board participated actively in the looting. We want to know how board members who are not part of the management found their way so deep to have participated in plundering of the agency,” Ngige said.

“Some of them, from the management and from the last board, including their chairman have been charged to court by the EFCC. So, we don’t want the new board to go into a stench; putting a new wine in an old wine skin.

It will be polluted.”

“That’s why the President agreed for us to do an Administrative Enquiry there to explain the total

failure of the internal audit mechanism for checking that no money leaves the establishment without voucher and in this instance, over N30 billion missing and N5 billions of it without any voucher, no trace. It is unacceptable.”

He asserted that knowing that the former board was neck deep in this massive corruption, it was imperative to forestall recurrence.

The Minister therefore said that once the Panel of Enquiry concluded its findings and government issued a gazette on its conclusions, a new board would be inaugurated.

“We will make sure that people who are going there will be people of character and quality so that such a thing will never happen again because the NSITF is the flagship board of this ministry and for the constituent tripartite organizations, he concluded.”

ed board members of the parastatals and agencies in the Transportation sector, has been challenged on the war against corruption a brain child of the present administration President Mohammed Buhari.

The Honourable minister of Transportation Right Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, made the call Friday, while performing the official inauguration ceremony all five boards of Transportation agencies and parastatals.

Daily Times recall that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the immediate inauguration of various boards and members of government parastatals and agencies.

Performing the ceremony, the former governor of Rivers State stated that the present administration in order to foster an economy that is robust, transparent, accountable and in line with the best practices. He said that that the Federal Government the gesture has become necessary due to the fact that the Federal Government, has embarked on the restructuring and repositioning of various parastatals under the Ministry of Transportation.

He further stressed that the mandate of these boards is to ensuring that fast, safe, efficient, affordable, convenient, integrated and inter-model transport system that facilitate Nigeria’s socio-economic and developmental needs enhances the quality of life of the public.

His words: “As Chairmen and board members, you are responsible for setting operational and administrational and administrative policies in accordance with setting operational and administrative policies in accordance with Government policy direc-

tives aimed at assisting the parastatals to archive their mandates. You are also charged with the responsibility for measuring performance against targets and introducing broad- based policy measuring that will curtail all forms of deviations to ensure that the targets are achieved”.

Amaechi advised that the board in performance of its duties, that it is expedient for them to need to engender harmonious working relationship with the management of these parastatals so as to archive the objective of Government. “furthermore, it is necessary for the board members to note that, in line with the guide to administrative procedure in the Federal public service chapter 7, the honorable minister may give board of Directors directions of general character relating to the general or particular matters to the statutory body in the discharge of board functions. The minister can also exercise control of parastatals at policy level through the board”.

Amaechi noted that the board as government policy, that it is imperative to note that the appointment is strictly guided by the Federal government circular on revised frequency of meetings part-time members of Government committee, boards of Federal Agencies, statutory Cooperation and Governmentowned companies issued by the National salaries, incomes and wages commission and Guides to administrative procedures in the Federal public service chapter 7 as a measure to reduce the cost of government.

The five boards include National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria CRFFN, and the Nigeria institute of Transport Technology NITT.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

10 die in multiple auto crash in Nyanya, Abuja

By Idu Jude/ Abuja

ÎÎÎ Ten persons on Friday lost

their lives along Nyanya/Keffi Road, a suburb of Abuja, following a multiple road crash on the ever busy road.

The incident was said to have happened at about 9.30am at a spot close to the popular Nyanya Tipper Garage involving truck belonging to a soft drink company and two others belonging to a construction company.

An eyewitness told The Daily Times that the accident

might have been caused by brake failure of a truck heavily loaded with clippings and was descending the Kugbo Hill The eyewitness who craved anonymity, said the truck lost control and hit several other vehicles resulting in multiple collision.

The witness said, “ It was at that process that the second truck, which was equally loaded with chippings brushed the soft drink truck, which was as well loaded with crates of drinks and some other vehicles and fell inside Tipper

Garage and empty its content” Confirming the incident, the Nyanya Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC) , Micheal Agu, said the actual number of the casualties could not be ascertained, as rescue operation was still ongoing as at the time of the interview. He however said that about 10 people including a soldier was confirmed dead at the spot while rescue and evacuation operation continued.

He however, stated that many people who were affected had been rushed to both

Nyanya General Hospital and the Asokoro District Hospital.

Another eyewitness, Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu, said, “The number of people who died in the accident and those who sustained injuries were not immediately available.

“Some injured persons were taken to Nyanya General Hospital, some to Asokoro (Genertheir number. But two soldiers were hit and they died instantly.”

As at the time The Daily Times visited the scene of the accident there was free flow

of vehicles as FRSC officials, soldiers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Vehicle Inspector Officers (VIO), have taken over the control of traffic in the area.

Meanwhile, damaged vehicles including a Sienna car, a coaster bus and about five cars and the trucks involved in the accident were still at the scene of the incident, causing heavy traffic jam on both sides of the road for several hours.

Incident of auto crashes at the same spot have become a perrenial problems along the Nyanya/Keffi Road.

Wike faults security agencies method of destroying illegal refineries Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÎÎÎ Governor Nyesom Ezen-

wo Wike, of Rivers state has declared that the black soot damaging the state’s environment was mainly caused by the method adopted by the Federal Security Agencies in destroying illegal refineries.

Governor Wike stated that the Rivers State Government has formally approached the Federal Government to help resolve the challenge, without any assistance from that quarter.

Speaking during a special appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Daily at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said that security agencies must find alternative ways of destroying illegal refineries.

He said: “We set up a technical committee to investigate the black soot problem.

The committee’s report indicated that the black soot was largely a product of the destruction of illegal refineries by security agencies.

“It is not within the purview of the state government to tackle or control the security agencies. Therefore, we met with them and appealed that they find alternative ways to destroy the illegal refineries.

“We also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene, but so far they are yet to do anything,” he stated.

The governor added: “We have prioritised this issue, but we cannot stop the security agencies. There must be a refined way of stopping the

oil criminals, without damaging the environment.”

He said that politics must be separated from governance in respect of issues that affected the people.

“We should separate politics from governance. This issue of environmental challenge posed by the black soot requires the direct intervention of the Federal Government.

“We are working with all major stakeholders to address this challenge. We are working with international oil companies to provide needed solutions. The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency intervene, because the solution is within her purview,” Governor Wike said.

The governor explained that the Rivers State Government’s Committee has taken the fundamental steps of checking the indiscriminate burning of tyres, but the major challenge is the manner the Security Agencies destroy illegal refineries.

Wike

One of the scenes of the multiple auto crash in Nyanya, Nasarawa state during which 10 died, scored injured...on Friday

Thailand’s rice mill: Resign over false information, PDP tells Ogbeh Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The People’s Democrat-

ic Party (PDP) has charged the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, to resign over false claims that Thailand’s rice mills have closed down due to importation drop from Nigeria.

PDP in a statement on Friday in Abuja signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the denial by the Thailand authorities is an international embarrassment which has further dragged down the image of the nation under the APC led government.

The party said the whole world was shocked when the ambassador of Thailand to

Nigeria, Wattana Kuwongse, publicly denied ever informing Chief Ogbeh that major rice mills were shutting down in Thailand as a result of drop in importation of rice

by Nigeria.

The party said the minister had neither clarified his claims nor offered any explanation for the heavy embarrassment he has caused the nation adding that such has placed a heavy moral burden on him and the Federal Government.

The PDP also wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari, as African Union Anti-Corruption Champion, has not taken any action to redeem the image of the nation, after the ugly development.

“It is clear that the intention of the APC-led Federal Government was to use the Minister of Agriculture to mislead Nigerians into believing that the Buhari-led administration has achieved national self-sufficiency in food production; a stunt which fell flat on its face and brought the nation into international ridicule.

“Nigerians will recall that the same minister, last year, programmed the exporting of rotten yams and brought the country into international disrepute, all in the desperate bid of APC interests to score cheap political points and push their ill-lucked 2019 re-election bid.

“Earlier this week, Presi-

dent Buhari’s handlers made the nation a laughing stock in the international arena when they railroaded the President into offering to help Ghana in the fight against corruption, when back at home, the APC controlled Federal government is an ocean of corruption and false claims.

“This is a government where officials deliberately issue false security assurances, particularly in the northeast region, making the people vulnerable to attacks.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how this government lied that it had recovered the abducted Dapchi girls only the report to turn false and frustrated prompt effort that would have led to the recovery of our daughters.

15 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Mauritian, Africa’s only female President to resign over alleged financial scandal Myke Uzendu with Agency reports

ÏÏÏMauritian President

Head, Benin Zonal Office, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Mailafia Yakubu(fourth right), Commissioner of Police Delta State Command Mohammed Mustapha (fifth right), when the EFCC team visited the Command Headquarters, Asaba...on Friday

Rivers APC is dead your visit can’t resurrect it, Wike tells Buhari ÏÏÏGovernor Nyesom

Wike of Rivers state on Friday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is dead in the state.

Media aide to the governor Simeon Nwakaudu said this while reacting to the planned visit of the president, Muhammadu Buhari to the state.

Buhari is currently on a tour of states which recorded acts of violence this year.

He is billed to be in Benue on Monday and Rivers on Thursday.

But Wike said he has not been informed of the president’s planned visit to his state.

“I have not been told the president is coming and why he is coming. He has the right to come to any state,” Wike said.

“Maybe the president is coming to make sure that he will improve the fortunes of the APC that is dead in Rivers state.

“Apart from Jesus Christ, we don’t know of anyone who has ris-

en a dead thing. APC is a dead party in Rivers state. No matter how you fast and pray, it will never wake up.”

The governor said the president should visit the 36 states since armed robbery and kidnapping has become frequent.

“We have never had herdsmen killings or crisis in the state, except when some criminals tried to disrupt the peace and they were checked. We resolved that challenge,” he said.

Wike said since the federal government has abandoned the state, Buhari’s visit could be a blessing in disguise.

“Since the administration has abandoned Rivers State for three years, this visit may be a blessing in disguise. The president may use the visit to complete the Port Harcourt International Airport, the neglected east-west road, the neglected seaports and the rejected Port Harcourt-Aba road.”

FG committed to ease of doing business - Minister Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, has assured the private sector of Government’s commitment to the creation of enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The Minister gave this assurance on Friday in Abuja when she received the executive members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), who paid her a courtesy visit.

In a statement signed by Umar Maryam Yusuf, for Deputy Director Press, the Minister commended her visitors for their efforts at training and creating employment particularly for the women and youths.

He said: “I am happy

that you have keyed into the Federal Government’s policy of job creation and employment generation, I commend you for what you are doing as Government cannot do it alone.”

She pledged the readiness of the Ministry to collaborate with them to bring their business plans to fruition.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Everest Obijuru in his address, informed the Minister that the Association is “an umbrella body of all artisans and skilled workers in the Country with structures in all the 36 States and the FCT.” He disclosed that “the association was created for poverty eradication through investment and wealth creation for

its members. Comrade Obijuru hinted that ASVAN was planning a three-day national summit, to train and enlighten about ten thousand of its members drawn from across the country.

He added that the

summit would also provide members the opportunity to showcase their talents. Obijuru sought the assistance of the Ministry and invited the Minister to attend the summit as the special guest of honour.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, only female President in Africa, has concluded plans to resign after being embroiled in a financial scandal and allegations that she spent money for charity on shopping in Dubai, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced on Friday.

Gurib-Fakim has been accused of using a bank card provided by an NGO to make personal purchases and will step down after ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of independence on March 12.

“At her request, I met her at the State House yesterday( Thursday).

“I met her again this morning. She said that she will resign. We agreed on the date” Jugnauth told reporters in Port Louis, capital of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation without revealing the date.

“The interests of the country comes first.”

When Gurib-Fakim, 58, took the exalted position of president in 2015 she became the first woman to do so in Mauritian history.

Her resignation adds to a list of top-ranking government officials in the Indian Ocean island nation who have stepped down for alleged corruption and improper behavior.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Showkutally Soodhun left office in November for allegedly making inappropriate comments. In September, Attorney General Ravi Yerrigadoo stepped down to allow an investigation into allegations of moneylaundering.

Gurib-Fakim, the first woman president in the nation, is said to have shopped using a credit card given to her by the Planet Earth Institute, a non-governmental organization linked to an An-

golan businessman and philanthropist.

Earlier this month, Gurib-Fakim said she’d paid back all money spent on the credit card. The president made 718,000 rupees ($21,444) of dutyfree purchases in Dubai, bought some jewelry in late 2016 and spent some more during trips to Sweden, England, India, and Italy, Port Louis-based L’Express reported.

The resignation appears to have been triggered by political maneuvering in the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), ahead of general elections next year, according to Jared Jeffery, a political analyst at Paarl, South Africa-based NKC African Economics.

He said that the opposition party could use the scandal to undermine the party’s chances or force an alliance.

“The bigger story is how potential MSM alliance partners reframe the incident so that they can still join forces with the party,” Jeffery said in an emailed research note. “If they opt not to align with the MSM, opposition parties will have to find a way of justifying an alliance with the Ptr under Mr. Ramgoolam which could be equally tricky to sell to supporters,” he said, referring to the Labour party, one of Mauritius’ three main parties. It is led by former Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

A scientist and biologist of international renown, she had been under pressure since the Mauritian daily L’Express published bank documents showing that Gurib-Fakim had used a credit card given to her by the London-based Planet Earth Institute to make thousands of dollars’ worth of personal purchases.

The NGO is funded by the controversial Angolan billionaire Alvaro Sobrinho who is himself being investigated for fraud.

Bindow’s aide donates relief materials to Adamawa Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏSpecial

Assistant to the Governor of Adamawa state on Media and publicity affairs, Mr. Martins Dicka on Wednesday donated relief materials to the community of Gwamda area of Demsa LGA. According to Dickson the community are suffering from undue hardship as a result of Incessant attacks by some hoodlums.

Making the donation at

Gomba village in Demsa local government area, Special Assistant to the Adamawa state governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Martins Dickson said the donation was to alleviate the suffering of the victims, and the donation was to alleviate their sufferings.

The community has received relief materials worth thousands of naira to caution the scourges of the attacks on them.

Martins told the community he is a representative of his people and an adviser to the Governor Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla, he considered it obligatory for him to make the donations and thank Governor Jibrilla for the privilege as well as the opportunity to be able to assist and identify with his people in their moments of trials.

He called on the people to continue to pray and trust in God for an end to the

attack adding that government is doing everything possible to put an end to the problem.

Receiving the SA to the governor and his team at Borrong, Magajin Mbula, Johnson Ajiya, who represented the Murum Mbula, described the attack in the area as unfortunate leading to loss of lives and property adding that the assistance will go a long way to alleviate the plight of the victims.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

FEATURES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

s

17

From Chibok to Dapchi: Let’s stop the trend

By Raymond Oise-Oghaede It was with rude shock that Nigerians and indeed the entire world recently received the news of the abduction of over a hundred girls from their school in Dapchi, Yobe State. The incident, just like that of Chibok girls of 2014; was said to have been carried out by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect. Obviously, this is an indication that the group still has the capacity and wherewithal to cause havocs in our society contrary to the claim that they have been totally defeated. It is also a wakeup call on the government and security agencies that much are still required to fighting security challenges in the polity.

In my preceding review titled `HERDSMEN AND THE STATE OF THE NATION`; I had posited that Nigerians are the greatest enemies of themselves when it comes to the issues of insecurity. This is in view of the fact that we are always quick to tribalize, religionize and politicize every incidents that crop up in the society. Rather than seeing these vices as national challenges that required all hands to be on deck; our people talk unguardedly by painting damaging scenarios to further compound the effects of the problems. We have by our hate commentaries and parochial postulations made it very difficult for the government and security agencies to conceptualize these challenges. For instance, when some yet to be identified gunmen struck in Benue and some other states in the recent past, we were very quick to tagged them as `Fulani Herdsmen`. The disharmony caused by the outcries of some people regarding the true identities and motives of the perpetrators were still spreading like wildfire before the Dapchi incident exposed the high level of some peoplea` naivety and gullibility.

Interestingly, this incident (Dapchi girls` adoption) is happening about a year to the next general elections as was the case, in the 2014 episode. As a result, you will agree with me that there are more to this coincidence than meet the eyes.

Therefore, it calls for genuine concerns and alertness of all patriotic citizens of this country to read in-between the lines and decipher that danger is imminent if not properly handled. Thus, it is time to shun sentiments by coming together to join hands to supporting the government and the security agencies in this `very delicate` fight against criminality in our society. It is obvious that the execution of these vices are well planned and organized; and, if we continue to hastily jump to conclusion by pointing accusing fingers to wrong directions; it means that the perpetrators have successfully fooled and confused us. It is an indication that their game plans are material-

Buhari

Buratai

izing and, that could be catastrophic to the corporate existence of our country. It is our joint responsibilities to stop this trend as quickly as possible.

In view of the aforesaid, it is very crucial for the government and security agencies to work round the clock by ensuring that no stones are left unturned in their quest to unraveling the root causes of these challenges and bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors/promoters to justice. Consequently, I am inclined to put forward my `RAYOISE THEORY OF CONSPIRACY AND RECURRING PHENOMENON` for consideration. Under

IGP, Ibrahim

this theory, there is need to work on the presumption that the incidents (Dapchi abduction and others) were masterminded by some `unpatriotic elements` whose intentions are to embarrass the government and ultimately make it unpopular to the world and the Nigerian electorates in the countdown to 2019 general elections. When similar fate befell the Chibok girls in 2014; the ruling government was accused of insensitivity and, their failure to promptly rescue the girls and bring perpetrators to book attracted widespread condemnation from within and outside the country. Members of the

opposition also capitalized on the situation to join in the campaign of calumny which contributed in no little ways to the electoral misfortunes of the then ruling party at the pools. In the same vein, the subsequent rescue of some of the girls and, alleged defeat of the sect under this present dispensation drew accolades from all and sundry. Thus, the probability is very high and cannot be waived aside that, enemies (unpatriotic elements) of this administration could have conspired with militant group(s) to cause havocs in the country with the aim of neutralizing and denting the gains and achievements so far recorded in areas of security. Presently, you will agree with me that the ills from Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Yobe (Dapchi) and Borno have depleted the accomplishments of Chibok and Sambisa.

Closely following the `unpatriotic elements` in the conspiracy theory; is, `the Government` itself. In this case, searchlights should also be beamed on the government to probe the probability of its involvement in the incident for political gains. The situation where the intention is, to secure their release at a later date under the guise of `proving` its (government) efficiency and capability of providing adequate security for the citizenry should not be ignored.

I am not oblivious that most people will be at a loss as to the reasonability and logic behind this bizarre and unfamiliar dimension; but, the fact remains that, in politics (politricks), nothing is impossible. Needless to say that series of criminality that bedeviled the polity in recent times have raised suspicions on government`s sincerity and capability to fighting insecurity; and, this could push desperate politicians amongst them (if any), to want to dispel such misgivings and also impress the people by the eventual `planned release` of the girls.

In as much as this review is not in any way insinuating that the government of the day is tacitly or indirectly involved in this incident of national embarrassment; it is very pertinent for security agencies to fulfill all righteousness in finding lasting and permanent solutions to this recurring trend.

The `natives and residents` of areas where these nefarious activities were carried out are also entangled in this conspiracy theory. The following questions are begging for answers under this situation; (1). Why does it seem that the perpetrators are invincible?

(2). Why are the natives and residents not exposing them to the security agents?

The answers are not farfetched; and chiefly amongst them, is the fact that

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

From Chibok to Dapchi: Let’s stop the trend CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 the people have been terrified to the extent that they now feel more secured and comfortably disposed to dealing with the devils (militants) they know than, the angels (soldiers) they do not know.

Therefore, the probability is very high that some members of the group are still living freely and aided by the natives in these areas. Otherwise, how can people who are supposedly confined to Sambisa Forest go to Dapchi and the other places to carrying out their nefarious activities without being apprehended? It is either they are living in those environs or they have their informants on ground who notified them of the movements of the soldiers at every point in time. From the information gathered in the media; the influx of members of the group to Dapchi was noticed hours before they struck. So, what efforts did the natives made to seek help? Furthermore, despite the screaming and wailing (of the girls) that trailed their journey out of town; nobody could explicitly say the point and time they eventually vanished into thin air. I am of the opinion that, if appropriate authorities had been timely and adequately notified; our gallant soldiers could have been able to track and find them through air surveillance (even after several hours of their disappearance) because their (abductors) movements will definitely be limited to the speed of their vehicle(s) and the state of the roads to their destination(s).

In a related development, there is also the need to consider the area of `Recurring Phenomenon`. In this case, the terrorist group or any other militant group(s) that are familiar with the country`s political terrain can capitalized on this trend to cause instability in the polity. A thorough study of the pasts indicated that the military intervened in our politics using state of insecurity as a major contributory factor. Upon the enthronement of democracy in the Fourth Republic (1999); the military returned to their callings and maintained highest level of professionalism to date. Unfortunately, the Boko Haram and other militant groups stepped up their games with spate of wanton destruction of lives and properties. With the return of insecurity, the politicians capitalized on its consequential effects on the people`s psyche to effect change of government, albeit through the pools of 2015. Now that elections are around the corners, terrorist activities have been stepped up to ultimately prepare grounds for another ‘civilian overthrow` of government at the 2019 pools. Instead of the people to read in-between the lines by bracing up to face the problems squarely; they have been brainwashed and are now very eager to `replace` the presumed `insensitive and non performing leaders` with the `new messiahs`. However, the truth remains that this trend is explicit and predictable; as such, disgruntled elements in the country can easily pull down a `pro-

Chibok schoolgirls

Some schoolgirls

gressive government` by masterminding and promoting criminality across the country to create apprehension amongst the people and render the government unpopular. So bad is the situation that, even external force(s) can easily capitalized on this trend to indirectly influence the `overthrow` or `enthronement` of government in the country by adopting same tactic.

Consequent upon the aforementioned, it is obvious that we all have a lot of work to do to save our democracy and the lives and properties of the citizenry. We must come together to support the government and security agencies to fight the enemies of our progress and unity to submission. It took us decades to endure military rule in the country because we failed to proactively decipher the major

root causes of successive coup d’états.

Now that it is obvious that insecurity played a major role; we should all be prepared to support the security agencies in this fight to stop the trend in our society to enable us enjoy the dividends of democracy. The village meetings across the country embarked on by the IGP is a welcome development and a step in the right direction towards making the people have faith in our security systems.

With this interactive program in place; it will increase the peoples’ faith and confidence in the men in uniforms and this will encourage `them to say something, when they see something’. The government should also ensure that the security agencies are adequately equipped and remunerated to boost their morals in this `delicate war` against insecurity.

Every State Assemblies across the country should set up genuine `Reconciliatory Committees` to look into complaints of all aggrieved persons or groups with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problems from the grassroots level. Issues beyond the purview of the states should be escalated to the National Assembly for deliberations.

Finally, I wish to crave the indulgence of all aggrieved and disgruntled persons or group to sheath their swords and embrace peaceful and non violent agitations for resolution of their constitutional rights and privileges.

Together, we can make things work for our mutual benefits.

Oise-Oghaede is public policy analyst/commentator.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

19 Features

20,000-strong MS-13 gang’s legacy of murder, human trafficking exposed

By Anna Hopkins, Dailymail.com The El Salvadorian criminal enterprise MS-13 which saw two of its members sport sickening smiles in court for the ‘satanic’ kidnap and murder of two female teens in Houston is estimated to have between 10,000 and 20,000 members nationwide.

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is believed to have a presence in 46 states according to an independent study done by University of Pennsylvania.

The gang is thought to be behind a string of murders and violent crimes although the exact figures are not known.

Thirteen alleged members, ten of whom are illegal immigrants, were arrested in connection to seven slayings in Long Island over the last year.

The latest murders have begun to push into the public eye the decades of evil perpetuated by the group - and the terror of those living among it which sees female members inducted by being gang raped.

The first and only criminal organization in the United States to be named as ‘transnational’ by the FBI, MS-13 operates on the motto of ‘Kill, Rape, Control,’ +16 The first and only criminal organization in the United States to be named as ‘transnational’ by the FBI, MS-13 operates on the motto of ‘Kill, Rape, Control,’ MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha has between 10,000 and 20,000 members nationwide, and have a presence in 46 states +16 The El Salvadorian criminal enterprise MS-13 made headlines this week after two of its members sported sickening smiles while in court for the ‘satanic’ murder of a young woman and kidnapping of another in Houston +16 MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha has between 10,000 and 20,000 members nationwide, and have a presence in 46 states Miguel Alvarez-Flores (right) smiles and waves at news cameras in Houston court on Wednesday, as the gang leader known as ‘Diabolico’ and his partner 18-year-old Diego Hernandez-Rivera (left) faced charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder +16 Miguel Alvarez-Flores (right) smiles and waves at news cameras in Houston court on Wednesday, as the gang leader known as ‘Diabolico’ and his partner 18-year-old Diego Hernandez-Rivera (left) faced charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder The MS-13 is the first and only criminal organization in the United States to be named as ‘transnational’ by the FBI and operates on the motto of ‘Kill, Rape, Control,’ Massachusetts Attorney Carmen Ortiz said.

The group was started nearly 20 years ago in Los Angeles after millions of immigrants from El Salvador came to the United States after a violent civil war left over 100,000 dead.

The gang has since spread all over the country, and are known widely as the best killers - due to their exceedingly brutal weapon of choice, a machete.

Video playing bottom right...

The group was started nearly 20 years ago in Los Angeles after millions of immigrants from El Salvador came to the United States after a violent civil war left over 100,000 dead +16 The group was started nearly 20 years ago

in Los Angeles after millions of immigrants from El Salvador came to the United States after a violent civil war left over 100,000 dead They have since spread all over the country, and are known widely as the best killers - due to their exceedingly brutal weapon of choice, a machete +16 They have since spread all over the country, and are known widely as the best killers - due to their exceedingly brutal weapon of choice, a machete Weapons on display at the U.S. Attorney’s office following the arrests of gang members in Boston, in 2016, when 56 members of the MS-13 gang were charged on murderrelated crimes +16 Weapons on display at the U.S. Attorney’s office following the arrests of gang members in Boston, in 2016, when 56 members of the MS-13 gang were charged on murderrelated crimes WHO ARE THE MS-13?

The ultra-violent street gang MS-13 was the first to be designated as an international criminal group.

With as many as 20,000 members in 46 states, the gang has expanded far beyond its initial roots. Members are accused of major crimes including murder, kidnapping, prostitution, drug smuggling and human trafficking.

Major roundups of MS-13 members have taken place across the country since the early 2000s.

In Charlotte, N.C., 53 gang members were arrested as part of Operation Fed Up, which targeted MS-13 members.

In 2016, 58 members of MS-13 were rounded up as part of ‘Operation Mean Streets’.

Previously, two of their most notable killings include stabbing to death a federal witness in 2004 and chopping the hands off of a 16-year-old boy in 2005.

The two young women killed by MS-13 in Long Island, Nisa Mickens, 15, and Kayla Cuevas, 16, were beat with bats and hacked with machetes so severely that their bodies were unrecognizable. They were both students at Brentwood High School.

On Wednesday, gang leader Miguel Angel Alvarez-Flores, 22, who also goes by ‘Diabolico,’ and 18-year-old Diego Alexan Hernandez-Rivera appeared in Houston court where they laughed, smiled and waved to cameras while facing charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder.

Prosecutors said the two kidnapped a 14-year-old girl after she left school around February 2, holding her in an apartment where she was raped by a gang member.

Authorities say she was held against her will there for two weeks, given drugs and alcohol to keep her disoriented, and sexually assaulted by some of the men.

She also said she was held down while Flores tattooed a giant grim reaper from her knee to her foot, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Nisa Mickens +16 Kayla Cuevas +16 New York, were ambushed by a carload of other teens on September 13 and killed.

Thirteen members of the MS-13 gang were arrested in connection with the slayings Two known MS-13 gang members, formerly of El Salvador, Miguel Alvarez-Flores, left, and Diego Hernandez-Rivera appear in court in Houston on Thursday for the murder of one young woman and kidnapping of another Two known MS-13 gang members, formerly of El Salvador, Miguel Alvarez-Flores, left, and Diego Hernandez-Rivera appear in court in Houston on Thursday for the murder of one young woman and kidnapping of another The gang operates by targeting children as young as eight in urban areas heavily populated with Central American immigrants.

They use a complex system of identifying at-risk youths, usually who have difficult home-lives, to target, exploit, and turn them into killers.

Those who become part of the gang must first be ‘jumped in,’ which includes a savage beating for 13 seconds by all members of the

gang.

Sin Nombre, a film which documented the reality of MS-13 gang members, showed the induction of a 13-year-old boy named ‘Smiley,’ who was picked up in Boston in 2016 when 56 members of the gang were arrested +16 Sin Nombre, a film which documented the reality of MS-13 gang members, showed the induction of a 13-year-old boy named ‘Smiley,’ who was picked up in Boston in 2016 when 56 members of the gang were arrested If the hopeful inductee survives, then they will be welcomed with ‘open arms,’ according to an independent study done by University of Pennsylvania researcher Albert De Amicis.

Brenda Paz was a criminal informant for the FBI. She gave first-hand insight to authorities that allowed a better understanding of MS-13’s complex operations Brenda Paz was a criminal informant for the FBI. She gave first-hand insight to authorities that allowed a better understanding of MS-13’s complex operations To build respect from fellow gang members, new inductees are encouraged to execute ‘chavalas’ - who are enemies of MS-13 and often rival gang member.

Sin Nombre, a film which documented the reality of MS-13 gang members, showed the induction of a 13-year-old boy named ‘Smiley,’ who was picked up in Boston in 2016 when 56 members of the gang were arrested.

In a particularly graphic scene, another gang member holds Smiley’s hand steady while he shoots a chavala in the head. The gang leader then fed the victim’s entrails to his dog.

In the case of the two Brentwood high school girls, Robert L. Capers, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, told the New York Times how Kayla Cuevas had been ‘feuding’ with gang members at school and on social media.

It’s possible they could have viewed her as a chavala and an outlet for retribution - and an opportunity for a new member to prove their stripes.

Women can also be inducted into the gang by being jumped in or ‘sexed in,’ which generally carries a lower social status.

Being ‘sexed in’ entails being raped by every member in the gang until they are sexually satisfied.

Many girls who undergo this horrific torture end up prostituting themselves for the gang across the country, according to Brenda Paz, who was a criminal informant for the FBI. She gave first-hand insight to authorities in the early 2000’s that allowed a better understanding of their complex operations.

After being exposed as a ‘rat,’ she was stabbed to death on the alleged orders of her ex-lover Dennis Rivera, who was an imprisoned former gang leader. She was 17 years old and four months pregnant. He was later acquitted for the crime.

After being exposed as a ‘rat,’ Brenda was stabbed to death on the alleged orders of her ex-lover Dennis Rivera, who was an imprisoned former gang leader. She was 17 years old and four months pregnant. Rivera was later acquitted for her murder. This knife was shown preceding a news conference in Boston after 58 MS-13 members were arrested

Source: Dailymail.com

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Nigeria ready to host African Tourism Ministers – FG Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏNigeria

is ready and prepared to host African Tourism Minister to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja, 4-6 June 2018.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, personally extended the invitation to the Ministers at a meeting they held on the ongoing International Travel Trade Fair (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday. ‘’I have tried to contact, individually, every

Minister. I have sent an email to every Minister reminding them of the meeting and assuring them that we will leave no stone unturned to host a very successful meeting ‘’The truth is that no matter the level of preparation that is made, if you are not there, it is not a success. So I really wish to appeal to all of us to please attend the CAF meeting in June”, the Minister said.

He said the participants at the meeting are guaranteed to experience the best of Nigeria, especially in the area of Creative Industry, where

Nigeria’s competitive advantage is widely acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Mohammed has urged the global tourism body, UNWTO, to involve African Heads of State in its plan to rebrand the continent and make it more attractive to global tourists.

Contributing to the debate on the UNWTO’s rebranding process for Africa in Berlin, he said Ministers other than those of tourism should also be involved. ‘’The UNWTO could make Presidents and Heads of State from across Africa honorary

Champions of Tourism as a way to get them involved. There could also be a forum where the UNWTO will invite other ministers, including those of Finance, Budget and Planning, Health, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure and Agriculture, to come and hear firsthand how tourism impacts their various portfolios. ‘’Tourism is the barometer through which the world will feel the temperature of any country. There is no area of governance that is left untouched by tourism”, he added.

Okowa drums support for EFCC to secure economy ÏÏÏThe

Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Nigerians to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the fight against corruption in order to secure the nation’s economy. The governor stated this, Friday, when he received officers of the Benin Zonal office of the Commission who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Hear him: “Partnering with the EFCC and other security agencies will go a long way in securing the economy of Nigeria,” he said.

The governor, who assured that the state government will work with the EFCC to tackle corruption in the state, lamented that one area where economic crime has assumed a frightening dimension was illegal oil bunkering.

According to him, aside the loss of money by the federal government, the environment also suffers from degradation through constant destruction of oil pipelines.

He, therefore charged the Commission to collaborate with other sister agencies to bring those responsible to book.

The EFCC team which was led by Mailafia Yakubu, had told the governor that

the EFCC officially commenced operations last year in Benin City, Edo State and that the Benin Zonal office, covers Edo, Delta and Ondo States.

He said the essence of the visit was to ask for the support of the state government so that the EFCC can effectively deal with economic and financial crimes especially oil theft and advance fee fraud.

The EFCC team also paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshall Umukoro, where Yakubu commended the Nigeria judiciary for their effort in the fight against corruption.

He said the hundreds of convictions which the EFCC has secured since its establishment would not have been possible without the support of the judiciary.

The state chief judge who commended EFCC’s efforts in combating corruption, however urged the agency to avoid coming to court with cases which can easily be settled through dispute resolution mechanism, “Avoid using a sledge hammer to kill a fly.” he stated.

The EFCC team also visited the State Commissioner for Police, Muhammed Mustafa who pledged the support of the Nigeria Police to the EFCC.

Groups berate police over unlawful arrest of Edo youths Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏCivil

L R: Minister of Communication, Prof. Adebayo Shittu, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Yakubu Dogara and APC National Organizing Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso, inspecting Made in Nigeria Products at the closing ceremony of Technology Innovation EXPO’2018 in Abuja… on Friday

Chinese firm to invest $100m in Nigeria, others Saka Bolaji -Minna

ÏÏÏA

Chinese multinational Company has disclosed that it will invest over One hundred million US dollars ($100million) in Nigeria and other African countries to boost the continent’s economy within the next three years.

This was made known in Minna, during the Longrich Minna mega Business Summit, by the General Managing Director, Longrich International, Africa, Alex Jia who said the company has invested over $30 million in Nigeria.

According to him: “We will in the next three years invest $100 million to cover to the whole of Africa. We have al-

ÏMƈ ƆƏ ƒƐ Ɛ Ɨ ƐƆ Ƌ Ɨ Ɛ ƈ ƒƆ Ɛ Ə

ready invested $30millon in Nigeria with the construction of Africa’s Research and Development Institute in Lagos.

“We know many Nigerians love Longrich products and the company is very popular in Africa and Nigeria in particular”.

He added that: “Despite the recession experienced, Nigeria’s population and the proactive measures taken by the government, things have normalized for better business flow. We are already to bring in all the technology support to boost the Nigerian market.”

Also, the Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, disclosed that ar-

rangements have been put in place to donate hectares of land to the company as part of efforts to boost investment in the state.

The Governor who was represented by the executive Secretary, Niger state One Stop Investment Centre, Hamza Bello assured that, the state will partner with the company to empower women and youths.

He said “for Longrich to bring its Research and Development Institute to Nigeria shows that they are a viable company and we are ready to give them lands to build a warehouse where products can be supplied to the north

central region of the country.

“We also appreciate Longrich international for choosing Niger state to have its North central warehouse which will create employment for our youths and women.”

He further stated that, one of the policies of his government is to attract foreign direct investment to strengthen investments. “The youth and women empowerment is a welcome development”, he

added.

Highlight of the event saw lucky winners smiled home with various items including, plasma TV, refrigerator, generator set, mobile phones, other products and cash vouchers worth N2million.

Liberties Campaigners, Mr. Emmanuel Agbogun(Edo Peoples Advocacy Organisation against Impunity, Corruption and Police Brutality), Marxist Kola Edokpayi (Joint Legal Action Aid) and Comrade Wilson Imasuen (Talakawa Parliament), have called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to call men of his Intelligence Response Team(IRT) to order in the case of arrest without warrant of five youths of Iguomon community in Uhunmwode Local Government Areas of Edo State, which they described as “akin to a despotic, totalitarian, autocratic, authoritarian, fascistic and police system where the abuse of human rights are unprecedented.”

Recounting the ordeal of the five youths, the trio stated that some members of the IGP IRT “took five Edo youths like animals namely: Enodumwenben Ogbeide, Nicholas Okoro, Igbinovia Osayamwanbor, Osakpamwan Uhumwangho and Evans Egharevba, to unknown

destination without the prior knowledge of the police authority in Edo State over matter which have been decided by the Supreme Court.

Addressing a press briefing in Benin City, the trio alleged that “the unprofessional police officers from IGP Intelligence Response Unit invaded the houses of the suspects in a commando like and barbaric style as early as 2am on 28th of February, and beat up a pregnant wife of one of the suspects like an animal and took her phones and N30, 000 forcefully.”

Going further, they disclosed that “the leader of the team, Supol Goodluck, had continuously boasted that the AIG and the CP have no control and authority over him and his team as they are only answerable to the IGP and God. “ They among others called for the unconditional release of the suspects “as it is contrary to the law to keep suspects in custody beyond the required time stipulated by the law.

“That Supol Goodluck and the other police officers involved in the matter should be disciplined in line with the Police Act for engaging in professional misconduct.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Change of Names 21 AJAYI TEMITOPE NESIMOT

SHITTU OMOTOPE SARAH

UDEME VICTORY UMOH Formerly UDEME VICTORY EMMANUEL Now UDEME VICTORY UMOH. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

GIWA-BIOKU ZAINAB OLAITAN

LAWRENCE BANKOLE MATTHEW

Formerly called :Nurudeen Zainab Olaitan Now GiwaBioku Zainab Olaitan.

Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly OZOMU BANKOLE MATTHEW, Now LAWRENCE BANKOLE MATTHEW. Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

Formally Olayiwola Temitope Nesimot. Now: Ajayi Temitope Nesimot.

Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly SALAMI OMOTOPE SARAH now SHITTU OMOTOPE SARAH. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

DARAMOLA AYOMIDE OLUWASEUN

SAHEED JEMILA OLAMIDE

AZUBUIKE CHINASA JOY

MISS MODUPE NIMOTA RABIU

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ODUGBESAN AYOMIDE OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and addressed as DARAMOLA AYOMIDE OLUWASEUN .

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

INYANG ADEKUNLE SOLOMON

I formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH ADEKUNLE SOLOMON INYANG OKON now wish to be known and addressed as INYANG ADEKUNLE SOLOMON . All former documents remain valid.

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RHODA ABIOLA SANNI

I formerly known and addressed as ADEWUYI JEMILAT OLAMIDE now wish to be known and addressed as SAHEED JEMILA OLAMIDE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OWOLABI OLUWASEYIFUNMI ELISABETH YETUNDE I formerly known and addressed as EWUOLA OLUWASEYIFUNMI ELISABETH YETUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as OWOLABI OLUWASEYIFUNMI ELISABETH YETUNDE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLUKAYODE DANIEL ADESINA OYELAKIN

I formerly known and addressed as WINNER WOOME BIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as RHODA ABIOLA SANNI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FAKAYODE ADESINA OYELAKIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUKAYODE DANIEL ADESINA OYELAKIN . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AFOLAYAN BLESSING OMOWUNMI

AJAYI OMOLARA BLESSING

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UGWUANYI SEBASTINE ALFRED

OJOSIPE OLUWATOMISIN ADEOLA

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OGUNYEMI MICHAEL ADETUNBOSUN

I formerly known and addressed as NDUKUBA CHINASA JOY now wish to be known and addressed as AZUBUIKE CHINASA JOY .

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I formerly known and addressed as Mrs modupe Nimota MALIK now wished to be addressed as miss modupe Nimota Rabiu All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

MORRIS JOEL I formerly known and addressed as FRIDAY PROMISE CHINAZA now wish to be known and addressed as MORRIS JOEL . All former documents remain valid.

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FORMERLY ORAKA TOYIN O. NOW TO BE ADDRESSED AS ORAKA TOYIN ESTHER. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE. CHINYERE AGATHA ODOGWU l formerly known and addressed as Chinyere Agatha Okafor Now wished to be known and addressed as Chinyere Agatha Odogwu. all former documents remain general public should please take note.

SHODIPO FUNMILAYO KIKELOMO

UGWU JOSEPHINE NJIDEKA

I formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR FIDELIS IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR FIDELIS CHIBUEZE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UGWU JOSEPHINE NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU JOSEPHINE NJIDEKA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AKINDELE FLORENCE FOLASHADE

EKPEMIRO CHIOMA ADLINE

I formerly known and addressed as OTEGBEYE FLORENCE FOLASHADE now wish to be known and addressed as AKINDELE FLORENCE FOLASHADE .

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I formerly known and addressed as CHIOMA ADLINE NWAOGU now wish to be known and addressed as EKPEMIRO CHIOMA ADLINE . I was born on 02/06/1988.

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FATAI JELILI I formerly known and addressed as JELILI OSENI now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI JELILI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AGAMA EJIKE OYIBE I formerly known and addressed as EZE CHUKWUDI OYIBE now wish to be known and addressed as AGAMA EJIKE OYIBE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

ITUA PROMISE FELIX

ADEWOYE SALLY ADA

PILOT OLATUNDE ADETUNJI

MOHAMMED ODUOLA IYABO

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I formerly known and addressed as EBHOHON PROMISE AKUETA now wish to be known and addressed as ITUA PROMISE FELIX. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AMODU SALLY ADA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWOYE SALLY ADA . All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKINBILEJE DAMILOLA now wish to be known and addressed as PILOT OLATUNDE ADETUNJI. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as YETUNDE ODUOLA FATIMO,THAT DUE TO BVN ISSUE I HAVE TO MERGE THE NAMES now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED ODUOLA IYABO. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

OKE MORILIAT TITILOLA

LAWAL OLUWAKEMI AYOKA

OKEY CHINEDU EZE

UGOCHUKWU MIRACLE EBUBE

I formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU CHINEDU EZEOKE now wish to be known and addressed as OKEY CHINEDU EZE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

Formerly as EMMANUEL ULOAKU wish to be known as UGOCHUKWU AUGUSTINA ULOAKU and Formerly as ANAODO MIRACLE EBUBECHUKWU wish to be known as UGOCHUKWU MIRACLE EBUBE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

AGBEDUN BOSEDE SUSAN

ANIFAT ADEJOKE OGUNBOTE

AMUWA FELICIA ALABA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ANIFAT MOTUNRAYO IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as ANIFAT ADEJOKE OGUNBOTE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Omowa Mercy Adenike now wish to be known and addressed as Amuwa Felicia Alaba. All former documents remain valid General public please to take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as GEORGE PETER OLUFEMI while in some other documents it was written as OLUFEMI P. O GEORGE. I am the one bearing all the names WISH TO MAINTAIN GEORGE PETER OLUFEMI. All documents bearing the names are valid, General public to please take note.

OLASUNKANMI LATIFAT JUMOKE

MRS MAKANJUOLA OLUWATOYIN ABIODUN

MARTHA IFEYINWA UMEAKUKA

MRS OLAOGUN BUSOLA

OLAOGUN TAJUDEEN AKANNI

Formerly known and addressed as Miss ALADE BUSOLA HANNAH

Formerly known and addressed as OLAOGUN ADEOLA Now wish to be known and addressed as OLAOGUN TAJUDEEN AKANNI, All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKORIE JESSICA EBERECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA JESSICA EBERECHI. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I DOSUNMU ADETOKUNBO BOLADE is also the same person bearing DOSUNMU BOLADE ADETOKUNBO, that i was born on the 02/07/1967. All former documents bearing my other names stil remain valid. All authority concerned ( Bank and General Public) note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI FUNMILAYO KIKELOMO now wish to be known and addressed as SHODIPO FUNMILAYO KIKELOMO . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as TIAMIYU OLUWAKEMI AYOKA now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL OLUWAKEMI AYOKA . I was born on 06/03/1976. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

CHUKWUEMEKA JESSICA EBERECHI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

OKAFOR FIDELIS CHIBUEZE

I formerly known and addressed as RAHEEM MORILIAT FUNMILAYO now wish to be known and addressed as OKE MORILIAT TITILOLA . All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

and addressed as Mrs OLAOGUN BUSOLA HANNAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADETORO ADEDAMOLA BALIKIS

I formerly known and addressed as ADETORO MORENIKEJI BALIKIS now wish to be known and addressed as ADETORO ADEDAMOLA BALIKIS. All former document remains valid. Banks and general public take note.

ATOYEBI MOJISOLA KEMI I formerly known and addressed as BUNMI TAIWO now wish to be known and addressed as ATOYEBI MOJISOLA KEMI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNYEMI MICHAEL OLA now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYEMI MICHAEL ADETUNBOSUN . All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUKANNI BOSEDE SUSAN now wish to be known and addressed as AGBEDUN BOSEDE SUSAN. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

ADISA MISTURA AYOKA

Formerly ADESHINA MISTURA AYOKA Now ADISA MISTURA AYOKA. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Oluwatoyin Oluwaseun Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Makanjuola Oluwatoyin Abiodun.

All former documents remain valid.

Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Ogun State & the general public should take note.

MRS NOMEH ODERA ROSEMARY

OKOYE SANDRA IFEOMA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWODO ODIRA ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NOMEH ODERA ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IGBOEKEAMU SANDRA IFEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as OKOYE SANDRA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IFEYINWA CYRIL UMEAKUKA Now wish to be known and addressed as MARTHA IFEYINWA UMEAKUKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public note MRS NDUKWU IJEOMA BLESSING I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE IJEOMA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDUKWU IJEOMA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OJO LATIFAT JUMONKE now wish to be known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI LATIFAT JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid General public to please take note.

TAIWO BUKOLA OLAYINKA Formerly known and addressed as BUKOLA OLAYINKA TAIWO OLUSEGUN Now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO BUKOLA OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AGU REGINA CHINENYE I, formerly known and addressed as AGU CHINENYE ADA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU REGINA CHINENYE .

All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

FELIX ONYEKACHI JUDE I formerly known and addressed as IBEH ONYEKA JUDE now wish to be known and addressed as FELIX ONYEKACHI JUDE. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

TAIWO OLUWABUKOLA ABIOLA

Formerly known and addressed as AKINYEMI OLUWABUKOLA ABIOLA Now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO OLUWABUKOLA ABIOLA. valid. General public take note.

NNEAMAKA ROSE MAWUSI Formerly known and addressed as UNEAMAKA ROSE UKPAKA Now wish to be known and addressed as NNEAMAKA ROSE MAWUSI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note NJINWAMU STELLA NGOZI I, formerly known and addressed as NJINWAMU STELLA CHIESONU , now wish to be known and addressed as NJINWAMU STELLA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

22 Change of Names OKONKWO VIRGINIA NGOZI

BASSEY EJIRO GRACE

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYIA VIRGINIA NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO VIRGINIA NGOZI . All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BASSEY BENJAMIN GRACE MFON, now wish to be known and addressed as BASSEY EJIRO GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBU IFEANYICHUKWU DANIEL

MRS ANIUKWU CHIJIOKE OBIAGERI

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBU IFEANYICHUKWU ERNEST, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU IFEANYICHUKWU DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUKA CHIJIOKE OBIAGERI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIUKWU CHIJIOKE OBIAGERI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OSUJI DORATHY LEWECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ORJIAKO DORATHY LEWECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNENNA GLAYS OKOCHA

MRS EZEMA JULIANA NWANNEKA

MRS IWUANYANWU ONYINYECHI FELICIA

I, formerly known and addressed as IDAM GLADYS OKOCHA, now wish to be known and addressed as NNENNA GLAYS OKOCHA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODIGE JULIANA NWANNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEMA JULIANA NWANNEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS UDEBU CHIAMAKA JOY I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ELUKE CHIAMAKA JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEBU CHIAMAKA JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA AUGUSTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUYEKWE EMEKA AUGUSTINE . All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHUKWUYEKWE EMEKA AUGUSTINE

HOPE FOR THE AGED FOUNDATION

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. OJARA UKACHI OKPE 2. REV. MRS. MARY AZUKAEGO IKECHUKWU 3. BARRISTER OGBONNA KENETH OKWUOBASI 4. PASTOR GRANT IZUCHUKWU CHUKWNEME 5. MR. OKOROAFOR DANIEL 6. NWAKANMA CHINEME 7. ENGR. CHIMA STANLEY OKORO 8. MRS. JOHN AMAMEFULA IJEOMA 9. MRS. CAROL NWANYIKAEBEYA IHEANYICHUKWU 10. AGNES AKUNDU OKOROAFOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CARE FOR THE AGED. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registration-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: PRESIDENT

YOUNG SHALL GROW SPECIAL CLUB OF NKEREFI This is to inform the general public that the above named Club with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NWAORJI CHRISTOPHER OGBONNA – Chairman 2. OGORJI VINCENT Secretary 3. ANIH STEPHEN CHIDIEBERE 4. EDEH SUNDAY INNOCENT 5. ANI CYRIL CHUKWUEBUKA AIMS & OBJECTIVE 1. To promote unity and progress among the members of the association.

2. To protect the rights and interests of the members.

Any objection to the 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 NWAORJI CHRISTOPHER OGBONNA CHAIRMAN

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

The Police Area Command Awka is disposing the underlisted items through public auction.

The items include:LOST ABANDONED AND RECOVERED PROPERTY 1. One(1) Tiger Generator(scrab)_CER 03/2008.

2. One(1)photocopying machine CER 44/07.

3. One(1)Sunea Rechargeable Lantern_CER10 /2008.

4. Two(2 )Radio speaker. _ 06/08.

5. One car stereo. _ _CER 06/2009.

6. One Panasonic Radio (scrab) _CER 05/2008.

7. One Zenith Camera_cer 05/2008.

8. One Victor CD player_06/05.

9. One Monitor_CER 16/2010.

10. Two Computer keyboard_CER16/2010.

11. One Computer printer machine_51/05.

12. One Philip DVD player _CER 26/09.

13. I2 pieces of Televisions.

14. Two Radio speaker cer LSRP 27/11.

15. One motor jack _ CER 08/08.

16. One konka 12” inches TV _ 20/09.

17. A Black bag containing a small pressing iron and some VCD plates_ CER 10/2006.

18. One Ghana must go bag containing some torn clothes_CER 06/2006.

19. One Ghana must go containing some VCD plates

20. Some polythene bags containing torn clothes.

21. One motor battery _ CER 15/2010.

22. One Motor Jack_CER 02/2011.

23. One Small Motor Jack_CER 05/2011.

24. One Screw Jack_ CER 10/2011.

25. One Wall clock CER _22/06.

26. one standing fan_ CER 26/2009.

27. One Waco foam matter as - CER 05/2010 28. One small black stabilizers CER 05/2010 29. A bag containing Aiwa DVD player 30. A head of motor parts including two sports bicycles (scrabs) 31.(3) Resort polo box - CER 03/2014, 32. 3 Generators 33. Three sacks containing some electrical equipment - CER 02/2012.

34. 42 Assorted Motorcycles.

35. Various household items The general public is hereby advice to collect their properties within 21 days of this publication before it will be auction.

SIGNED:DIM PATTY INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA LIMITED 08035078970.

OJEDIRAN TAIWO MARTHA

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINYE TAIWO MARTHA, now wish to be known and addressed as OJEDIRAN TAIWO MARTHA . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ORJIAKO DORATHY LEWECHI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAFOR ONYINYECHI FELICIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IWUANYANWU ONYINYECHI FELICIA . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS IJEOMA KENECHI EZENWANNE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IJEOMA KENECHI OCHUBA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IJEOMA KENECHI EZENWANNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

NWANKWO OBIAGELI BRIDGET

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO BRIDGET, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO OBIAGELI BRIDGET. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS OJI CYNTHIA CHIGOZIE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKEH CYNTHIA CHIGOZIE , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OJI CYNTHIA CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

UCHEONYE ORJIAKO VERONICA I, formerly known and addressed as ORJIAKOR VERONICA CHIBUZO. now wish to be known and addressed as UCHEONYE ORJIAKO VERONICA. All former documents remain valid.

CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY,BANKS and General public should please take note..

ALO OBINNA STEPHEN I, formerly known and addressed as ODI OBINNA STEPHEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ALO OBINNA STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

DECLARATION OF NAME

That my name was wrongly written on bank account as HUZTAZ ABDULLAHI ALALAYE. instead of, ALALAYE USTAZ ABDULAHI. Wrong date of birth is 1st January, 1940, instead of 3rd, of june,1960. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

That the name on my National Identity Card was a Mistake written as GARUBA KAZEE. That the correct spelling of my name is GARUBA KAZEEM AJADI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CHANGE OF SCHOOL NAME The School, formerly known and addressed as ST PAUL’S NURSERY/ PRIMARY SCHOOL, now wish to be known and addressed as ADRION and GLORIA KAMER MODEL SCHOOL UGWUOBA, OJI RIVER L.G.A ENUGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as EKWOBA PHILOMENA, that I now wish to add ORIAKU to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as EKWOBA PHILOMENA ORIAKU. All former OBIESIE IMMACULATA ONYINYECHI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addresses as IMMACULATA ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addresses as OBIESIE IMMACULATA ONYINYECHI . All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public should please take note.

names ONUABUCHI FELIX NNAMDI and ONUABUCHI FELIX PURITY refers to one and the same person now wish to be known and addresses as ONUABUCHI FELIX ONUABUCHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should

MRS AGU VIVIAN NGOZI

DANAMODAN ALIMAT SADIAT

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OHOTU VIVIAN IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGU VIVIAN NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNBI MUJEEDAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as DANAMODAN ALIMAT SADIAT. all former documents remain valid, general public should please note.

ANI THEO- COLLINS IFEANYICHUKWU

EZEONYIA EJIKE TONY

I, formerly known and addressed as ANI IFEANYICHUKWU COLLINS, now wish to be known and addressed as ANI THEOCOLLINS IFEANYICHUKWU . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEONYIA EJIKE now wish to be known and addressed as EZEONYIA EJIKE TONY. My correct date of birth is 20th May, 1981 All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS ADIBA EZEUKO I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADIBA ILOABACHIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADIBA EZEUKO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS UGWU PATRICIA NWASINACH I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE PATRICIA NWASINACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU PATRICIA NWASINACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OBAGELI LINDA UZOH

MRS CHUKWU ONYINYECHI STELLA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBAGELI LINDA OJINNAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBAGELI LINDA UZOH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OFORKA ONYINYECHI STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWU ONYINYECHI STELLA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS OWOH JACINTA OGOCHUKWU

EKWOMCHI BONAVENTURE NDUBUISI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZOR JACINTA OGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OWOH JACINTA OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

We, formerly known and addressed as ANIDIOBI BONAVENTURE NDUBUISI and CHRISTIANA NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EKWOMCHI BONAVENTURE NDUBUISI and CHRISTIANA NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note

JOHNSON AWARI MARTINS

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AWARI MARTINS JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON AWARI MARTINS. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as OFEM OWAI, that I now wish to add EKPE to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OFEM OWAI EKPE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take notes.

MRS EMEKOR PATIENT IME

BENJAMIN GIFT IJIGA

I formerly known and addressed as Inyang Patient Ime Joseph, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Emekor Patient Ime, all former documents remain valid.

Sifax group and Ecobank should please take note.

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AS Ejiga Gift NOW WISH BE KNOWN AS Benjamin Gift Ijiga. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

ADEOSUN OLUTOSIN DAMILOLA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKERELE OLUTOSIN DAMILOLA NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEOSUN OLUTOSIN DAMILOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

SPACE FORSALE

IDIANSE LIBILI MASSY Formerly known as MANGALA ESPERANCE LWAY, now wish to be known and addressed as IDIANSE LIBILI MASSY. That my correct date of birth is 04/04/1974 and not 29/06/1970.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SPACE FORSALE

VOICE OF UNDERPRIVILEGED INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DA YOHANNA DALYOP 2. PASTOR MUSA MAREN ILIYA 3.EMMANUEL SOLOMON DUNG 4. REV.BULUS B. SAMBO 5.HON DACHUNG YOHANNA CHOJI 6. MRS MARTHA DAVOU BWAJA 7.MR ZINGAK DASHI NANGAK AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AND TREATMENTS TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED. 2.TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO CRISIS AFFECTED VICTIMS. 3.TO CARRY OUT FREE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS 4.TO MAKE AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE, GOOD WATER AND SANITATION HYGIENE WASH ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: JULIET UCHENNA-NJOKU

SPACE FORSALE

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

23

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Bello fanning embers of disunity in APC, Faleke’s group alleges Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The Audu/Faleke Po-

litical Organization in Kogi state has warned that the actions of Governor Yahaya Bello are capable of thwarting the reconciliation efforts of the Bola Tinubu led presidential committee, accusing the governor of fanning the embers of division and disunity within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The campaign organization in a statement released

by Senator Alex Kadiri on Friday, in Abuja, while charging the Tinubu committee to urgently focus

on ending the differences among APC political gladiators in Kogi state, however accused the state government of persisting in planting seeds of disunity in the party.

Recently, the group said the governor unlawful created and is funding a parallel state party executive, an act it described as unconstitutional and capable of undermining the good intentions of the reconciliation committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Kadiri stated that the group’s enthusiasm as belonging to the APC is “dampened by the assumption by most Nigerians that

the issue in Kogi APC is merely between Governor Bello and Senator Dino Melaye.

“We the stakeholders/elders and the state executive of the party do not believe in the way and manber the matters of governance and political activities are being conducted in Kogi state by Gov. Bello, all of which are divisive and destructive.”

He warned that the activities of the Kogi state government constitute a threat to the cohesive survival of the APC, adding that such acts of belligerence and insubordination against this allimportant presidential assignment from any quarters

must be nipped in the bud.

While commending Buhari in appointing Tinubu to head of the APC national reconciliation committee, the group said it sees the development as not only a step in the right direction, but a life saving measure at a time when the party is deeply enmeshed in crisis all over the country.

“We want to state that as responsible and foundation members of the party, we are not averse to any efforts geared towards it’s wellbeing, and this provides the reason why we made ourselves and our elders/ all stakeholders available before two previous similar

committees, and which the NWC of the party failed to implement its findings.

“We however wish to state that we are not in doubt about the efficiency and capability of Asiwaju Tinubu whom we hold in high esteem and respect, and as such look forward to seeing him deploying his leadership wisdom into redirecting our party towards the path of peace and progress as we prepare for the next general elections.

“Finally, it is our hope that, for the love of the party, and considering the huge efforts invested by us in ensuring the success of the party in the last elections,

Consider women as allies, not competitors, Fosen Grace tells men From Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÎÎÎ Men across the world

have been called upon to see women as allies rather than considering them as competitors in the social system.

The Deputy Field Project Manager of Canadian project, MEDA NigeriaWAY Project, Fosen Grace who stated this yesterday at a round table meeting in Bauchi explained that the objective of the meeting was to discuss challenges bedeviling women with a view to changing the mindset of some men who sees them as competitors instead of allies in the social system.

Fosen who said men should always see women as partners in life however lamented the challenges women are going through in the social system, which according to her, is “saddening”.

“Woman had to go through a lot of challenges in the home front, the community, workplace etc. In all this you discover that women dissipate so much energy in trying to explain that it is not a man’s world alone. Women, as mothers that spends quality time with children, are mostly the ones that inculcate good values from one generation to another”. Grace pointed out.

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive officer, KnightStone Properties, Mr. Adeniyi Adams; Chairman of occasion, Chief Lanre Rasak and Convener, Samson Oki during 2018 Trek Africa Entrepreneurship Conference tagged Spirit of Enterprise in Lagos.

Speed up pace of work, Okowa charges contractors Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÎÎÎ Delta State Governor,

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Friday inspected multiple storm drainage projects and charged contractors to speed up the pace of work.

According to the Governor, “the contractors must fully mobilize to site, they must get to appreciable level before the rain commences in full.”

The Governor frowned at the pace of work at the drainage site by St. Mary Vianney Catholic Church designed to empty flood water from Marian Babangida Way, DBS road, and adjoining areas.

“The pace of work here is very slow, if the rains come earlier than expected, the drainage will collapse, in some areas, the soil is softer than others, the contractors must mobilize fully to site and increase the pace of work,” the Governor said.

Governor Okowa disclosed that when completed, issues of flood in the state capital will be a thing of the past, observing that the contractor handling the storm drain that will take water out of DLA and Jesus Saves Road was doing a good job.

He urged motorists and commuters who are using alternative road to the Nnebisi road which was cut off as a result of the construction work to be patient as the contractor had shown commitment to open up the road within two weeks as envisaged.

Kwara to complete Osun Boundary Road Kehinde Akinpelu,

Ilorin

ÎÎÎ

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has announced his government’s decision to link Aran-Orin Township road in Irepodun Local government area of the state to Osun State boundary.

Governor Ahmed made this disclosure on Wednesday at Aran-Orin during the inspection of ongoing projects in Irepodun and

Ekiti Local Government areas of the state.

According to the governor, his government had already constructed 3.6kms Aran-Orin road out of six kilometres, saying that the government would construct the remaining 2.4 kms to link Ila town in the neighbouring Osun State.

Governor Ahmed who also inspected Oke-Opin Township road in Ekiti Local Government, IpetuRore-Arandun road in Ire-

podun Local government area, said the quality of works done on the roads were in consonance with funds released for the respective projects.

Ahmed also directed immediate rehabilitation of Oke Opin - Epe Opin community bridge to control erosion in the area.

According to the governor, “the Infrastructure Development Fund established by this government has made funding of our projects much easier”.

“I’m very impressed with the quality of work done and I can assure everyone that all the projects will be taken to completion levels by this government”.

Ahmed promised that no part of the state would be left out in the provision of infrastructure for even development of the state.

At the Kwara State University, Ekiti Campus, Gov Ahmed assured Kwarans that the project would be completed by

October this year, promising that the campus would begin academic activities immediately after the completion of the project.

Ahmed explained that the establishment of the campus would further open opportunities to students seeking admission into the University.

He explained that the establishment of the campus would further open opportunities to students seeking admission into the University.

N

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Heartland have been sufficiently equipped financially by the spona sors, Imo state government to prosecute the on-going top-flight.

The Owerri outfit are one of the teams that successfully gained promotion from the Nigerian second tier league, Nigeria National League (NNL) to the on-going topflight season.

The state commissioner for

No NPFL funding problem for Heartland – Ohiri sports, Dr Martin Ohiri said the executive governor, His Excellency Rochas Okorocha has done the needful to ensure the side enjoy a competitive campaign for laurels in the on-going league season.

“Yes, Heartland have adequate fund to prosecute the matches in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

“In fact, the executive governor, Rochas Okorocha has graciously approved enough funds for the entire season.

“I can confidently tell you right away that Heartland have no funding problem and that’s why we are quite sure the side will do perfectly well in the league.

“A check on the manner of their

return to the NPFL showed that it remains a record in the history of relegated teams.

“Heartland comeback to the topflight is the fastest in history, I believe they will do well.

“Heartland can be equated with somebody coming out of an accident it requires time for the person to fully regain strength and stamina.

Page 25

“I know for sure that Heartland will be among the top sides at the conclusion of the 38-week matches. “The synergy is infectious at the moment between the club, sports ministry, government and the players. “The players’ fighting spirit is quite encouraging the players are always ready to fight till the end no matter the pedigree of the opposi-

Saturday, March 10 2018

WACOL beats Enugu Rangers in a novelty match

MFM edges MC Algerountain in CCL clash of Fire Miracles Minis-

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tries (MFM) FC recorded a slim 2-1 win against the Algerian side, Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MC Alger) in Wednesday’s Caf Champions League first round clash at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Chijioke Akuneto and Monsuru Bashiru scored both goals for the Olukoya Boys while Abdelaziz Ammachi was on target for the North African side.

The Church-owned side created the first real chance of the game with Bashiru’s attempt lob in the 5th minute going inches wide.

The hosts came close again two minutes later through the lively Akuneto. The forward turned inside the box following a beautiful pass by Chukwuka Onuwa but his effort was saved by MC Alger’s goalkeeper, Farid Chaal.

With the away side putting up stiff resistance at the rear MFM struggled to create clear cut chances afterwards.

Play was stopped in the 20th minute after Bashiru appeared to have slumped but he was deemed okay to continue with the game after he was attended to by a combined team of MFM and MC Alger medics.

The Nigerian campaigners made the first substitution of the game in the 23rd minute with Peter Ubakanma coming in for Stanley Okorom.

Akinyemi Nojeem tested Chaal in the 27th minute but the latter did well to push his shot into touch for a corner. The home team made the breakthrough nine minutes before the break when Akuneto converted from the spot after he was tripped inside the box.

The visitors nearly equalised before the break but Egbe prevented Sofiane Balegh effort from going into the net.

Akuneto missed a glorious chance to double his side’s lead two minutes after the break after he was set up by teenager Lawal Abayomi but his goal-bound shot was saved by Chaal.

MC Alger equalised in the 55th minute through Ammachi who fired past the on rushing MFM goalkeeper, Ospino Egbe. The hosts took control of the game afterwards but were unable to find a way pass the North African side defence. Monsuru scored the match winner five minutes from time with his surprise shot from outside the box sailing into the net.

The reverse fixture clash will hold in fortnight at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers with the aggregate winners progressing to the lucrative group stage of the annual football competition.

Enyimba won 2-0 away at the Benin Republic side, Energie in Cotonou while Akwa United were beaten 1-0 by the Libyan giants, Al-lttihad Club Tripoli in Sfax, Tunisia in the Caf Confederation Cup clash on Wednesday.

tion.

“Of course, no, that’s completely history Heartland going back on relegation, that’s in the past and history. Heartland would rather keep going forward to reclaim its status in the domestic and African scene,” said Ohiri to frontpixs.com.

The Naze Millionaires will be the guests of Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Sunday’s NPFL matchday 12 clash at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

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Rivers Angels are champions of the maiden Nigeria Women Football League Champions Shield title. They defeated Nasarawa Amazons 4-3 on penalties at the Agege Stadium.

n Enugu based non governmental organization, NGO, Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) yesterday took the fight against women violence to the football pitch, as it engaged the Junior Rangers International FC of Enugu in a novelty match.

The match which took place at the Rangers stadium Enugu, was part of activities to mark the 2018 international Women’s day, which the organization celebrated elaborately.

Speaking with Sports writers, at the end of the encounter, founder of WACOL, Prof.

Joy Ngozi Ezeilo said that the aim of the match was to take the fight against Women violence to the football pitch.

According to her, “football being a global game that attracts huge number of people together, we feel the stadium is the right place to take the fight against kicking out violence against Women to, and we are calling on all Nigerians, to join us in this fight.

“That is why we decided to organize this novelty match with the great Rangers Inter.

FC of Enugu, with a view to spreading the kick out violence against massage .

Ezeilo who spoke through the organization’s program manager, Barr. Chukwudi Ojielo, had called on all and sundry including sports men and women to join hands with it and other relevant agencies in fighting the war against women violence in Nigeria.

“It is my honour and privilege therefore, to welcome you to today’s event which is the friendly football match staged by Rangers International Football Club with WACOL. “This was in collaboration with Christian Aid to mark this year’s international women’s day,’’ the WACOL bss stated..

The match , with the Them: Football: ‘’the beautiful game supports human right of Women and girls, attracted some top Rangers officials, including the team manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku. WACOL, it will be recalled , staged similar exercise in 2017 with only female teams featuring.

PHOTOS: Pillars Celebrate 2-0 Win Against Go Round Fc

Danjuma calls for World Cup group competitive

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igeria’s Falconets head coach, Chris Danjuma has described as highly competitive his wards’ group opponents at the upcoming Fifa U20 Women World Cup in France.

The draw ceremony on Thursday at the Opera House, Rennes pitched the twotime runners-up together with multiple champions, Germany, China and newcomers, Haiti in Group D. The global biennial football showpiece will hold from August 05 – 24, 2018.

Danjuma said his side are already at

work to ensure the side first and foremost secure passage from the group.

“The group is great and is going to be highly competitive.

“Work has started immediately towards ensuring a successful campaign at the upcoming World Cup. “We have set our target – qualifying from the group first and foremost then taking it up from there.

“Before we start to consider who becomes a threat in the group we are already doing a careful check on the opponents’

strengthens and weaknesses.

“We want to find out why we have been losing to Germany in the last two occasions, what did they do right and we did wrong.

We will work on our deficiency to make sure we do not fall into same hole all over again.

“Nobody is cheap in the group same as no one is considered the strongest we just have to do the needful to make sure we get it right this time around,” said the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) side, Nasarawa Amazons manager to frontpixs.

Super Eagles coach, Rohr

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Astori goes home

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tars from across Italian football and beyond are in Florence for the funeral of Davide Astori, the Fiorentina captain who was found dead in his hotel room on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was discovered hours before his team were scheduled to play Udinese in a Serie A match.

His team-mates arrived Santa Croce church in Florence ahead of the service, which began at 10am in Italy, while thousands of fans lined the streets and filled one of the main squares, some arriving as early as three hours before the funeral started. They applauded loudly as Astori’s coffin was driven past Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi stadium. There were shouts of his name and ‘grande capitano’ (great captain), while a banner held up read: ‘Per sempre nostro capitano (forever our captain)’.

Astori, who played for Italy 14 times, leaves behind his long-term partner, Francesca Fioretti, and their two-year-old daughter. A tearful Fioretti was seen making her way into the church yesterday morning with Astori’s family, including their daughter, Vittoria.

The Fiorentina players were met by applause when they arrived on foot, led by midfielder Milan Badelj.

Omar McLeod

McLeod to miss Commonwealth Games O lympic and world champion hurdler Omar McLeod will miss the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, said a source close to Jamaica.

The 23-year-old, who claimed the 110 metres hurdles gold at the Rio Olympics and the world title

at London last year “did not make himself available, as simple as that,” Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association president Warren Blake told said.

McLeod could not be reached for comment but told journalist in January that he was doubtful to

compete at the Games starting April 4, 2018.

He missed last week’s World Indoor Championships in Birmingham over visa issues.

Elaine Thompson, the reigning Olympic 100 and 200m champion, and former 100m world champion

Yohan Blake headline Jamaica’s 54-member track and field squad for the Games.

In McLeod’s absence, Olympic bronze medallist Hansle Parchment, Ronald Levy and world under-18 champion Dejour Russell will represent the Caribbean nation in the 110m hurdles.

The squad will also include Janieve Russell, who claimed a 400m relay gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze in the individual event.

Jamaica is set to bring its biggest Commonwealth Games delegation to the Gold Coast.

The nation secured its joint highest medal haul of 22 at Glasgow, with 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze.

How Juventus gave Tottenham knockout

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Juventus’ star man Dybala (left) gets dispossessed by this sliding tackle from Eric Dier during the first half

ads, as Sir Alex Ferguson famously remarked, it’s Tottenham. And we all know what that means. Disappointment. Frustration. Underachievement. Just when it’s won, it’s lost. Why should this Champions League campaign be any different to some very recent history?

Meaning, just as Tottenham’s excellent title challenges suffer inexplicable derailments at crucial moments, so a Champions League tie that looked to be well in hand, suddenly reared up and savaged them. From the quarter-finals to the ranks of the also rans took all of two minutes and 49 seconds and this time there was no heroic fightback. Tottenham were looking good, 1-0 up on the night, 3-2 ahead on aggregate, Son Heungmin had scored his 14th Wembley goal this season – of 16, in total – and all was right in the world.

Then it all went a little, as the saying goes, Spursy. Juventus, having barely threatened all night aside from a travesty of a rejected penalty, scored an equaliser. Tottenham were still progressing on away goals, though. All they had to do was stay calm and – oh, Juventus scored again.

Suddenly a familiar feeling of dread descended.

Just as it had when title momentum went down the tubes at Upton Park, the year they were

supposed to be coming for Leicester. Just as it had when Chelsea scored four against them in an FA Cup semi-final here last year.

Tottenham play football that should win trophies, without actually winning trophies. Mauricio Pochettino had talked of a Champions League campaign that has got Europe talking about his team – but who remembers the clubs that exit at the first knockout stage?

Tottenham put down some markers in the group, sure, but this is where Europe’s elite are judged. Can you do it without stabilisers, without a safety net? Juventus had to score two away from home in the second-half and delivered; Tottenham had to hold a lead, and couldn’t. That will be noticed, you can be certain. They went deeper into this tournament under Harry Redknapp – and beat the best team in Italy at this stage, too.

It will be argued experience was the key, just as it was when Real Madrid met Paris Saint-Germain.

Certainly, having reached two of the last three finals, Juventus know the course and distance. They had three times as many Champions League appearances in their starting line-up as Tottenham, too – but it was about more than just that.

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Revenge not on the agenda – Carvalhal S

wansea boss Carlos Carvalhal insists revenge is not on his mind ahead of a Premier League reunion with Huddersfield counterpart David Wagner. Carvalhal suffered shoot-out agony in the Championship play-offs last season as Sheffield Wednesday manager.

Huddersfield booked a Wembley final date, and eventually a spot in the top flight, and it was the beginning of the end for Carvalhal at Hillsborough.

The Portuguese left Wednesday on Christmas Eve but he was appointed Swansea manager four days later and has since steered the Welsh club off the bottom of the table and three points clear of the relegation zone.

“I am not this kind of person,” Carvalhal said, when asked if the sight of Wagner in the opposite dugout at Huddersfield on Saturday would provide extra motivation. “I don’t keep things with me to have revenge on someone. “It is important for us and we will try to win like we did before, so there is nothing different.”

Carvlhal could be forgiven for having pangs of jealousy as Huddersfield took their place at the top table of English football in August.

After all, Carvalhal had not lost to Wagner in six Championship and play-off games – winning four and drawing two. But the shootout heroics of loan goalkeeper Danny Ward sent Huddersfield to Wembley

Salah

Carlos Carvalhal

and destroyed Carvalhal’s dream of taking the Owls into the Premier League.

“This is football,” Carvalhal said. “We gave our best and it was a question of luck when it came to penalties.

“The luck went to the other side, but it doesn’t make me or my staff better or worse coaches because we lose a semi-final on penalties. This is a very skinny line. “But there is no jealousy. Nothing. Zero.

“I didn’t look at the Premier League at the start of the season because in this period I was in Sheffield Wednesday.

“I didn’t think about them – I don’t look to the side and the neighbours – but now I am focused on Huddersfield this week.”

Swansea have taken 17 points from Carvalhal’s nine league games to climb into 13th position, and above Huddersfield on goal difference.

Huddersfield have done better than many predicted, but Carvalhal insists the gap between the top of the Championship and the bottom half of the Premier League is not as big as some suggest. He said: “Huddersfield do not surprise me because they play with quality and deserve to be here.

“The promoted teams have done well in recent years and shown they can stay in the competition because the Championship has a very high quality. “It is a harder competition than the Premier League because you must be ready for a lot of things.

“The difference can be in the quality of the players in one team or another, but the collective organisation of teams in the Championship is strong.”

Salah, Hughton win February EPL awards

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iverpool forward Mohamed Salah picked up his second Premier League player of the month award this season while Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was named manager of the month for February.

Salah, 25, scored four goals and assisted two more in February to win claim the honour for the second time in four months. The Egypt interna-

tional helped the Merseyside club to two wins and a draw to help their push for a top four spot.

Hughton guided promoted Brighton to home wins over West Ham United and Swansea City apart from a draw with Stoke City last month to win the Premier League award for the first time.a

Moya joins Real Sociedad

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Moya

tletico Madrid continued their player clear out with the club confirming that goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya has joined Real Sociedad on a free transfer.

His departure makes him the fifth player, following Luciano Vietto (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Beijing Renhe), Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan (both Dalian Yifang), to have left the club since the beginning of January.

Second-placed Atletico remain Barcelona’s closest challengers in La Liga as they sit

seven points behind the leaders and they are also through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

However, the club’s failure to make it out of the group stage of the Champions League — and the riches associated with it — has meant a number of players have been sold off as the board looks to offset financial losses.

Despite the transfer window in Spain being closed, Sociedad were able to complete the deal under La Liga rules that allow a selling club that has received

a buyout clause stipulated in a player’s contract one month to sign a replacement.

Athletic Bilbao paid former Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez’s 32 million euro ($39.05 million) buyout clause on Jan. 30.

Moya made 36 La Liga appearances in Madrid after joining from Getafe in 2014.

After starting out as first choice, he subsequently lost his place to Jan Oblak and played just seven times this term in the Europa League and Copa del Rey.

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Saturday, March 10, 2018

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Left back Marcelo hugs Zinedine Zidane during an embrace in PSG’s away dressing room

PSG used £900m to chase Champions League

Celebration galore as Real Madrid qualified for quarter final R

PSG forward Edinson Cavani beats the pitch with anger after the final whistle against Madrid

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aris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi isn’t the first man to be enchanted by the idea of Champions League glory. Roman Abramovich, among others, can attest to that.

It took the Chelsea chief nine years from buying them to seeing the club crowned kings of Europe, in 2012 against Bayern Munich. So far, Al-Khelaifi has been at PSG since June 2011 and in five Champions League campaigns, they have got as far as the quarter-final.

Once the dust settles on the exit at the hands of Real Madrid and Al-Khelaifi assesses how PSG compare to the rest of Europe’s elite, he may feel his side have more similarities to Celtic than Chelsea. And that is there where the magnitude of winning Europe’s elite club competition becomes startlingly clear.

PSG, like Celtic, are the best team in their league by a distance. They largely have the picking of all the best players at the other sides around them. They have a super stadium and an ardent fanbase. And every season, they fail to meet their expectations in Europe, often getting picked off by a bigger bully in a different playground away from the comfort of their own division.

The money PSG have can even put Chelsea in the shade. When Kylian Mbappe’s loan from Monaco becomes permanent

eal Madrid have given their fans a glimpse into how their star players celebrated their progression to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The club’s media team videoed their reaction in the Parc des Princes away dressing room moments after they eliminated European rivals Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a 2-1 win in the French capital.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opening goal on Tuesday night, shouts as he makes his way into the dressing room before hugging and high-fiving members of Zinedine Zidane’s coaching staff.

Ronaldo is also seen congratulating his team-mates with a special handshake as he takes a seat in his area of the changing room.

The experienced Marcelo then does the rounds by embracing Real Madrid’s large team of staff and players before captain Sergio Ramos follows him in.

Manager Zinedine Zidane can be seen entering the dressing room in a second video posted by Real Madrid and he also embraces his team.

The Frenchman hugs Ramos, keeper Keylor Navas before Marcelo embraces his manager and pats the former Real Madrid

midfielder on the head.

In the videos you can see the players’ club suits hanging from the pegs in the spacious away dressing room at the home of the French giants.

Ham and bananas also appear to be on the menu after the game as a small spread is laid out on the table.

Real Madrid progressed 5-2 on aggregate thanks to Tuesday’s win and their previous 3-1 win over PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Champions League holders will find out their quarter-final fate next Friday when the draw takes place in Nyon.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are the only tams through thus far as the remaining second legs take place this Wednesday and next week.

Ronaldo is also seen congratulating his team-mates with a special handshake as he takes a seat in his area of the changing room.

The experienced Marcelo then does the rounds by embracing Real Madrid’s large team of staff and players before captain Sergio Ramos follows him in.

Manager Zinedine Zidane can be seen entering the dressing room in a second

for £166million in the summer, the Qatari Sports Investment company that own the club will have spent over €1billion (£896m) on players. That simply demands a better return than the quarter-final.

Of course, an element of luck is involved here. PSG scored 25 goals (12 against Celtic) on their way to winning Group B - the most in the tournament at that stage. They did all they could to ensure a favourable last-16 draw and could have landed Porto or Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Madrid are as fallible as they have looked in years and this was a big chance for PSG to claim a scalp. Zinedine Zidane’s

men are currently 15 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and are widely expected to overhaul their squad in the summer, so poor have they been in Spain. They still beat PSG 5-2 across two legs, though.

Neymar would have a made a difference, yes, but not the difference. He has repeatedly been linked with a move to Madrid and while PSG fans will feel appeased at him commending his team-mates on social media after Tuesday’s loss, he will not stick around for too much longer if they keep exiting the competition in March.

The Brazil star’s eyes for the Ballon d’Or runs parallel with his club’s desire for

Goalscorers Ronaldo and Casemiro celebrate their victory with a special handshake the Champions League. But as Pep Guardiola said only in February: ‘You have to be there in the latter stages. Without the latter stages you will not be nominated. Everyone knows to be there (in contention for the Ballon d’Or) you have to win titles, and titles and titles. Especially one.’

Manager Unai Emery will almost certainly depart at the end of the season and was arguably lucky to remain in his job last year after the club’s four-season league winning streak was ended by Monaco. But that was when Monaco had Mbappe.

Whoever replaces the Spaniard may find the strength of the French league could play a part in their European struggle.

For chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, defeat

by Real Madrid made for uncomfortable viewing

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Government needs to invest more on good football pitches - Egbe tribution to this state I don’t think anyone has ever done that, by the grace of God, Abuja National Stadium will be awarded to us and we’ll make Nigeria proud, we’ll do the best and work with NFF.

Ebimiyeowei Egbe is the Chief Executive officer (CEO) Monimichelle Sport Facility Construction Ltd. In this exclusive interview with our correspondent AKAM JAMES, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Egbe speaks on the need to invest on building quality playing pitches, to groom young talents in Africa and Nigeria, among other topical issues.

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onimichelle Sport Facility Construction Ltd has gradually become a household name, tell us more it?

This is over 12 years we have been into sport construction industry, over 28 years in players’ management business as a FIFA licensed agent. But right now we are fully into construction because we lack good construction in Africa not just Nigeria.

EBIMIYEOWEI

Building quality facility to enhance football activities in the country has been your drive apart from the business part of it, what has been your motivation?

It’s not an easy task at all but because I have in-depth knowledge in the industry I have been paving my way through. In the course of the job there’re also a lot of challenges, it has not been easy at all like I said.

You have to face different kinds of people; you will come across guys who are there to blackmail you, just because they want to get an edge over you. There are also some who think their family members are close to FIFA or CAF so they use that to run down other companies in the industry. For me I believe in what I do so much, I don’t cut corners, I believe in bringing the best for Nigeria and Africa. We have few blacks in the industry and that’s also quiet challenging. You can visit any of the installation we have done and see the difference from others, I don’t compromise quality. If I want to give you a score board and flood light, I give you the best and frankly I give you what you pay for. If I give you my price and you can afford it, I will surely give you the best quality.

doing is quiet strange because I am not a politician and not a civil servant but I am surviving. Anywhere you are as a successful person, people will try to run you down, even the governor of the state with all that he’s doing the people are still running him down. This pull him down syndrome is very common in Nigeria. Our industry is based on credibility, if you’re not a credible person you can’t get involve, if you don’t have passion for sports there is no point venturing into it. You can’t just be a sales man and you expect to make wave. No. My job is passion driven, am not just a sales man, this is what I’ve been doing for years now, so I have in depth knowledge of what am selling. If a government or individual client calls me for a job and request for geo-tech pitch and I give you a rubber pitch, you’ll like it and may not know but give it few months you’ll call me back and complain that the job is rubbish and that won’t be good for my reputation. So I make sure whatever project I do, I always give the best because I am a VIP label, and again I don’t just give the job to others to do and I supervise, No. I join in the work, carry shovel, wheel barrow and do the labour work, probably that has been part of our success story.

You talked about blackmail; could that be one of the reasons for the delay on Bayelsa state stadium pitch project?

Bayelsa is a political state; you can call it a civil service state. They don’t believe in guys who are in the private sector, perhaps what I am

You also mentioned few black legs in the industry, how have you been able to break through successfully?

Not an easy task, I must confess, but remember at a point I was the only Nigerian licensed FIFA agent that had a player in the English

premier league. I don’t believe in working under anybody, I make sure whatever I do I give it my best.

Most Nigerians look for white guys so they can cut corners and maximize profit but what most clients don’t understand is that our terrain is different from theirs in Europe, if they come here and do an installation with a mindset of their terrain it usually fails because our terrain is totally different. If you’re doing an installation here, you need to have an in depth knowledge of the topography of where you’re working so that you don’t have problems. All the synthetic pitches in Nigeria except my installations, when it rains is always flooded and nobody can play soccer on it. What we do is 90% natural which makes the ball behavior at any time the same.

ward. I am very sure Pinnick wants to give the best, he will send for me because he knows we have the best product in Nigeria today. It’s time we start believing in our own, we can do collaboration with the league management for the best.

What the white men can do I can do better because I am an African and I understand my terrain. Even if it’s a contract to do practice pitch, I bet you nobody will complain when I deliver. Everybody is going synthetic, look at what is happening to the Highbury pitch today because its 60% synthetic and 40% natural, the high traffic area will have patches once the natural composition is dead. The solution for Nigeria and Africa is geo-turf, which is 95% natural, which is what I will advise NFF to do.

Amaju Pinnick did mention that there are plans under way to ensure at least each state in the country has at least two stadia to encourage grassroots hunt, what’s your view?

That is the right step in a very promising direction. If we have to promote the game, we need to have good pitches for trainings. I believe in that aspect I stand out in the country today, when you talk about my company today I think I have made a mark. The whole country knows my product and I also feel it will be great if guys like us who believe in local content can be given an opportunity to come into the project.

He has travelled far and wide and he knows that the rubber pitch is not acceptable, it is taking us back-

Can that advice be useful in Bayelsa state too?

Sure, I believe in Nigeria and also as a Bayelsan in Bayelsa too. I believe we can build our dream Bayelsa. We have a governor that is so passionate about the development of the state, his passion is my drive and encourage. I have given so much to the state, am currently building three free pitches for the state each costing thirty million naira with disable seats. This is the first time in the state we’ll have a sport facility that meets international standard, two dressing rooms free and my job is a five lane track which is 2.5 million each and am doing one free.

Here in Bayelsa, we are trying to see how we can elevate our stadium to 8,000 or 10,000 capacity so we can host international games. My con-

Looking at how much a government spends on facilities when contracts are awarded, what’s your message to the youths as an ambassador?

You must first understand that Nigeria belongs to the masses and I belong to the masses. At any given time, any opportunity to work I get the youths involved, a contract to me is more like an empowerment opportunity for youths in that particular state. Not just ordinary youths but we also have cultists that have been transformed as they work with me. We have few of them at the site now as we speak, I take them anywhere I have jobs, lodge them in the hotels and divert their attentions from those vices which are inimical to the society. Here in Yenagoa, with my job I have been able to rehabilitate so many youths, likewise in so many like Aba Stadium in Abia state, Benue, Katsina and Imo. What we do is that you come looking for job, we engage you and if you can work we keep you. My product is good quality, from construction to installations and what have you, it’s just like a roll Royce on synthetic grass. Everybody knows my cost, we are quite expensive but trust me you’ll get the best, because no matter how beautiful your stadium is, if the pitch and track is bad then its zero. Look at the Uyo stadium today our boys are complaining, I told Nigerians before the South African game on the situation of the pitch, now everyone has seen it that the pitch is bad. The ball situation is different and you can’t get the best of our players when they play on that pitch, controlling the ball is an issue. We are going to surprise the world because of the surface where they’ll play the world cup. The world cup pitches are already prepared 6 months before the event and nobody goes close to it until the date.

It will build their confidence; Nigerians need to invest in their pitches.

The plans are very good, and we should invest more on good playing surface. Without the right infrastructure we can’t get the qualities we need.

Are you considering going in to politics in the coming years?

Honestly speaking, I am not interested in politics, I am a gentle man and gentlemen don’t get involved in politics. I decided to stay out of politics, I tried it before and my fingers got burnt. I don’t know how to make enemies, ones you’re a politician you’re bound to make enemies.

I am not interested in that, everyone in the state is my friend, I am the only guy at my level in Bayelsa state that moves around without a police security guard because everyone is my friend.

Saturday March 10, 2018

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Russia athletics risks permmanent ban - IAAF

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ith glaring evidences that Russia sponsored failed dope test for her athletes, it is clear that all atheletes from Russia may soon be banned permanently from all international competitions.

The IAAF world governing body said Russia had ‘still not acknowledged the institutional doping scheme (that was) uncovered’ and warned there can be ‘no comfort it will not be repeated’.

Speaking hours after Russian deputy prime minister Vitaly Mutko was stripped of government responsibility for football’s World Cup amid suspicions of his involvement in a state-sponsored doping scheme, Rune Andersen, chairman of the IAAF taskforce looking into Russian doping, warned of further sanctions.

They include withdrawing permission for Russian athletes to compete as neutrals and taking steps to recommend that Russia’s athletics federation (RUSAF) be expelled from IAAF membership.

The IAAF revealed Russia’s anti-doping agency had still not provided evi-

dence that adequate testing of athletes was now taking place. Andersen called for an urgent meeting with RUSAF and the Russian government to address these issues. There is little prospect of Russia admitting guilt.

IAAF president Lord Coe said the prospect of permanent exclusion was ‘not sitting here as a threat.’ He said: ‘It is there because we want this situation resolved.

The criteria are not unilateral — they were agreed with the Russian federation. We want those athletes back in the fold, and the world needs to know those athletes are in a system of confidence and trust.’

Despite Russia’s ban last month from the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, 168 Russians competed as neutrals and two failed drugs tests. After the Games, Russia’s Olympic membership was restored by the IOC. Former Moscow laboratory director Grigory Rodchenkov claimed last month that Mutko had issued orders to cover up doping in football.

Mutko subsequently quit

Russian deputy prime minister Vitaly Mutko is said to have issued orders to cover up doping

as head of the World Cup organising committee and Russian football union, but maintained he would continue to be involved in planning the tournament.

Meanwhile, the IAAF said on Tuesday they were revising their rules on hyperandrogenism, which will only apply to track events between 400 metres and one mile. From November 1, athletes competing in those events must have testosterone tests.

Japan’s Yumi Suzuki (R) brushes with teammate in front of the stone during the women’s curling round robin session between Japan and Canada during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung on February 19, 2018. Photo: WANG Zhao / AFP

On sick bed, Neymar predicts PSG’s defeat N

Russia could be handed a permanent athletics ban from the International Association of Athletics Federations due to failing to acknowledge state-sponsored doping evidence

eymar has told Barcelona that he wants to return to the Nou Camp He made them aware of his desire just before PSG lost to Real Madrid The Brazilian has been unsettled in the French capital since joining last summer Neymar has admitted the quality in Ligue 1 is far worse than he anticipated Neymar has sensationally told Barcelona that he wants to return to the Nou Camp and made them aware of his desire just before Paris Saint-Germain crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid.

The Brazilian has been unsettled in the French capital since joining from the La Liga leaders in the summer for a staggering £198million fee. He has now decided that a move back to Spain is what he wants and has made his former club aware of his interest in a possible return.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian forward opted to inform

them of his interest just before PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by Los Blancos.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro sealed a 5-2 aggregate win for Zinedine Zidane’s side in their last-16 second leg in Paris on Tuesday.

Reports claim that Neymar misses his former team-mates and admits he was stubborn in trying to come out from Lionel Messi’s shadow. He also didn’t expect the level of Ligue 1 to be so inferior to La Liga.

Neymar is currently recovering from an operation on his foot in Brazil after suffering a broken metatarsal last month.

He has been out of action since picking up the injury to his right foot after a bad tackle against Marseille on February 25.

Having had successful surgery in his homeland, Neymar will be assessed by PSG in six weeks to determine when he will return to training.

Neymar

31

Saturday, March 10, 2018

EXTRATIME

Ballotelli

Mario Balotelli condemns Tony Iwobi

M

ario Balotelli has hinted at racism awaiting Toni Iwobi in the Italian senate Italian footballer Mario Balotelli has attacked the country’s first black senator in an online post.

Toni Iwobi was elected on Sunday for the anti-immigration Lega party.

“Maybe I’m blind or perhaps they have not told him yet that he is black.

But shame!!!” the footballer posted on Instagram. Born in northern Nigeria, Mr Iwobi came to Italy in 1976 and became a councillor for Lega (the League) in the Lombardy city of Spirano in 1995.

What did Balotelli’s post say?

The Italy striker, who plays for French Ligue 1 side Nice, put his post on Instagram on Tuesday.

Accompanying the text was a photo of Mr Iwobi and League leader Matteo Salvini, both raising clenched fists and wearing T-shirts saying “Stop Invasion” at an anti-immigration rally.

While there have been black members of Italy’s lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, the 62-year-old Toni Iwobi is the first black senator.

In a Facebook post celebrating his election, Mr Iwobi thanked Mr Salvini, who he called “a great leader”.

Last month, Balotelli was booked by a referee for pointing out racist chants made during his side’s 3-2 loss to Dijon.

Anti-discriminatory body Fare said the striker should get “added protection” from referees for highlighting such abuse.

McGregor posted several pictures on his Instagram story for his mum’s special day

U

FC superstar Conor McGregor has bought his mum a BMW 4 series convertible worth £40,000 for her birthday.

The Irishman posted several pictures on his Instagram story for his mum’s special day.

Alongside the caption: ‘I know we’ve been snowed in for the last week...’ was a picture of McGregor in the driving seat of the car.

That post was followed by a photo of him getting out of the car with the caption: ‘But here’s a convertible Ma.’ He then posted a picture of his mum Margaret in the car with his son Conor Jr with the caption: ‘From Junior.’

The birthday posts on his Instagram story ended with a photo of him holding his son alongside the caption: ‘Happy Birthday Ma’ and a group picture at a restaurant with the caption: ‘Family.’

On Tuesday McGregor claimed to have surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in the list of highest-paid athletes in the world – as he predicted back in 2016.

As well as the Irishman’s moneyspinning boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather last summer — from which he is believed to have pock-

McGregor with a group family at a restaurant

McGregor buys BMW car worth £40,000 for Mummy eted about £100million — he has secured lucrative endorsement deals with Burger King and Beats by Dre. In 2016-17, McGregor was ranked 24th in Forbes’ list of highest-paid sports stars but is expected to rocket up that list for the 2017-18 instalment.

Last year’s rankings, released two months before the Mayweather-McGregor showdown, disclosed that the 29-year-old earned £19.5m from fight-

ing and a further £5m in endorsements.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, earned £42m from football and bonuses as well as a staggering £25m from endorsements which saw him top the list.

In an Instagram post McGregor wrote: ‘Making deals and TAKING deals! Kings recognise Kings!

‘I am also really interested to see

this years Forbes highest paid athletes list. I have now surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo as I told him I would in 2016.

‘Floyd as a retired fighter that makes ZERO substantial revenue outside of them ropes is not on the list, and in the long game, is already dead.

‘Mixed Martial Arts is a glorious game, Floyd. You are going to love it hahaha.’

Serena Williams, stage comeback with win over Zarina Diyas

F

Serena Williams in action

ormer world number one Serena Williams won her first singles match on the WTA Tour for nearly 14 months as she returned after the birth of her child.

Williams, 36, reached the second round at Indian Wells with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas.

The American, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, was given a standing ovation as she walked onto court.

It was her first singles match on Tour since she won the 2017 Australian

Open while pregnant.

Her husband Alexis Ohanian was in the crowd.

Williams gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia on 1 September.

She says post-childbirth health complications – including blood clots in her lungs – were almost fatal.

Williams missed this year’s Australian Open because she did not consider herself ready for the tournament.

Williams did not fluff too many lines on her latest opening night, BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller says.

Given she had not played a competitive singles match for

404 days, this was an impressive return.

Diyas showed plenty of resilience, saving five break points – but crucially not a sixth – in the first set, and twice breaking back when Williams hit the front in the second.

Williams’ serve proved a strong foundation, especially in the first set, and there were some powerful and sweetly struck winners amid some inevitable rust.

The best part of 10,000 people were in Stadium Court 1 to watch Williams’ return. One was her sister Venus, a potential third-round opponent.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD,

email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08038099089 Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

Saturday, March 10, 2018

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Business & Economy B1

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria

FG calls for creation of AMCON Market Page B2

Bitcoin: Understanding digital currency, pitfalls Page B8

PENGASSAN dismisses indigenous companies claims on local content

Diamond Bank partners EDC over International Women’s Day Diamond Bank partnered with the Enterprise Development Center (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos in celebration of the international women’s day , while lending its voice to the call for more women in the society to continually press for progress, continue in their identified purpose and ultimately to pursue their passions.

The event , which was a

gathering of influential female thought leaders was held at the Enterprise Development Center of the Pan African University, Lagos.

Keynote Speaker; Principal Consultant, DRNL Consult LTD, Ronke Onadeko stated that women are wired in their DNA to find answers to even the most problematic scenarios. She pointed out that women should continually look deeper to find solutions to the

way they are perceived in the society.

She advised the women present to continually support one another while looking to inspire those coming through, to acquire skills and pass those skills unto others, to join women networks in order to cultivate relevant relationships and to ensure they join conversations progressively driving women empowerment. She said the time had

come for women to raise their voices and be heard.

CEO, Ebony Life TV, Mo Abudu in her speech, charged women to continuously challenge themselves in order to reach new heights. In her words: “You have to go out of your comfort zone and continuously challenge yourself.

Also know that, no matter the challenges that exist, they are there for you to overcome them”.

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd, Eric Fajemisin; Founder and Managing Director, Sankore Investments,Titi Odunfa-Adeoye; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Demola Sogunle;Managing Partner, Co-Creation Hub, Tunji Elesho; and Executive Director, Personal & Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Babatunde Macaulay; at the formal inauguration of the Stanbic IBTC Innovation Lab in Yaba, Lagos ...on Thursday

Co –Founder, Purple Foundation for The Girl Child, Mary Akpobome , who was one of the panelists on the day, stated that the society is filled with young men who want to achieve success real quick, without hard work and young women whose primary goal is to slay. She communicated to those present at the event that one of the highest powers women have is the power of influence and it was high time more women started exercising their ability to influence situations to achieve positive outcomes.

The event, which witnessed an appreciable turn out, also had two panel sessions where the panelists discussed on topics ranging from how women could achieve their dream by going after their passions, through to problems associated with women in the society and how they could be addressed.

Diamond Bank’s partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre in driving women empowerment is in line with its commitment to go beyond banking to positively affect lives of its customers and the general public.

It will be recalled that Diamond Bank was recently commended by the Women’s World Banking community in recognition of its efforts in deepening financial inclusion amongst women in Nigeria.

Guinness Nigeria rolls out campaign to tackle under-age drinking in Lagos schools Guinness Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc, in partnership with Rue 14 Studios, a leading theatre and arts company has launched the Smashed initiative for the first time in Nigeria.

Smashed is a Diageo Plc initiative targeted at tackling the issue of underage drinking amongst youth

using drama and interactive educational tools.

The initiative is aimed at enabling pupils to understand the facts, causes, and consequences surrounding alcohol misuse and under-age drinking.

This pilot program will involve at least 30 public and private schools in Lagos State Speaking on the roll-out of the initiative in Nigeria, Managing Director/

Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, stated that Smashed is an award-winning theatre and education programme that informs young people about the dangers of alcohol.

“This initiative was launched in the UK more than a decade ago.It has now been delivered in 10countries around the world including Mozambique.

“The result of the programme in other countries has been incredibly encouraging and has received very good reviews from both students and teachers stating that they understand more the consequences of underage drinking.

“Building on this success, the Smashed Project is now being rolled out in Nigeria, aiming to reach at least 6,000 young people

in classes SS1 – SS3 in 30 public and private schools across Lagos State,” Ndegwa said.

According to him, Diageo has pledged to reduce alcohol-related harm in society through its 10 CEO commitments. The Smashed Project is just one of many programmes Diageo sponsors across the globe. “The Smashed Project is always delivered independently by a third

party and in Nigeria this will be done by Rue 14 Studios,” Ndegwa reiterated.

Rue 14 Studios is a leading Lagos-based theatre and arts company, and has been commissioned

by Collingwood Learning (a leading UK based educational theatre company) and funded by Diageo (Guinness Nigeria PLC) to deliver The Smashed Project.The initiative is totally free to schools.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

NSE wants acceleration of gender equality The Nigerian Stock Exchange,NSE, in partnership with the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, United Nations Women, United Nations Global Compact, International Finance Corporation, the World Federation of Exchanges, WIMBIZ, and Women in ETFs, organised a symposium to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at the Stock Exchange House in Lagos.

In line with the global theme for this year’s celebration, “press for progress”, the NSE’s symposium was designed to motivate and unite everyone to think, act and be gender inclusive.

The event, which brought together over 200 women and men from the NSE, listed companies, Dealing Member firms, media, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil societies and Government, to discuss how to help women realize their dreams; had Laure Beaufils, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and Dame Abimbola Fashola, Former First Lady of Lagos State &

Chairman LEARN NGO/ Ella Cares as headline speakers.

The Exchange also joined other stock exchanges around the world that rang the bell for gender equality to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality to capital markets.

The Exchange used its Closing Gong ceremony to highlight the business case for women’s economic empowerment, as well as opportunities for the private sector to advance gender equality and sustainable development.

In his welcome address, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE, stated that, “this year’s theme is not just another theme for another edition of the International women’s day. It is a call to action to spur women and men into taking bold steps towards closing the gender gap”.

“At The Nigerian Stock Exchange, we are playing our part in helping to achieve gender parity.

Today, we have a female to male employees’ ratio of 1:2 and we are taking key steps to increase the number of

Amaechi challenges board on fight against corruption Idu Jude Abuja

The newly inaugurated board members of the parastatals and agencies in the Transportation sector, has been challenged on the war against corruption a brain child of the present administration President Mohammed Buhari.

The Honourable minister of Transportation Right Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, made the call Friday, while performing the official inauguration ceremony all five boards of Transportation agencies and parastatals.

Daily Times recall that President Mohammadu Buhari has ordered the immediate inauguration of various board members of government parastatals and agencies.

Performing the ceremony, the former Governor of River State stated that the present administration in order to foster an economy that is robust, transparent, accountable and in line the best prac-

tices.

He said that that the Federal Government the gesture has become necessary due to the fact that the FG, has embarked on the restructuring and repositioning of various parastatals under the Ministry of Transportation.

He further stressed that the mandate of these boards is to ensuring that fast, safe, efficient, affordable, convenient, integrated and inter-model transport system that facilitate Nigeria’s socio-economic and developmental needs enhances the quality of life of the public.

His words,” as Chairmen and board members, you are responsible for setting operational and administrational and administrative policies in accordance with setting operational and administrative policies in accordance with Government policy directives aimed at assisting the parastatals to archive their mandates. You are also charged with the responsibility for measuring performance against targets.

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle), flanked by Patrick Iyamabo, Chief Financial Officer, FirstBank (1st left); Bashirat Odunewu, Group Executive, International Banking, FirstBank (2nd left); Cecelia Akintomide, Director, FBN Holdings Plc (3rd right); Segun Alebiosu, Chef Risk Officer, FirstBank, (2nd right); and Irene Netimah, Company Secretary, FirstBank, (1st right); all facilitators at the FirstBank Female Staff Interactive Session held in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD)2018.

women in our employ, especially those in leadership positions.

“Early this year, we promoted Ms. Tinuade Awe to Executive Director, Regulations, and consequently she is the number two person at the Exchange. More importantly, the Exchange took steps to address the lack of female representation

on its National Council, by electing three eminent female members at the last AGM. Today, we have 23% female representation as against 0% representation in 2016”, added Onyema.

Delivering her keynote address, Laure Beaufils commended the NSE for setting out a day like this to celebrate women. “I want to

thank the CEO of the Stock Exchange for making this day happen – not all Stock Exchanges across the world hold a day like today to celebrate women”.

She calls for resilience in the pursuit of gender equality. “We must not grow tired because change is not happening fast enough. We must not be afraid to rock

the boat. We need more women on every table where decisions are made.

“We must push the private sector to do a lot better than it currently is. And we all, each and every one of us, in our families, our communities, our work place and in our politics, we all have a role to play in pressing for change”.

FG calls for creation of AMCON Market Myke Uzendu, Abuja

To enable it dispose several billions of naira worth of assets that are tied down in its book due to inappropriate valuation, strange market forces among other vices, the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has called for the creation of an ‘AMCON Market,’.

The market would involve key players in valuation, insurance, legal among other strategic stakeholders and will provide an venue for the disposal of toxic assets.

A statement on Friday, signed by Jude Nwauzor, Head of Corporate Communication, disclosed that AMCON has a stockpile of assets, which it is finding difficult to dispose in the regular open market.

The assets, according the statement, cut across critical sectors of the economy such as real estate, energy, transportation and aviation, maritime, agriculture and manufacturing just to mention a few”.

Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze, an Executive Director with AMCON who made the call while declaring open a oneday sensitization forum for AMCON’s Valuers & Receiver Managers in Lagos said that the conference is part of AMCON’s renewed strategy to continually engage different professionals whose practice directly impact on its recovery activities.

Dr. Uneze, who represented the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, said the creation of the proposed AMCON market would help address a lot of irregularities that affect the outcome of valuation in the country.

He said, “We are using this opportunity to appeal to the conscience of valuers to the realities and the negative implication of wrong valuation to the recovery effort of AMCON. When you carry out this assignment as valuers especially when it relates to AMCON assets, please make use of the appropriate methodology.

“When you are appointed as valuers for AMCON please don’t just look at it as a business; kindly consider it as a national assignment because we owe it a duty to Nigerians to recover these debts as quickly as possible because AMCON is not here in perpetuity. Your contribution would help strengthen the hands of AMCON to enable the corporation realise its mandate.”

The AMCON boss said the call had become necessary because of the feedback the corporation gets from key stakeholders. He said there were allegations of unprofessional behaviour by some valuers who unnecessarily overvalue some assets, which in turn makes it impossible for AMCON to dispose such assets.

He said again, “The feedback we get from some of our key stakeholders is not palatable. Some of them have come to us with the allegation that some obligors go to the extent of trying to influence the decision of some valuers. That is very wrong. Such sharp practice

would not help our recovery mandate.

“It is also not good because the money AMCON is recovering belongs to Nigeria. That is why we are calling for the creation of an AMCON market because the implication of the outcome of your valuation has very huge impact on our mandate.”

He informed the participants that the assets that are with AMCON belong mostly to companies and organisations whose loans were taken over by AMCON. According to him, when the assets are overvalued at the point of forfeiture by obligors, it becomes difficult for the corporation to realise the loan settlement amount or dispose the assets at competitive price, which underscores the need for a market realisable valuation by valuers at all times.

He said this is so critical because an over valuation of assets results in overstated forfeiture value and subsequent financial loss to AMCON at disposal.

Business News Eko Disco to commences prosecution of energy The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Plc on Thursday reiterated its plans to commence prosecution of illegal connection of energy customers within its network.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi, said this while deliberating on how the company could improve its service delivery at a town hall meeting in Victoria Island in Lagos Fadebiyi, represented by, the Chief Finance Officer of the company, Mr Joseph Esenwa said there had been high rate of energy theft and non-payment of bills by customers within its network.

He condemned the act while saying that the essence of the customer forum was to inform the customers about the company’s service as well as the huge amount loss to energy theft.

Fadebiyi warned all customers to desist from energy theft, adding that the company would not hesitate to prosecute and jail those caught in the act.

The EKEDC boss said that the forum was to enlighten customers on the negative implication of energy theft while listening to their problems and complaints. ``People go to our substations and vandalise cables, damage transformers, looking for transformer oil. In some cases, those illiterate ones think there is mercury in the transformer and destroy it, and we are losing a lot of money. `` Apart from vandals, we have meters being bypassed. When you look at all these losses, the cost is enormous. ``We lose millions of naira monthly to vandalism and theft of our equipments.

He added that the forum also aimed at getting customers’ view on strategic solutions to the problems. ``It has also come to our notice that some people have been illegally connecting to our energy. ``It is on this note that EKEDC is warning all those engaging in energy theft to desist from doing so.

Whoever is caught doing so would be prosecuted and jailed,’’ he said.

Fadeyibi said that the company had embarked on massive metering within its network but was challenged due to lack fund, which slowed down the schemes.

He explained that it was not possible for all customers to be metered at the same time since the cost involved in purchasing meters was huge.

The EKEDC chief said the company had embarked on an energy audit and customer enumeration programme to ensure a just and fair assessment of customers’ consumption.

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

NAPTIN begins training of 300 TCN engineers for effective service delivery

ÏdƆƐ Ɛ ƐƏ ƈ ƒƆƏ ǀƿǀ Ɛ ƇƇ Ƈ ƍ ƓƆƏ ƑƐƈƋƈƐƈƆ ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ Ɨ 1

Stories by Simon Ugwu The management of National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) has commenced training of 300 engineers of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) under the international collaboration with the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA).

NAPTIN commence the first batch of two weeks training was flagged off in Lagos with the six geo-political zones of the TCN regional workers represented.

The Acting Director General of NAPTIN, Mr Ahmed Nagode, in his welcome speech, urged the trainees to grab the opportunity with both hands and make best use of it, by ensuring that they achieved the objectives of this programme.

Nagode said that the programme will make the participants better industry players in their operational activities and also guarantee safety on the network.

He commended the participants for their understanding and their readiness to learn; adding that the training would facilitates better knowledge and technical skilled for the participants According to Nagode, under the collaboration NAPTIN will be training staff of power utilities in Nigeria and Ghana to the tune of 545, while TCN alone constitutes 300 and the distribution companies will be 203, VRA/Gridco Ghana 42 `We are privileged to be the only APUA centre of excellence in the whole of English speaking West Africa.

``This feat was achieved as a result of NAPTIN meeting the requirements of APUA for admission into the African Network of Centre of Excellence in Electricity (ANCEE) culminating in an MOU with APUA whose dividend we are witnessing today, he said.

The NAPTIN boss said that initiative will not only lead to enhancement of the capacity and competency of the manpower of these utilities, but also transform into improvement in the delivery of electricity to the countries.

He said that the initiative will also serve as a mean of generating foreign exchange to the nation because this contract with APUA is in Euro currency and being paid to our TSA account.

He said that the training programme was being implemented

in batches in order not to unsettle the smooth and scheduled operations of the Utilities. ``The first batch of 106 which we have started this week is of two trades namely Transformer and Switch gears Maintenance with 60 trainees and this is taking place here in Lagos. ``While the Power System Protection training of 46 staff is holding simultaneously in our Kainji Regional Training Centre, New Bussa Niger State. ``It must be stated here that our venture into regional and international partnership is in fulfillment of our target under the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) goals, well articulated under the leadership of our Minister Babatunde Fashola .

Gé`è ƌƄ Ɨ Ə ƈƆƗƑ R ƊƓƆè ƏƆƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛƈ Ɛ Ɔ yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛì Ƌ Ɖƈ ƄƗƑƋƋ ƈ L ƌ ƑƗè 0 ƏƌƆƏ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ^Ƌƅì ƈƗƈ ƕ è #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ^Ƌƅì nE &E&è L0`è 1L#è 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ^Ƌƅì L ƋƋ ƌ ƆƋƋ L ƅƅƈƗ è ƈƏƌ 0 M_ƑƆ Ɛ LƆƏƅ Ɛ Ɗì Ɨ ƄƈƌƄ Ƌ R Ƒ Ƅ Ɖ è ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ƒ ƅƈƋ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ dƐ ƅƊ &Ɣƅ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ Əƍ Ə ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ ƅƆ ` Ɛƈ dƕ ƐƆƌ ƆƏƐƈƇƈƅ Ɛƈ ƆƏƆƌ ƕ ƾƠơƤè ƆƋƗ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƈƒƈƅ Ɔ ƐƆƏè G êêê j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕê

Community to boost business with N100m market project The community of Mbaogu- Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State has made a move toboost businesses in the area with a N100 million naira market project. The Ujiri market will also include a Bank in the market, Police station and civil defence office.

The project is being handled by Engr Nnajiuba of Twin Design Plus Limited which is estimated to cost N100 million.

Speaking at the laying foundation ceremony recently, the Traditional Ruler of Enugu-agu Achi, Igwe Mbaogu of Mbaogu kingdom, , Ezeala 3, of of Achi, igwe Godwin Madu

called on all Umumba indigenes to come home and invest in the building and developing the community.

The Igwe however pointed out that such development cannot be achieved without the support of the state government. He thanked the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his developmental projects in the state. The Igwe then implored the governor to remember Umumba –Achi with regards to citing of other social amenities.The number one indigene also thanked the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu for his numerous projects he has attracted to the community and implored him to do more.

Also speaking , the vicar Anglican Emmaunuel church, Enugu– Agu, Venerable Ogbuabor stated, “ the laying foundation ceremoney, by the Igwe Godwin Madu today is a testimony is of the support of the Christian community Crusade held for two consecutive years in the market square.

He lauded the Igwe for the approval to hold the Crusade and applauded the traditional Primister Chief John Obianozie (OkeAzuMbaogu) who initiated the crusade.

Also speaking on phone to newsmen ,the Village head, Mr. Leonard Ezeani, listed the goodies the Igwe has attracted to the community to include Bore

hole, Transformer, Grading of roads , free education to the indigent indigenes and youth Empowerment programme.

He listed the dignitaries who graced the occasion to include the Traditional Prime mister, Chief John Obianozie, , former commissioner for Rural Development, Enugu State, Dr. Erice Oluedo.

Others are Nze Theo Onyekwere , Rev Chinaekeokwu, special adviser to the Igwe on Scurity Matters ,CSP Romanus Chukwu, the Assistant Parish Priest of St Theresa Catholic Church, Rev Fr, Ifeanyi Ugwu and President General , Mr. Benedeth Onuabuchi.

Tours&Travels

s B4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

Enugu Fair packaged to promote Nigeria’s economy Simon Ugwu with Agency report The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), says the 29th Enugu International Trade Fair has been packaged to strengthen the promotion of critical sectors of the economy.

The President of ECCIMA, Mr Emeka Udeze, said this when he paid a courtesy call to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the showcasing of critical sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture and tourism will further boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Udeze said that he was at NAN to seek partnership with the agency in order to boost the Fair scheduled to hold from March 16 to March 26.

He said that the theme of

the Fair “Engendering the Competitiveness of Nigeria Products in the Global Market’’ had been carefully cho-

sen.

“We plead with your esteemed organisation, and as you have been doing to very

well publicise and spread the information on the 29th Enugu International Trade Fair, which will commence from

March 16 to March 26, 2018,’’ he said.

He said that the agriculture sector would continue to be a major fulcrum during the Fair in order to boost agricultural production and commercial farming.

Udeze said the Fair would provide the potent platform for robust engagement by stakeholders in the economic cycle to look inwards to advance the industrial and technological development of the country.

According to him, 350 corporate participants both locally and international are expected to participate at the Fair, as well as one million visitors.

“We have introduced so many innovations to make this year’s Fair very meaningful and beneficial to all stakeholders.

“Part of our strategy this year is to provide the endearing platform for interaction among stakeholders for matchmaking and possible joint venture partnership deals,’’ he said.

Fashola decries illegal sand mining at Tamburawa River in Kano

Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has decried illegal sand mining in Tamburawa River in Kano state, urging the state government and the Emirate Council to ban the mining activities.

Fashola made the call in Kano when he visited Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II. He said continued sand mining at the site would not sustain the Federal Government’s ongoing project of reinstating and protecting the bridge constructed over the river as a result of the earlier exposure of its foundation.

“There was an erosion problem caused by illegal sand mining which had exposed the foundation of the bridge and endangering the entire structure.

“The Federal Government has responded to the problem and in another five months from now, the contractor will complete his

work.

“But we need the Kano State Government to assist us in ensuring that the sand mining activities in the river is moved away from the proximity of the bridge.

“If it continues, it will continue to endanger that bridge in spite of our efforts, so I am appealing to you, the government and the people of Kano to help us protect the asset.

“The contractor has recommended that no mining should take place within three kilometres on either sides of the bridge,” he said.

Fashola told the governor and the emir separately that the Federal Government had awarded the rehabilitation of the 360 kilometres Abuja-Kano road to Julius Berger.

He said two contractors; Metropolitan Construction Company and MotherCat had been deployed to provide routine maintenance on the Kano-Zaria section of the road.

The minister said this was to

ensure that the road remained passable pending the commencement of the rehabilitation work.

Fashola said he was in the state ahead of the top management retreat of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing holding in the state capital on Friday and Saturday.

In his response, Sanusi commended the minister for the visit and the choice of Kano State as the venue of the retreat.

He applauded the minister for the award of Abuja-Kano road rehabilitation and other ongoing Federal Government projects in the state.

The monarch, however, solicited for more and assured the minister that the emirate council would support the Federal Government to ensure a stop to sand mining in Tamburawa River.

In a related development, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof Hafiz Abubakar, who received the minister, also solicited for more of the Federal Government presence in the state.

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Tours & Travels

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, March 10, 2017

Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte needs psychiatric evaluation – UN rights chief Stories by Simon Ugwu Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s slurs against U.N. human rights activists suggest he needs to see a psychiatrist, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al-Hussein told a news conference on Friday.

“These attacks cannot go unanswered, the UN Human Rights Council must take a position,” Àl-Hussein said, after Duterte’s government sought to get an investigator, a former Philippines lawmaker and four former Catholic priests declared as “terrorists”.

“He needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric examination. This kind of comment is unacceptable, unacceptable,” Al-Hussein said.

NAN reports that Duterte declared a UN special rapporteur, a former Philippines lawmaker and four former Catholic priests and 600 communist guerrillas as “terrorists”.

The Philiphines justice ministry in February said it wanted a Manila court to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), “terrorist” bodies, but made no mention of individuals it would also target.

The petition, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, suggests President Rodrigo Duterte is following through on his

Duterte threats to destroy a movement he now regards as duplicitous.

Since taking office in July 2016, Duterte freed some communist leaders and put leftists in his cabinet, to show his commitment to finding a permanent solution to a five-decade conflict.

He abandoned the process in

November, after what he called repeated attacks by the NPA during talks.

The petition said the rebels were “using acts of terror” to sow fear and panic to overthrow the government.

Duterte has been regularly venting his fury at the Maoists and considers them as much

of a security threat as the domestic Islamist militant groups that have pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

By declaring groups and individuals terrorists, the government would be able to monitor them more closely, track finances and curb access to resources, among other measures.

Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher with the New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch, said the petition was “a virtual hit list”.

“There’s a long history in the Philippines of the state security forces and pro-government militias assassinating people labeled as NPA members or supporters,” he said in a statement.

The government petition included Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, appointed in 2014 as UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, who was listed as a senior member of the Maoist rebel group.

Tauli-Corpuz denounced the government, calling the complaint “baseless, malicious and irresponsible”.

Two other UN special rapporteurs, Michel Forst and Catalina Devandas Aguilar, expressed “grave concern” about TauliCorpuz being on the list, and said she was being punished

by Duterte for speaking against some of his policies.

Also on the list were four former Catholic priests and former congressman Satur Ocampo, who told Reuters he would challenge any “terrorist” label.

The petition included 18 top leaders of the CPP, including founder Jose Maria Sison and peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni, both based in the Netherlands for three decades.

There was no basis for the charge of terrorism, said Sison, who was a mentor of Duterte

Korea: No more missile wake-up calls – Kim Jong Un tells Moon North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promised the South’s President Moon Jae-in no more missile-related early morning wake-up calls, Seoul said.

Last year Pyongyang carried out 20 ballistic missile tests, almost all of them in the early hours of the morning.

Moon routinely summons his National Security Council immediately after such events, and the timing has ensured officials, diplomats and journalists in Seoul have regularly been jolted awake.

But when he met Seoul’s envoys this week a jovial Kim pledged not to disrupt Moon’s

slumbers any more.

“I’ve made up my mind today and President Moon does not have to be disturbed from sleep with early morning wake-up calls,” he was quoted as saying by an official of Seoul’s presidential Blue House.

At the four-hour meeting on Monday, Kim agreed to hold a summit with Moon in April, expressed his desire to meet US President Donald Trump at an early date, offered to to put denuclearisation on the table, and promised no more missile or nuclear tests while dialogue continued.

The two Koreas also agreed to open a hotline between the

leaders.

“If things don’t go well with officials’ talks and they behave arrogantly, Mr President and I can now talk directly through the phone and sort things out easily,” Kim said, to laughter from delegates on both sides.

Kim, whose weight is a regular subject of comment in foreign media, was aware of how he is portrayed overseas and engaged in pleasantries bordering on self-deprecation, another Blue House official said according to reports.

No details were provided.

But Trump once labelled him as “short and fat”.

North-Koreas Kim Jong Un

Ambode

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, March 10, 2017

B6

Tours & Travel

Court bans blind people, amputees from climbing Mount Everest Stories by Simon Ugwu Nepal’s Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed a government decree that bans blind people and double-amputees from climbing Everest, weeks before the beginning of the popular climbing season on the world’s highest peak.

Nepal’s Department of Tourism had revised its mountaineering rules late 2017, banning double-amputees and blind people from climbing Mount Everest, in a move officials said was aimed at reducing accidents and deaths.

However, the move was challenged at the country’s highest court by disability rights activists and climbers.

“The court issued the ruling because banning people from Everest is against the spirit of our constitution,’’ Kishor Paudel, an official at the Supreme Court, said.

Hari Budha Magar, a British Gurkha army veteran who had planned to set a record as the first double-amputee to successfully climb Everest this year, had cam-

Mt. everest tourism paigned against the government decision, calling it discriminatory.

Hundreds of climbers attempt to summit the 8,848-metre-high peak, which straddles Nepal and China, during the spring season from

April to May, when weather conditions are favourable for climbing.

NAN reports that according to the Himalayan Database updated on December 4, 2017, overall 288 people (173 westerners and 115

Sherpas) have died on Everest from 1921 to 2017.

The HDB said a median of four people have died each year on Everest since it was first attempted in 1921.

FG, Kebbi partner to revive Argungu fishing festival Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi says the state and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture are collaborating to revive the Argungu fishing festival in the state.

The Governor disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi whike interacting with a team of journalists on facts finding mission on the agricultural revolution and other developments in the state.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had led the newsmen to Kebbi to showcase and assess the agricultural revolution being championed in the state through the Federal Government Anchor Borrower Scheme.

Bagudu said that the Argungu fishing festival, which was last held in 2009, was suspended due to challenges of Boko Haram insurgency.

He said the then government found it expedient to suspend the annual festival due to its susceptibility to insurgents attack because of the huge crowd it attracted.

“The government suspended the festival until we are confident that the situation is back to normal, even though Kebbi state was not all that affected by the insurgency.

“Since last year, we are confident that the situations are back to normal and we have been working with the ministry to revive the festival.

“But, of course you always avoid the rainy season and there are a lot of things to be put in place like the infrastructure and the accommodation that have decayed in the course of the suspension.

“We are working hard to ensure that all these are back in order and the sponsors are up to date in order to make it as international as possible to attract the widest audience,” he said.

The Federal Government identified the cultural, tourism and creative industry as one of the major sectors to diversify the economy.

The Federal Government has been formulating policies and taking actions to unlock the huge potentials in the sector.

The Argungu fishing festival is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised cultural and tourism attractions.

The festival, which has been inscribed in the World Heritage list, was said to have originated in the 16th century.

Argungu festival, which has undergone several changes and modifications, was celebrated in 1934 to mark the end of the centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto caliphate region and the Kebbi kingdom.

The four day event is marked by pomp and pageantry and draws national and international attention.

At the beginning of the major

Bagudu event, over 5,000 fishermen and women gather close to the river and at the sound of a gunshot, they all dive into the river to fish.

The fishing equipment used are the traditional nets and the gourds made from calabash.

They are joined by canoes filled with drummers, plus men rattling huge seed-filled gourds to drive the fish to shallow waters.

Vast nets are cast and shoals of fish are harvested.

The person who catches the largest fish is awarded a prize

money of about 7,500 US dollars.

In the year 2005, the winner caught a fish weighing 75kg, the biggest fish that have been caught in the festival till date.

The festival also include canoe racing, wild duck hunting, barehanded fishing, diving competitions and swimming.

The festival usually marks the end of the growing season and the harvest.

After the annual event, the 1.6 kilometre stretch of the Argungu River is protected throughout the year.

Africa: Super Int’l Travels launches wesabitravel.com website Super International Travels Limited, a travel agency with branches in Lagos and Abuja, at the weekend, launched its website, www.wesabitravel. com, at a programme which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, amid fanfare.

The Managing Director of Super Travels, Mrs. Mobisola Shobayo used the occasion, which played host to the crème-de-lacrème of the travel industry as well as government functionaries, to thank customers, airlines and the travelling public for their unflinching support over the years.

In her welcome address, Shobayo said the travel agency had been in existence for 36 years adding that the company deemed it fit to launch its own travel website because e-travel and ecommerce had already overtaken paper and manual ticketing globally.

According to her, the founders of Super Travels had a big vision for the company, adding that she and her team, which conceived the vision for wesabitravel over three years ago, would not leave any stone unturned in taking it to an enviable height as a company.

“E-commerce has come to stay in the world, at first, we thought it was a joke but that is what is in vogue now and Super Travels has to key into it. We have been in existence for the past 35 years with so much experience, the website is a one-stop shop, with it, you will be able to make choices, the system will tell you the best and cheapest fare, you can also book hotels of your choice. “ We have bank guarantee, you don’t need to call anybody to complete you travel plans, all you need do is to just log in and make your choice. When it comes to travels, this is our passion”, she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of Super Int’l Travels, Mr. Adejare Shobayo, said the product is mobile friendly, adding that a customer has full control of his booking.

“It is about best practices in the travel world and it is to the benefit of the whole aviation industry. You can book, make changes, confirm your bookings and pay online, it is mobile friendly and within two minutes of your login, you are done with your booking”, he said.

Some of the clients and partners in their goodwill messages, praised the management of the company for consistency, loyalty and prudence.

Mr. Ademola Sanya, spoke on behalf of British Airways (BA) while Mrs. Odion spoke on behalf of GTA.

Business Features B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2018

PENGASSAN dismisses indigenous companies claims on local content Simon Ugwu Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), states that its attention has been drawn to a news story sponsored by the indigenous operators in the oil and gas industry accusing PENGASSAN of triggering an impending catastrophe in the nation›s oil and gas industry, following unsuccessful bid by indigenous companies to retain indigenous workers they groomed under various capacity building programmes that took substantial investments.

According to the National Public Relation Officer, PENGASSAN, Comrade Fortune Obi, “while we would not discountenance the fact that we have challenges with the indigenous operators in the industry, it is pertinent to categorically state that our face off with the companies was premised on their lack of respect for the laws of the land and constitutional provisions guiding their operations and relationship with their employees, especially as regards the rights and privileges of the workers.

He pointed out that PENGASSAN is an association of senior staff in the oil and gas industry and the clear mandate which form the fulcrum of its objectives as job security for members, ensure a safe and healthy work environment, improve the terms and conditions of employment, and support and promote legislations in the interest of our members in particular and Nigeria in general.

In the light of this, “our Association cannot fold its arms when some organisations, especially the indigenous companies, who ought to be defending the Constitution of the country and protecting the rights of their fellow Nigerians, are flagrantly disobeying the laws and enslaving their fellow countrymen and women”.

The real issue between our Association and the indigenous operators according to him, is their hatred for unionism under any guise, but not due to demand for excessive exit package as alleged in the news

Fuel Crisis

story. This phobia for unionism leads to immediate sack of workers who showed interest in the membership of the union.

“The penchant for managements of indigenous oil companies, especially their directors’ craze for acquisition of wealth and exhibition of it through the purchase and use of exotic cars and private jets while disregarding their employees’ welfare has been a bane in prudent management of such organizations and their resources forgetting that these workers are the golden goose that lay the golden egg.

“The preference for cheap labour and slave work as well as blatant disregard to the rule of law, while flaunting their connection with the political class in total disregard of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, ILO Conventions 89 and 98 and even the OECD guidelines which address Freedom of Association”, he said.

“Their disdain for the extant labour laws and other international treaties, particularly the ILO Treaties, to which Nigeria is a signatory and guarantee workers right to belong to any union of their choice and right to Collective

Bargaining, does not only hamper industrial harmony but also jeopardise the welfare of their employees, who incidentally are our members in the industry”, he added.

“It is important to state emphatically that the Nigerian indigenous companies operating in the Oil and Gas industry have always run foul of respecting established global labour laws and in particular the laws of the country”.

“The questions are: Why is it difficult for indigenous companies, including the Ciscon, which was quoted in the news story as going bankrupt as a result of PENGASSAN›s action to respect these laws?

Why are they not respecting the CBAs that were legally signed by both parties? He asked.

“Or is it out of place for the workers to ask for a CBA to guide their dealings with their employers? Why is it that it is only the indigenous employers that run foul of the right to unionisation which is allowed by the IOCs? If they have issues with the implementation of the CBA, why will they not go back to the table with the employee representatives instead of embarking on cheap blackmail, baseless attacks on the integrity of PENGASSAN and unilateral decision of severing the workers from their jobs or rendering those workers redundant?” he

further queried.

There is need to state that the Nigerian Content Development Act defines Nigerian Content as: ‘the quantum of composite value added to or created in the Nigerian economy by a systematic development of capacity and capabilities through the deliberate utilization of Nigerian human, material resources and services in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Perhaps, the ranting companies should be reminded that the Nigerian Content Law was enacted to encourage Nigerians to take ownership of the operations in the industry through the transfer of technical know-how and use of local raw materials.

“The Act draws strength from the countless struggles of PENGASSAN and NUPENG for the development of Nigerian content and Nigerianisation of the oil and gas industry.

PENGASSAN has always championed the struggle for the increased participation of Nigerians in the industry”.

Regrettably, he pointed out that the same Nigerians who are beneficiaries of our struggles are the ones that now devise all manner of anti-labours schemes aimed at strangulating and undermining the same group that fought for Nigerianisation and Nigerian Content.

“Most of the companies that are ranting over PENGASSAN›s observance of strict rules of engagement with the workers in their employ obviously have something to hide from Nigerians who deserve to ask question and know the real reasons why they cannot settle the severance pay of their ex-workers, which they jointly agreed with workers as contained in the CBA”, he said.

“PENGASSAN as an Association believes in robust relationship that is mutually beneficial. We fought for the Local Content Law that these indigenous companies are currently benefiting from and they should therefore treat their workers with respect and as social partners and we will not fold our hands while Nigerians are being treated as SLAVES in their own country”.

“Meanwhile let us state that it is not always in PENGASSAN best interest to embark on industrial action, which is the last weapon used by any trade union to press home their demands.

“We do only when every efforts of the Association’s leadership have been frustrated and fire brigade approach by employers, especially government agencies and indigenous companies, resort to despite du

Personal Finance B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 10, 2017

Bitcoin: Understanding digital currency, pitfalls

Bonny Amadi

Bitcoin is a type of cryptocurrency in which balances are kept using public and private “keys,” which are long strings of numbers and letters linked through the mathematical encryption algorithm that was used to create them.

The public key, similar to a bank account number, serves as the address which is published to the world and to which others may send bitcoins.

The private key, similar to an ATM PIN is meant to be a guarded secret, and only used to authorize Bitcoin transmissions According to Investopedia, though Bitcoin was not designed as a normal equity investment hence no shares have been issued, some speculative investors were drawn to the digital money after it appreciated rapidly in May 2011 and again in November 2013.

Following these trends, many people purchase bitcoin for its investment value rather than as a medium of exchange. But their lack of guaranteed value and digital nature means the purchase and use of bitcoins carry several inherent risks.

Key terms in BITCOIN BITCOIN: According to the official Bitcoin Foundation, the word “Bitcoin” is capitalized in the context of referring to the entity or concept.

Bitcoin: “bitcoin” is written in the lower case when referring to a quantity of the currency (e.g. “I traded 20 bitcoin”) or the units themselves.

The plural form can be either “bitcoin” or “bitcoins.”

Digital currency: Bitcoin is one of the world’s first digital currencies to use peer-to-peer technology to facilitate instant payments.

Miners: independent individuals and companies who own the governing computing power and participate in the Bitcoin network Mining: Bitcoin mining is the process through which bitcoins are released into the system (circulation), basically, it involves solving a computationally difficult puzzle to discover a new block Blockchain: Blockchain is

the world’s leading software platform for digital assets. It offers the largest production block chain platform.

Operational module: The independent individuals and companies who own the governing computing power and participate in the Bitcoin network, also known as “miners,” are motivated by rewards embedded in the release of new bitcoin as well as transaction fees paid in bitcoin.

These miners can be thought of as the decentralized authority enforcing the credibility of the Bitcoin network. New bitcoin is being released to the miners at a fixed, but periodically declining rate, such that the total supply of bitcoins approaches 21 million. One bitcoin is divisible to eight decimal places (100 millionth of one bitcoin), and this smallest unit is referred to as a Satoshi.

According to the system, if necessary, and if the participating miners accept the change, Bitcoin could eventually be made divisible to even more decimal places.

Risks of investing in Bitcoin Many investor alerts have been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) , and other regulatory agencies in Nigeria to beware of cryptocurrency as it could be seen a another form

of Ponzi scheme.

Lacks long- term record The concept of a virtual currency is still novel and, compared to traditional investments, Bitcoin doesn’t have much of a longterm track record or history of credibility to back it. With their increasing use, bitcoins are becoming less experimental every day, of course; still, after eight years, they (like all digital currencies) remain in a development phase, still evolving.

Not for the risk-adverse Regulatory risk According to Investopedia, Bitcoins are a rival to government currency and may be used for black market transactions, money laundering, illegal activities or tax evasion.

As a result, governments may seek to regulate, restrict or ban the use and sale of bitcoins, and some already have.

Others are coming up with various rules. For example, in 2015, the New York State Department of Financial Services finalized regulations that would require companies dealing with the buy, sell, transfer or storage of bitcoins to record the identity of customers, have a compliance officer and maintain capital reserves. The transactions worth $10,000 or more will have to be recorded and reported.

Although more agencies will follow suit, issuing rules and guidelines, the lack of uniform

regulations about bitcoins and other virtual currency raises questions over their longevity, liquidity and universality.

Tax risk As bitcoin is ineligible to be included in any tax-advantaged retirement accounts, there are no good, legal options to shield investments from taxation.

Security risk Bitcoin exchanges are entirely digital and, as with any virtual system, are at risk from hackers, malware and operational glitches. If a thief gains access to a Bitcoin owner’s computer hard drive and steals his private encryption key, he could transfer the stolen Bitcoins to another account.

No third party transaction Any transaction carried out with bitcoins can only be reversed if the person who has received them refunds them.

There is no third party or a payment processor, as in the case of a debit or credit card therefore, there is no source of protection or appeal if there is a problem.

Insurance risk: Some investments are insured and Bitcoin accounts

are not insured by any type of federal or government program.

Fraud risk While Bitcoin uses private key encryption to verify owners and register transactions, fraudsters and scammers may attempt to sell false bitcoins.

For instance, in July 2013, the SEC brought legal action against an operator of a Bitcoin-related Ponzi scheme.

Market risk Like with any investment, Bitcoin values can fluctuate.

Indeed, the value of the currency has seen wild swings in price over its short existence.

Subject to high volume buying and selling on exchanges, it has a high sensitivity to “news.” According to the CFPB, the price of bitcoins fell by 61% in a single day in 2013, while the one-day price drop in 2014 has been as big as 80%.

If fewer people begin to accept Bitcoin as a currency, these digital units may lose value and could become worthless. There is already plenty of competition, and though Bitcoin has a huge lead over the other 100-odd digital currencies that have sprung up, thanks to its brand recognition and venture capital money, a technological breakthrough in the form of a better virtual coin is always a threat.

Life&

TIMES Saturday, March 10, 2018

Kehinde Bankole: Simplicity makes you stay away from trouble

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Stage is a much disciplined art – Kehinde Bankole When it comes to top-notch acting and bringing a character to life, Kehinde Bankole knows her onions. The former Miss Lux, who also had a stint in modeling, has starred in countless soap operas, movies amongst others. With her acting prowess, Kenny as she is sometimes called, has equally won laurels for a job well done. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, she spoke about how it all started, keeping off scandals, dream roles, and what attracts her to a script amongst others. Enjoy‌ A lot of your female counterparts has delved into movie production/directing amongst others; does Kehinde also have that in the works?

a stage performer or a normal actress?

Both of them are challenging, stage is very

anything is possible so long is your evolving and you are growing and it making you more money so long you are doing so many great things everybody wants

have a second take, there is no rewind and let me take it again and so, what you give at that time is what the people are going to get, it is important you make your decision for stage like in fraction of a second, you have to decide how you want to deliver

What keeps the Kehinde brand going?

My faith, believe in God, my believe in life, my

people think acting a movie is simple but it is not, it is also equally challenging, the opportunity you have

to be wasted you have to respect the fact that time is time, is not going to wait for you or change things because of you it will only bring you opportunities,

you might have to re-do like 30 times, think about rewinding a particular emotion, the stress of having to put yourself on the same level of that emotion for about 30 times, especially if there is a crowd in a scene and you have to re-do a scene plenty times and have to sustain the same level of energy, if you have to remember something bad that made you be in the mood, you have to remember that over and over if you are ask to act the scene over again, so

Do you still have dream roles? started with so many of them, I still want to play a drug addict, I want to play the serial killer, I want to play the physically active woman who has action,

In the course of you going into theatre, were your parents in support?

Yes, because I started through the church drama, they use to see it like am spending so much time, there is church service, there is choir rehearsal, drama rehearsal, they were interested in me doing

What do you look out for in a script before you consider the script worthy?

The direction the story is going, there are some stories you will see and you will understand what want a good story, apart from the story being good I should be able to understand the direction, there is a theme, a message the story is trying to pass,

time because they were concerned for other things, things, they were really concerned, but once I got into the university and they saw that I have crossed that You have a twin sister, people get to wonder why is not showing interest or you are not carrying her along?

She is not an actress, she is an event planner, she started out acting before me, as her career grows she made decisions to focus on her event planning business, but that is not to say if she wants to come

will be happening to the people watching at home, we serve as the bridge between the people at home How have you been able to keep off scandals?

I keep things simple, simplicity is what make you stay away from trouble, when you keep everything simple it makes whatever comes back at you simple Take acting from Kehinde who is Kehinde Bankole in real life? time, I love to cook, I love spending time with family, loved ones and friends, I like to make people happy,

Which will you consider more challenging, being

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Eyola L3

Forever young 1ne Women as young as 25 are investing a large amount of money to stop, slow down or rewind the ageing process. More women are decidedly steering clear of intrusive surgical procedures (such as facelifts) in favour of non-surgical treatments.

2wo Botox is an expensive non-surgical procedure that involves injecting diluted toxins minimize discomfort. Although this procedure is painless for some, others feel the pinch of the needle resulting in feeling both sore and bruised post-treatment. Results can be seen within 2 to 4 weeks and lasts for up to 6 months.

3hree utes with long-lasting results (12 months or more). This non-surgical procedure relaxes the muscle under the wrinkle and can be used to lift sagging areas such as the cheek

ing lips - both in size and plumpness. Results are almost immediate and last for up to 6 months.

7even

professional to carry out this procedure, as malpractice can lead to complications such as nerve paralysis or even blindness.

4our Chemical Peels are very popular, involving the application of an acid-based solution onto the skin. The intensity of the warm or burning sensation of the acid differs from patient to patient and also depends on the type of chemical peel used. Stronger peels may cause the skin to resemble sunburnt skin, and therefore requires a few months

The wavelength of light sheds old skin, making way for youthful smoother skin. Slight discomfort may be felt after times taking up to 12 weeks to see results. This treatment is also used for hair removal and to treat sun-damaged skin.

8ight character from the American hit And The City, demonstrated this side effect in a humorous way. Samantha was forced to hide her face under a wide brim hat during a social event, following a deep chemical peel treatment performed on her face the day before. It is advised not to use a chemical peel home kit and instead dermatologist to carry out this procedure to avoid any health risks.

5ive treatment that uses a very shortpulsed carbon dioxide laser to help stimulate collagen production. Unlike Botox and chemical peels, the side effects - swelling and redness - are not as prominent and usually clear up after a few days.

6ix Collagen is an anti-ageing treatment that involves injecting collagen directly into targeted areas of the procedure is also used for enhanc-

the idea of going under the knife, but want the immediate results of a surgical facelift. Special “threads� are anesthetic is required for this treatment and recovery time Would you ever go under the knife or try a non-surgical treatment?

Share your thoughts with Eyola on Twitter: @ WorldEyola

Society circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Lagos Big Boy, E-Money celebrates Billionaire and CEO of 5star music is another Lagos big boy that needs little or no introduction.

The younger brother to Nigerian famous singer, Kingsley Okonkwo popularly known as KCee has been rated among the most industrious cool dude whose taste for luxuries knows no bound. And saying that he has money and he surely knows how to enjoy it to the fullest is an understatement judging from his palatial mansion in Omole, Ikeja, Lagos. Last week, friends, family, business associate and other well-wishers gathered to celebrate his 36th birthday bash in his multi-million naira abode.

The birthday bash had crème-de-la-crème from the entertainment industry, top personalities and business moguls in attendance.

Governor Wike honoured

Gov. Wike

E-Money

Alaafin of Oyo welcomes twins

The governor of River State, Barrister Nyesom Wike has every reason to celebrate despite his political turbulence and the bloody clash between him and the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. Governor Wike has been described by many as governor of the people with large heart. The dynamic governor has been working tediously to deliver the dividends of democracy to every citizen of Rivers since he as-

Silverbird Man of the year by a board and management of Silverbird Communication after he polled the highest votes to beat other personalities. As if that was not enough, he was also honoured with the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year Award. Chief Wike have ment of the nation and improvement in the quality of lives of the people.

Senator Ita Giwa in joyous mood Health they say is wealth especially when one possessed both good health and wealth at the same time. Cross River state born politician, Senator Florence Ita Giwa is an epitome of beauty whose health and wealth never failed despite her old age. The aged but agile socialite recently celebrated her 72nd Birthday called hosted her family and high pro-

The Iku Baba Yeye of Oyo Kingdom, Dr. Lamidi Adeyemi III and his wives are presently in joyous mood.

Both Olori Memumat Adeyemi and Olori Olaitan Ajoke have both welcomed a set of twin each. The double celebration is coming after the renowned king installed the 15th Aare Ona Kankafo of Yoruba Land. The

tagram to say; “Congratulations to me, Adeyemi family and all the Oyo Empire, as my wife “Olori Memunat Omowumi” gives birth to set of twins”.

Olori Badirat Olaitan Ajoke also shared the news on her Instagram page, revealing she had welcomed two boys.

Osime, Rita Dominic and more at her luxury home in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos. The society matriarch and style maven hosted a soirée for her friends and loved ones. She surely suit, which boasted of sheer on the chest. She paired the dress with red shoes and minial jewelry. In case you

displaced people of Bakassi since Ita Giwa

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Society circle L5

Ajibade Alabi

Senator Ademola Adeleke dancing prowess

Ayinba Erelu Mojisola’s widows mind

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After 10 years, Solidstar announces exit from label

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Golden Curvy Models applaud Black Panther -

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Relationship L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Why should he be blamed?

Life they say is not bed of roses, so also goes for love that would never be a promise of a rose unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion. This was all that Oluwadamilare showed during our stay together but as bad excuses. I was blind folded by lust not love. It took me so many years to realize the deadly mistake I made that have cost me a fortune. Come to think of it, will I ever be forgiven for that I have done. I need an advice please.

I woke up one morning hoping to have a wonderful moment with my so-called boyfriend, but to my surprise all that was supposed to be nice became sour with the kind of attitude I put up just for the reason been that I saw a guy that I considered better than him. I realized I should have taken my time before taking that decision that brought a stigma to me.

I never meant what I did, only that I was blind folded by lust not love. That decision I made changed everything about me and would love people to learn from that.

When I meant Oluwadamilare back in 2002, things were going smoothly because the chemistry between us was so strong that my colleagues in school had several feelings that it might lead to a blissful marriage.

Oluwadamilare was at the school library where I had gone to read in preparation for my fourth coming examination, he starred at me in the library. Later that same day, he came running after me and all he said was friendship. caved in to his advances. six month of our friendship, but as time went on, I had no choice than to give in to his proposals because then, I was already in love with him. All I was even thinking before he made his moves was praying that he ask mate wants him too.

Although Oluwadamilare

gave

know what went along the line, I told him I wanted a break for some while.

Not that we had a misunderstanding,

working out any longer. Even before I told him my intention of quitting our 2years old relationship, the sweet memories of the days shared together would continue to linger in my mind as the most remarkable one was the celebration of our one year relationship where we both had a nice treat at the popular Kuramo Beach before heading to Eko Hotel and Suites where we had a memorable day together. One thing led into another as he demanded sex from I thought he would be angry about that, but to my believe all he said was pulling your legs, I reserve that till when I get you married fully.

Instantly, I had mixed feelings that it was just a normal saying by guys of nowadays so I was not confused about him getting married to me, I thought it was one those lies used by The day my world came crushing was when we had gone to attend a birthday party of his friend, Nifemi at the Nu-Grotto club on the Island. He inquired that we dance together while Oluwadamilare was still busy drinking his beers. We danced for some while before my baby boy joined us on the dance move of Nifemi as I monitored his moves while still holding Damilare closely.

All through the party, my eyes were closely focused on Nifemi, I was carried away by is handsomeness, he sexy lips and his bold smiles, I was thinking was the possibility of him holding me close to his heart.

After the whole day partying with the birthday boy, it was time for us to leave but I made way by confusing Damilare for us to stay a little longer which he obliged as he continue to remind me of the fact that I was the apple of his eyes.

Before our discussion ended, I had already gotten his number at the time; Damilare stepped out to use the toilet. He promised to give me a call which he did as promised. All through the night even while sleeping close to my boyfriend, all I was thinking was the nice peck Nifemi gave me at the

party.

It took me two months and half to set my eyes on him again as Damilare would not allow me follow him whenever he goes visiting. It got to a stage that I would sneak out of the house to see Nifemi on several occasions.

Nifemi promised all I assume Damilare should tell me, he promises to make me his wife only if I am ready to quit my relationship with Damilare. I told him to give me some time to think over the issue, after some time, I gave a call to him telling him that I have accepted his proposal.

I made all things possible towards doing things that would up set him and eventually I got the better part of him as he slapped me after an argument erupt between the two of us. I saw that as an opportunity to tell him that I was already sick and tired of the relationship. Damilare felt remorse about his reactions, he pleaded but I gave a deafen ear to him since that was one of the opportunity I was seeking.

Few weeks later, I started a relationship with Nifemi; I must of the relationship was splendid as we had sizzling moments together ranging from the visitation to various places and much more the beach side experience.

Things worked out the way I thought as I had the dream of getting married to Nifemi as soon as possible, thus, the I was highly welcomed by his parent who later gave advices on things that would make our relationship last longer.

We made way for the preparation of our said wedding, all the arrangements were made so well, but the only disappointing aspect of it was when Nifemi told me that man for the occasion. I had mixed feeling immediately that if it were to be a planned game. Nifemi gave me

more courage that such would never happen as he never invited Damilare On the very day of our wedding, I was happy and at the same time sad at the other end as my heart told me something weird was going to occur. the exchange of vows, I was still not balanced; all I was hoping was that the programme comes to an end so soon.

The pastor later asked for whoever, will want to the wedding to take place, then Damilare was just coming in into the church, my mind was beating so fast and the top it all, I was already sweating abnormally. All I saw at the end was that he went to have his sit, at this time; my senses were just working as expected.

Later after the church and reception programme, he came congratulating us but later whispered into my ears that he was going to get me back at all cost after hugging me.

I kept on pondering on the word but never allowed Nifemi to know about it, soon after our blissful wedding, Nifemi demanded sex from me which I told him I was not ready due to the stress I had early experienced before and after the wedding; he never gave a listening ears as he used to, but rather all he did was to pounce on me and worst part of it was that I was beaten blue black by him as he even dare to show me more if I refuse to give in to him. Life later became much more miserable for me; as all I thought of was to have a wonderful marriage with Nifemi which later turned out to be soar.

Everything about the marriage was now unbearable for me, I can no longer cope in line with the behaviors of Nifemi, I kept regretting my walking out from my sweet relationship.

Things later got so bad that Nifemi never bordered about what goes on in the family as he barely ask if there was still food stuff at home and things like that, all I notice was that the little moves I take in preparing the meals, all he said was that he had taken

He hardly eat my food, not to talk of sleeping on the same bed with me, I could no longer play along the whole situation, so I rather kept calm of the whole issue.

Things got so bad one day as I have gone to the nearest market to get some food stuffs for the family, in my kitchen ditching out food for my husband sitting so close to the lady, cuddling each other as they eat. I asked Nifemi who the lady was only to be shocked by what he responded with. “You see this lady here is the new woman in my life as the marriage contract between us has expired and the only thing I can tell you now is to pack your things out of my house since you are now irritating me� he said. to shout back on the lady to leave my husband alone, Nifemi only replied in place of the lady by giving a dirty slap.

It was at that point that I realized by presence was no longer needed in the house, so I had to pack out of the house to continue with me life.

My life struggle continues and after about a year and half, I met Damilare again; on sighting him, I thought of running but was hold back by him as he asked after my family. As I turned to explain to me, tears dropped from by eyes.

One thing led into another again as he asked if we could continue our relationship and if possible seals it. He gave me courage to forget everything about my past.

The problem I have now is that I have promise to reconcile with him, but he gave me time to think about it. Therefore I am still contemplating if I should go back to him or rather go into another relationship with another person entirely.

Send feedback/comment to allimutiat@yahoo.com 07035429758 (SMS ONLY)

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Opinion L7

Mutiat Alli

Bringing succour to the visually impaired According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 253 million people in the world, including Nigeria, live with visual impairment. Unfortunately, unlike most countries of the world, Nigeria still has a long way to go in the care of people with visual impairment including, providing for their educational, social and economic needs.

It is not unusual to see people with visual impairment resort to street begging as a means of livelihood even though this should not be the case. Many are left to their own devices without help from family or even the communities they reside. Unfortunately, ignorance and poverty on the side of the sufferers and family members have also played a huge role in their inability to nib the problem in the bud. Sometimes, what is needed might be a simple surgical procedure to remove a malignant tissue after which the sight is fully restored.

In a post visual impairment survey conducted in 2007 by six collaborating institutions, including the International Center for Eye Health (ICEH), a London-based research and educational group, it was gathered that an estimated 1.13million people, aged 40 years, are blind in Nigeria and an additional 2.7 million have partial impairment.

Simply put, an estimated 42 out of every 1,000 persons in the country are blind. Commensurate care however has not been provided by the government to help fix the high prevalence of the scourge. The majority of blind people live in middle and poor income parts of the country and cataract, a highly treatable eye disease, represents a major cause of blindness.

There is the need for stakeholders and the government to pay more attention to the plight of blind people and ensure that their educational and social needs are adequately catered for. Sadly, this is not the case. The pain and suffering blind people go through even within their families is so pathetic that it gives the feeling of hopelessness, especially for those who have dreams of pursuing careers in the different sectors of the economy.

Chioma Ohakwe, a caregiver and mother has a firsthand experience with blind people and the challenges they encounter in the society.

She has been the caregiver of three members of her family who were blinded by measles, and understands that blindness should not translate to the end of their dreams. Moved by their plight, she further opened her doors to young blind boys and girls, teaching them to work around their disabilities and to continue the pursuit of their academic aspirations. Moved by the zeal to care for blind people, she founded the Bathesda Home for the Blind, a non-for-profit institution which she operates with her personal resources and contributions from some well meaning Nigerians in her neighborhood who want to help. With her experience, Ohakwe knew she could not turn her back on these vulnerable people who also had the right to survival. She continued to take in more blind people into her home where she lived at Tejuosho in Lagos, until the place became too small to take in more. Fortunately, her actions were noticed by the Surulere local government authorities led then by Tajudeen Ajide, who commended her for her actions and relocated the home to its present place in Mushin, Lagos.

Just like Mrs. Ohakwe, MTN Foundation, the social responsibility vehicle of MTN Nigeria,

everything, which is why private organizations like MTN Nigeria have contributed in support of

understands the plight of vulnerable people in the society and for this reason embarked on an initiative aimed at supporting over 1,500 orphanages in Nigeria by providing food and household items, tagged Orphanage Support Initiative, (OSI) for them. Under this project, about 37 orphanages across the six geo political zones were visited and presented with food and household items. in caring for people with visual impairment, was expressing her appreciation to the Foundation, Mrs. Ohakwe she wished many more private organizations would emulate the gesture.

According to her, “Providing and taking care of the needs of blind people is an uphill task which requires a lot of support from government and the private sector. Ohakwe added that she was happy more people and private organizations are beginning to see what she saw several years ago and are pitching in to help alleviate the suffering of people with visual impairment.”

Basic amenities and social infrastructure, especially for the less privileged, are critical to the human existence and societal growth, as well as economic uplift, which are best served by the government. Basic amenities would not only guarantee the happiness and welfare of the people, it would also promote the security and the socio-economic development of the nation or state. However, government alone cannot do

basic amenities.

MTN, through its Foundation, constantly explore opportunities to contribute to the development of communities they operate in, whether it is in the areas of rural health care, education or economic empowerment.

For Ohakwe, it is all worth it because several success stories have been recorded since she began caring for the blind. Founded in 2005, the home currently houses 126 students and has recorded a several success stories. So far, four students have undergone successful surgeries and have their sights fully restored, 23 of them have gotten admissions into various tertiary institutions and a couple of them have gotten married. This, Ohakwe said, is what makes her determined to continue impacting the lives of these bright young people. She urges the government to play its role in their lives so they can have better living conditions and achieve their dreams. This is why the donations from the MTN Foundation come in handy. Ohakwe said: “We are so happy with these gifts from MTN because for at least another month or more, we will not have to buy food. The money saved will be channeled towards other things like staff salary and sundry expenses.”

Head girl of the school, Queen Anuchaogu, who left her home town in Abia State to join the school, had so much to say about the school and the general attitude of people towards the needs of blind people. She elaborated on the need for the provisions of specialized educational tools that will enable them achieve their academic dreams. Educational tools like Braille machines, laptops, audio recorders, android phones for blind people, printers, among other tools. The availability of these tools, she said, would place them at a competitive advantage and enable them study for their external examinations.

People with visual impairment need much encouragement and it is imperative that there is collaboration between the public and private sectors so as to alleviate their suffering and provide their needs, thereby giving them a better life

Home Affairs L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Folarin Leonard

Factors to consider when transforming your sitting room How would you like to discover various ways to transform your living room to somewhere you never feel happy to leave? These tips include that which even works for a tiny budget. To all dĂŠcor lovers,

Available space You must consider your available space before minimum effort. Sometimes the simplest changes can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of a

location. Your items should be kept in designated areas.

Curtains You may have formerly used heavy curtains that prevent rays of light. You may want to consider simpler be amazed how much larger a room will appear and

Color Have you maintained a particular color? You may want to Change the color scheme at this point. This Plan your scheme carefully before you so as to keep you on-track both with the balance of color and pattern in the room and also the budget. For busy homes that receive visitors often, a hard-wearing paint is essential.

Wallpapers To achieve a sophisticated look without overspending, a single panel of wallpaper within a large architrave frame can be as impressive as a whole feature wall.

use of cable concealers.

Play zone Create a Play Zone

where there might be

Lightening Other steps include; adding warm and proper lightening and if you use a carpet, replace with a rog

you have a lot of small, Have your books and

clean, fresh feel. Tiles are recommended for solid

the room.

sofa and a couple of chairs, consider a scaled-down

Wall spacing You should also leave space between the walls

Your Houseplants in cute plant stand or several decorative pots. The type of houseplants you

single couch, small sectionals make perfect sense for a cramped space by offering as much seating as a separate sofa and chairs but in a smaller footprint.

against a wall, the room can seem cold and unwelcoming. Pull the furniture inward on at least two or three sides to create a more intimate area.

You can replace some furniture with glass or less

use glass-item tables either at the center or forward center of the room.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clutter-free. Papers, books,

doors, or open doorways make a room more spacious. Furniture with thinner bodies on raised legs reveal more space to the eye.

surfaces all around the house, and the sitting room is no different. You will need a household information center where you can access entertainment like that.

The tangle of wires in the house can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the sitting room. You should make

Center attraction You should have a center of attraction. The most common focal points are up against one large windows. Place seating arrangement along the other three sides of the room, at right angles or angled slightly toward the focal point.