Ganduje dismisses vendetta accusation in new emirates creation
Says Emir Sanusi ought to report to LG chairman Appoints 4 new Emirs Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
As the controversy surrounding the decentralisation of Kano Emirate following the creation of four new of emirates by the
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administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State deepens, the governor has clarified on why he took the decision and has dismissed insinuations of Continued on page 3
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
VOL. 3
NO. 941
N100
Say brain drain in nation’s medical profession having negative effects on quality care Seek improved welfare package for health workers
Kasara Chukwuma Fresh indications have emerged that Nigeria has over nine decades to go before achieving a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a result of the massive brain drain in the medical profession. Already, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which is a vital tool in achieving UHC is constantly faced with leadership crisis, which has led to only five percent coverage since its establishment in 2005. Stakeholders say the current structure of the scheme which makes health insurance voluntary has hindered progress in the health sector. Besides, the nation’s health sector is bedeviled with so many other problems ranging from poor funding, lack of equipment, shortage of manpower, strikes by health workers, poor health indices, high maternal and infant mortality rate, non functional primary
Appeal Court faults CCT order suspending Onnoghen g 5 Chimamanda bags honorary doctorate from US varsity g 5
healthcare centres, and out of pocket payment for healthcare services among others. The Daily Times gathered that it will be impossible for Nigeria to achieve UHC by 2030 with the current trend of brain drain in the health sector as many doctors are leaving the country on daily basis. Reports show that Nigerian doctors have been migrating to the U.S, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UK and many other nations across the globe. The Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, is not happy with the trend as he has expressed concern at the rate at which many Nigerian-trained medical doctors are migrating to other countries in search of greener pastures. Amid this challenge of migration, Prof. Fabamwo said Nigeria requires 237,000 doctors to achieve a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which he noted would take the country 100 years to produce. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Insurgency:g 5 Militia frees 900 children in North East Again, Presidency denies paying N100bn to Miyetti g5 Allah
I battled depression because I was plus sized
- Nollywood actress Amara Maduka g 11
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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‘What Nigeria needs to achieve Universal Health Coverage’ Continued from page 1
According to him, only 40,000 out of 91,000 doctors on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) register are practicing in the country. He said the number was grossly inadequate and far from the 237,000 doctors needed for Nigeria to achieve universal health coverage. Prof. Fabamwo disclosed this in Lagos recently during the Ordinary General Meeting of the Medical Guild association of doctors under the employment of Lagos State government with the theme: “Challenges of Inadequate Human Resources in the Health Sector: Way Forward.” The LASUTH boss, who was the Keynote Speaker in his lecture, said: “There are about 40,000 doctors that are practicing in Nigeria now. “So, where are the remaining 51,000 since MDCN has 91,000 names on its register? “It is interesting to note that 80 per cent of those 51,000 are abroad, while 20 per cent have been affected by internal brain drain. “Internal brain drain is where a doctor stops practicing medicine and starts doing something else.” Fabamwo, who is a Professor of Obstetrics Gynaecology, said that brain drain had become a major problem confronting quality healthcare delivery, stressing that the country was faced with gross shortage of medical personnel contrary to the recent claim by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, that Nigeria had enough doctors. “We need 237,000 doctors to achieve a Universal Health Coverage. “Statisticians have calculated that it is going to take the country 100 years, at the rate we are going, to produce the number of doctors that we need”, he said.
Brain drain in the nation’s medical profession has been having negative effects on the quality care offered to patients as the ratio of medical practitioners to patients in the country is very low. Official records reveal that Nigeria currently has one doctor to attend to 3, 500 patients which is a far cry to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients. On why Nigeria was faced with the problem of inadequate manpower in the health sector, Prof. Fabamwo blamed it on insufficient production of medical personnel, internal and external brain drain, lure of overseas travel, economic reasons, lack of job satisfaction, poor working condition, among others. He, however, listed the way forward by asking the Federal Government to declare an emergency in the health sector and to also reappraise the sector master plan. He also recommended a special welfare package for all health workers while urging the government to implement the National Health Act, assuring that its provisions would better the lives of Nigerians. In his remarks, Chairman of Medical Guild, Dr. Babajide Saheed, urged the Lagos State government to take the issue of brain drain in the state seriously. He noted that for Nigeria to achieve UHC, there must be political will on the part of leaders and right structures in place. “What we need is to restructure our health system. There are three levels of care – the primary, secondary and tertiary. The main one is the primary because it is close to the people. We have to make sure that we rejuvenate the primary health centres as a lot of problems can be prevented
at this level. “Universal Health Coverage implies that everybody must have access to quality health care delivery. The government must also increase health care funding by making sure that the budgetary allocation for the health sector aligns with the recommendations of WHO which stipulates that the health budget should be 15 per cent of the total annual budget of a country”, he said. The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), had earlier described as “unfortunate” Ngige’s statement on brain drain in the medical sector. Ngige, who spoke during a television programme recently, said he was not bothered that medical doctors are leaving Nigeria in droves, saying that the nation has a surplus of them and must therefore “export” to other countries. The NMA president, Dr. Adedayo Faduyile, said Nigeria had not enough doctors, calling on the government to ensure the country retains its medical personnel. He said: “That is an unfortunate statement which shows that he has done nothing in medical practice.“ “The WHO stated that, for optimal healthcare to be achieved, we need doctor/ patient ratio of one to 600. “In Nigeria, we have 40,000 doctors taking care of 200 million people. “It’s unfortunate, we do not have enough doctors. Maybe he is looking at the monetary part, but there is opportunity cost. “We have the maternal mortality that is about the highest in the world. To correct it, we need health professionals around.” To achieve a UHC in Nigeria, the NMA President said the Federal Government must restructure the NHIS as well as operate a mandatory health scheme.
Ganduje dismisses vendetta accusation in new emirates creation
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vendetta against Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamudo Sanusi II. Gov. Ganduje while speaking to State House correspondents on Friday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum Award at the Aso Villa, said the creation of the new emirates is not a vendetta against the reigning emir of Kano as is being insinuated in some quarters. Ganduje, who insisted that he was not against the emir, noted that “in fact, he is supposed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the constitution of Nigeria. “It is the local government chairman that he (Sanusi) is supposed to discuss issues with not the governor.” The governor said that contrary to reports in the media, the creation of more emirates is appreciated by the people of Kano and his administration would make sure that the new emirate councils are effective in terms of developing the state.
On the accusation that his administration distorted an 800 –year-old history because of personal vendetta, Ganduje said “they are entitled to their own opinion, but we are taking Kano to the next level and we need active participation of the traditional system, especially in the areas of education, security, agriculture; we need the effectiveness of the traditional rulers. The Daily Times recalls that Kano State House of Assembly had on Wednesday, passed the bill for the creation of four additional first class emirates after it was presented on Monday, adopted the next day before its eventual signing into law on Wednesday by the state governor. The bill paved the way for the decentralisation of the Kano emirate council. Defending the actions of the legislators who presented the petition for the creation of new emirates to the assembly, Ganduja said: “We believe the petitioners did it in good faith. And they want the development of the state.”
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PHOTO TIMES
L-R:President Muhammadu Buhari breaks Ramadan fast with the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the residency Presidential Villa Friday Night in Abuja...on Friday
L-R: Globacom’s representative at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance Lecture, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe; political scientist, Professor Ayodele Olukotun, and his wife, Mrs. Olukotun, at the event sponsored by Globacom in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State... on Friday.
Meanwhile, Governor Ganduje has appointed four new emirs in the state. The appointment comes 48 hours after he assented to a bill to L-R: Kano State Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Mallam Mohammed Garba receving Lifetime Achievements Award from the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris split Kano emirate into five. The new emirs are Aminu Isiguzo at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja Ado Bayero (Bichi), Ibrahim Abdulkadir (Gaya), Tafida Abubakar (Rano), and Ibrahim Abubakar (Karaye). Ado Bayero is one of the sons of the predecessor of Muhammadu Sanusi, the incumbent emir of Kano. With the development, Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Kabiru Alhassan, is now a kingmaker in Rano emirate. Rurum, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Rano, made the list of four kingmakers in the emirate. Commissioner for Information in the state, Muhammad Garba, said the new emirs would receive their letters of appointment and staff of office at a ceremony at Sani L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Emeka Emuwa; Chairman, Mr. Cyril Odu; and Company Abacha Stadium today, May 11. Secretry, Mr. Somuyiwa Sonubi; at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Bank’s in Lagos
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Appeal Court faults CCT order suspending Onnoghen Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on Friday, faulted the order issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on January 23, 2019 that suspended former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, from office. But, the Court declined to make an order. It however stated that the CCT order which was challenged by an interlocutory appeal filed by Onnoghen breached his fundamental right to fair hearing. Justice Stephen Adah stated this in a unanimous judgment in one of the four interlocutory appeals filed by Onnoghen. Delivering the lead judgment, he said that justice must not be shrouded in secret as done in the granting of the ex-parte order by the tribunal on January 23, 2019. The appellate court stated that the manner in which the order of suspension was issued was shrouded in secret and raised questions because the parties have joined issues. Further faulting the suspension, the Court of Appeal held that it was wrong for the tribunal to have decided the substantive matter with the interim injunction, as part of the complainant prayer sought in substantive matter includes an order suspending the CJN. The appellate court said from the record of proceedings, parties have joined issues, only for the Federal Government to go behind to take order that affected the interest of the appellant, adding that Onnoghen’s fundamental right to fair hearing was breached. The court however, refused to make any order against the suspension because his trial had been concluded and that an appeal on the substantive matter is pending before the court. “Since the ex-parte order had been spent and cannot serve any useful purpose and judgment in the
Onnoghen substantive matter had been delivered, the appeal is hereby struck out”, Justice Adah held. Justice Adah in another appeal filed by Onnoghen on the bench warrant issued against him by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) struck out the appeal on the ground that the records of proceedings transmitted to the court did not show that bench warrant was issued and that there were no supplementary records to establish that warrant for arrest was issued. “There is nothing in this appeal that requires the attention of the court, it is here by struck out”, Justice Adah held. In the third appeal, which challenged the CCT’s decision to hear a motion challenging jurisdiction along with the main trial and deliver judgement same day, Justice Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson, who delivered the judgment, agreed with the Tribunal that the new law allow the action of the Tribunal. Justice Wilson said that the general principle of law is that when jurisdiction of a court is challenged, the issue of jurisdiction must be first determined, but said that the specific
legislation in Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 overrides the general principle of law. She therefore dismissed the appeal. In the fourth interlocutory appeal by Onnoghen, on the refusal of the CCT to obey a Federal High Court, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the National Industrial Court, Justice Peter Igeh held that the tribunal erred in law by disobeying the orders. He said judgments, rulings, decisions and orders issued by court of law are sacrosanct and must be obeyed until they are set aside. Parties are bound by court orders and the order must not be treated with levity,” the justice held and added that the tribunal was bound by the order of the three courts. He said what the tribunal ought to have done was to tarry a while and make effort to set aside the court orders to avoid foisting anarchy. Justice Igeh said that the tribunal cannot sit as an appeal court over the decisions of the high courts, adding that “the rule of law must be allowed to circulate for peace.” The appellate court however, disagreed with Onnoghen on his request for the CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar, to disqualify himself, adding that it was not established who the prejudicial statement made by the CCT chairman would have affected in the main trial. The interlocutory appeals arose from the decision taken by tribunal during Onnoghen trial. CCT has since delivered it judgment and convicted Onnoghen and barred him from holding public for next ten years. It also confiscated all monies found in his five bank accounts that were not declared in his Code of Conduct Bureau form. However, Onnoghen’s three appeals challenging his conviction are pending before the Court of Appeal.
Insurgency: Militia frees 900 children in North East Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that a regional militia allied with Nigerian government forces freed on Friday almost 900 children it had used in the war against Islamist Boko Haram insurgents, In a statement released on its website on Friday, the move has brought the total number of children freed to more than 1,700, a UNICEF statement said. Welcoming the development, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria and the Co-chair of United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on Grave Child Rights Violations (CTFMR), Mohamed Fall said, “any commitment for children that is matched with action is a step in the right direction for the protection of children’s rights and must be recognized and encouraged’’. “Children of north-east Nigeria have borne the brunt of this conflict. They have been used by armed groups in combatant and non-combatant roles and
witnessed death, killing and violence. This participation in the conflict has had serious implications for their physical and emotional well-being.” Since September 2017, when the CJTF signed an action plan committing to put measures in place to end and prevent recruitment and use of children, 1,727 children and young people have been released. Since then, there has been no new recruitment of children by the CJTF. The children and young people released today will benefit from reintegration programmes to help them return to civilian life, seize new opportunities for their own development, and contribute to bringing lasting peace in Nigeria, as productive citizens of their country. Without this support, many of the children released from armed groups struggle to fit into civilian life, as most are not educated and have no vocational skills. In the ongoing-armed conflict in northeast Nigeria, more than 3,500 children were recruited and used by non-state armed groups between 2013 and 2017. Others
have been abducted, maimed, raped and killed. “We cannot give up the fight for the children, as long as children are still affected by the fighting. We will continue until there is no child left in the ranks of all armed groups in Nigeria,” said Fall. UNICEF continues to work closely with state authorities and partners to support the implementation of reintegration programmes for all children released from armed groups, as well as others affected by the ongoing conflict. The gender and age-appropriate communitybased reintegration support interventions include an initial assessment of their wellbeing, psychosocial support, education, vocational training, informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve livelihoods. At least 9,800 people formerly associated with armed groups, as well as vulnerable children in communities, have accessed such services between 2017 and 2018. batant and non-combatant roles and witnessed death, killing and violence.”
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Chimamanda bags honorary doctorate from US varsity Bonaventure Melah Georgetown University, Washington DC is set to welcome Nigerian-born bestselling author and renowned speaker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, to speak at the 2019 commencement ceremony for Georgetown College. The college hosts majority of the university’s undergraduates. The ceremony will take place on May 18. According to a statement to that effect sent to on Friday, Chimamanda will also receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Georgetown University. Established in 1789, Georgetown is America’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit University and is recognised as one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions. The university’s commencement celebrations, which will last from May 16-19, include individual graduation ceremonies for each of the university’s undergraduate and professional schools with each featuring an address from a distinguished leader. Other 2019 speakers include worldfamous chef and humanitarian, José Andrés; Permanent Representative of the state of Qatar to the United Nations, Amb. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thaniand and former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. “We are honoured to welcome an
extraordinary group of individuals to campus to share their reflections with our graduating students this May,” said Georgetown President, John DeGioia of the event. “These speakers include distinguished leaders in the fields of medicine, literature, politics, law, public service and business. As our students embark on their own paths, seeking to make an impact on our world, we are deeply grateful for the inspiration and powerful example provided by these remarkable individuals,” he added. The Daily Times recalls that the award by Georgetown University will be one of many honorary degrees received by Chimamanda Adichie from major universities around the world, especially in the United States including Eastern Connecticut State University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Amherst College and more.
Again, Presidency denies paying N100bn to Miyetti Allah Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Presidency has for the second time refuted allegations making the rounds that the Federal Government has given a whopping sum of N100 billion to the Fulani socio-cultural group known as Miyetti Allah. The presidency described the news as “absolute falsehood.” Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, who rebuffed the rumours on Friday, had on a national television denied the allegations two days ago. He stressed that the Presidency chose to speak on the issue because “it is dangerous for the public to ignore rumours aimed at inciting people against each other or against the government. “The people spreading such rumours should be helped to see the truth and participate in nation building, and not become crisis messengers”, he stated. “We note the statement by Ohaneze this morning, who expressed concern about an allegation that government gave N100 billion to Miyetti Allah for dubious reasons. “As I said on Channels TV, it is an absolute falsehood. The issue of money was never raised at any of the meetings between the representatives of government and Miyetti Allah. “If they had raised it, this government would have dismissed them as yet another dubious group, like the many making claims to be representing our trusting people but serving their own interests. “As the President has stated time and again, transparency and dialogue are essential for public enlightenment and nation building,” Shehu added. According to him, the Presidency’s position is that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government is equipped to address these issues.
He noted that the security challenges faced by Nigeria today make the task of addressing the issues very urgent. He said that “Miyetti Allah, like any other trade, community, ethnic organisation or interest group is a legal stakeholder in our nation and should be respected. We maintain that the government needs to engage all stakeholders and seek partnership in building our country. “The activities of Miyetti Allah do not benefit selected ethnicities or Muslims only, but everyone. Long before petroleum became the core of Nigerian economy, agriculture was the main source of Nigerian wealth. Cattle, hides and skin were a major part of Nigerian export. “It is right to state that there are criminals among every group in Nigeria and in every country. There are criminals among the northern population as there are in the southern part of the country. It is not good to generalise blames. The government will engage each stakeholder and create dialogue between, and among, different groups.” He maintained that the Federal Government was pleased that Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo found government’s insights worthy of attention even when they disagreed with “our view that they, as sociocultural associations, represent same interests as Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders.” Shehu added: “The point both sociocultural groups missed, however, by insisting that government should not to talk to Miyetti Allah is the need to address and engage Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, cultural and economic plurality that was evident when General Yakubu Gowon introduced National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The need to engage all groups of Nigeria is as much relevant today as it was then.”
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Nigeria on trajectory of renewed Short News economic growth, Buhari declares Group wants SSG, speaker positions zoned to Ningi Wants return to true federalism Says nobody will suffer social exclusion
Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Despite cries and lamentations by citizens that the Nigerian economy has dwindled under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the President has maintained that the country is on a renewed growth trajectory. President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called for return to true federalism where every component state uses its resources to develop their state. The President said this on Friday after receiving the Progressive Governors Forum award alongside eight other governors of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for “standing with the party since 2013” at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja. Buhari noted that the South West is united because it has a well-designed development agenda which he wants Nigeria to learn from. According to him, economic growth and competitiveness of nations depend on the harmonious collaboration of all tiers of government, particularly in a federal set-up, adding that “it will be belabouring the point to say that true federalism is
necessary at this juncture of our political and democratic evolution.” He called on all Nigerians to continue to have faith in the country, thanking them for their continued patience and sacrifices towards moving the nation forward and assured that his administration would do everything within its powers to sustain the current economic recovery efforts. “We will continue to reinforce our macro-economic policies to achieve sustainable economic stability and growth. We will also continue to ensure the growth comes along with more jobs and a fair and just distribution of the national wealth. Your continued cooperation in this regard is very vital. “At a time when some few privileged individuals and groups have chosen to exploit and manipulate the ethnic and religious fault lines for seeking personal and partisan advantage, we need to build bridges across the different divides and instill faith in the unity and indivisibility of one Nigeria,” Buhari stated. Also, he appealed to state governments to be strong pillars of support for the anticorruption agenda as well as continued support for the programmes of social protection, school feeding programme
and other policies geared towards human capital development. “Going forward, we must all work towards building a socially cohesive society in which the resources of the country work for all. We will continue to apply public funds in such a way that no section of the country or segment of the population suffers social exclusion,” he added. The President while also acknowledging that Nigeria is on a renewed growth trajectory, assured that his administration will do everything within its powers to sustain the current economic recovery efforts. Recalling how the APC was formed, the President noted that while the “South East and South South were facing strong challenges, it was easier to woo the South West because it was more united.” Buhari and the other award recipients were presented with the awards at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, organizers of the event, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, said that “Buhari deserves the award for uniting the party’s stalwarts.
Samuel Luka, Bauchi
A group known as Ningi Emirate Progressive Forum has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the speakership of the Bauchi state House of Assembly as well as that of the secretary to the state government to Ningi Emirate. The forum made the call during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya in his palace on Friday. Comrade Khalid Muhammad, who led the group to the palace of the emir decried that Ningi Emirate is being marginalized in terms of distribution of projects and zoning of key government positions since the return of democracy in 1999. He explained that for 20 years, Ningi has never produced a governor, deputy governor, speaker of the state House of Assembly or secretary to the state government despite the fact that it is the second largest local government in the state. Comrade Khalid also lamented that the positions of speaker of the state House of Assembly and secretary to the state government that are being zoned to the central zone for years went to Misau Emirate and Bauchi Emirate while Ningi is being sidelined. “It is high time the two parties bring to an end this marginalization by rewarding the people of Ningi Emirate Council with the positions,” he said. The forum also requested the support and prayers of the emir to ensure Ningi Emirate is given its desired position in the scheme of affairs in Bauchi state.
NCWS lauds Reps for amendment to Federal Character Commission Act
The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has lauded the House of Representatives for passing the bill which seeks to amend the Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010. The amended Act gives married women options of indigeneship among others. NCWS National President, Gloria Shoda in an interview in Abuja on Friday, said that the amendment aims at removing the discrimination against women. She said that “on behalf of Nigerian women, we will like to applaud our lawmakers for passing the amendment which will remove the discriminatory piece of legislation against us. “With this amendment, women will no longer lose out on their due promotions and other benefits in states where they serve as public and civil servants. You will recall in November 2012, the infamous case in which a Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Ifeoma JomboOfo had her swearing-in ceremony delayed due to a petition raised in her state of service. “Jombo-Ofo is originally from Anambra state, but married a man from Abia state. She was being denied a career move because the petitioner objected to her receiving Abia state’s slot in the appellate court. “This was allowed because Section 2, Part 2 of the existing Federal Character Commission Act, 2010, states that “a married woman shall continue to lay claim to her state of origin.
EFCC to re-arraign Akinjide, others over alleged N650m fraud
The representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Director Human Resources Management, Ajibola Ibrahim, delivering a keynote address during a-2 day Zonal Sensitization Workshop on Resolving Trade Disputes and Seeking Redress for Labour Injustice in Nigeria at Maraba, Nasarawa State.
Kaduna: Centre receives 150 sexual assault cases, 33 male victims inclusive
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Kaduna state has declared that it received 150 cases of sexual assault in 2018, out of which number 33 victims were males. Data obtained from the centre, located at Gwamna Awan General Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna on Friday, indicated that 33 of the victims were within the ages of one to six years and 43 within the ages of six and 10 years. Also, the date showed that 48 victims were within the ages of 11 and 15; 19 were within the ages of 16 and 20; six were within the ages of 21 and 25, and one person was above 26 years. Furthermore, the data also showed that five of the victims became pregnant while 25 contacted various sexually transmitted diseases. Manager of the centre, Juliana Joseph satted that 128 cases in the year under
review involved sexual violence against persons below 18 years and two against people living with disability. Juliana identified Rigasa and Tudun Wada in Kaduna metropolis as having the highest number of victims within the year under review. She explained that the centre recorded an upsurge in the reported cases due to the massive awareness campaign being carried out on television, radio and other media channels. According to her, the awareness campaign was designed to enlighten the public on the range of services being offered at the centre and how to access them. “We have also carried out advocacy visit to flash point areas and discussed with community and religious leaders and other community members on the menace of sexual violence and how to
seek redress. “We have equally carried out focus group discussion with more than 100 youth and established a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Club at Queen Amina College, Kaduna. “Not only that, we are also reaching out to people in places of worship and we have so far reached about 14, 000 women,” the manager added. She maintained that awareness campaign was key in addressing the menace of sexual violence, saying that “people will better protect their children when they are aware of the dangers and how the perpetrators operate.” The manager added that so far, 68 perpetrators have been taken to court out of which 10 have been concluded with the culprits serving various jail terms while 42 cases were still pending in court, just as 16 others have been dropped.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on June 11, rearraign a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide and two others charged with an alleged N650 million fraud. Akinjide and the others will appear before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos. She was first arraigned on January 16, 2018, before Justice Sule Hassan alongside two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayo Adeseun and Olarenwaju Otiti on an amended 24-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering. They, however, pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail. Trial began before Justice Hassan with witnesses testifying, but midway the case was transferred to Justice Aneke. When the case came up on Friday before Justice Aneke, the defendants mounted the dock. While Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), O.F.A Adeosun and Akinola Oladeji appeared for the first, second and third defendants respectively, U.U. Buhari announced appearance for the prosecution. Ayorinde prayed the court to give another date for the re-arraignment, saying that lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo and himself were to appear in another trial before another judge.
Group lauds Appeal Court’s judgment upholding Oyetola’s victory A socio-political group in Osun state, Oranmiyan Worldwide on Friday lauded the judgment of the Court of Appeal reversing the verdict of the Osun state Election Petition Tribunal on the disputed September 22, 2018 governorship election. It will be recalled that Gboyega Oyetola contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election which was won by Oyetola. The election tribunal in nullifying the victory of Oyetola however, pronounced Adeleke the winner of the election, a ruling that was eventually reversed on Thursday by the Court of Appeal. Director-general of the group, Olajide Sadiq while addressing newsmen and members of his group in Osogbo on Friday, lauded the court for reversing the decision of the election tribunal in favour of Oyetola. Sadiq said the verdict of the appellate court was a victory for the rule of law, democracy and the people of Osun, insisting that “it is now glaring that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. “We are very happy with the judgment given by the Court of Appeal and that is why we are gathered to celebrate, to affirm our loyalty and commitment to the government of the day. “I think we are now having a judiciary we are supposed to have. The Appeal Court has done the right thing by affirming that Gov. Gboyega Oyetola is the validly elected governor of Osun.” Sadiq expressed optimism that the governor and his party would defeat the PDP and its candidate Sen. Adeleke at the Supreme Court.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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APC governors’ award to Buhari endorsement of failure, says PDP Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the presentation of a leadership award to President Muhammadu Buhari by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It described it as “a shameful endorsement of failure, the height of deception and a spat on the graves of victims of unrestrained killings and bloodletting in various parts of the nation.” The party said the solicited award is another failed image-laundering and botched endorsement by the Buhari Presidency which is being confronted by the weight of public rejection for its failures and the rigging of the February 23 presidential election. This criticism was contained in a
statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Friday. “It is totally disgraceful that Mr. President’s handlers could conjure such scandalous white-washing project to gloat on Nigerians at a time they (Nigerians) are extremely hurting over the prevalent economic hardship, hunger, disappointments, failures and humongous corruption that have become the hallmark of the Buhari administration. “By allowing themselves to be used for such image laundering for Buhari in the face of his failures to find solutions to the killings and kidnappings in Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina and other states of the federation, the APC governors have again exhibited their party’s unpardonable insensitivity and disdain for Nigerians. “It is disturbing that at a time
genuine leaders are exerting themselves for solutions to the myriads of crisis plaguing our nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to the gallery and acting scripts while our nation continues to slide; the very reason Nigerians voted for Atiku Abubakar on February 23 as their preferred presidential candidate. “The Buhari Presidency and the APC have chosen to engage in endless unprofitable celebrations in the safety of Aso Villa while Nigerians are left at the mercies of bandits, kidnappers, marauders and insurgents in their homes and workplaces.” The PDP counseled Buhari to end the circus at the Presidency and face the stark reality of the dejection, despondency and misery Nigerians have been subjected to due to his incompetence as well as insensitivity to the plight of the citizens.
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Short News First Bank rewards customers with N2.7m scholarships Joseph Inokotong, Abuja First Bank of Nigeria has splashed N2.7 million worth of scholarships on 18 customers under its XploreFirst promo initiative to boost savings culture and promote financial inclusion among students. The winners were drawn from the six geo-political zones and Lagos at the final/ grand raffle of XploreFirst promo on Friday. The winners emerged through an electronic draw handled by Tequila on behalf of the bank and supervised by KPMG, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos state Lottery Board and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC). At the event, FirstBank Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products, Chuma Ezirim said: “XploreFirst is a First Bank savings account variant designed specifically for students between the age range of 18 to 29.’’ Ezirim said that a minimum amount of N1, 000 was required to open the account and account holders are to maintain a minimum balance of N200 to run the account. He said that the XploreFirst promo was one of the special benefits of the account. According to him, the 18 winners that emerged at the final draw will be offered yearly scholarships of N150, 000 each.
NiMET’s prediction will save farmers incurring losses – IFAD
The National Coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Muhammadu Lawal-Ida says the 2019 Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) rainfall prediction will save farmers millions of naira in losses. Lawal-Ida spoke at the NiMET-CASP down-scaling workshop for 2019 seasonal rainfall prediction in Sokoto. He said IFAD had been working with NiMET to provide early warning system to farmers. He therefore, urged farmers from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states to be guided by the 2019 seasonal rainfall prediction to avoid losses. In his remarks, the Director General of NiMET, Prof. Sani Mashi, said the rainfall prediction would guide farmers on what to do at the appropriate time. Prof. Mashi, who was represented by the Director, Research, NiMET, Dr. Mansur Matazu said framers would now know the time to expect rainfall, its cessation period and what to plant. “This will enable them to plan well during the farming season,” he said. A farmer who spoke to newsmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Tangaza said they had benefited a lot from the 2018 NiMET prediction and described the workshop as apt and would give farmers in the entire zone the courage and motivation to go into the farming season without any reservations.
NDLEA arrests 32 drug suspects in Gombe Joseph Inokotong, Abuja
L-R: Olu of Ijoko Lemode, HRH. Oba Solomon Sokunbi; Agbedeyi of Orile Agege, HRH. Oba Akeem Ambali; Baale of Mulero Land, High Chief Olaitan Opeifa and the Jagunmolu of Mulero, High Chief Samuel Fakeye during the installation of the High Chief’s in Mulero Land in Lagos.
Court adjourns Fayose’s trial to May 14 as prosecution witness turns hostile Peter Fowoyo, Lagos Further hearing in a suit brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose over an alleged N6.9 billion fraud was on Friday adjourned to May 14 by a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos as a prosecution witness, Adewale Aladegbola Clement suddenly turned hostile during yesterday’s proceedings. Adewale, a driver in a new generation bank in Ado-Ekiti became hostile during cross examination after he was accused of giving oral evidence that is at variance with his written statement. Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) had to plead with Justice Mojisola Olatoregun to adjourn further hearing to enable the prosecution regularize the testimony of its witness.
Justice Olatoregun reluctantly conceded to adjourn the matter to the displeasure of the defence counsel, Ola Olanipekun (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN), who had vehemently opposed the prosecution’s application for adjournment on grounds of the hostile attitude of the prosecution witness. Earlier, another witness from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Aliyu Mohammed Mukadas, a senior manager and ex-head payment section had told the court that on June 15, 2014, N200 million was paid into account of Silva Macmera through Diamond Bank account managed by the CBN. He said the money was co-authorized by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki and a director in the NSA, S. A. Salisu, who were the signatories to the account of the NSA. According to the witness, on June 15, 2014 another N2 billion was paid into the account of Silva Macmera, showing a
computer print-out which he said was an impress account managed by the secretary to the government of the federation and the office of the national security adviser. He testified that the payment was also authorized by Dasuki before the payment was effected. Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in October 22, 2018, alongside a company Spotless Investment Limited on an 11 – count charge of money laundering. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court had granted him bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum. According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and Agbele were said to have taken possession of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his governorship election campaign in Ekiti satte, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested 32 drugs suspects and seized 16.82 kilogrammes of hard drugs between January and March 2019. Commandant of the agency in Gombe state, Aliyu Adole made this known on Friday. He said the suspects comprised 30 males and two females. Adole said that 18 of the suspects have been charged to court, adding that 16 were awaiting trials while two had been convicted and currently serving their sentences. He said that the other suspects were currently being counselled for rehabilitation and decried the use of Pentazocine injection by some youth in the state in the absence of Tramadol. “Some of the youth have become so addicted to drugs and this has resulted to the damage of their hands which may no longer function well,” he said. The commandant therefore, urged parents and guardians to counsel their children to stop the abuse of drugs because of the adverse effects.
Court adjourns Kashamu’s extradition trial to May 23
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday further adjourned until May 23 to re-open hearing in a suit by Sen. Buruji Kashamu seeking to stop his extradition to the US to face alleged drug related charges. Sen. Kashamu had in his suit labelled FHC/L/CS/930/2018 joined the following the inspector-general of police, Lagos state commissioner of police, director general Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the attorney general of the federation as respondents. In the suit, he is urging the court to restrain the respondents and their agents from arresting or detaining him in any manner whatsoever or interfering with his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke had taken arguments in the suit from the respective parties and had reserved his judgment until April 29. However, on the said date, judgment could not be delivered as the period fell within the Easter vacation. The matter was consequently, adjourned until May 10. When the case was called on Friday, Ichakpa Oigoga was the only counsel who appeared on the side of the defence and he announced appearance for the NDLEA. The court then asked him if he was aware of a letter written by the applicant and when he replied in the negative, Justice Aneke asked the registrar to show him a copy of the letter. After reading the letter, Oigoga informed the court that the defence would file its counter affidavit in opposing the reliefs sought in the letter. The judge said that since a letter had already been written, the court has a duty to hear every party and consequently, adjourned the case until May 23 for hearing.
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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Money Laundering: Court vacates bench Short News Okowa disburses N115m to 2, 300 warrant against 3 A’Ibom officials artisans, others Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Peter Fowoyo, Lagos A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday vacated the bench warrant issued against three officials of the Akwa Ibom state government and one Margaret Ukpe, who were said to be at large. The officials said to be at large are the Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko and the Accountant General of the state, Mfon Udomah. They were named in a N1.4 billion alleged money laundering charge against the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN). The court had on March 1, upon a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ordered the arrest of the officials. Arguing the application against
the bench warrant, the applicants lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), noted that the court has no jurisdiction over his clients as no charge has been filed against them by the EFCC. He stated that the tussle dates back to February 2017, when the Akwa-Ibom state government sued the EFCC at a Federal High Court in Uyo over the harassment of its officials by the anti-graft agency. Ozekhome alleged that despite a subsisting order of the Uyo court asking the anti-graft agency to cease all action pending the conclusion of the case, the officials are still being harassed by the EFCC. “The state attorney-general of Akwa-Ibom was the one personally conducting the Uyo case. The court later asked parties to stay all actions pending the conclusion of the case. “Initially, the order was obeyed by the EFCC, but it later somersaulted and commenced a new wave of harassment of the officials.
The attorney-general later went physically to the Abuja office of the EFCC to lodge a complaint, but when nothing changed, contempt proceedings were commenced against the EFCC”, Ozekhome added. Also, he faulted the EFCC for asking the court for the issuance of a bench warrant against his clients when there was no record that they ignored lawful summons. While urging the court to vacate the bench warrant, Ozekhome undertook to ensure that the applicants are available to answer to any charge that may be filed against them by the EFCC. However, EFCC’s lawyer said in view of the applicants’ lawyer’s undertaken that he will ensure his clients availability once a charge is filed against them, he will not be opposing the application. The bench warrant was subsequently vacated by Justice Mohammed Aikawa.
Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday disbursed N115 million as working capital to artisans in the state to boost their businesses. The grant in excess of N115 million was being disbursed to 2, 300 artisans across the 25 local government areas of the state. Executive Secretary, Delta state Micro Small and medium Enterprises Development Agency (DSMSMEDA), Shimite Bello, who spoke to journalists in Asaba on behalf of the state governor, said the beneficiaries include, welders, barbers, fashion designers and hair dressers. Bello said that while barbers and hair dressers had 750 beneficiaries each, the welders and fashion designers had 300 and 500 beneficiaries respectively, adding that out of 2, 300 beneficiaries, 1, 700 of them received their packages from the disbursement that began barely a week ago, adding that the remaining beneficiaries would be attended to in the next few days. She said that “you would recall that this administration within the past three years and half has been doing a lot of empowerment and only today, the state governor, decided to extend the empowerment programme to artisans in the state. “Currently, he is doing what we call grant in-aid to artisans which include, welders, hair dressers, fashion designers and barbers.
FG pledges support for promoters of community healthcare Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The federal government has pledged to support any individual or group working towards improving community healthcare system in Nigeria. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who made this declaration during the official flag-off ceremony of free medical outreach organized by the Sarkin Shanun Jere Family in Jere Town, Kaduna state, said that the Federal Ministry of Health remains very supportive to such institutions that commit their resources and manpower for the benefit of communities. The minister said “what we are doing here today is very important because health is the most important commodity that we need to have. Whatsoever you want to do, you can only do it if you are healthy. “Sarkin Shanaun Jere, you are giving health to our people so that they can be productive in all the socio- economic activities in the country, everything depends on good health, health is the most important need of every human being. “The Federal Ministry of Health would partner with you, not only on this one but for the subsequent medical outreaches you are going to undertake in the nearest future.
Adamawa transition c’ttee raises alarm over illegal auctioning of properties
L-R: Chief Bisi Ogunjobi, Formal Vice President, African Development Bank; Prof. Olu Akinyanju, Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria; Dr. Annette Akinsete, National Director/CEO Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria and Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria at the Closing/ Certificate Award Ceremony of the 18th Genetic Counselling Training Course on Sickle Cell Disorder sponsored by MultiChoice Nigeria held on Friday May 10th, 2019 at the National Sickle Cell Centre, Ishaga Road, Idi - Araba, Surulere Lagos.
EFCC recovers over N100m, secures 16 convictions in FCT Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja
The Abuja zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 16 convictions between November 2018 and April 2019, and recovered more than N100 million. According to Umar Hadejia, Head of the EFCC Abuja zonal office, the achievement comes a few months after the anti-graft agency formally designated the Wuse II office of the EFCC as the Abuja zonal office following the commissioning and
movement to the new head office complex at Jabi, Abuja. Hadejia, who made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja, said that the zone has recovered a total cash of N92, 800, 078, $42, 543 and €1, 000 during the period under review. He further added that within the period, the zone recovered the following items; Mercedes Benz C300, Mercedes Benz C240, Lexus salon car, three HP pavilion laptops, Dell laptop, three Apple MAC book laptops, nine iphone X smart phones, seven Android phones, Apple ear pods, iwatches, refrigerators, television sets,
generators, expensive wrist watches and jewelries worth millions of Naira. He said: “The zone has continued to speed up efforts to ensure that fraudsters are made to face the wrath of the law and in situations where funds are recovered, victims are refunded and where the court deems fit, funds are returned back to the federal government coffers. “We hereby urge citizens in Nigeria and the Diaspora to ensure they report any suspected economic or financial crime to the commission for immediate investigation and prosecution.”
The transition committee set up by Adamawa Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri has raised an alarm over what it described as the illegal and unauthorized auctioning of government’s properties. Secretary to the committee, John Yahya stated this in a statement on Friday in Yola. Yahya alleged that some officials of the outgoing administration of Gov. Muhammadu Bindow were auctioning government’s properties to themselves. “A particular case in point is Adamawa Agricultural Development and Investment Limited (AADIL) where government officials have concluded arrangements to auction the assets to themselves any moment, in spite of the fact that the contractor has not fully supplied all the items which is against the procurement law. “We also want to draw the attention of the current government that the transition committee is in possession of the correct inventory of all items of the agency as against what has been submitted to it,” he said. The secretary also accused the outgoing administration of awarding bogus contracts and conducting illegal recruitments into the civil service, declaring that the committee would recommend to the incoming administration the need for forensic investigation of the complete inventory of movable and unmovable public assets with a view to holding those involved in looting government’s properties responsible.
Laying of Lagos- Ibadan rail project reaches 123km - Amaechi
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said 123km of the 156 km stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail project has been completed. Amaechi made the disclosure on Friday during his routine inspection of the project along Kila, Olodo, Ilugun corridor of the track in the outskirts of Ogun state. He said the project had been completed up to Kila Village, a settlement on the outskirts of Ogun towards Oyo state. “We are already moving towards Ibadan, the track laying is now in Kila, a town on the outskirts of Ogun. In less than a month from now, we should be in Ibadan with the rate the work is going,” Amaechi said. The minister also said that he would inspect the Apapa Port and its connection to the standard gauge rail to address the challenges of traffic gridlock in the area, adding that “we will be visiting the ports tomorrow to address some of the issues we have there. “It’s imperative that the Apapa ports must be connected to the standard gauge rail to ensure proper movement of cargoes.” It would be recalled that the minister had during one of his inspection tours on April 8 blamed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the slow pace of work of the project.
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Ngige urges workers to disregard NLC’s protest order Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja
Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, has directed workers to disregard the directive of the President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba to embark on a peaceful protest on May 13, describing the basis for the action as unlawful. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Nwachukwu Obidiwe, said calling out workers on a flimsy and selfish excuse of non-inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) with Comrade Frank Kokori as the chairman did not constitute a trade dispute as contained in the Labour Act. “The issue in question is political. It is about the exclusive right of the President to make an appointment. This is clearly outside the purview of the Trade Union and Trade Disputes Act, hence imperative for workers to go about their normal businesses. “It is important to state here that every
worker is supposed to put in eight hours of work per day, for five days in a week in line with the ILO convention. Therefore, using the office hours for such protest without the approval of the employers is unlawful. “The 40 hours a week which the Nigerian workers subscribed to should be used for productive ventures, especially in view of the new national minimum wage and the consequential financial adjustments,” Ngige said The statement further said the directive by the NLC to workers to attack the minister and his family members anywhere they were sighted was a criminal offence, saying the minister was already taking necessary legal action in that respect. It added that the minister remains the competent authority on all issues concerning labour in Nigeria, including its external relations in line with the ILO convention, warning that internationalizing what was clearly the exclusive right of the President on political appointments was unpatriotic. Our correspondent recalls that the NLC
President, Ayuba Wabba, at a press briefing on Thursday had ordered workers to embarrass the minister and his family wherever they are seen, especially at the airport both in Nigeria and abroad, following the violence attack on workers at his residence. He also called on all members and organs of the NLC to begin mobilization against a national protest on May 13, even as he warned the minister against repeating the unfortunate act of hiring thugs to attack workers as the NLC will come prepared and ready to die in the line of protest. The dispute between the minister and labour follows the refusal of Ngige to inaugurate the board of the NSITF with Chief Frank Kokori as chairman, asserting that President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized the replacement of Kokori as chairman of the board. But, labour is insisting that the minister should without further delay, inaugurate the board with veteran labour activist, Chief Kokori as chairman, asserting that the NSITF funds belong to workers.
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Short News Ortom defends victory before Benue election tribunal
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state on Friday entered his defence in the petition filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Jime challenging the outcome of the last gubernatorial election at the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi. Ortom, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeated Jime of the APC with 434, 473 votes against the 345, 155 votes scored by his opponent. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, Jime and the APC approached the tribunal alleging irregularities. Counsels to Ortom, Sebastine Hon and Edward Ashiekaa filed the defence on behalf of the governor’s legal team. At the end of the filing the process, the governor’s lead counsel, Sebastine Hon (SAN) expressed optimism about the victory of his client, declaring that the legal team has filed a rock-solid defence. He said that “prima facie our defence is rock solid, we have sufficiently met their case and we are positively very hopeful of victory at the end of the day.”
Delivering HIV vaccine piecemeal improves immune response - Study
Scientists at a U.S. research institute have developed a HIV vaccine delivery strategy that enhances the protective immune response in a pre-clinical model. The study published on Thursday in the journal Cell showed that delivering HIV vaccine in small doses over multiple days produces stronger immune response than administering the vaccine at once. HIV is a crafty opponent with decoy sites on its outer protein shell to confuse the immune system and nullify the vaccines. The new strategy hinges on an antibody refinement mechanism in the body. Immune cells that make antibodies usually move to lymph nodes where they are selected for survival, leading to cells that make the most powerful antibodies for further rounds of refinement, according to the study. “It’s like physical training. You start off weak and then keep going back to the gym to get stronger,’’ said Kimberly Cirelli, a post-doctoral researcher at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and first author of the study. The researchers tested three immunization strategies; a traditional one that is delivered with one big shot, a time-release pill slowly delivered and an escalating dose strategy in which rhesus monkeys were given partial doses every other day for 12 days.
Customs seize N42m contrabands in Bauchi Samuel Luka, Bauchi
President Muhammadu Buhari receives honours award from the Progressive Governors Forum at the Presidential Banquet State House, Abuja. Photo; Sunday Aghaeze. May 10 2019
Lalong commends RCCG as Adeboye commissions ICU at Jos hospital Patrick Okohue The Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for always being at the forefront of social responses targeted at bringing succour to people regardless of race, colour and religion. Gov. Lalong, who spoke yesterday in Jos at the commissioning of an ultra-modern intensive care unit at the Jos Specialist Hospital, expressed gratitude to the leadership of His Love Foundation for considering the Jos Specialist Hospital as the next facility in the country to benefit from the good works of the foundation. Lalong recalled that the foundation having delivered a similar facility at the Lagos University Teaching
Hospital (LASUTH) in 2017 and now chose Jos Specialist Hospital attest to the broadness of mind and reach of the church. Speaking earlier, Pastor Adeboye expressed gratitude to God for granting the church the enablement and also thanked the leadership of the Jos Specialist Hospital for receiving the church and allowing the development of the facility. He prayed that through the facility many already considered to be in critical condition, but receiving treatment at the facility would receive their healing. Highlighting the other intervention programmes and projects of the church through the foundation, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility (CSR), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade said what the church was doing was in response to
the clarion call of Jesus Christ to every believer to be mindful of the sick, the poor, those in prison and the hungry. Iluyomade confirmed that the church has committed itself to giving succour in six specific areas of health, education, feeding, social enterprise, rehabilitation and prisons, adding that it is part of the cardinal focus of the church’s social responsibility. Pastor in -charge of the Plateau region, Pastor Sunday Akande whilst thanking the Pastor Adeboye and the governor of Plateau state, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the foundation for the good gesture and show of love to the state and by extension the region. He then called on the people of Plateau state to live together in peace and continue to live harmoniously in love which is the bedrock of the charity works of the church and the message of Jesus Christ.
Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi state, Peters Olugboyega on Friday disclosed that its operatives seized contraband items worth N42.12 million between February - May 7. Olugboyega made this known while briefing journalists at the zonal office in Bauchi. According to him, on April 13, the unit arrested a truck carrying 700 cartons of foreign spaghetti and 500 bags of foreign rice re-bagged in 250 jumbo bags of 100 kg each worth N18.66 million along the DarazoBauchi Road. The comptroller further disclosed that on March 5, the same unit made another seizure of 180 bags of foreign rice N2.59 million along the same Darazo-Bauchi Road. Also, operatives on patrol on March 15, seized 210 bags of foreign rice valued at N3.02 million while on April 4 on the same route, 130 bags of foreign rice valued at N1.87 million. Olugboyega said that operatives while acting on credible information, on February 1 intercepted a bus with registration number LEH 857 XA carrying 70 bags of rice concealed in Dangote Flour bags along Bauchi-Jos Road valued at N2.08 million. Also along the Bauchi-Jos Road, the customs zonal boss said operatives on March 27 seized 70 bags of foreign rice loaded in a vehicle with registration number GJB 64 XA and valued N2.08 million.
AEDC begins pre-paid meters distribution, targets 900,000 customers
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) on Friday launched the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) programme aimed at providing pre-paid electricity meters to 900, 000 customers. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Ernest Mupwaya, said that the programme was targeting consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states. The electricity distribution company launched the MAP programme in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state on Friday. In his welcome address, Mupwaya said that the programme was another visible and bold effort of the AEDC to boost electricity supply, saying that the programme is aimed at closing the metering gap that exists in the electricity supply industry. “This current effort and several other intervention efforts on the part of DisCos like the AEDC speaks to the overall transformation agenda of our company. The issue of meter as you know, has been a front line issue in the industry because of the critical role it plays in the recovery of cost for the sector. “With this bold move courageously championed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the vexed issue of estimated billing will be adequately addressed,’’ he said.
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Tribunal rules on legality of service of Edo PDP’s petition May 14 Titus Akhigbe, Benin The National Assembly and state House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin on Friday fixed May 14 to rule on whether the İndependent National Electoral Commission (İNEC) was properly served in a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the petition filed by the PDP’s Rep. Omosede İgbinedion, the House of Representatives member from Edo state is challenging the victory of the of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dennis
İdahosa in the election for the Ovia Federal Constituency. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice O. Ogundana announced the date after listening to arguments on the motion filed by the first respondent (İNEC) and Rep. İgbinedion, the petitioner. During the pre-trial hearing of the petition by the tribunal, İNEC had filed a motion stating that it was not properly served the court processes. Counsel to INEC, Christian Omatsome informed the tribunal that the electoral umpire ought to have been served with the processes at INEC national headquarters in Abuja, instead of the commission being served in Benin, the Edo state
capital as was done by the PDP. While describing the service complained about as “bad service,” Omatsome said it was an issue of law and not that of proceedings and therefore, urged the tribunal to set aside the petition. Responding, counsel to Rep. Igbinedion, Ferdinand Orbih told the tribunal that the motion by INEC was only a delay tactics employed by commission to prolong the hearing of the originating petition filed by his client. After hearing counsels to both parties, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ogundana thereafter, fixed May 14 for judgement on the motion.
Short News FG to flag-off Basic Health Care Provision Fund in Niger Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole says, the ministry will flag -off the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) programme now known as “Huwe” which in Ebira Language means life in Minna, Niger state. The flag-off is a follow up to the presidential launch of the scheme in Abuja in January. Prof. Adewole had announced that the pilot scheme of the programme would continue in Katsina and Abia states. According to the minister, the programme is a signature programme of the Buhari administration, pointing out the that the fund would provide one primary healthcare centre per ward to be identified by benefitting states with operational budgets to enable selected facilities improve service delivery. He stated that the scheme would reimburse facilities for delivering the specified package of services which include, ante-natal care, delivery, including caesarean sections, family planning, treatment of childhood illnesses, malaria treatment for all and screening for non- communicable diseases. Adewole emphasized that provision has been made under the programme for increased public health emergency response to ensure that Nigerians were able to receive emergency medical treatment.
Okowa hails Emefiele’s re-appointment as CBN governor Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state on Thursday congratulated the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele on his re-appointment for another five-year term in office. In a congratulatory message issued in Asaba, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Gov. Okowa extolled the leadership qualities and contributions of Emefiele to the economic development of Nigeria since he was appointed as governor of the apex bank in 2014. He described Emefiele as an illustrious son of Delta state, whose remarkable contributions to the banking industry in Nigeria are legendary and worthy of emulation. He said: “Mr. Emefiele is an illustrious son of Delta state in whom we are well pleased. His astute contributions to the development of the banking industry and the Nigeria economy is legendary and worthy of emulation.” Gov. Okowa noted that as a distinguished Deltan, Emefiele has had a remarkable, but turbulent first term as governor of the Central Bank where he successfully played a critical role to steer the Nigerian economy out of recession. “On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I congratulate Mr. Godwin Emefiele on his re-appointment for a second term as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he added.
NERC has power to revoke licences of none-performing DisCos – Fashola
Cross section of the experts and other participants during the 12th Steering Committee & Experts Meeting for Abidjan - Lagos Corridor Highway Development Programme chaired by the Hon. Minister of Power,Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN at the Hotel Sancta Maria, Lome, Togo.
AIMAN laments non-implementation of AIS automation by FG Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Members of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) have decried the nonimplementation of aeronautical information system automation more than 10 years after conception. A release signed by the President of AIMAN, Williams Ngerem and made available to the media to herald this year’s aeronautical information system celebration, said the aeronautical information system automation remained critical in the overall regularity and reliability of aeronautical data globally He said it was disheartening to note that for over 10 years since its inception, the much talked about aeronautical information system
automation was yet to come on stream having suffered several stillbirths. “Without prejudice to current efforts by the federal government to realize this laudable dream, it is pertinent to note that Nigeria as the giant of African cannot continue to lag behind when several other African countries have embraced automation in aeronautical information dissemination,” Ngerem stated. He enjoined Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) management to liaise with relevant organizations to see to the final attainment of aeronautical information management in Nigeria at the shortest possible time. “I also charge the federal government to use its good offices
to accelerate the implementation of the aeronautical information management project so that Nigeria can take its rightful position in the comity of nations,” the statement added. While thanking the executive council of AIMAN for their hard work and determination in taking the association to enviable heights and for a successful one -year in office, Ngerem acknowledged the immense cooperation and support of all its members nationwide. The theme of this year’s aeronautical information system day is: “The benefits of automation to aeronautical information management,” and the event will be chaired by Managing Director/Chief Executive of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola says the power to revoke licenses of non-performing electricity distribution companies (DisCos) is vested in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Fashola said this in Abuja at the 2019 Punuka Annual Lecture with the theme: “Rethinking the model for an effective Nigerian electricity supply industry: Challenges for government and industry”. According to him, the power not to renew or to cancel the license of non-performing DisCos exists and it is vested in the regulator, NERC and not in the minister. He said that the regulator could on its own, upon complaints of a consumer or a group of customers amend or cancel the license of a nonperforming DisCo, adding that the powers of NERC to amend or cancel licenses is applicable to all licensed authorities, the transmission companies, generation companies, distribution companies and others under the Act. “The power not to renew or to revoke the operational license of any of the authority is in Sections 73 and 74 of the Act and so, there is no monopoly granted any agency unless it is endorsed on their license.
Kano anti -graft agency quizzes Sanusi’s aide Ahmad Sorondinki, Kano The Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has quizzed an aide to the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II over allegations of financial misappropriation. The state’s anti -graft agency has invited Isa Bayero, who serves as chief aide to Emir Sanusi. He told reporters about his appearance before the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. He said when he appeared before the investigating panel, he was presented with some documents which he went through and requested for more time to study and return them to the commission. “I was not given any specific time to report, but if I am able to go through the documents today, I will call back the following day to face the panel for further interrogation,” Bayero stated. Daily Times recalls that the state anti-graft agency summoned some of the emir’s aides over allegations of financial impropriety. Those invited are the emir’s two uncles, Isa Sanusi Bayero and Mannir Sanusi Bayero, who is chief of staff to the emirate council. Also invited include, the emir’s brother, Mujitaba, who is the Falaki of Kano and the accountant of the council, Muhammad Sani Kwaru.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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I battled depression because I was plus sized - Amara Maduka Anambra State-born plus sized actress and aspiring producer, Amara Maduka is one of the fastest growing Nollywood screen diva who despite been on the big side has attracted lots of producers to reckon with her talent. Call her weird as she is a lover of adventures as she said it feeds the soul, Amara spoke with MUTIAT ALLI on how she battled depression in the movie industry because of her body size, why she has never been in a relationship with any man but enjoys sexual intimacy when needed, and take on the movie industry amongst others. Enjoy… Can you introduce yourself briefly? I’m Amara Maduka, from Anambra State. I’m from a family of 3. I’m the first daughter, second child. I’m an Actor, writer and aspiring producer. How did you join the movie industry? Long planned out? I joined the industry after school. I knew I have the talent and I decided to pursue it. What were the challenges you faced at the early stage? My weight was a big challenge. I was very fat at the time and I didn’t get featured in characters I know I can deliver because all the producers saw was a fat, ugly girl. Not my talent. How did you overcome it? Oh well, when you get tired of being fed bullshit, you gotta make a change at some point. All that matters is how you see yourself. I knew I am more than they could see and that image alone, kept me going. Did it make you depressed? I battled depression at some point. But like I said, if you know who you are, nothing can stop you. Not for too long. Can you mention names of some big movies you have done? I have featured in countless but some of the big ones include Maduka Daughters, Village Flavour, Okirika, The Israelite, Good marriage, 3 bad girls amongst others. Sexual harassment has also become a common trend in the entertainment industry, how did you scale through? I haven’t been sexually harassed
by any producer. I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess. You hit the gym or worked on your size to fit in? I didn’t work on myself to “fit in”. I’m working on myself for me. I love to look good. And I’m only just getting started How supportive were your parents when you took the bold step to join Nollywood? I have just my Mom now. My Dad wouldn’t have allowed it, but My Mom is supportive. You lost your dad? Yeah. 2012. Did your boyfriend at that time, give you the go ahead? I’ve never really dated like dated anyone all my life. It’s funny but true. I’m just learning to truly give love a chance now. Why? I’m too sensitive. I thought not dating at all was best to avoid heartbreaks and all. So are you saying you are still a virgin? I said I didn’t date. I didn’t say I don’t have sex. Have you been heartbroken once? Not at all. So no emotional attachment with your partners? From me to them? No. From them, well people pretend a lot in this country. So I wouldn’t know. So how long can you stay without sex? Oh, I can stay for as long as I want to. I’m not a freak on sex. But when I get it, I get it good.
I have heard people say to sexually satisfy a plus sized lady is a hard journey, how true? That’s based on individual differences. It’s wrong to generalize stuff like that. What’s your spec when it comes to Mr. Right for marriage? I’m attracted to a person’s mind and rarely the body. If he’s got a good heart and a sound mind, that’s it for me. Physical appearances don’t really count. Doesn’t mean I’d marry a monster or a dwarf though. But his pocket counts. I can’t help the world if I’m helpless. If you know what I mean. I need a rich man. You mentioned aspiring producer, any one on the pipeline already? Yes. Cooking up something good for my lovers. Alaba release though. I have to cut my coat according to my cloth for now. Nollywood is indeed going places, but there are still some lapses, what’s the way forward? The way forward is finance. Everything balls down to money. We don’t have investors. All we get is criticism and little support. Nigerians keep comparing us to Hollywood and it baffles me. We do what we do out of little or nothing and we are able to get result. Not Hollywood standard perhaps but if we have half of what those guys have, we’d shake the world. What would Amara be doing for a living, if she’s not an actress? I’d probably be into fashion. Which I’m still gonna visit eventually though. Who are those you had looked
Amara
up to in the industry? Any crush on any male celebrity? No one.
Do you like adventures? Of course, adventures feed the soul. I love adventures.
Your best fashion accessory? I really love my fancy rings and chains.
Was the pool sex worth the while? You can’t imagine.
Is that the fashion line you intend going into? I intend going into plus size Clothing. It’s difficult for a fat girl to find trendy clothes and I can help that. What inspires you? I draw inspiration from everything around me. Days ago a colleague of yours made a confession of the weirdest place she has had sex. What’s yours? The weirdest place I’ve had sex is in the pool. Were you not caught? It was a private pool.
Any regrets in life? None. I take the lessons and move on. Best moment as an actress? When someone looked me up on Facebook, asked for and account details and sent me money from London for making me his family laugh. Advice to young and aspiring actors? It gets easier, not harder. Hang in there. Have you ever been embarrassed by a male fan? No, I haven’t. Not physically though.
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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Davido, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, others to headline Afro Nation Ghana in December After a sensational run with the sold-out Afro Nation Portugal, the team is ready to bring the greatest festival experience back to Africa. As a small teaser for those anticipating the festival, Afro Nation Ghana has announced its first wave of performers to grace the stage in December. We can expect to be thrilled by headlining acts like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Alkaline, Davido, Shatta Wale,and Stonebwoy. Other artistes on the bill are Kidi, Kuami Eugene, La Meme Gang, Naira Marley, NOT3S, Teni, The Compozers, Wendy Shay, Yemi Alade, and Yxng Bane. Amplifying the sound will be renowned DJs Distruction Boyz, DJ Obi, and DJ Vyrusky. Get ready for the most lit music festival Africa has ever seen. Afro Nation Ghana will hold from the 27th to 30th of December, 2019, at Laboma Mercy
MC Lively
Mercy Johnson Okojie, MC Lively, Sisi Yemmie, others to speak at Handle It Africa 2019 The third edition of the Handle It Africa Conference, a platform designed to help brands and individuals to strategically harness the benefits of social media, is scheduled to hold on 17th May, 2019 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed ‘Social Media: Extending the Frontiers ‘, the conference will approach social media from a new perspective, highlighting the best ways to not only maximize the benefits but also solve attendant problems that
arise from its use. Panelists have been specially selected to bring their depth of knowledge to the different discussions expected to take place at Handle It Africa 3. Speakers at the event include Mercy Johnson Okojie, Nollywood actress; Tobi Bakre, Media Personality; Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder/CEO of Rise Networks; MC Lively, Comedian; Sisi Yemmie, Food & Lifestyle Influencer; Akah Nnani, Actor/YouTuber; Omowunmi ‘Mimi’ Onalaja, TV Presenter/
Host; Timini Egbuson, Nollywood actor, amongst others. In addition to the thoughtprovoking panel sessions and enlightening conversations at the conference, there will be opportunities for participants to meet and network with young, successful change-makers with a view to promoting collaboration and building partnerships. Handle It Africa is the brainchild of Olufemi Oguntamu, a social media professional and Founder of Penzaarville Africa
Teebillz new signee ‘Tosin Robeck’ debuts new singles ‘Django’ & ‘Love Letter’ Stories Mutiat Alli Highly talented Afro pop singer, Tosin Robeck begins her journey to super-stardom riding on the shoulders of The Island Empire and 323 entertainment with two amazing new singles “Django” &”Love letter. With the backing of one of Nigeria’s most formidable talent managers, Tunji Balogun popularly known as Tee Billz it is safe to say that the singer has got her sound just right.Both singles ride on a captivating fusion of Afro-pop, R & B, and dance-hall vibe with an urban twist to produce a unique formula for good times. The Pbanks produced “Django” is a mid tempo dance-hall wavy track that allows the singer profess love to her heart robber. Love has never sounded as groovy as it sounds on “Love Letter”. Her vocal prowess is
evident as she beckons on her lover not to let go. The Yoruba infused lyrics bounces on strings
Tosin
and pure Afro-beat rhythm, making this tracks a certified banger.
Beach, Accra, Ghana. The festival is produced by Event Horizon, Catalyst, Smade, and Rave Marketing Solutions in partnership with Mustard Media, Creative Nerds, Ticket Arena, and Travel Republic.
Yemi Alade
Oluchi Orlandi launches LuLu Pads and LuLu Panty Liners - By a Woman, For Women! Following the success of LuLu Lingerie, Nigeria’s first innerwear store for wholesale distribution and retailing of multibrand underwear, sleepwear, and intimate apparel for men, women and children, Oluchi Orlandi has ventured into a new terrain with the launch of LuLu Panty Liners and LuLu Pads, these products are under the LuLu Personal Care portfolio. The vision is to provide young girls and women with a partner they can trust, that understands them, a product that is made by a woman for women to keep them feeling fresh, “oops” free and confident. In a recent Op-ed piece titled “I Am Woman”, Oluchi mentions the menstrual cycle as part of a woman’s superpower, but also acknowledges the vulnerability women feel when it occurs for the first time. She writes: “The menstrual cycle is where it all really begins for the average woman. You suddenly have so much more to worry about: Is something wrong with me?, Why am I bleeding?, Am I going to get pregnant if I sit close to a boy?, Do I smell when I’m on my period?, Will boys still like me?, Am I still pretty with all this acne on my face?, Should I leave the house when I get my period?, Am I going
Oluchi
to get stained? The questions and concerns may change as you mature but some of them never go away. I have realized that if not handled properly by mothers, parents and care-givers, a young woman may suffer irreparable self esteem issues around the time that she starts to have menstrual cycles. My advice? Let’s teach our young girls about what truly matters. Let us let them know that they are not alone. Taking over the world, sitting at the table, smashing glass ceilings and all of that is critical for them to see and know – but also teaching them to understand their uniqueness in its simplicity and entirety are lessons that we must also teach them.” LuLu Pads and Panty Liners are more than just products that allow women to be their best selves at all times, it is about giving room to conversations surrounding femininity, building confidence, going on a journey of discovery together with young girls who are just coming into their own and also with older women who are in search of a larger purpose. Creating a safe space for our many voices as women, and to celebrate the woman for her many superpowers even the ones we are yet to acknowledge!
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Society Gist
Afrik Diary set to unveil LAGOS EXPO 2019
Engr Omotosho
Engineer Toyin Omotosho absolves self from slapping lawyer Isaac Oguntoye What started as a small issue between this industrious and easy going engineer and property merchant, Engineer Toyin Omotosho and some of the executives of the estates inside the Maplewood Estate, Oko-Oba, where he resides and has business, may have been turned into spectacle in the social media by Engineer Omotosho’s detractors, who simply are not comfortable with the man and his rising status in the society, nay, the many pies he legitimately has his hands into. The annoying part of the unfolding story is the fabricated and concocted lie that the amiable and extremely courteous Engineer Omotosho viciously slapped a lawyer; an accusation which he has denied vehemently, saying, the whole story of slapping and engaging thugs to wreck havoc has been one that emanated from the pit of hell, and actually orchestrated by his enemies and detractors, who will never see anything good in an upwardly mobile person like him that has never been offensive or vindictive to anyone throughout his life. Engineer Toyin Omotosho, who says the whole matter was overblown by these enemies of progress, claims, whatever the
situation might have been, he couldn’t have degenerated so low as to slapping a fellow individual, given his status in the society and the consequences of such offensive act. He claimed the issue started when he was going out of the estate to meet up a medical appointment in the hospital. Surprisingly, he got to the gate, the estate securities locked up the gate at his sight while some executive members were with the keys. He further claimed no reason whatsoever was given for the closure of the gate. At first, he was angry, but they were able to mend fences before it got out of hand. At the Maplewood Estate, where the contrived face-off took place, it is well known that Toyin Omotosho has for years been a peace-loving and very accommodating individual, where he even has a flourishing private school, ‘Eye On The Future’; an institution that has over time been providing quality learning and education to pupils and providing job opportunities for teachers and non- academic staff alike. How could he have descended so low as to causing mayhem for whatever reason at the expense of his immesurable contribution to the community, he queried. Corroborating his denial of the
slapping as being phantom and cook-up, Engineer Omotosho said that the video clip that was posted in the social media that has gone viral, did not even have any bearing of his name or particularly his identity, except for his picture that was graphically super-imposed in the story to give him a bad name. “The whole matter was outrageously overblown and misdirected by those who posted the malicious story, with my picture surreptiously embossed to give it a plausible outlook especially in this age of social media technological breakthrough where any perceived enemy can be easily maligned and debased”. Since the video clip went out, the peace-loving Omotosho has been receiving messages and phone calls from friends, family and loved ones, who simply could not come to terms with what was reported. “It is very absurd and outright demeaning of my person and I am already making moves to get to the bottom of the matter, if these character assassins do not make a rethink by setting the records straight. “I did not slap anyone for whatever reason and I stand by my word,” the obviously embittered and enraged Omotosho retorted.
Afrik Diary, organisers of African Model exhibition and the African Fashion and Arts Exhibition, is set to put together the biggest creativity show in the city of Lagos tagged Lagos Expo with the theme: home of creativity. The Lagos Expo 2019, scheduled to hold on the 23rd and 24th November at Landmark Event centre, will showcase African beauty, culture and creativity globally by focusing of four areas which include: FASHION, ARTS, FOOD AND DRINKS. An estimated 100 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors are expected to storm the two days expo, that is billed to be one of the largest gathering of people from the creative industry across Africa like Ghana, Senegal, Togo and Cameroon. The project director James Adeniyi believes the Lagos Expo 2019 will give opportunity for brands and businesses to showcase their products and work to a ready audience. James Adeniyi also says the expo will provide direct customer feedback, develop product knowledge and the chance to network with key industry players, brand influencers and guests all at a spot giving everyone the chance to buy, sell and network to build net worth. He admitted that one of the hardest
NAYA pays courtesy visit to Osun State Governor The president of Nigerian Association for Youth and Adults in Canada (NAYA), Shola Agboola and his team were welcomed by his Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Omoloye, the Oyagbodun the second, during a courtesy visit at Erin Osun, Osun State on Wednesday, 1st of May, 2019. The reason for the visit was to strengthen the ties between NAYA and Osun communities. Also present at the the palace during the courtesy visit was Alhaji Hassan, who is the president, Erin Osun progressives Union and a cross section of other dignitaries. In his welcome address, the President of NAYA, Agboola said: ‘’Our organisation is making effort to attract free donation of medical supplies and educational resource material across different parts of Nigeria. We are also making effort to attract investors to Nigeria and the opportunities that
Hon. Adedipe Daud Ewenla’s pain The 2019 general election have come and gone but the pain and the gain linger on. One of the victims of the general election was Hon. Adedipe Daud Ewenla who was detained for 37 days over allegation he knew nothing about according to reports. Hon. Prince Adedipe Daud Ewenla who is the Managing Director and CEO of Adedas development Foundation was vying for the Lagos State House of assembly during the last general election under the flagship of People Democratic Party but his political ambition was stalled after he was accused of pipeline vandalisation that occurred at Abule-Egba in December. In his statement, he said ‘I don’t know why former Lagos State
Adedipe
Commissioner, Edgahi, was determined to nail and destroy my hard earned name by all cost for the offence I know nothing about. I want to ask him if he was former commissioner of police in Lagos for everybody or for certain political party. The man was sponsored and used by my political opponents to link me with pipeline vandalisation that occured at Abule-Egba in December. He declared me wanted in the front of newspaper; he lied against me and want to destroyed the name I have built for years all in the name of politics and the money he has collected from my opponents. He put my name in google and you tube as a criminal while those vandals arrested said I was not part of them’
things in business is customer reach and selling, hence the Lagos Expo is an opportunity to provide a platform to reach distributors and sell to customers all at a spot while using the chance to build customer data. It was also noted that exhibitors have a chance to vie for any of the four awards within the period of the Lagos Expo, which include the best fashion designer award, best artist award, best food company award and best drink company award. Guests at the venue will choose the winners during the second day of the exhibition through a transparently designed selection and winning process, he added. Exhibitors, who are the focus business owners, have an option of choosing the premium stand, the standard or the start up brand arena exhibition stand. Each exhibition category is carefully planned to meet the need of the exhibition package or offering. The Afrik Diary team also stated that they are working on brand ambassadors, stating that these will be communicated to the public through their Lagos Expo social media platforms: facebook and Instagram mainly and urged the general public to connect through the Lagos Expo handles.
NAYA Visit
abound for foreign and local inventors in the country. The large opportunity of collaborating with California congressional caucus delegation and the international Black Chamber Commerce to increase the confidence and credibility which US investors will hear on NAYA’s efforts to bring actual investment to Nigeria and many more’’ In his response, Oba Adekunle welcomed NAYA’s team and appreciate them for their kind gesture to move his communities and the country forward at large. NAYA’s team and other guests later moved to the community Hall where they were entertained with artistic displays. The President of Erin progressives Union, Alhaji Hassan also welcomed the idea of NAYA, saying, the communities are looking forward in walking hand in hand with them so as to move the community forward.
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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Mixed Grill
Forget Wahala as Big Brother Naija 4 begins soon Mutiat Alli The fourth installment of Big Brother Naija will now hold in June 2019. Multichoice Nigeria, the organisers of the Big Brother Naija show has announced June, according to online sources, as the kick off of the season 4 of the reality TV show. This edition, which is to be filmed in Nigeria, will last 90 days. In a press parley in January, Multichoice, through Ebuka Obi-Uchedu, who returns as the host of this season, had said that the show, sponsored by BetNaija, will likely be the biggest and best episode yet in the history of the show. On Friday, May 2, 2019, Multichoice Nigeria teased the audience with a possible theme for the fourth edition, ‘Forget Wahala.’ The first edition was tagged Big Brother Nigeria. The second edition has the theme, ‘See Gobe,’ while the third edition was tagged ‘Double Wahala.’ The auditions for the fourth season held in February 2019 while online auditions held in March 2019 with the audience voting for one housemate to join the members of the house.
Oyinkan Alabi
Oyinkansola Alabi, Olakunle Soriyan, others to speak at The Emotional Intelligence Week 2019
StarTimes aims to provide affordable quality entertainment to every African home – David Zhang Steering the affairs of StarTimes digital pay TV is the new CEO, David Zhang who has promised further to reiterate the mission of the company which is to provide affordable quality entertainment to every African home through innovation, integrity, diligent and devotion. David Zhang disclosed this during a media interactive session held recently at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Zhang who has worked for four years in Kenya as the CEO until January 21, 2019 when he came back to StarTimes Nigeria said one of his goals is to make the digital pay TV affordable and available to
all.
“That is not all, our most recent business offering is our OTT business called StarTimes ON. StarTimes ON is our online video streaming service. It is the next generation of StarTimes streaming service. It introduces new features such as video on demand (VOD) live TV and lots of movies, sports and entertainment content all on the mobile app and free of charge.” Zhang, who joined StarTimes Group in China about 30 years now, has worked in the overseas department in Africa for seven years. “Before now, I have worked in the StarTimes Nigeria operations
department. In 2012, I first joined NTA-StarTimes operation department, but after one and half years, on 15th July 2013 I was dispatched to Kenya as the CEO of StarTimes in Kenya.” Brand and Marketing Director StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede added that by July 2019, the company will introduce a solar panel power system. “There will be no need for electricity that is you can watch all your programmes at any time of the day. If you already have the TV and input decoder, all you need is the solar panel. We also have like 10 projects that will be unveiled of local contents; series and movies.”
EQ Practitioner and founder of Emotions City, Oyinkansola Alabi has announced plans for the third edition of Emotional Intelligence week, holding from Wednesday 5th of June – Friday 7th of June 2019 in Lagos. The Emotional intelligence Week, an initiative of Emotions City, is the first of its kind in Africa and has been designed to equip professionals, religious institutions, couples, youth and young people to use EQ to boost mental health, deepen peace and increase productivity and profitability. Confirmed speakers for the event include; the convener, Oyinkansola Alabi also known as “The Emotions Doctor”, Total life Management and Nation-building consultant, Olakunle Soriyan, and Foremost Neurolinguistics Programming
Practitioner, Innocent Usar. Other speakers include; Isaac Onoja, Sam Obafemi, Izefua Erhaboh, Dr.Busayo Agboola, Hauwa Ojeifo and Harvey Deutschendorf. According to organizers, the 3-day event will end with an Exclusive EQ industry dinner at Four Point by Sheraton, VI, with Olakunle Soriyan on Friday, June 7 2019. Speaking about the event, Oyinkansola Alabi commented: “we’ve put this event together because we want everyone to know that Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill, emotional intelligence is not a hard skill, emotional intelligence is not just a life skill, emotional intelligence is life and we want to continue to raise this awareness until everyone takes it as important. This event is one you don’t want to miss”.
Selense Oyoko, Rap artiste launches debut single A fast rising rap artiste, Selense Oyoko, has released his debut single titled, Cubaka. The Orlu-born artiste, who was recently signed by On-On record, released the single over the weekend in Lagos. The rap artiste was introduced to the media by CEO of On-On record, Justin Edet. Speaking on his new debut single, Senlense Oyoko, noted that he began music at the age of twelve, stressing he decided to go into rap music because it afforded him opportunity to easily express himself. The rap artiste said his parents supported his decision to go into music, stressing that he started his music from the street. Manager and CEO of On-On record, Edet, disclosed that the company decided to add the artiste to their label because of his talent and passion. The music promoter further revealed
that the artiste would be touring several states in the country in the next few days to promote his single. The music promoter advised new and upcoming artistes in the country to be patient, believe in themselves, work hard and pray.
Selense
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Emirates Group profit declines by 44% to $631m in one year Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Emirates Group recorded a profit of AED 2.3 billion (US$ 631 million) for the financial year ended 31 March 2019, representing a decline of 44 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2018. The Group on Friday announced its 31st consecutive year of profit and steady business expansion as it released today its 2018-19 Annual Report. However, the Group’s revenue reached AED 109.3 billion (US$ 29.8 billion), an increase of 7 per cent over last year’s results, as the firm cash balance stood at AED 22.2 billion (US$ 6.0 billion), down 13per cent from last year mainly due to large investments into the business, including significant acquisitions and payment of last year’s AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) dividend. In line with the overall profit, the Group declared a dividend of AED 500 million (US$ 136 million) to the Investment Corporation of Dubai for 2018-19. His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “2018-19 has been tough, and our performance was not as strong as we would have liked. Higher oil prices and the strengthened US dollar eroded our earnings, even as competition intensified in our key markets. The uptick in global airfreight demand from the previous year appears to have gone into reverse gear, and we also saw travel demand weaken, particularly in our region, impacting both dnata and Emirates. “Every business cycle is different, and we continue to work smart and hard to tackle the challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Our goal has always been to build a profitable, sustainable, and responsible business based in Dubai, and these principles continue to guide our decisions and investments. In 2018-19, Emirates and dnata delivered our 31st consecutive year of profit, recorded growth across the business, and invested in initiatives and infrastructure that will secure our future success.” HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, announced Emirates and dnata’s 2018/19 financial performance, including the Group’s 31st consecutive year of profit. In 2018-19, the Group collectively invested AED 14.6 billion (US$ 3.9 billion) in new aircraft and equipment, the acquisition of companies, modern facilities, the latest technologies, and staff initiatives, a significant increase over last year’s investment spend of AED 9.0 billion (US$ 2.5 billion). In February, Emirates announced a commitment for 40 A330-900s and 30 A350-900s worth US$ 21.4 billion at list prices in an agreement signed with Airbus, to be delivered from 2021 and 2024 respectively. The airline will also receive 14 more A380 deliveries from 2019 until the end of 2021, taking its total A380 order book to 123 units. dnata’s key investments during the year included: the acquisitions of Q Catering and Snap Fresh in Australia, and 121 Inflight Catering in the US; the buy-out of shares to become the owner of Dubai Express, Freightworks LLC; and a 51 per cent majority stakeholder of Bolloré Logistics LLC, UAE; the build of new cargo and pharma handling facilities in Belgium, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore and Pakistan; the acquisition of German tour operator Tropo, and a majority stake in BD4travel, a company providing artificial intelligence-driven IT solutions in the travel sector. Across its more than 120 subsidiaries, the Group’s total workforce increased by 2 per cent to 105,286, representing over 160 different nationalities, mainly influenced by dnata’s new acquisitions and its international business expansion. “In 2018-19, we were steadfast with our cost discipline while expanding our business and growing revenues. By slowing the recruitment of non-operational roles, and implementing new technology systems and new work structures, we’ve improved productivity and retarded manpower cost increases”, Sheikh Ahmed said:
L-R: Representative of the National president, Nigeria Society Engineers, Engr. Akintayo Akintola; Guest speaker, Engr. (Mrs.)Terese Ijeoma; Chairman, NSE, Apapa Branch, Engr. Sunny Ejeje; and Special guest of honour/past president, NSE, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, during a public lecture and induction of new members, titled ‘Safety in Aviation Industry-Dealing with Engineering Challenges, Human Errors and Environmental Factors’ in Lagos.
97m Nigerians now connected to the internet - Shittu Ladesope Ladelokun Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, has said not less than 97 million Nigerians are now connected to the internet - a figure that puts Nigeria on 170 per cent teledensity. Shittu made this known at
the second phase sensitization workshop on national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) roadmap with the theme, “The Role of The Private Sector in the Implementation of ICT Roadmap” in Awka, Anambra State. He, however, expressed delight at the strides achieved in the ICT sector, stating that the sector had attracted
more than $42 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).He says the purpose of ICT, apart from providing service and convenience, is to increase the revenue base of the country. He said the Federal Government would continue to work assiduously to ensure that the ICT sector attains its full potentials to provide a viable alternative to a petro-centric economy.
According to Shittu, Nigeria now has more subscribers with 152 million active telephone lines. With FDI that has exceeded $42 billion, he said, the implication is that such a huge sum could have been lost without the ICT, adding that if it had not come, a great number of jobs could have been lost, which will have a ripple effect on the economy.
CRCC to invest $250m on Ibadan dry port as Buhari lauds China strides Mathew Dadiya, Abuja China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) has said the sum of $250 million dollars will be invested on a dry port in Ibadan, Oyo State, this is even as President Muhammadu Buhari expressed appreciation to The People’s Republic of China for what he called “genuine efforts” to improve the nation’s infrastructural development.
The President spoke on Friday at State the House, Abuja, while receiving in audience the Chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), Mr Fenjian Chen. Nigeria’s infrastructure, the President noted, had depreciated and deteriorated over the years, affecting the standard of living, and leading to loss of lives through avoidable accidents. “We are very grateful to China for the effort to rebuild our infrastructure,
and for bringing technical expertise to the country.” The President assured that the Federal Government would give the required support and cooperation, “so that our old, out of date, and collapsed infrastructure might be turned around.” He promised to personally pay attention to the many projects being undertaken in the country, for the good of Nigerian people. Earlier, Mr Chen, who led a highpowered Chinese team to meet with the President, said CRCC is an international
company, operating currently in 124 countries of the world. It has 18,000 local employees in Nigeria alone. Part of projects CRCC is undertaking include railway, dry port, free trade zone, and building of highways. About 40,000 more jobs are to be created from these. “The sum of $250 million dollars will be invested on a dry port in Ibadan, Oyo State, and it will decongest the ports in Lagos, and speed up clearance of goods by the Customs Service,” Mr Chen said.
TUC, CODE back NFIU’s policy on LG autonomy Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has received commendations from both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Connected Development (CODE), for its new policy that seeks to grant Local Government Areas (LGAs) financial autonomy and address gross misappropriation, corruption, money laundering, and security threats at the grassroots level. The TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, in a statement sent to The Daily Times, said the policy would help curb the unending corrupt activities going on at the State and Local Government levels. The NFIU recently released guidelines barred financial institutions from allowing transactions from State Joint Local Government Accounts (SJLGA), and approved that funds be disbursed
to Local Governments’ Accounts, strengthening the financial autonomy of the LGAs. Kaigama said the Trade Union Congress was in support of the recent circular released by one of the antigraft agencies, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). “We have always said it that cash transactions and withdrawals of the states from Joint LG Accounts is a threat to development at the grassroots; in fact, it even fans the embers of insecurity and major crisis, etc. “The Governors have made a mess of the Joint Account system and have deprived Local Governments of their development initiative in their local areas leading to bad leadership. Whatever checks and balances principle that informed its establishments in the first place are no longer valid. Therefore, we fully support the circular and call on well-meaning Nigerians to do the same.
“The biggest challenge confronting the country today is leadership and its bane, corruption. The public officials deliberately violate guidelines that make a system decent”, Kaigama said. While we commending the NFIU on the laudable initiative he also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others to provide the necessary support so as to ensure compliance. Similarly, Connected Development (CODE), Chief Executive and Founder, Follow The Money, Hamzat Lawal has equally commended the new policy noting that it will go a long way in catering for the welfare of the people at the grassroots who are marginalised and discounted because funds meant for the development of their communities were diverted. “For years, Federal and State
Governments have maintained great influence and control over local governments, leaving room for embezzlement, mismanagement and financial leakages, denying Local Governments the chance to make significant development impact and bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots. “LGAs are entitled to a statutory allocation of national revenue for carrying out specific functions in response to local needs, but the Nigerian constitution gives the State governments power to handle issues hampering on governance at the local level. This has ultimately affected grassroots socio-economic development in the country. “The grassroots communities in Nigeria face extreme poverty, unemployment, inadequate resources and low economic activities, which in turn has a ripple effect on the growth of the nation”, he said.
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Minime collaborates with ministries to empower Nigerians Godwin Anyebe
L-R-Hon. Mrs. Abiola Kufile- Okonji, Commissioner Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Mrs. Sangobyi Dorcas, a beneficiary, Dr. Ranti Oladeinde, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Mrs. Omotayo Azeez- Abiodun, Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group during the donation exercise of the Minimie Empowerment Program.
2nd phase of pension verification for 270 parastatals begin – PTAD Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced the commencement of the second phase of the Parastatal Pensioner Verification Exercise for pensioners and Next of Kin (NoK) of all federally funded Parastatals, Agencies and higher Institutions under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). PTAD Executive Secretary, Sharon Ikeazor, Friday, stated that the exercise will cover retirees of 270 agencies including Federal Universities; Polytechnics; Colleges of Education; Teaching Hospitals; Medical Centers; Power Holding Company of Nigeria; Nigeria Railway Corporation; Nigeria Postal Services; Research Institutes and other Treasury funded Parastatals, Agencies and Institutes.
According to Ikeazor, the verification exercise will also cover retirees of the defunct/privatized agencies who are yet to be verified such as: Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON); Nigeria Aviation HandlingCompany (NAHCO); Assurance Bank and Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). She announced that the exercise will hold from Monday, May 20 to Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the following centres from 8 am – 4 pm: Centre and Venue. In Benin City, it will take place at Imaguero College Hall, Sapele Road, Opp. NNPC Mega Station by Central Road Junction, Benin City. In Port-Harcourt at Omni Events Centre, Estate Bypass, By Forte Oil Filling Station, Port-Harcourt, while in Uyo at E3 Events & Banquets, Km 1, Uyo Village Road, Off Wellinton Bassey Way (Barrack Road) Uyo, and in Calabar at Mike Igini Conference
Hall, 81, Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar. The Directorate spelt out the requirement saying, “it is mandatory for all pensioners and Next of Kin (NoK) to provide the original and photocopies of the following documents: Letter of First Appointment; Letter of Last Promotion; Approved Letter of Retirement; Evidence of Change of Name (where applicable); Evidence of Transfer/ Merger of Service (where applicable); BVN Registration Slip with clear picture (stamped and signed by the bank); Original and Stamped Bank Statement for the last one month and/or e-Token as applicable; 1 recent coloured passport photograph; Audited and Stamped Computation Sheet; Letter of Confirmation of appointment; Valid means of Identification (Driving License, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card) and LastPay Slip.
In addition to the aforementioned documents, the agency said, Next of Kins (NoKs) are also required to provide the following mandatory documents: Death Certificate of the Deceased from a Government Hospital or National Population Commission; Letter of Administration from High Court; Single/ Joint Application by the NOK(s); as listed on the Letter of Administration; Marriage Certificate (for Spouses); Original and Stamped Bank Statement of the deceased pensioner from retirement to date and/ or e-Token as applicable; Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Single/Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK(s), with Bank Logo; BVN Registration Slip with clear picture (stamped and signed by the bank); 1 coloured Passport Photograph of each NOK and Valid means of Identification (Driving License, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card).
ULC condemns use of thugs to disrupt protest Joy Obakeye The United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC) has condemned the use of thugs or any form of violence as a tool of engagement by social partners in the nation’s industrial relations space. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National President of ULC, Comrade Joe Ajaero. “ULC condemns in very strong terms the use of thugs or in fact any form of violence as a tool of engagement by social partners in the national industrial relations space. We, therefore, believe that the deployment of thugs to unleash mayhem on the protesting workers no matter the
provocation is despicable and repugnant.” “The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) led by its President; comrade Williams Akporeha also the Deputy President of the ULC who were on a peaceful protest to demonstrate their displeasure at the brazen display of impunity and highhandedness by the Honourable Minister of Labour in refusing to inaugurate the Board of the NSITF under the chairmanship of Comrade Ovie Kokori as directed by the Presidency were attacked by thugs.” He explained, “Many of the workers and Journalists who accompanied them
were subjected to unimaginable brutality thus sustaining severe injuries and damages to their equipment including losses of various sums of monies and personal properties in the melee. It was reported that blood flowed freely as these purveyors of mayhem freely used all manners of dangerous on Nigerian workers who the Minister is supposed to protect.” “However, we urge the Minister to demonstrate more patience in dealing with worker’s and to show a greater understanding of the laws that govern industrial relations in Nigeria. The use of certain language may not be sensitive thus inimical to relationship in the space.” “The Minister has denied sending the
thugs but we know from hindsight that if he did not send them directly, those who are under his control may have done it. In either case, the Minister may be unfortunately complicit.” “We recall that the Honourable Minister last week accused the NLC of using thugs to invade his office and now it is the same accusation going the other way. What we now have is a prevalence of the use of thugs and violence within the IR space which is very sad.” “ULC calls on the government to quickly call a roundtable of all major stakeholders within the nation IR space for the purposes of seeking rapprochement with workers and their unions that have been brutalised.”
Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail project: Track laying 79% completed – Amaechi Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday said that track laying on the 156 km Lagos-Ibadan standard guage rail project is 79 per cent completed. According to him, the 123km already completed spans up to Kila village, a settlement on the outskirts of Ogun towards
Oyo State. Amaechi gave the hint, during his routine inspection of the project along Kila, Olodo, Ilugun corridor of the track in the outskirts of Ogun State. Speaking further, Amaechi said that as part of measures to address the challenges of traffic gridlock that has bedevilled residence of Lagos, he will be visiting the Apapa port tomorrow for inspection to ensure it is connected to the standard guage
rail. “We are already moving towards Ibadan, the track laying is now in Kila, a town on the outskirts of Ogun. “In less than a month from now, we should be in Ibadan with the rate the work is going. “We will be visiting the ports tomorrow to address some of the issues we have there. “It’s imperative that the Apapa ports must be connected to the standard guage
rail to ensure proper movement of cargoes,” Amaechi said. Recall, one of his inspection tours on April 8, the minister had blamed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the slow pace of work in the ongoing project, noting that the Federal Government plans to commence transportation of cargoes from the seaports through the standard rail gauge by December.
Minimie Chinchin and Minimie Noodles in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development are currently working together towards empowering Nigerians by providing them with trade assets to start up new businesses. Minimie is a household name and the Nigerian most loved variant of snacks and Noodles. Minimie actively entered the Nigerian marketing landscape in 2015 with its unique snack and noodle offering and has since been making significant marks in the snack category across the nation. Few Nigerian youth, aspiring to become small business owners have benefited from the program receiving branded kiosks fully equipped with cartons of all regular and new flavours of the brand like Minimie Instant Noodles Tomato & chicken flavour, Minimie Chin-chin regular and the newly introduced Minimie ChinchinHot and spicy flavour courtesy Minimie in conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs in Lagos and Oyo state. According to the brand Manager, Minimie, Rani Kolati in a statement made available to newsmen recently in Lagos, the initiative was borne out of the realization that lots of Nigerian youth who are unemployed still have the zeal to become entrepreneurs. However, due to financial constraints, they cannot start on their own. In view of this, we decided to encourage youth who are the future of the nation, with a business to start up. We bootstrap them with a sales kiosk, stock, startup fund and support them with supplies, so they can continue the business and support their family. “We set up these sales kiosks in secure strategic locations for these budding and aspiring entrepreneurs at densely populated bus stops/ parks to enhance sales. After the official handover to them, we ensure to deploy our area marketing managers to assist with sales training and regular checks to help achieve a significant amount of profits which will keep them in business for a long time”, Rani stated. Currently there are fifteen kiosks scattered across Lagos, four in Ibadan, one in Abeokuta, two in Ilorin, three in Onitsha, one in Port Harcourt and six in Benin and many others in the pipeline. During the donation exercise in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Abiola Kufile- Okonji while handing over the business to Mrs Sangobiyi- Dorcas stated that the initiative was in line with the vision of the state government to create jobs, wealth opportunities and alleviate poverty among residents in the state. She also commends the efforts of the Minimie Team for collaboration with the Ministry towards providing jobs opportunity for the people in dire need to make ends meet. In the same line, Lagos State Commissioner Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mrs Lola Akande at the empowerment exercise in Lagos, while appreciating the Minimie brand also advised beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity presented by effectively deploying skills and assets into the running of their businesses profitably and sustainably.
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Gbajabiamila has enough experience to be next House of Reps Speaker - Egberongbe Hon. Mufutatu Egberongbe, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly is a member-elect into the House of Representatives from Apapa Federal Constituency in Lagos State. Egberongbe is worried that few days to the beginning of 9th National Assembly, the issues of the leadership of the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives is yet to be resolved. For the Federal House of Representatives, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Speakership of the House who is also the current Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is the best person to occupy the seat based on his experience and long service in the House. Egberongbe believes that the party has chosen well and that Gbajabiamila’s experiences on the job have adequately prepared him for the tasks ahead. PATRICK OKOHUE met him. How would you assess the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly? There are evidence in more private member bills that were churned out in the assembly as against what used to happen in the past, when most of the bills were executive bills. This shows that the members of the 8th Assembly are hardworking and are capable. The reason is not farfetched, they have been able to show that they have the love of the people at heart. Town hall meetings are held by the members across the 40 constituencies and the details are compiled to form the budget of the state government for the succeeding year. What do you think the 9th Assembly should do better? Basically, the activities of the legislature is by convention. Why the assembly would be different is that the current Speaker is returning and most members are also returning. This would definitely help the 8th Assembly. In the last assembly, we had eight members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before they crossed to the All Progressives Congress (APC). But the 9th Assembly is starting with everybody being members of the APC. They would have the same focus and ideas. This would give them more opportunities and things would be done quickly because they would all be on the same page as they are from the same political party. Credit should go to the National Leader of our party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state Chairman of our party, Alhaji Ibrahim Babatunde Balogun. What would have taken us aback is if we have a new Governor and new assembly members. In this circumstance, the legislature which is the number one of the three arms of government, will have a lot of people coming back. The Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has been part of the government since the time of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when the latter was the governor of the state and Sanwoolu was the Managing Director of the LSDPC until recently. So, our government will work well better now. I must add that the current Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa must be returned as Speaker because there is no time for experiment and this would make it better as the governor is coming for the first term. So, we need an experienced Speaker to work with him. Would they not be rubber stamp legislators? They would not be rubber stamp, they would be a cohesive and combat assembly. They would be able to run the affairs of the state well. Parties are formed based on ideas, so it is better nobody is from the PDP, APGA or any other party with different manifestoes. They will all be working on the ideologies of the party.
Egberongbe You are going to the House of Representatives from Apapa, what should your constituency expect from you? Like I said, legislature is the first arm of government. The duties of the legislature at the federal level are not different from those of the state. They have people at the back of their minds. I was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for eight years from 2007 to 2015 and I was the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly for four years, but I have since resigned my appointment. I think I am in a better stead to do what the people want as a federal lawmaker. Some of those things that I would have done as a member of the State House of Assembly would be done better at the National Assembly. There is a serious synergy between me and my constituents. I would copy what Senator Oluremi Tinubu is doing in Lagos Central by holding town hall meetings with my people regularly. I might not be able to do it frequently as she does, but at least I should be able to do it once in a year. The Speakership of the House of Representatives has been zoned to the South and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has signified interest for the position, do you think he has
I have said it severally that it is not just about the position being zoned to the South or Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila being preferred, but the personality of Gbajabiamila himself should be considered. Hon. Gbajabiamila is a very serious minded person, look at his contributions on the floor of the House, he is a very disciplined and versed person. You can stay glued to your television, sometimes you hardly find up to 50 or 60 members on the floor of the House, but you would find Hon. Gbajabiamila there dishing out one section of the constitution or the other to support his claims on a particular bill.
what it takes to manage the office? Members of the National Assembly come from various political parties. Everybody came through a party and we are bound by the dictates of the party. We came in through the APC and the party has spoken through the Chairman and the Leadership of the party. They said that the leadership of the House of Reps should be zoned to the South, and that it should be Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. I have said it severally that it is not just about the position being zoned to the South or Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila being preferred, but the personality of Gbajabiamila himself should be considered. Hon. Gbajabiamila is a very serious minded person, look at his contributions on the floor of the House, he is a very disciplined and versed person. You can stay glued to your television, sometimes you hardly find up to 50 or 60 members on the floor of the House, but you would find Hon. Gbajabiamila there dishing out one section of the constitution or the other to support his claims on a particular bill. He had been a Minority Leader and he later became the Majority Leader of the House. It only behooves on us that having seen it from the Minority perspective and later the Majority perspective, he should be supported to become the Speaker of the House of Reps in the interest of the Nigerian people and the masses. Legislative activities are allowed by convention. Gbajabiamila has been there on five occasions, so he has the necessary experience, he would then hit the ground running once the 9th National Assembly begins. We have so many ranking members in the House of Reps, why should Gbajabiamila be the Speaker? He has been a Minority Leader and later a Majority Leader and he is a core disciplined legislator. He even said it once that he would not run for the office if the position is not zoned to the South. That tells you that Hon. Gbajabiamila is selfless. What measures have the party put in place to ensure that Gbajabiamila emerges the Speaker of the House of Reps because it might not be an easy task? You once said that the position is zoned to Lagos State, it is beyond the issue of Lagos State. Gbajabiamila became the Minority and Majority Leader for the country and not for Lagos State alone. The 164 newly elected members of the House of Reps have even embraced Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the next Speaker of the House of Reps. We met in Abuja and adopted him as the next Speaker. I am amazed by the kind of support he got from the North. For the first time, we are talking about integrity and meritocracy, so we are moving the country to the next level. Even the Presidency has said that Gbajabiamila is the way to go. Would you say others are not as qualified as Gbajabiamila? It is not that others are not qualified, what I am saying is that Femi Gbajabiamila has been tested and trusted, why do we need to experiment with others. What are those things you want to achieve in the House of Reps? Basically, our job is lawmaking for a better society. We will ensure that we churn out laws that would make the country better. We will uphold excellence and protect the rights of the people. You will agree with me that there is separation of power amongst the three arms of government, yet the President of the country would have to make a proclamation before the National Assembly begins a session and the governor does that for the state houses of assembly
Continued on page 18
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Election 2019: NANS passes vote Senate leadership: Group commences of confidence on INEC, blames visitation to Senators-elect politicians for shortcomings Stories by Patrick Okohue The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has passed a vote of confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the 2019 election. The students’ body said the 2019 elections was an improvement of previous elections, specifically 1999, 2003 and 2007. NANS however blamed Nigeria’s political class for the challenges recorded during the polls and absolved the electoral body of any blame. The students, in a communique signed at the end of its 86th extraordinary meeting held in Kogi State, said the 2019 elections was an improvement on previous elections. The communique was signed by NANS Senate president, Gambo Abu Mohammed, chairman drafting committee, Comrade Orisamoluwa Adegunle Benjamin from the College of Education Ikere Ekiti, and secretary, Adamu Mu’azu, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. Blamed Nigeria’s political class for the challenges recorded during the polls, NANS said, “If political parties and politicians obeyed the rules of the game and desist from procuring other stakeholders in the process to breach the rules, we would have a free and credible election,” According to the communique, the extraordinary meeting adopted the report of an
Yakubu earlier 7-man committee set up by the Senate of NANS to review the conduct of critical stakeholders such as politicians, security agencies, media and Election umpires in the 2019 elections. “The committee notes that political parties really went out of their way to sabotage the process all for their expected outcome to win the election without consideration to due process. All they cared about was to be declared victorious,” the communique stated. The communique reads further, “The Senate finally passed a vote of confidence on the INEC for the improvement experienced during the general election and finally calls for a motion for adoption which was moved and seconded. The Senate president calls on NASS to transmit the amended electoral act 2019 to Buhari for assent “The Senate wholly endorse and adopt the report of her election
monitoring committee and hereby give kudos and thumbs up to the leadership of INEC for the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.” Meanwhile, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has explained why the antigraft agency intervened in the recent general election in Nigeria. Magu said the move was aimed at checkmating and preventing the moneybags from determining the emergence of leaders arising from the polls. In a paper titled “Creative Initiatives in the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria,” Magu noted that the EFCC’s intervention during the presidential and National Assembly elections on March 9, and the governorship and state assembly elections on March 23 paid off with positive results.
Gbajabiamila has enough experience to be next House of Reps Speaker - Egberongbe Continued from page 17 too. That would tell you that there is still checks and balances among them. We will ensure a special status for Lagos State. Lagos State is a mini-Nigeria. You will agree with me that Lagos State is still the commercial capital of Nigeria. It is in the interest of all of us that Lagos State continues to thrive and excel so that the state can continue to move forward. You are going to the House of Reps from Apapa, but the issues affecting Apapa like the movement of trailers from the ports have not been addressed,
how do you hope to tackle this? I agree that several people have tried to address the traffic issue in Apapa. The rail lines are already there, and we have been talking about using waterways to move goods to reduce the number of trailers on the roads. I have talked about the issue of tank farms that should be taken away from Apapa. I said that the tank farms ought to be in Lekki Free Trade Zone. We should ensure that tank farms are removed because of the people living in the area. By the time we have the rail line and the truck bay at Liverpool is put to use, the trailers on the roads
would be reduced. The tank farms are combustible and God forbid if explosion happens, a lot of lives would be lost. We will continue to advocate, and I would say this government has been trying its best. The people of Apapa G.R.A have been trying to ensure that things are better in Apapa. We will continue to advocate until we achieve our aims. The issue of the traffic on the highway would be addressed. Also, the issue of Environmental degradation in Gaskiya Area would be addressed. We would emphasise the Cabotage Law, which emphasises local content for the sake of the people of Apapa.
A pro-Buhari group has concluded plans to visit all the 109 Senators-elect in May, 2019 - The group said the visitation would be used to rally support for Senator Ali Ndume’s senate presidency ambition - The group also said Ndume is not just a name but a symbol of credibility and good governance A pro-Buhari group, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative has said that it has concluded plans to visit all the 109 Senators-elect in May, 2019. The group said it stands for good governance and would do anything within the ambit of the law to ensure credible leadership in Nigeria. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Okpokwu Ogenyi, the group described the National
Assembly as an important segment of the Federal Government saddled with legislative powers. Ogenyi said it is not enough to have President Muhammadu Buhari without a complementing Senate President with the needed zeal to move the Nation forward and achieve good governance. Seeking support for Senator Ali Ndume, the coalition said: “We shall commence visitation of all the Senatorselect and let them have reasons to vote Senator Ali Ndume as the 9th Senate President.” According to Ogenyi, Ndume is not just a name, but a symbol of credibility and good governance, he said as a ranking Senator, Ndume has been able to distinguished himself and
proven to have the capability and ability in working cordially with his colleagues even the opposition. “Senator Ndume believes that, good governance through critical infrastructure could cure insecurity and bring about more job creation, thereby empowering the Nigerian youth for a better future. We call on all the Senatorselect to join hands with him for a better and credible Leadership of the 9th Senate,” Ogenyi said. He also noted that aside from visiting the Senators, the group will also pay homage to traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders of the Nigerian project in prevailing on the Senators-elect to support and elect the Senator as the President of the Senate.
Ajimobi counsels Makinde on sustaining peace in Oyo The Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has counseled the governorelect, Oluseyi Makinde, to ensure that the state does not return to era of brigandage under his watch. Ajimobi spoke to journalists shortly after he delivered a public lecture, entitled: “Peace and security architecture for sustainable development in Oyo State” organised by Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), at the University of Ibadan (UI). The governor who said he would work till the last day in office as governor, regardless of various allegations in the newspapers, stated that Makinde, who will take over the reins of government from him on May 29, should be wary of power tussles between two opposing groups in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state if his administration would record landmark achievements in the area of peace and security. “We thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve and the service we have delivered well, and we are happy. If there is anything we want to be remembered for, it is peace and security. It is the foundation of government, and it is the basis of governance. “For any society to develop, there must be that peace and security, which must thereafter have what I call the German floor of infrastructure, both physical and social. And that we are living behind. “As I am standing before
Ajimobi you, I still have 18 days and nine hours. So, within that period, we will still continue to maintain peace. It is what we are known for, and that is what our legacy will be. “As from May 29, if someone wants to disrupt the peace, I will advise the in-coming governor to ensure that for him to be successful, and deliver dividends of democracy, peace must be the first thing to maintain. So, he must not allow it to slip away. He must not take us back to ‘Egypt’ and he must not take us to ‘Afghanistan.’ We must continue to have peace and tranquility in
Oyo State.” On the occasion, Ajimobi was conferred with fellowship award of SPSP in recognition of his contributions to achievement and sustenance of peace and security in the past eight years in the state, which was described by President of SPSP, Dr. Nathaniel Danjibo, as a total departure to what was obtainable before Ajimobi came into power in 2011. The lecture, which was attended by UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, was chaired by former deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Prof. Adigun Agbaje.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 10, 2019
‘Another tragedy’: Scores die as migrant boat sinks off Tunisia
The Mediterranean is the ‘world’s deadliest sea crossing’, according to the UNHCR A boat carrying scores of refugees and migrants has capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Tunisia, killing at least 50 people, according to the United Nations migration agency. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) called Friday’s incident one of the deadliest refugee boat sinkings this year. “Another tragedy in the Mediterranean,” the organisation said in a Twitter post. Sixteen people survived the sinking, the agency
said. Only four bodies have been recovered so far and search operations were ongoing, it said. According to reports by Tunisia’s state-run TAP news agency, the boat carrying as many as 70 refugees and migrants sank 40 nautical miles off the coast of Sfax, some 270km south of the capital, Tunis. Fishing boats rescued the survivors, TAP reported. The IOM said the vessel took to the sea from neighbouring Libya,
where renewed warfarebetween rival factions has gripped the capital, Tripoli, in recent weeks. An IOM official told The Associated Press news agency those on board included Bangladeshi and Moroccan nationals, among others. Libya’s western coast is the main departure point for refugees and migrants hoping to reach Europe by sea. Numbers attempting the journey have dropped due to an Italianled effort to disrupt smuggling
networks and support the Libyan coastguard with funds, ships and training, in return for carrying out interceptions and rescues. The Mediterranean Sea is the “world’s deadliest sea crossing”, according to the UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, with one in 14 people dying on the route from Libya to Europe last year. A UN report published in January said six refugees and migrants died every day in 2018 while attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
‘Unreliable’: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards rejects talks with US Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has rejected negotiations with the United States and denied the likelihood of a US attack, a day after US President Donald Trump urged talks while saying he could not rule out a military confrontation. “No talks will be held with the Americans and the Americans will not dare take military action against us,” Yadollah Javani, the IRGC’s deputy head for political affairs, was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency on Friday. “Our nation ... sees America as unreliable.” The dismissal came amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump, who pulled the US out of a landmark deal curbing Iran’s nuclear programme, has tightened sanctions on Tehran, eliminating waivers that had allowed some countries to buy Iranian oil, with the goal of reducing the country’s crude exports to zero. The US also designated the IRGC a “terrorist organisation”. Last week, Washington deployed bombers and warships to the Middle East, citing “credible threats” from Iran. It did not offer evidence for the claim and Tehran dismissed the move as “psychological warfare”. The B-52 bombers arrived at a US
airbase in Qatar on Thursday night, government’s move to scale back leave the negotiating table. ... What is US Central Command (CENTCOM) curbs on its nuclear programme. the guarantee that he will not renege said, while the carrier USS Abraham State television showed thousands again?” Takht Ravanchi said in a US Lincoln passed through Egypt’s marching after Friday prayers in television interview on Thursday. Suez Canal on Thursday. Tehran and said similar marches He dismissed US allegations of an At the same time, Trump urged were held across the country. Iranian threat as “fake intelligence” Iran’s leadership to sit down with “America should know, sanctions and said they were “being produced him to discuss giving up Tehran’s have no effect!” chanted the by the same people who in the runnuclear programme. “What I would demonstrators, many of whom up to the US invasion of Iraq did the like to see with Iran, I would like to carried signs reading “Down with same”. see them call me,” he told reporters USA”. Meanwhile, the European Union at the White House on Thursday. They burned US flags and some has urged Iran to respect the nuclear When asked about the risk of a threw fake punches at a protester deal, saying the bloc aims to continue US military confrontation with Iran, wearing a Trump costume mask. trading with the country despite US Trump said: “I guess you could say Majid Takht Ravanchi, Iran’s sanctions. that always, right? I don’t want to ambassador to the United Nations, The Europeans insist the pact is say no, but hopefully that won’t said Washington’s unilateral exit an important pillar of regional and happen. We have one of the most had eroded Tehran’s trust. global security but have struggled to powerful ships in the world that is “All of a sudden he decided to preserve the accord. loaded up and we don’t want to do anything.” A day before Trump’s offer for talks, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said his country will resume some nuclear enrichment that had been halted under the 2015 accord. Iran remains in compliance with the agreement but Rouhani threatened on Wednesday to do more if the remaining signatories to the pact - the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China - did not shield it from US sanctions. Thousands of Iranians took part in state-sponsored marches on Friday to voice support for the Iranians protest against the United States during a rally after Friday prayers in Tehran
g 20 Italy says it will seize charity ship that rescued migrants
The Italian government has allowed two groups of migrants to disembark in Italy despite the country’s “closed ports” policy after European countries agreed to take in some migrants and officials impounded a charity ship that brought others. Thirty migrants rescued from a rubber boat off the coast of Libya by the aid group Mediterranea landed at the Italian port of Lampedusa on Friday. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had originally said “the ports will remain closed,” to the Italian aid group’s ship the Mare Jonio, but reversed that decision when authorities said they would impound the boat. “The last voyage for the boat ... Mare Jonio. Blocked and seized. Bye bye,” Salvini wrote on Twitter. The boat’s head of mission, Beppe Caccia, said police had boarded the Mare Jonio but had not told him they were planning to detain it. He denied any wrongdoing and shrugged off the threat of legal action. “Seizure is an act to stop us. But it’s important to us that the people are safe,” the group tweeted. At least 50 migrants drowned on Friday when their boat sank in international waters off the Tunisian coast, said the UN migration agency. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said sixteen people survived on Friday, making it one of the deadliest incidents involving migrants trying to reach Europe by sea this year. Thirty-six migrants rescued by the Italian navy in the Mediterranean in a separate mission were allowed to land in Sicily on Friday under a European Union deal that means many will be transferred to other countries in the region, the government said. “I thank France, Malta, Luxembourg and Germany for the solicitude with which, within a few hours, they said they were ready to welcome” some of them, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a statement on Friday. The military boat that plucked them from a stricken vessel on Thursday was not on a dedicated humanitarian mission. EUwide military search-and-rescue patrols ended in March after Italy’s government repeatedly refused to let refugees and migrants disembark. Germany had previously withdrawn from the mission, saying Italy’s position was undermining the whole project. “All persons rescued from the Mediterranean should be allowed to disembark in a safe port. This is just the latest in Salvini’s efforts to undermine and indeed criminalise - humanitarian efforts to save lives,” Judith Sunderland, associate Europe director of Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera, referring to the initial refusal to allow the aid ship to land. Rome has taken increasingly hardline anti-immigration stances. Salvini signed an order last month banning charity vessels from rescuing people at sea. The Mare Jonio was briefly impounded in March in Lampedusa after bringing dozens of migrants ashore, but released after a week. Operation Sophia, the EU mission ostensibly aimed at targeting human trafficking networks, but which had the politically convenient side-effect of reducing immigration, largely collapsed at the end of March with a suspension of sea patrols. Its mandate runs until the end of September and will continue by “strengthening surveillance by air assets as well as reinforcing support to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy,” a European Council statement said. After Italy closed its waters to rescue boats, European nations failed to reach agreement on which countries should take most of those saved at sea. Member states are continuing to work on “a solution for disembarkation,” the statement said.
Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 11, 2019
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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 11, 2019
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SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 10, 2019
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal wiser after last season
Arsenal striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang, says the club has learnt from last season’s mistakes in the Europa League after his hat-trick against Valencia sealed their progress to the final of the competition on Thursday. A 4-2 win at the Mestalla gave Arsenal a convincing 7-3 aggregate victory over Valencia to take the London side to their first European final since 2006. They will face Chelsea in an all-English affair in Baku on May 29. Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January last year, was ineligible for the Europa League last season. The Gunners fell at the semifinals to eventual champions Atletico Madrid, after failing to take advantage of a red card in the first leg and losing 2-1 on aggregate.
READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng “We are through to the final and we are all happy,” Aubameyang told Arsenal’s website. “It meant a lot. I think we’ve learnt from last season and this year we didn’t make the same mistakes.” It was Aubameyang’s first hattrick for the club and c defender Nacho Monreal praised him and his strike partner Alexandre Lacazette, who provided the assist for the first goal and also got on the score sheet in the second half. “We needed him and we needed Laca,” Monreal said. “We’re so proud of him because he’s scored three goals in a semi-final. “He’s helped us a lot but it’s not only him, it’s every player. He scored a hat-trick, so we are all really happy for him.” Lacazette said Arsenal had to push on now and win the trophy to
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qualify for the Champions League next season, with a top-four spot and automatic qualification nearly out of reach. This was after they picked up only four points from their last six games. The north London club, who are fifth in the Premier League, require a win, an unlikely eight-goal swing and for fourth-placed Tottenham to lose on the final day to finish in the top four. “We want to play in the Champions League and we want to win this trophy,” Lacazette said. “We’ve played badly in the last month in the Premier League, so we have to be better now. “We’re going to the final, so we have to use this opportunity to win and go to the Champions League.”
Unilorin to grant automatic admission to outstanding 5th NYG athletes
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Suleiman Age, on Friday expressed the institution’s readiness to grant admission to athletes who distinguished themselves during the 5th National Youth Games (NYG). The Vice-Chancellor made the promise while hosting Directors of Sports from 23 states of the federation as well as other sports stakeholders. The group and some officials of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development were in Ilorin for a Joint Technical Meeting of the 5th NYG scheduled for September. “Unilorin s always open to hosting national and international sports competitions and events,” the Vice-Chancellor said. The Director of Grassroots Sports Development Department, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Dr Ademola Are, in a speech said the Ministry would continue to play its role in the organisation of the NYG. The delegates had earlier undertaken an inspection visit to the various venues and accommodation facilities earmarked for the Games. While reacting, they commended the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development for the sustained hosting of the Games. They also commended the Vice-Chancellor and
management team of University of Ilorin for their hospitality and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Games’ next five editions. The delegates, during their meeting, approved the list of sports and events for the Games and resolved to include mixed doubles events for badminton, table tennis, Ayo, darts and tennis. They also included team event for chess and are to get clarifications on the heavyweight categories in kung-fu and taekwondo. The delegates also approved the timelines for the NYG and resolved that online accreditation would take place in various states and the FCT. Reports has it that the screening of athletes would hold on Sept. 9. A fresh letter of invitation for participation at the NYG would be sent as a reminder to all states of the federation and the FCT after May 29. This was due to the inauguration of new governments in some states. It was also reported that the screening exercise for the Games would be based on sport by sport basis and for a day only (Sept. 9) and on physical examination. The screening would also be witnessed by representatives of the National Sports Federations, preferably the Secretaries-General
and Technical Directors, in order to prevent multiple screenings. Meanwhile, the delegates also resolved that appeals against athletes screened out shall be supported with birth certificates, national identity cards and birth certificates from the National Population Commission not later than 2017. They agreed this should be accompanied with a non-refundable re-screening fee of N50,000. The delegates, however, commended University of Ilorin for the improved state of the sports venues and accommodation facilities earmarked for the Games. They also approved that the first and secondplaced teams at the zonal eliminations would qualify from each zone for the finals. The delegates also approved that for a sport to score in a particular NYG, a minimum of nine states must enter and participate. Also, they agreed that for an event to score, a minimum of five states must enter and participate. They approved that, due to government policy on means of identification from May 1, the National Identity Cards and International Passports would serve as means of identification during screening for future NYGs.(NAN)
David Luiz signs Chelsea extension Mauricio Pochettino welcomes break for David Luiz ended speculation surrounding his Chelsea future by signing a new deal with the club. The club announced on Friday that the defender had extended his contract with Chelsea and will be under contract through the 2020-21 campaign. Luis has made 48 appearances across all competitions this campaign while scoring three goals as he’s become one of Maurizio Sarri’s go-to players after falling down the depth chart under previous manager Antonio Conte. The Brazilian has also guided Chelsea to the Europa League final, where the club will face Arsenal after dispatching Eintracht Frankfurt in penalties in the semi-final round. “I am so happy to be here and to have this opportunity to stay. I love this club and I still have the ambition of a young player,” Luiz said in a statement. “It means a lot to reach another European final, and we still have the opportunity to finish in the top three of the Premier League this season and I will continue to try to do my best to help the team.” Luiz has made 35 league appearances this campaign, his most since originally joining the club in 2011 and since rejoining in 2016 following a two-year stint with Paris SaintGermain. Across his Chelsea career, Luiz has made a total 246 appearances, scoring 18 goals
while winning a Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League trophy. “We are delighted David Luiz will be staying with the club,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia in a statement. “He has set the perfect example to those around him throughout the campaign and been a huge influence on and off the pitch. “With the Europa League final still to come, we hope to finish off the season with silverware and David will be central to that success in Baku and beyond.” Chelsea are set to face Leicester on Sunday in the final match of the Premier League season. Following a friendly against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, Chelsea will turn focus towards Arsenal and the May 29 Europa League final in Baku.
Tottenham before Champions League final Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has welcomed the prospect of a three-week break for his exhausted and injury-ravaged squad before they face Liverpool in the Champions League final ahead of their last Premier League match of the campaign. The scheduling of the showpiece match on June 1 in Madrid has been criticised as it falls just days before the UEFA Nations League finals, giving England manager Gareth Southgate a headache. But Pochettino is relieved as it allows his injured stars such as Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Harry
Winks time to recover and gives his side the best possible chance to be crowned European champions for the first time. Kane was seen running onto the pitch to celebrate Tottenham’s dramatic semi-final win at Ajax on Wednesday and said he hopes to be fit. Winks is recovering from groin surgery and Vertonghen left the Johan Cruyff Arena on crutches after sustaining an ankle injury in Amsterdam. “With our circumstance, it is good for us, because it gives us time to recover some players like Harry Kane or Harry Winks and to have all of the
squad fit to play the most important game in the history of the club,” said Pochettino. “It is fantastic to have the possibility to recover the players and have the squad fit, to have more possibility to have more alternatives. “For us, it is good today. Maybe for Liverpool, it is not so good. It all depends on circumstance, for our circumstance it is good.” On Vertonghen’s chances of recovery, he added: “We need to assess, I think it is not a big issue because he finished the game, but it’s true that now his ankle is swollen, but we hope it is not a big problem.” Tottenham host Everton in their final Premier League game of the campaign on Sunday, but look to have sealed Champions League qualification for next season via a top-four finish. To overhaul their north London rivals, fifth-placed Arsenal would need to win at Burnley, hope Spurs lose and achieve an eight-goal swing in goal difference.
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US sport envoys mentor Nigerian paralympic athletes, coaches
Yaya Touré officially hangs up his boots Former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré has officially retired from football. According to his agent, the 35-year-old is now set to embark on a career in coaching. Touré left City and became a free agent when his contract expired at the end of the 2017/18 season. After a short period without a club, the Ivorian joined Olympiacos in September 2018 for the second time in his career. However, the former midfielder lasted just over three months at the Greek Superleague club before leaving by mutual agreement in December, and he has not played a professional game since. “I say this for the first time: Yaya decided to end his career as a champion,” Touré’s agent Dimitry Seluk told Russian outlet Sport 24 on Friday.
“The farewell match given to him by Manchester City, in principle, was the real end of his playing career. Not only in this team, but in general. “Yaya is one of the best players in Africa and he had one of the brightest careers in the history of African football. “Therefore, he should also leave football beautifully, at his peak. “We talked for a long time about this topic. Of course, every football player wants to play as long as possible. In terms of his physical condition, Yaya could do this at a sufficiently high level for another five years. “But we came to the conclusion that he, the football player who played for Barcelona and Manchester City, could not lower the bar with his hands. “We see many players who continue their careers at a sufficiently mature age, and this is
William Troost-Ekong back in Udinese training after two-week layoff over injury Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong is expected to return to the starting line-up for Udinese in Saturday’s Serie A clash against c after spending two weeks on the sidelines due to injury. Troost-Ekong injured his adductor in Udinese’s 1-1 draw against Sassuolo last month and has not featured for the club ever since. The injury forced him to miss the club’s 2-0 loss to Atalanta and their goalless draw with Inter Milan last weekend. The 25-year-old returned to full training with his teammates on Thursday “Positive note of today is the return to the group of William Troost-Ekong, again in field after the injury to the adductor suffered in occasion of the challenge with the
Sassuolo,” reads a statement on Udinese’s official website. Troost-Ekong who has been ever present for the club this season has made 32 league appearances for Igor Tudor’s men. Udinese are currently 17th on the Serie A table, a place above the relegation zone.
commendable. “But Yaya and I chose a different path: to leave as a champion and start a new stage in life – a career as a coach, in which, I am sure, Yaya will reach even greater heights than those he achieved as a football player. “There are no African coaches in the English Premier League. I think.” Seluk goes on to say that when Touré joined Olympiacos, he did so on the agreement that he would be a player/coach but he decided to leave the club when that promise was not kept. The Champions League and Premier League winner has apparently begun studying for his Uefa Pro License and, his agent says, has already received coaching offers from clubs in Russia and Ukraine. “Yaya recently held a master class in Dynamo Kyiv, where everyone was very pleased with him,” added Seluk.
High Performance Director for U.S. Paralympics Track & Field Program, Cathy Sellers, and American Paralympic athletes, Deja Young and Dennis Ogbe, visited Nigeria from May 5-10, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program. In collaboration with the Nigerian Paralympic Committee, the sports envoys conducted capacity development programs for Nigerian Paralympic athletes and coaches in a variety of sports, including discus, shot put, wheelchair racing, and Paralympic athletics. During their weeklong engagements in Abuja and Lagos, the sports envoys participated in panel discussions, workshops and clinics where they shared best practices on managing sports for people with disabilities. They also raised awareness about inclusion in sports of people with disabilities. Delivering remarks at the grand finale of the sports clinic in Lagos on Friday, U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs, Aruna Amirthanayagam, explained that promoting the rights of people with disabilities is an important pillar of the U.S. Department of State’s sports diplomacy. According to him, through exchanges of athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, the U.S. Sports Envoy
program helps highlight the ways adaptive sports empower local communities and encourage policy makers to establish the infrastructure needed to advance disability rights. “The Sports Envoy program demonstrates our commitment to promoting capacity building for Paralympic coaches and athletes as well as increase their participation and inclusion in the realm of sport. “We encourage continued partnerships to explore opportunities and support increased participation of persons with disabilities in sports as well as promoting peaceful co-existence among youths through sports,” Mr. Amirthanayagam said at the program attended by leading Paralympic sports administrators, athletes and coaches. While in Lagos, the American sports envoys, Sellers, Young, and Ogbe, visited the Pacelli School of the Blind where they launched a Paralympic sport club and shared the unique experience of their sports careers. The United States Sports Envoy program is funded by the U.S. government and brings elite American athletes and coaches to lead programs developed by U.S. embassies and consulates in countries around the world.
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