DTN-15-9-18

Finance Minister Adeosun g 3 bows out as Buhari accepts resignation letter

Mother, nurse, others in hot soup over sale of 4-month-old baby https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 753

N100

Baby sold for N550, 000 by three- man gang I sold my baby to give him better life, mother insists

Joy Anyim, Lagos and Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

A three- man gang that specialises in the trafficking and sales of children in Imo State have met their waterloo after attempting to sell a four- month old baby for N550, 000.

Investigations revealed that the mother of the child, 18-year-old

Nwaokwe Chijioke had connived with her friends, Onyinyechi Chibueze, 29, and Nwokeogu Chinwe, 35, a trainee in nursing at Unity Hospital, Anara in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state to perpetrate the heinous crime.

The State Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Mr Dasuki Galadanchi, who paraded the suspects at the Imo State Police Command Headquarters CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

IATF: President Museveni to address stakeholders’ session in Kampala

Osun ‘ll be testing ground against vote buying – INEC

Alleged fraud: g 5 We’re ready to receive you, EFCC replies Gov Fayose

Nigeria’s insurance sector records N300bn in 10 years – BPE boss

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g 16

What I will do differently when voted into office g 11 – TV gal, Adaora Onyechere

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

Mother, nurse, others in hot soup...

Continued from page 1

in Owerri, said Chinwe had arranged for Chijioke to sell the baby to the proprietor of Unity Hospital where she was training.

Galadanchi said: “The suspects have made useful statements to the police confessing to have received the cash sum of N550, 000 as proceeds from the sale from the proprietor of the hospital who is still at large.

“Investigation is in progress as efforts are been beefed up to apprehend the proprietor of the hospital and recovery of the baby boy.”

The mother of the child has confessed to the crime, saying she did it to give her child a better life.

The 18-year-old mother said: “I got pregnant as a teenager and my parents are not financially buoyant. The father of my child denied responsibility and since I gave birth, life has not been easy.

“It was Chinwe who was moved by my condition that brought up the suggestion. So, I felt I could sell the child and then earn something to help me start a better life.

“I know it was wrong, but I did not have an option as being a single mother has been very difficult. Right now, I don’t know where the baby is, I really do hope he is safe.”

Similarly, the State Police boss also disclosed that another two suspects were arrested for same offence.

The suspects, Ifeoma Chukwu, 30, and Angelina

Ukaegbu had both sold a baby for the sum of N117, 000 on August, 30, 2018.

It was learnt that Chukwu had given birth to a male child and sold it to Ukaegbu who was in need of a male child.

They were however arrested by operatives of the command at Ogbaku Police Division.

The Commissioner said: “The first suspect, Chukwu got pregnant and was delivered of a baby boy. She subsequently sold the child to the second suspect, Ukaegbu, at the sum of N130, 000.

“The sum of N117, 000 has been recovered as part of the proceeds of the sale as exhibit and investigation is in progress.”

Police parade 3 ritualists for killing 6-year-old girl in Taraba

Taraba State Police Command on Friday paraded a three-man syndicate of ritualists at the command headquarters in Jalingo.

Parading the suspects: Adamu Mohammed Male, Umaimatu Tanimu, female and Abdullahi Abubakar, male, all of Sabongida village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Police image maker, ASP David Misal said the suspects had on September 2, at about 2000hrs lured a six-year- old Maimuna Yahaya, female and took her to an isolated area at the outskirt of the village where they slaughtered her

with a knife.

David Misal said, Umaimatu Tanimu who along with Adamu Mohammed revealed to them that having slaughtered the girl, slit open her stomach and removed her kidney, took it to the third suspect, Abdullahi Abubakar who instructed them to do same with the promise of making money ritual for them.

“The suspects, who earlier escaped after the dastardly act were tracked by a team of police detectives through reliable and actionable intelligence.

“Suspects are being investigated of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide and will be arraigned before a competent court”, said PPRO. According to ASP Misal, the Commissioner of Police, CP. David Akinremi however, assured the people of the state that the Command is determined to fight against criminal activities in the State.

While calling on the general public to continue providing reliable information to the Police, the Command also warned criminal minded individuals to desist from any lawless act.

Answering questions from journalists, Adamu Mohammed and Umaimatu confessed committing the act, saying Abdullahi Abubakar the ritualist deceived them to bring human kidney with a view to making money ritual for them. He added that they regretted committing the act.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari addressing the leaders of the Abia State delegation, His Majesty Eze Dr. Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba, during their visit to the President at the State House in Abuja...on Friday.

L-R: Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike; his wife, Justice Eberechi; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Laminkara; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Austin Opara and others during a night of Tributes for the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Mr. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) in Port Harcourt...on Thursday.

Finance Minister Adeosun bows out as Buhari accepts resignation letter Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has resigned from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is even as President Buhari on Friday accepted the resignation of Adeosun and thanked the former Finance minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits.

The President also approved that the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, should oversee the Ministry of Finance with effect from today.

A statement made available on Friday night in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said “President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday accepted the resignation of the Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. The President thanked the Minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits.

“The President also approved that the Minister of

State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, should oversee the Ministry of Finance with effect from today (Friday).

Controversy had earlier trailed the resignation of Adeosun following a widespread rumour on social media and online platforms of some national dailies that she resigned her appointment on Friday.

It was frenzy around noon when the news broke out that the former minister had tendered her letter of resignation; the news went viral but no one got any confirmation on the allegation.

Our correspondent, who called the Ministry on Friday, confirmed that Adeosun was at the office working.

But a senior aide of the former minister who was not authorize to speak on the matter, said: “It is not true. You should notice that we have not spoken on this matter since July 7 when the issue of NYSC certificate broke.

“It is an agenda that they are pursuing and we will not help them to authenticate that. Í am

here with you. You can also see the other aides and security details at their duty posts. Even the Minister is in her office right now carrying on with her work.

Don’t mind them”.

The ministry’s Director of Information, Mr. Hassan Dodo, said he had no information concerning Adeosun’s resignation.

Another senior official, who would not want to be quoted, insisted, however, that “there is nothing like that”.

Soon after the news of the minister’s resignation went viral, many Nigerians started reacting on social media.

While some applauded her action and called it a dignified step, considering her lingering National Youth Service Corps certificate scandal, others called for her arrest and a refund of salaries received while in office.

Although she never responded to the allegations, there are speculations that the scandal was impacted negatively on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Continued on page 5

L-R: Deputy CEO, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, Anuradha Gupta; Director, Division of Administration, United Nations, Clemens Adams; Director General, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus; GAVI Champion for Africa & Founder, Avon Medical, Dr Awele Elumelu and CEO, GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, Dr Seth Berkley, at a conference to champion increased vaccine coverage, targeting underimmunised nations in Geneva.

L-R: Chairman, Global Banking Education Standard Board, Dr. Segun Aina; Past President, CIBN, Prof. Segun Ajibola; Registrar/CEO, CIBN, Mr. Seye Awojobi; MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Mr. Ifie Sekibo; President/ Chairman, CIBN, Dr. Uche Olowu; Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola and Chief Compliance Officer/Senior Manager of Heritage Bank Plc, Mr. Wumi Adeniyi, during the CIBN’s 11th Annual Banking and Finance Conference sponsored by Heritage Bank Plc in Abuja.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

We’re ready to receive you, EFCC replies Gov Fayose Andrew Orolua, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed the outgoing Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose of its preparedness to receive him in order to clarify certain issues in the ongoing investigation against him over alleged involvement in money laundering and corrupt activities.

Fayose had in a letter dated September 10, 2018, informed the commission of his intention to visit the EFCC a day after serving his four- year term since he would no longer enjoy immunity by virtue of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Acknowledging Fayose’s letter, the EFCC stated that it is ready to receive him, saying that it would even welcome the outgoing governor before the expiration of his tenure, provided that he is ready to waive his constitutional immunity.

This development was contained in a letter dated September 13, 2018 by the EFCC and addressed to Fayose .

The letter with reference No EFCC/ EC/ GC/31/2173, was signed by the EFCC’s Director of Operations, Mr

Magu Umar Mohammed.

The letter reads in part, “ I appreciate your sense of duty and responsibility as a law abiding citizen who wishes to submit himself voluntarily to the due processes of the law, more so as your immunity as a Governor shall soon come to an end.

“In view of the above, and your request to make yourself available on

Fayose Tuesday, the 16th of October , 2018, to make clarifications on ongoing investigations that affect you, we look forward to receiving you even earlier than the 16th of October, 2018.

“In this regard, we shall be willing to receive you on Thursday, September 20, 2018 without prejudice to your immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.”

Osun ‘ll be testing ground against vote buying – INEC Deploys 16,000 staff for Osun guber poll

Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the conduct of the Osun State governorship election will be a testing ground against vote buying.

The INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Friday during a programme, #Watchingthevote an Election Dialogue Series of YIAGA Africa headed by Mr Samson Itodo.

According to Yakubu, the programme with a theme titled: “Ending the scourge of vote buying and selling in Nigerian elections”, is appropriate, saying that the commission and other relevant stakeholders will stop the scourge of vote buying.

He said, “Just like the way we stop other vices, INEC will used the Osun election to make a statement on vote buying”.

The INEC boss also stated that the commission will make it difficult for voter to expose their vote to agents of buying.

He also disclosed that “Voting cubicles will be well manned,” saying that the agents of votes buying are agents of political parties.

He added that the commission will change seating arrangements during the polls.

Yakubu, who said INEC will banned the use of some devices like mobile smart phones at polling units, added that they will increase voter education and sensitization against vote buying.

He said, “Others like the security agencies must enforce the laws,” and lamented that INEC is required to prosecute, but lacks the power make

arrest and investigate.

He said over 40 electoral offenders have been prosecuted, “ adding that they are pursuing 100 cases in court.

On the Osun State Governorship election, Yakubu said 16,000 staff will be deployed for the exercise, adding that INEC will work with the security agencies to ensure that offenders are prosecuted.

Promising to ensure that citizens votes count in the Osun gubernatorial election, Yakubu said INEC is only interested in the processes of the election and not in the outcome of the elections because the outcome is in the hands of citizens.

The INEC boss stressed that the commission had strengthen the electoral process, adding that the era of ballot snatching and other irregularities often experienced during any election was gradually ending.

He said, “The deployment of ICT has enhanced openness and transparency, we have come this far, votes count and will continue to count and votes will continue to be the determinant of who wins an election.

“So, now we are confronted with another challenge as a commission and that is the menace of vote buying, we have said over and over that it is a challenge and a shame on our electoral system.

“INEC will rise to this challenge just as we have risen to previous challenges in our electoral processes and I am very sure that we will overcome.

“The problem is hydra- headed, therefore will require a number of approaches involving all stakeholders, INEC, security agents, political parties, civil society, media and the citizens to come together to address this

challenge.’’

The INEC boss said that the commission would move to curb vote buying by first addressing the issue of violations at polling units.

The newly-elected Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, said politicians resort to vote buying because they now have intellectually driving INEC. Amen said, “The elections are now credible. They resort to vote buying because they know the vote will count.”

The Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, said cash for vote, which he described as see and buy is threatening the credibility of the elections conduct.

A board member of YIAGA, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu said that vote buying increased because of the credibility of the electoral process by INEC. According to Nwagwu, politicians now know that they can no longer snatch ballot boxes, so the only option is to induce voters.

He said that there was need for traditional and religious leaders to begin to talk to their people to shun vote buying because they were mortgaging their future.

Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa said that the group carried out a survey on vote buying because it was concerned with the trend in elections.

He appealed to INEC not to allow voters into the voting cubicle with their phones as a move to forestall snapping their ballot papers to show before collecting money.

He urged citizens to vote for their conscience and vote people with credibility and good character rather than for money, gifts and food items.

5 News

Finance Minister Adeosun bows out...

Continued from page 3 This is how Nigerians on Twitter reacted to the resignation of the Minister: Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah): I have just received, with sadness, news that Kemi Adeosun has resigned. She is a talented, courageous woman who drove a lot of important reforms as Minister of Finance. However, the NYSC saga had made her position untenable & the situation was only going to go from bad to worse. The (now former) Honourable Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has resigned. This is the noble and dignified thing to do.

YourFavOnlineDoctor (@ DrOlufunmilayo): We should be proud of her. It should have come earlier but it has come nonetheless. And considering this is a country where honour is rare, I’m proud of her.

Forgery is a criminal offence in Nigeria, the IG of @PoliceNG must immediately arrest and prosecute former minister of finance, @HMKemiAdeosun for forging NYSC certificate. PS: She also served as commissioner for finance in Ogun State with the same forged certificate.

Oluyemi Fasipe (@YemieFASH): Nigerians Don frustrate this woman Minister of finance Kemi Adeosun until she finally resigned. I trust Nigerians will still go ahead and say she must be arrested for NYSC forgery.

Shayor (@Shayor19)NYSC CERTIFICATE SCANDAL: Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun finally resigns. I commend her! No sacred cows. So if the law comes for anyone tomorrow, please let them face the music.

Buhari’s sister (@DaminaboEric): The euphoria on Madam Kemi Adeosun (Hon. Minister of Finance) resignation is set ro overshadow the rage on Bichi’s (New DG, DSS) appointment.

ADÉGBÓYÈGA (@MrAdegboyega): Nooo! The Certificate Saga. She has towed the honourable lane. She will go down in History as Ex. Honourable Minister of Finance.

Kester Ozere (@Kestim_): The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has resigned following the NYSC saga, that is a Noble thing to do. Ọlákúnlé Abíọ́lá Sómóyè (@ MrSomoye): It’s sad to see her gone but the Buhari Government is driven by moral suasion. I’m sure she’ll do exploits elsewhere.

Karo (@Karovoni): Buhari needs to appoint another Finance Minister ASAP. Finance ministry cannot be subjected to his sluggish way of making decisions.

Ugonna John Bosco (@ojombo4all): Adeosun Resigns! Too Late!! Guess where next finance minister would come from.

Okey Orisakwe (@OkeyOrisakwe): The resignation of the Finance Minister following the heated NYSC saga is another strong evidence that the power to entrench sanity in our polity lies in our hands as a people.

Indeed, “vox populi vox dei”. May we extend this momentum to our jerry-built state of governance.

Below is the full text of Mrs. Adeosun’s resignation letter.

His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari President, Federal Republic of Nigeria State House Aso Villa Abuja Dear Excellency, Let me commence by thanking you profusely for the honour and privilege of serving under your inspirational leadership. It has been a truly rewarding experience to learn from you and to observe at close quarters your integrity and sense of duty.

I have, today, become privy to the findings of the investigation into the allegation made in an online medium

that the Certificate of Exemption from National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that I had presented was not genuine. This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administration’s focus on integrity, I must do the honourable thing and resign.

Your Excellency, kindly permit me to outline some of the background to this matter. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, indeed my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of thirty-four (34) were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of thirtyfour (34) and when I relocated there was debate as to whether NYSC Law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of thirty (30), I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.

On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those, I thought were trusted associates, NYSC were approached for documentary proof of status. I then received the certificate in question.

Having never worked in NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to nor familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine. Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. Be that as it may, as someone totally committed to a culture of probity and accountability I have decided to resign with effect from Friday, 14th September, 2018.

Your Excellency, it has been an exceptional privilege to have served our nation under your leadership and to have played a role in steering our economy at a very challenging time.

I am proud that Nigeria has brought discipline into its finances, has identified and is pursuing a path to long term sustainable growth that will unlock the potential in this great economy. Under your leadership, Nigeria was able to exit recession and has now started to lay the foundations for lasting growth and wealth creation. Repositioning this huge economy is not a short term task and there are no short cuts, indeed there are tough decisions still to be made but I have no doubt that your focus on infrastructural investment, revenue mobilisation and value for money in public expenditure will deliver growth, wealth and opportunity for all Nigerians.

I thank His Excellency, the Vice President and my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council for the huge pleasure and honour of working with them. I also thank most specially, the team in the ‘Finance Family’ of advisers and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Finance. Your Excellency, this group of committed Nigerians represent a range of backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. They have worked well above and beyond the call of duty to support me in the tasks assigned. The diversity in my team and their ability to work cohesively to deliver reforms, convinces me that Nigeria has the human capital required to succeed.

Your Excellency, let me conclude by commending your patience and support, during the long search for the truth in this matter. I thank you again for giving me the honour of serving under your leadership, it is a rare privilege, which I do not take for granted. As a Nigerian and committed progressive, I appreciate you for your dogged commitment to improving this nation.

Please be assured, as always, of my highest regards and best wishes.

Kemi Adeosun (Mrs.)

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

2019: A/Ibom PDP elders task Dankwambo on restructuring, onshore/offshore oil dichotomy Isaac Job, Uyo The eiders and leaders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state have charged presidential aspirant on the platform of PDP, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo to consider restructuring Nigeria if elected into office as President in 2019.

The elders who gave the charge on Friday at the state party Secretariat along Edet Akpan Avenue Uyo, when Dankwamalso visited for consultation, urged the presidential aspirant and governor of Gombe state not to resurrect the issue of onshore/offshore oil dichotomy, which had been the cause of under-development in the country particularly the Niger Delta region.

Speaking, leader of PDP, Uyo senatorial district, and former military governor of Akwa Ibom state, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga lamented that the ruling APC is characterized by impunity and implored delegates to vote Dankwambo who has immunity to escape from antics of the APC.

Nkanga who is the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), stressed that the state would support his ambition because he (Dankwambo) has immunity to get to the end without intimidation by the government power that is desperate to remain in power beyond 2019.

When you become the president of Nigeria, please restore democracy because never in the history of Nigeria did we have this level of impunity.

Nigeria is very much in need of you.

The foundation of Nigeria must be revisited.

“The South-south particularly wants Nigeria to be restructured. Recently even northern elders have joined us. Please ensure that you restructure Nigeria. It is not something that is just politically expedient, but it is morally compelling.”

Speaking, the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel described Dr. Dankwambo as one of the best trained Nigerians, expressing the confidence that the party would pick a presidential candidate based on merit and not on sentiment.

He urged all presidential aspirants

of PDP to however roll their wealth of experiences to support whoever emerges as candidate of the party, as only one person can win at a time and for one position.

Similarly Senator Anietie Okon described Dankwambo as a brilliant fellow and a man of honour, adding, “This has been a very corrupt regime.

Akwa Ibom was never short-changed when Dankwambo managed the finance of this country” Also speaking Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said, “Do not revisit the already rested issue of offshore onshore oil dichotomy”.

Speaking, the PDP presidential hopeful, Ibrahim Alhaji Dankwambo said he was at the forefront for the fight to pull Nigeria out of debt burden as accountant General of the federation and fully prepared to drag Nigeria out of its present economic quagmire if given another chance.

He further recalled that he introduced treasury single account (TSA), payroll information management system and computerised 20 ministries under a PDP administration.

Short News ‘Inadequate funding, bureaucracy hinder Army’s efforts to acquire equipment’ Saka Bolaji, Minna The Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Nigerian Army has hinted that inadequate funding, diplomatic bureaucracy and other international bottlenecks were some of the factors militating against the army’s efforts of acquiring equipment.

Commander, TRADOC, Maj. Gen. Adeku Salihu, made this known at the Headquarters of TRADOC in Minna, Niger while inaugurating the 2018 research and development study period of the army.

“Procurement of critical military wherewithal from foreign nations to prosecute military operations and conduct training has been the usual practice in the country.

“However, funding constraints, diplomatic and other international bureaucratic bottlenecks have quite often, limited the ability of the Nigerian army to acquire the needed tools for optimum performance,’’ he said.

Flood: Association calls for effective emergency response machinery National President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Mr Samuel Akingbehin, on Friday, called for the establishment of effective emergency response machinery in the country.

Akingbehin made the call in Lokoja during a courtesy visit on the Kogi Commissioner for Environment, Malam Sanusi Yahaya, after an assessment of the effect of the recent flood on communities in the state.

The EHOAN president said it was important for an emergency response machinery to be in place in coastal areas as well states along the downstream flow of major rivers and water bodies in the country.

Akingbehin attributed the recent flood in Kogi and other states to heavy torrential rainfall, release of water from Lagdo Dam in the Camerouns as well as Jebba and Kainji dams.

Stakeholders in Plateau urge tolerance, mutual respect to end killings

L-R: Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Hon. Igo Aguma, brother of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, during a night of Tributes for the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Mr. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN)... on Thursday night.

Despite doomsday, APC will win 2019 election – Minister Tom Okpe, Abuja Ahead of the 2019 general election, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has noted that despite doomsday predicted by some international financial institutions and publications, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the 2019 general elections on the basis of its performance.

The Minister gave the assurance in Lagos on Friday when he visited the corporate headquarters of Channels Television, in furtherance of the National Campaign Against Fake News, which was launched by the Federal Government in July He said the negative predictions against the APC-led Federal Government by an international financial institution, HSBC, and the Intelligence Unit of the Economist Magazine, were based on fake premises, thus qualifying such predictions as fake

news.

“Talking about fake news, we expect that those who have been deeply affected by our policies will mount a sustained campaign against this Administration in the weeks and months to come. In fact, they have already started. We have all read that the Intelligence Unit of the Economist said the PDP will defeat the ruling APC in 2019. We have also read that the international financial institution, HSBC, said Nigeria’s economic development will be stunted if President Buhari gets a second term “Let me state clearly that these reports are based on fake premises and, therefore, qualify as fake news. It is a psychological warfare by those who have been badly hit by our policies. For example, out fight against corruption has meant that many financial institutions, especially banks that fed fat on the proceeds of corruption are no longer able to do that. ‘’Also, international publications that

used to feed fat on questionable supplements paid for by the Federal Government have seen a drastic reduction in such patronage, as the Administration cuts down on frivolous spending that was the order of the day in the past. Therefore, it is natural that these institutions and publications would not wish to see another term for this Administration,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

He said the fake news phenomenon is bound to get worse as the nation approaches the 2019 general election, because it seems to be the only weapon left for naysayers who could not fault the government on infrastructure, economy, fight against corruption, agricultural development among others.

The Minister said only Nigerians will determine who presides over the affairs of the country, not any bank or media establishment, irrespective of their influence or self-importance.now a subject of national discourse, workshops and conferences.

Stakeholders from Iregwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau have advised residents of the area to be tolerant and have mutual respect for one another in order to end the incessant killings in their communities.

Some of the stakeholders gave the advice on Friday in separate interviews with newsmen in Jos. They spoke on the sideline of a two-day training organised for community leaders from the Iregwe by the an NGO, Unique Centre for Peace Building and Trauma Healing (UCPT).

The event was supported by the King Abdulah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Inter-religious and Intercultural Dailoque (KAICIID).

Nwodo brokers peace in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa Chapter The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has resolved the lingering leadership crisis in the Bayelsa chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The protracted leadership crisis had factionalised the socio-cultural group in the area.

South-South Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, told journalists in Yenagoa on Friday that Nwodo had summoned the feuding factions and mended fences among them.

Arthur-Ugwa applauded Nwodo for his fatherly role by listening to the grievances of the two factions and brokered peace, to pave way for the election of a new executive.

He noted that the Ohanaeze national leadership had, after the peace initiative, appointed an election committee headed by Chief Charles Odunukwe, Vice PresidentGeneral of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

7 News

IPOB sit-at-home order: Partial compliance Short News recorded, failed in Imo, Umuahia, Enugu 2019: APC presidential

aspirant withdraws for Buhari

... Banks, markets defy orders

Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia The sit-at-home order issued by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), recorded partial compliance on Friday as some people obeyed the order while some went about their normal businesses in the South-East.

Commercial banks, markets and business outlets in Umuahia, the Abia capital, opened for business, defying the sit-at-home order by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

The city was initially enveloped by an air of uncertainty in the early hours of the day as residents and commuters kept off the streets.

Business, however, began to pick up at about 7.30 a.m., when commercial vehicle operators, banks, markets and business premises began to open for the day’s activities.

As at the time of this report, business activities as well as vehicular movements and motor parks had resumed fully in Umuahia and its environs.

However, reports from Aba indicated that unlike what it was in Umuahia, bank doors were closed and streets empty.

According to the report, though market doors were opened, traders shunned market activities and observed the order strictly.

Government offices, public institutions and Automated Teller Machines as well as private outfits were opened, while kiosks and roadside businesses went on unhindered.

Meanwhile, a detachment of antiriot mobile policemen, army, navy and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps was seen moving through major streets and strategic points in the city.

Private and public schools, however, did not open as the authorities reportedly advised the students and pupils to stay back home for fear of any

violence.

A cross-section of the residents expressed displeasure with the IPOB order, saying that it was capable of instigating uprising against the Federal Government in the South-East.

A civil servant, who identified himself simply as Christian, said that the group’s activities could cause tension in the area.

Ogbonna cautioned the people to be law-abiding, saying that it would be foolhardy for anybody or group to confront the Federal Government.

Also commenting, a trader, Mrs Nkechi Nnadozie, expressed concern that the pro-Biafra group decided to continue its activities after is proscription by the Federal Government.

Nnadozie said that she was not interested in any activity that would affect her business.

NAN observed that traders freely displayed their wares without any molestation at the Ubani Ultra Modern Market and Isi-Gate both in Umuahia.

The traders said that they were aware of the IPOB order but decided to open for business in order to get their daily bread.

Mr Johnson Onyekwere, a dealer in kitchen utensils, said that although he had sympathy for IPOB, he came to market because he could not afford to idle away his time at home.

“I opened my shop but I did not display all the goods as usual. I don’t like to stay at home. Nobody has come to harass us since we opened this morning,” he said.

Also, Mr Onyekachi Nwankwo, a textile dealer, said he had no reason to stay at home.

According to Nwankwo, only the die-hard supporters of Biafra will observe the order.

“I came to the market as early as 7.30 a.m. and as you can see, I’m displaying my goods.

“Will those who asked me to sit at

home put food on my table?” Nwankwo asked.

Similarly, Mrs Chinyere Onwuegbu, a petty trader at Isi-Gate, said she contemplated staying back home but later changed her mind.

“I came to the market by 9.30 a.m., after I learnt that there was movement.

We are suffering too much in this country. I pray for a genuine change.

“But if I don’t sell today there won’t be food at home for me and my family.

This thing you see me sell is what I use to take care of my children,” she said.

Mr Chijioke Kalu, who sells fairly used wears on the railway line at Isigate, decried last year’s incident in Umuahia, where many innocent people were reportedly killed during a military operation to quell the activities of IPOB. He expressed the hope that people would not put their lives at risk under the guise of agitating for Biafra.

The situation was, however, different in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, where the order allegedly recorded partial compliance in the early hours of the day.

While banks remained closed, markets and other business outlets in the city and its environs began to open for business at about midday.

Security operatives were also said to be keeping surveillance in the city to avert a possible breach of public peace in the area.

A combined team of security agencies in the state on Wednesday organised a show-of-force parade in Umuahia to demonstrate their readiness to quell any acts of violence or threat to peace and order.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Abia Police Command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said that the entire state was calm and that residents were going about their lawful duties unmolested.

Ogbonna said that the command had not recorded any breach of the peace, adding that security agencies were on top of the situation in the state.

Tom Okpe, Abuja A presidential hopeful under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Abubakar Alkali, has announced his withdrawal from the contest ahead of the primaries citing what he describes as “the outrageous cost of forms”.

Alkali, who has contested for the senate seat for Sokoto central zone in 2011 under Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), has however endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest for a second term in 2019, adding that as a local party man, he was moved to back the president after the APC adopted him as its sole candidate.

In a press conference in Abuja on Friday, he called on his supporters to join hands with the current administration to continue in its job of delivering on democracy dividends to Nigerians.

ASUU storms Ambode office, protests victimisation of colleagues at LASU Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday stormed Lagos Governor’s office to protest victimisation of three of their colleagues at the Lagos State University (LASU) and urged the Governor, a visitor to the institution to set up a visitation panel on the alleged plan by the management to unjustly terminate the appointment of the three of its members at LASU. The Protesters who trooped into the Lagos seat of power in their hundreds carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Dr. Fagbohun is a political professor,” “Gov. Ambode set up a visitation panel for LASU now”, “Fagbohun is a packaged Professor”, “ASUU is for peace and justice” among others.

Speaking, the leader of the protesting lecturers, Professor Sowande Olusiji who is the zonal coordinator of ASUU gave the names of the affected ASUU-LASU members as Dr Tony Dansu, Dr Adeolu Oyekan and Dr Oluwafemi Aboderin-Shonibare.

South-East to benefit from $2bn China’s commitments for Nigeria’s Textile sector – Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari says the new investment commitments coming into Nigeria’s textile sector, of which Aba is a major beneficiary, will be actualized within the shortest possible time.

President Buhari gave the assurance when he received traditional rulers from Abia State led by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Isaac Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

The President also assured the monarchs that the issue of unstable electricity and other basic infrastructure in Ariaria market, a major trading hub in West and Central Africa, would soon be a thing of the past.

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rapidly industrialize the country through projects that promote import substitution, the President said the investments in the textile industry would create thousands of jobs for youths in Aba.

Group stages rally to support Gov Ambode

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu (right); Mary Okosun (third right) of Breast Cancer Combat (BCC) and other members of the winning teams, Bossom Heart and BCC, trained at the Edo Innovation Hub, during the award ceremony of the Breast Cancer Hackathon organised by the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Emerging Communities Africa (ECA) and Access Bank, in Akure, Ondo State.

A group in support of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, ‘Ambodemania Movement/Support Worldwide’, on Friday staged a rally in Lagos to celebrate what they called ‘good governance in Lagos’.

Founder and President of the group, Mr Olawale Oyeboh, led hundreds of members in the rally that commenced at Freedom Park, Ojota and terminated at the Lagos State Government House, Ikeja.

The rally comes as the governor is contending with two other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the party’s ticket in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Reports indicated that Ambode was having problems with the national leader of the party, Sen. Bola Tinubu, which may threaten his chances, but the governor has come out to dismiss them, saying the claim is untrue.

Oyeboh said at the rally that it was aimed at supporting and celebrating good governance in Lagos.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

Highway robbery made me rich, dismissed soldier boasts Joy Anyim, Lagos A 32- year- old dismissed soldier, Sgt Chukwuemeka Ohumereachi has been arrested by detectives attached to IGP Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force for armed robbery.

The suspect who was arrested by the team in Ondo State, usually use his army uniform to rob and attack innocent travellers and motorists at the Benin expressed-way by pass.

Information made available to our correspondent revealed that the suspect had served in the Nigerian

Army School of signal, Jos but he was dismissed.

He was however arrested in the early hours of Thursday following serious complaint made by residents and travellers who live around the area.

The notorious dismissed soldier who hails from Awka in Anambra State disclosed that he had been into robbery even before he was dismissed in 2016 Ohumereachi said, “I was dismissed from the service as a result of past criminal activities in 2016. I had been robbing even before I left the Army. I have been in the robbery business for the past eight years.”

The suspect also told our correspondent that robbing on

the highway made him very rich.

“Robbery activities on the high way made me to be a very rich person. I operate a one man gang with skeletal support of four other criminal gangs on the high way.”

He confessed further that all his robbery activities on the high way always took several days to plan and execute.

Items found in his possession includes three different army camouflage, three army jack knife, two black boot, four locally made pistol cut to size and an army beret.

Police source said the suspect will soon be charged to court as soon as police investigation is completed.

Short News Lady Obioha translated her lover for family to national service - Buhari Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari sends condolences to the family of Chief Ralph Obioha over the passing of his wife, Lady Ego Beatrice Obioha, who will be laid to final rest Saturday 15th September, 2018.

Buhari joined professional colleagues of the late accountant, her community members, women associations and friends in mourning the matriarch of the Obioha family, while encouraging her children to uphold the legacies of love, kindness and honesty their mother left behind.

The President recalled that Lady Obioha’s strong support for her husband as he journeyed into the onerous task of promoting democratic governance in Nigeria, the President believes she translated her love for the family into national service, especially in making so many sacrifices after her husband went on exile.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Thursday stated that the President prayed that the almighty God will accept the soul of the departed large-hearted mother and manager, and comfort the family she left behind.

Criminalise electoral offences, UNDP tasks FG Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Friday charged the Federal government to criminalize electoral violence.

The UN agency stated that having a legal framework that criminalizes violent acts will serve as a deterrent to violence perpetrated in the country, and enforce peace.

The international body strongly recommended the passing into law of the national peace policy in pursuant of peace in the country.

The Peace and Development Advisor, UNDP, Zebulon Takwa disclosed these in Abuja, at a media parley as part of preparations to mark the 70th international peace day celebration, on the September 21.

He said the UN’s involvement in Nigeria over the past decades have been in the area of supporting the establishment of a functional peace architecture.

Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko presenting the certificate of participation to the State Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjelemusi at the end of a 3-day seminar on the diligent prosecution of criminal cases at the state police headquarters, Uyo

Sit-at-home: Security operatives storm venue of MASSOB-BIM anniversary, impound 170 motorcycles Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Chief Ralph Uwazurike-led Biafra Independence Movement, (MASSOB-BIM), said security operatives impounded not less than 170 motorcycles belonging to its members.

The Nigerian Army and Police had some days back warned against the decision of IPOB to order residents of the state to observe sit at home on September 14, 2018 to mark the one year anniversary of the invasion of its leader’s home at Umuahia in Abia state.

An elder in council of MASSOBBIM, Chief James Omeke which had earlier distanced itself from IPOB’s order while speaking to journalists in Enugu said the security operative comprising Army, Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stormed the venue in Enugu North Zone where its members had gathered together with some

traditional rulers to celebrate 19th anniversary of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. “MASSOB-BIM decries the sudden invasion of the Joint Security Taskforce on our members who had gathered to celebrate in peace the 19th anniversary of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra at Opi junction in Nsukka Local Government Area.

“The operatives storm the place we were celebrating and caused stampede when they started shooting sporadically into the air and we all scampered for safety.

“Some of our members were arrested and about 170 motorcycles numbering about 170 were equally taken away by the security operatives.

“This harassment is unacceptable by us, our group is a non violent organization, and we are not IPOB that compels people to sit at home.

“Our own celebration was not intended to cause any panic or

breakdown of law and order.

“So, why the clampdown on a peaceful gathering”, he asked.

He noted that there was no place in the nation’s laws that forbid his group from having its anniversary as it was not aimed at breaking down law and order.

“We are a non violent organization agitating for self freedom; we only gathered to celebrate the attainment of our peaceful 19 years anniversary.

“We urge the police and its sister’s agencies that carried out the raid to release our members, return our motorcycles and our other valuables unconditionally”, he said.

Confirming the invasion of the anniversary celebration, a senior police officer who pleaded not to be mentioned said their action was to avoid any breakdown of peace in the zone.

“We were only been proactive in other to avert breakdown of law and order in the Nsukka zone’’, he said.

2019: I will offer solutions to Nigeria’s problems – Dankwambo Gombe State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Mr Ibrahim Dankwambo, said he would provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria if elected president in 2019.

Dankwambo disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director, Media and Publicity of his Campaign Organisation, Dr Ayoade Adewopo, on Friday in Abuja.

Dankwambo currently on the consultation tour to Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, according to the statement, said his tract records in the financial sector of the country would facilitate his presidency.

He advocated that what Nigeria currently needs was the right leadership, with capacity to bring all expertise on board.

“I will offer solutions to the problems of Nigeria. What Nigeria needs is the right leadership. All hopes are not lost. I have enjoyed Nigeria and will offer my best to Nigeria,” he said.

FG mulls 5-year pre-retirement training for civil servants The Federal Government says it will start a fiveyear training for intending retirees in the civil service on various businesses which they can engage in after retirement.

Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

She said that the plan would enable the civil servants to be well equipped and have ample time to plan ahead for a smooth transition.

“We want them to have a smooth transition and so the training is focusing on various businesses that a retired civil servant can carry on after service,” she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

9 News

Royal anniversary: 15 years of Etsu Nupe’s Short News rule, huge success - Gov Sani Bello Bishop advises politicians Saka Bolaji, Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger state has applauded the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for his significant contributions to the unity, peace, progress and development of the Bida Emirate, the State and country as a whole.

In a congratulatory message to the monarch, Governor Sani-Bello described the 15 years reign of the Etsu as filled with immeasurable activities and overwhelming success that has brought rapid transformation to Nupe Kingdom.

The Governor said the Royal Father has been able to bring hope and instil understanding amongst the people as well as promote those cultural values that identified the Nupes as a people.

He also noted that Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has remained instrumental to the course of educational development of his people especially the Girl-child.

“The Etsu’s reign has brought unity and peaceful co-existence and greatly promoted the rich cultural heritage of the people. He has been able to sustain and enhanced the status of the throne and wielded influence that transcends the country’s borders.

“We are proud to celebrate this strategic leader and statesman whose positive attitude, strong

will, discipline, self-confident and ability to manage people have been significant factors towards the progress and development of the state and the country in general,” he said.

While acknowledging the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders in nation building, Governor Sani-Bello stressed the need for government to support them by creating the right platform for them to function effectively.

The Governor prayed Allah to grant the Royal Father many more years ahead in good health and wisdom to continue with the remarkable service to humanity through his wise counsel and advice to the people and government.

to be cautious with power Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

Ahead of 2019 general elections, the Anglican Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Rev. David Bello has cautioned politicians not to be power drunk, as it portends danger for them.

Bishop Bello added that, majority of political office seekers in the country are only contesting for power to enrich themselves and their family members.

The Anglican Bishop stated this on Friday as a special church service heralding the 75th birthday of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Bishop whose sermon was drawn from the book of Psalm 103, stressed that, political offices should be seen as service to humanity and not an avenue to acquire wealth.

Police partner ITF to train personnel in service delivery Joy Anyim, Lagos In accordance with the Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim idris resolve to promote professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Police command is set to partner with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to train her personnel to improve service delivery.

Stating this recently in Lagos was the Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal during a courtesy visit by the ITF Area Deputy Director, Mrs. Mary Katugwa and other top management personnel.

According to Edgal who received the delegates at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, ITF being one of the biggest federal government training institutions in Nigeria has a vast expertise in training to improve delivery in all areas.

Adamawa youths drum support for Prof Mamman’s senatorial quest Tom Garba, Yola

L-R: Lagos State APC Chairman, Tunde Balogun; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Senate Majority leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, during the 27th edition of Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting by Senator Tinubu in Lagos...on Friday.

Photo: Olatunji Wale

FG defends appointment of Bichi as DSS boss The Federal Government says President Muhammadu Buhari is not lopsided in the totality of appointments made into public offices and cannot be judged only on isolated case of security sector.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the defense on Friday in Lagos when he paid advocacy visit to Channels Television to drum support for national campaign against fake news.

The Channels’ management team had asked the minister for his reactions to the criticism of lopsidedness that had trailed appointments in the security sector.

With the latest appointment of Yusuf Bichi as the new DirectorGeneral of Department of State Service (DSS), Buhari was alleged of being sectional, appointing mainly northerners to man the security apparatus of the nation.

The minister said the critics should

stop focusing only on the security sector in their assessment.

“Those talking about balancing and federal character should stop focusing on one aspect.

“Let us see how many Permanent Secretaries, Director-Generals and Executive Directors and Heads of Parastatals we have in Nigeria today and where they come from.

“This will give us a more insight to the fact that this administration is not lopsided in appointments.

“We should stop looking at only one side to make our judgment and anywhere we notice any lopsidedness government will correct it,” he said.

The minister also debunked the allegations from certain quarters that the N16.6 billion Paris Club refund to Osun state was to prosecute election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led state government.

“This is not the first time the Paris Club refund is being made available

to states, I think it should be about the fourth time the government had released the money.

“This particular tranche would have been drawn a while ago but for the disagreement between the governors and the Federal Government.

“It is released to all the states, so, it has nothing to do with the election, the timing may be a coincidence,” he said.

On the progress made so far on Digital Switch Over (DSO), the minister said that the Economic Management Team headed by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo had set up a committee look into the challenges facing the process.

The minister said that the major challenge of DSO was basically funding and certain statutory interpretation.

Mohammed assured that the DSO was on course and the process would be fast tracked after the report of the committee.

A group of Northern Adamawa Concern Youths has drummed support for Professor Tahir Mamman over his Senatorial bid to represent the zone.

Speaker of the group, Comrade Umar D Nkawa in press conference extolled Tahir to be the perfect man for the moment whose wealth of academic experience stationed him as a shining star.

According to him, Mamman is a professor of Law, his journals, thesis, papers are internationally used in constitution matters hence the calling on support for him to go and make meaningful laws to the benefit of Nigerians.

“The astute abilities and good leadership qualities in Tahir, time and pages of mere press conference papers can’t contain it, but for the interest of the public we want to reiterate that, Mamman is the ideal man every community will want to have as a senator,” said Mamma.

Commission bans promotion without examination, training The Police Service Commission (PSC) says henceforth police officers will no longer be promoted to the next rank without the requisite training programmes and examinations.

A statement by the commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission`s Chairman, Mr Musiliu Smith disclosed this at a meeting with the management of the Nigeria Police Force on Friday in Abuja.

“From now and henceforth, one of the conditions for promotion must be attendance and passing the senior Command Course for senior officers and other prescribed courses for others,” he said.

Smith said that the force before now had promoted officers severally without attending the requisite training programmes attached to the ranks.

“Henceforth, result of performance of officers from appropriate training courses must be attached to the recommendation to the commission for promotion,” he said.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

How Evans, others kidnapped me, witness tells court Peter Fowoyo, Lagos A Lagos High Court, Igbosere on Friday heard that the suspected ‘billionaires’ kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, otherwise known as Evans, was the driver of the vehicle which his victim was kidnapped.

The Prosecution Witness (PW1), Mr. James Uduji, said that his detailed information was given to Evans who had been trailing him for about three months by one man known as Turkey, who is now late.

Uduji also said the “so called doctor” that treated his bullet wounds was Evans.

He stated this on Friday while giving evidence at the commencement of the trial of Evans.

Evans is facing two separate charges bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder, before Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

In the first charge, Evans is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

In the second charge, he is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

At the resumed trial, Uduji, narrated to the court how he was kidnapped on Sept. 7,

2015, by four armed men on his way home from his factory at Agbara in Ogun State.

He told the court that the incident took place very close to his house at 7th Avenue area of Festac Town, Lagos.

Uduji said that the alleged kidnappers were driving a Lexus 470 SUV at the time of the incident and several gun shots boomed during the kidnap operation.

The witness said he was surprised at that point to see men shooting gun, adding that he thought they were police.

“I was inside my Hilux van with my two drivers when the men came and pulled me out of my vehicle and dragged me inside their own vehicle.

“I was not blindfolded at this point so I saw the men clearly and the man at the stirring with a gun was Evans, he is the only one I can recognise among the four,” Uduji said.

The witness also said that when he was dragged out of his vehicle, he noticed that he was stained with blood, “I then realised I sustained bullet wounds”.

Uduji said that the kidnappers called a doctor on phone that treated his bullet wound at their destination.

The witness said he was given two anti - tetanus injections for seven days, adding that Evans was the so called doctor who treated him.

He said that he stayed for 45 days in

captivity and a ransom of $3 million was demanded from him. Eventually, $1.2 million was paid before he was released by the alleged kidnappers.

Uduji told the court that the ransom was paid in three instalments by his brothers, adding that he was released eight days after the ransom was paid.

The witness was however crossexamined by all the defendants’ counsel, Mr Olarewaju Ajanaku who represented Evans, Mr Ogedi Ogu who represented the second defenant and Mr Emmanuel Ochai for the fourth defendant.

Counsel to Evans, Ajanaku, said that the specific date when Uduji was released from the kidnappers was not mentioned in the statement which the witness made at the police station.

He also said the date which the witness testified he made the statement at the police station did not tally with the date at the body of the statement.

After the first witness’ evidence, a second witness, Mr Jerome Ugoeze, the driver to the first witness gave his own evidence.

He said he sustained bullet wounds from the kidnappers’ gun shots, adding that he pretended to be dead when he sustained the wound.

He said he was taken to the hospital by some people after the kidnappers took his boss away.

Short News Presidential amnesty programme: Senate C’ttee expresses dismay over poor funding The Senate Committee on Niger Delta has expressed dismay on the delay in release of funds for payment of stipends and other allowances to beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The committee expressed its view in a statement issued

by Mr Murphy Ganagana, Special Assistant, Media to the Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof.

Charles Dokubo in Abuja.

Ganagana said that members of the Committee during their visit to the office described funds so far released out of the 2018 budgetary allocation to the office as grossly inadequate.

“This committee became aware of the fact that amnesty office got only N5 billion twice out of the N65 billion allocated to it in the 2018 budget.

“And this N5 billion translates to approximately 7.7 per cent, which is grossly inadequate,” Sen. Baba Bashir Garbai, Vice Chairman of the Committee said.

According to him, the committee will henceforth ensure prompt release of funds allocated to the programme.

Army tests officers’ mental fitness, combat readiness The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has commenced its Inter Brigade Sports Competition aimed at testing the officers’ mental fitness and combat readiness.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, in a statement in Lagos, said that continuous training was the only guarantee of having physically and mentally fit personnel.

“The competition has all the formation and units of the division grouped into four to ensure maximum participation.

“The formations participating are 35 Artillery, 45 Engineer Brigade, 81 Div. Garrison and 9 Brigade.

“Continuous training is the only way of having able bodied men and women to carry out the security duties effectively,” he said.

Igbo group urges Saraki, Ekweremadu to contest for president, vice Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, paying last respect to Ghanaian-born former Secretary General of the United Nations, the late Mr. Kofi Annan, in Accra, Ghana... on Friday.

I’ve not received kobo from ecological fund in 4 years, Gov Ikpeazu cries out Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has disclosed that his government has not received any kobo from the federal government’s ecological fund since 2015.

The Governor stated this during the inspection of the Ugwuaba Isuikwuato gully erosion that has divided the Isuikwuato -ABSU -Okigwe federal road into two, assuring that the state will partner the federal government in tackling various active erosion sites ravaging communities in Isuikwuato

LGA and other parts of the state.

Efforts, he said will be made to access the federal government’s ecological fund which is meant to address such disasters and advised motorists plying the road to be careful, pointing out “I expect that there’s need to intervene using the ecological fund available in the federal government coffers”.

Ikpeazu therefore, directed the state Ministry of Environment to liaise with the Isuikwuato Local Government Area authority to create a diversion 200 meters away from the site to avoid commuters and vehicles plunging into the gully.

The Governor who noted that the disaster is beyond the financial capacity of the state, said that the state government is coming up with a design to provide an interim remedy within one week to avert the disaster from expanding further as it “is an emergency and there is no state government that can be said to be prepared for this kind of emergency.”

He described the situation as unfortunate, as the road has been completely gone, while being conducted round the erosion site by the commissioner for environment, Dr Aham Uko.

A non-governmental Igbo organisation, Igbo Democratic Allaince (IDA) has urged the senate President, Bukolar Sarki and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu to contest for the offices of President and Vice president respectively.

According to the President General and the Secretary General of the organisation, Chief Goodluck Egwu Ibem and Dr. Dennis Chinwe John, the group decided this after “going through the antecedents of eminent politicians in the country, having been tired of despotic and selfish leadership of the present administration”.

They said they were mandated for the search by wellmeaning citizens of the country “for a leader who will identify with the sufferings and aspirations of the people”.

‘Orphans need support, not sympathy’ Titus Akhigbe, Benin-City The Chairman/CEO of EEval Nigeria Limited and Founder Advanced Centre for Peace and Credibility (ACPC) International, Eghosa Ogbebor, a not for profit organization, has stated that “orphans do not need sympathy or empathy,” adding that “what they need is support of love and affection.

“They need someone who can build confidence in them to dream big. They need a platform to harness that hidden talent. They need motivations to achieve great milestones in their life. Above all, they need a home they can call their own with so much love and care,” said Ogbebor.

He spoke last weekend when he celebrated his birthday, the sixth of such to be held with children of the Iwinosa Orphanage Home in Benin City.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 15, 2018

11

What I will do differently when voted into office

- TV gal, Adaora Onyechere Beyond the usual hazards of the journalism profession, Adaora Onyechere, AIT Kakaki presenter, in this exclusive interview with DOOSUUR IWAMBE, talks about her career, challenges as a broadcaster, and why she is finally venturing into politics.

As a TV gal, what has been your experience so far?

That’s an interesting question. It’s been quite a cocktail of experience yet most importantly, the experiences have become the shaping moments of my life, the birthing of my strengths, a learning curve all the way. Been on kaakaki, the African Voice was one the most pulsating and perhaps thought provoking seconds because there were times when burdened with certain national issues or dialogue, there was a dire need to see that things will work ultimately for the good of every Nigerian; the belief that every step we took to bring the issues to the fore by discussing and helping bring clarity to these issues would aid in finding solutions. As far as TV was concerned, the most engaging and emotional for me was hosting and producing Gender Agenda which also was on AIT, reaching out to women and going through their lives and finding a way to intervene on the conditions and cases that affects them daily.

How do you work under stress and time constraints?

I thrive under pressure, however in other to beat time and deadlines, I would always set time lines and deadlines for whatever project I am on and that guides me, giving me control on the output and the method of delivery. However, for the TV, it was quite engaging and also time was everything especially for live shows. Wen I was on Kaakaki, which was a live show, I was required to be in the studio for 5am every day. My waking hour was 3.30am everyday. It was tough, sometimes I barely slept more than 3 hours a day. There were days I woke up with matters in form of migraine; some days, I was half asleep.

For a three hour show, you have to prepare, dedicate your mind to been on ground and abreast of issues. When I wasn’t on air, I was doing research, reaching out finding the alternative background, investigating issues and sometimes going on fact finding journeys. Yet in a way, I truly think I wouldn’t have had it any other way because these all were the shaping rocks.

Who inspires you?

My Mother. She’s the strongest, most devoted mother I know. She believes in staying true to what you believe in and creating opportunities for everyone who come in contact with her. Above all, she was full of love yet will not fail to put in check when you take her sensitivity for granted. My Dad, well, because I am the apple of my dad’s eye, I have never seen a more protective father, a more intelligent man and one of the transparent persons I have known. My father will not compromise his values. Finally, I can’t help not mentioning three of my greatest inspiration of all times: Deborah from the book of judges in the Bible, the only female judge in the Bible who brought peace to Israel for 40 years and Queen Esther who sacrificed herself to serve and deliver her people also from the Bible. Finally, Sophia Abdi – Noor, a Kenyan Gender Advocate who influenced her people greatly through representing the voice of the oppressed and women. She became the first female parliamentarian from her constituency, she was spurred on by the need to look at policy development for

her people in other to engineer productivity.

Have you progressed in your career as you had hoped?

Significantly, more so than I expected. It all happened like I was jet skiing. Yet I believe sometimes in life God plans our destinies the way his plans are set out, more so when you know where you are going and what your purpose in life is. Eight (8) years on a air and it has inspired the impact especially in the areas of Advocacy and social innovation and the policy thrust of governance. For me, I believe also television is time wise. On the other hand, the broadcast industry in Nigeria has the potential to be much more especially in the areas of talent development and content. The industry is an avalanche of both the good, the bad and the ugly and only those who have a true definition of what they seek to influence truly makes the mark. The issue of ownership also comes into context. The NBC and BON precisely, what really regulates the ownership of television and radio stations and how unbiased and effective has it been? The sanity of the public and the sanctity of News and information can only be streamlined into context by standardisation of the industry especially as it regards the branding of Nigeria, accuracy, objectivity and professionalism.

For me, one of my greatest desire is to see Nigeria take the lead in Africa in content development and production, talent management, training and proper data management, digital/New media. There is a huge void in Nigeria. Training and development of talent in Nigeria and that for me is something I am passionate about looking into the future where we can have a state of the art all rounded Media Academy with the ability to engage the best resource persons in the world, with the possibility of practical learning and exchange programmes from across the world.

What has been your most challenging moment as a broadcaster?

Waking up by 3.30am to get started for my day. It’s not something I ever got used too. I think I am still trying get my body back into a normal sleep cycle and insomnia took over. However, it made me more disciplined with plans and taught me how to multi-task, from been on TV to production, to running my foundation which is close to my heart especially as 100s and 100s of women and children depended on me to see that their lives count. Now the other frustrating issue for me was seeing the lacking compassion, dedication and the confusion in governance. Sometimes literally while on air, there would be an incoherent, Ill-equipped repertoire representation of an organisation, institution, Government and the intentional calculation to mislead the public almost gives me a blackout. There were times when it was obvious that some representations had no connection whatsoever with their primary beneficiaries or even understood leadership and that made us re-evaluate our value system as human beings and as a nation, what really matters? Is it obligation to do right by the people you serve, the citizenry or is it a self-righteous, self-help agenda for the benefit of a few? It is obvious that if Nigeria must get it right, character, ethics,

our value system needs a total overhaul, mental revolution.

Recently you declared your intention to venture into politics, what prompted the idea?

It’s not enough to just sit at and cast aspersions, make recommendations without wanting to truly see how we can work together to bring about the changes that we truly desire. Working closely and been truly committed to seeing a new Nigeria, it became a burden on my heart to do what we can with when we are able to especially at the grassroots.

I believe that the failure of government is the inability to connect with the most important status-quo in the governance model, those at the rural level. There is a huge disconnect with what is been done and what needs to be done and those who are supposed to do it. There is a lack of love, commitment and dedication to the one of the productive population in Nigeria.

I have a passion to be a voice for those who are insignificant and under-privileged, those who are considered the non-essential of our society because whether we like it or not, what we leave undone today will be the catalyst for Nigeria tomorrow. We are ONE and the same. I believe in an egalitarian society where every family should be able to have 3 square meals a day. I believe in Love, Love your neighbour as yourself, giving hope and bring it into fruition through action. I have a quote I made when I was in school back then - “To be the person you want to be is to waste the person you are”. There’s so much I can say and cry about but we need those who believe in Nigeria more so those who truly can bear the burden of others to become mainstreamed into politics and governance and that’s why I decided to run for the state assembly. You cannot give what you don’t have; starting from where it all begins is the most important, understanding their journey, growing to unlearn the stereotypes and see the reality and truly priotise the policy development according to their needs.

What do you intend to do differently when voted into office?

Traditional politics has always been about using people, failed promises and enriching of self as seen time and time again. I come with love, an open essential in spirit to be one like they are, no airs, no alienation, and no unnecessary bureaucracy; a leadership that can communicate with those she represents in order to put the desired policies and intervention into place.

A woman who is here to serve and be used by her people to serve their core demands. I will also look at the uniformity of interest and mandates of others regardless of party, in other harmonise interventions and expand productivity. Like I always say, it’s about collaboration not competition. In every way, one for the other and together we can.

What is your take on low representation of

women in politics?

It’s almost the case of the more we look, the less we see. It has dwindled drastically over the years and has no presence in some areas especially at the rural level, institutional representation and at the parliament. It will be foolhardy for anyone to say women are not the bane of development for this continent. 54 countries make the countries in Africa with a relatively low growth in population except for countries like Uganda and Nigeria where the population margin or ratio is almost 5 percent ahead of other African countries with women been the largest ratio of that population. So it is mind boggling to have less representation of the gender that makes up the highest ratio in population. An egalitarian society starts with equity in service and opportunities. The policy and development model for Africa can only be enhanced if we look at mainstreaming the population in-charge of birthing nurturing and building and most importantly mentoring at the family level. Our productivity as a nation can only be wholesome if all sectors of leadership and decision making incorporates the essence of women becoming part of that statistics. Women should also learn to take charge of their next generation of girls by leading right. You can only lead right when you make yourself available, work the talk and work collectively with the men to de-emphasise the barriers.

Politics entails a lot of mid night meetings and other activities. Do you have the capacity to cope with the trend?

I think it is relative. Politics does not have to be nocturnal, it depends on the understanding and the importance of the gathering or the meetings. The biggest political plans are concluded at the weekend hours of the morning when the decisions of the after hours at night has festered and vice versa. Yet what it means is that the priority of those decisions come into play when thinking and considering the time of the discussions, it should be about the purpose of the discussion and not necessarily personal intentions but for the benefit of the end result.

What is your experience with social media?

As great as I think it is and as indispensable as it has become, I do think there are odds in as much as the gains.

Issues of fake news, misinformation, false impression, impersonations amongst others. Overtime it has grown to be a source of image Branding and social classification for young people. The social media has created an environment filled with more superficial people, false identifications and an addiction to comparative life style leading to a higher number of misled young people, misled on values, priorities and lacking in originality. Marriages have collapsed because of social media. People have been scammed, duped because of social media. Wrongful arrests have been made because of social media. On the gains, it has given young people, budding entrepreneurs an edge in starting their businesses, building viable platforms of engagement and truly creating an amazing platform for networking and business opportunities and yes true love sometimes happen on social media.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

AFRIMA boss, Mike Dada elected 2nd Vice – President of PACC5 Bureau

Emma Ugolee, Ossy Achievas partner on first ever Naija Social Media Awards (NSMA) Stories by Mutiat Alli Emma Ugolee Entertainment & Achievers Entertainment present the first ever Nigerian Social Media Awards tittled: “The Naija Social Media Awards” (NSMA) billed to hold soon; the annual event will honour winners from 36 categories as polled from their personalities and activities on social media as nominees must be active on social media.

Speaking on the award process, Paul Cole Chiori (Ossy Achievas) disclosed that nominees shall be selected by a respectable committee working with professional guidelines, the selection of winners from the nominated would lie strictly on the voting fan base as every owners of a social media handle or account is an automatic eligible participant.

Sharing his thought on the laudable project, Emma Ugolee further disclosed that the award has been a concept that has been thought about

for years because we wanted an award ceremony that will leave every participants satisfied after the event because NSMA is built on remarkable transparency and an unprecedented reward system where no nominee goes home empty handed and the voters get thrilled with surprises.

Emma Ugolee however shared some of the categories that will make the coming event that includes Best use of philanthropy, Best fashion blog, Best health advocate, Social media slay queen amongst others.

GTB Fashion: Organisers call out young African fashion designers Ahead of the GTBank Fashion weekend coming up in November 2018, organisers have put up a competition tagged ‘Sketch to Fame’ geared towards calling on aspiring young African fashion designers the opportunity to have their original collection produced and showcased at the 2018 GTBank Fashion Weekend.

Younger designers are however encouraged to share five of their original sketches for a new collection on social media via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hash tag #Sketch2Fame as entries closes on Wednesday, September 26th, 2018.

Organisers also revealed that a panel of judges wills shortlist 10 participants

who will move to the next stage and the audience will decide the final 3 entries whose collections will be produced and showcased at the 2018 GTBank Fashion weekend.

Sketch to Fame challenge is part of the GTBank Fashion Weekend initiative created to promote enterprise in the African fashion industry.

Oghenekaro Itene lands HAPA Ambassador role Nigeria’s rising Hollywood actor, Oghenekaro Itene, has landed another landmark in her journey to score a sterling point in the American movie industry with her recent announcement as the official ambassador for the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPA).

She represents the African diaspora.

Oghenekaro is currently filming her debut movie in Hollywood titled ‘Chase’ where she plays the role of Jayla. The movie is written and directed by Michael Matteo Rossi, coproduced by Michael Matteo Rossi and Katrina Y. Nelson.

Oghenekaro balances three careers, one as an actress, a Makeup Artist - the creator/CEO of Kadia Makeovers and a philanthropist. Some of her notable features include ‘Shattered Mirror’

a feature film directed by Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa, ‘The Prodigal’ and ‘Esohe’ by Charles Uwagbai. She has also featured in some prominent series including, ‘Lincoln’s Clan’ and ‘Tinsel’.

Billed for the Alex Theatre in Glandale, California on September 30, HAPA is produced by Founder and Executive Producer, Ms. Tina Weisinger of ‘I Dream 4 All Foundation’. This visionary continues to raise the bar creating synergies and bridging gaps with both cultures by recognizing pioneers in the movies, music and comedy industries.

HAPA will celebrate outstanding achievements of artists from various entertainment genres with the vision to continuously blend the richness of African cultures and the beauty of

America to promote In its second edition, HAPA will showcase the grand awesomeness of African royalty merged with the affluence of Western connoisseurs. It successfully celebrates the best of two cultures in 32 categories.

In the ‘Oldies but Goodies’ category, along with nominees are Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The 5th Dimension and Charles Wright.

Borrowed by Dr. Dre, Madonna and Diplo; sampled looped by N.W.A. and themed by the NBA, Charles Wright’s ‘Express Yourself’ has touched the lives of generations since 1970; being deemed the most licensed song.

HAPA 2018 will be compeered by the Tyrone DuBose, an iconic R&B historian, radio host, motivational speaker and philanthropist.

President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, was part of Art and Cultural experts invited to the 5th African Union Pan-African Cultural Congress (PACC5) held at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September 5 to 7, 2018. PACC is a platform for Pan-African Cultural Institutions and Civil Society Organizations working on the arts, culture, and heritage field to provide their contributions to the policy making process of the African Union, AU. Mike Dada, drawing from his experience and knowledge in destination Marketing, Perception Management, Media and Law presented a paper with the theme “Advancing the African Union Agenda 2063 through African Culture and Creative Economy” aimed at sharing best practices for the promotion of the AU Agenda 2063, shared practical knowledge on actions AFRIMA employs in showcasing great potentials and values of the African musical and artistic heritage, while also promoting the positive image of Africa to the world for global competitiveness.

Mr. Mike Dada was also elected 2nd Vice President of the PACC Bureau, a position which will be occupied for 3years, and subject to the PACC objective of proposing policies towards the contribution of culture and arts in the development of the continent. Also elected into the PACC5 Bureau were Chairperson, Mr. Daves Guzha - President of Arterial Network; 1st Vice Chairperson, Prof. Lupwishi Mbuyamba - Executive Director of OCPA; Member, Dr. Vuningoma James - Executive Secretary, Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture;

Member, Mrs Florence Mukanga Majachani - Cultural Policy Consultant and Research.

The State Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ethiopia, H.E. Mrs. Bezunesh Meseret welcomed delegates to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The event was well attended by cultural/ professional experts, practitioners, and civil society organizations in the arts and culture sector of the economy, where various ideas and experiences were shared towards harnessing African cultural diversity and its cultural identity for Wealth Creation, Youth Employability, African Unity, and Global Peace.

Former Cultural Director of Rockefeller and the Ford Foundations, Dr. Damien Pwono, one of the speakers, in his keynote address on Cultural Diplomacy, commended the President/Executive Producer of AFRIMA for the immense effort of AFRIMA at showcasing the potentials of Africa through its creative industry.

He said. “AFRIMA is doing a great job at promoting African culture using its arts, talents, and music; it provides a platform that popularizes the dynamism in our culture, thereby creating a sustainable competitive creative economy.’

In its effort to promote the AU agenda 2063, which is to garner strategic framework for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years, the 5th African Union Pan-African Cultural Congress enables creative and cultural experts, researchers, creators/ producers of culture, policymakers and cultural promoters to come share ideas, tackle challenges, and formulate best practices towards programmes in Africa in the area of cultural and creative economy and development.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

13 Society Gist

Stakeholders lavishes praise on Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Apostle Remi Awode celebrates Isaac Oguntoye Chemstar Manufacturing company boss, Apostle Aderemi Emmanuel Awode, owner of Finecoat and Shield Paints, had his 55th birthday soiree last weekend. It was indeed an impressive gathering as friends, family and associate from all walks of life teemed to celebrate a manufacturing giant, a business tycoon, philanthropist par excellence and an icon of hope to many homes.

The most cherished asset of Remi Awode is not his head full of knowledge but his heart full of love, ears open to listen, and hands willing to help, reason many of his staff, friends and associates eulogized his good virtues at the birthday shindig. Many of those that graced the event took the pleasant achiever on memory lane on how he touched their lives in several ways; he’s no doubt, a good man who brings out the good in other people.

For those that feel that being kind

hearted to people got them nothing but rejection and hurt, the story of Aderemi Awode is something the young ones should emulate, despite being hurt a few times, he has never allowed such instances to redefine who he truly is. He’s a lover of people whose generosity amazingly knows no colour, creed or religion.

Unarguably, this act is one of the factors that led to the success story of Finecoat Paint today.

He’s a strong believer of an aphorism that, “if you are a thoughtful person who does nice things, don’t stop just because the people failed to see the goodness inside you, it’s their ejection or lack of response that is the problem, not yours. Don’t change yourself, they need to change, they need to work on themselves, keep being the wonderful you”.

The strong unapologetic honest and God fearing Awode is one of most kind-hearted people in the world, reason he doled out several millions to empower some members of Cherubim and Seraphim

Movement, Divine Blessing Cathedral located at Alagbado area of Lagos where he’s a founding member. Apostle Awode does not only see it as his duty to give out of his abundance, he shares even his tank indicates reserve.

At 55, according to him, is to live his life full of praises of God who has immensely blessed and favoured him. The event was graced

by Mr. Toyin Haastrup, Engr.

Tunde Akintona, Mr & Mrs. Sam Ajagu, Members of the Galilee Land Development Committee of the C$S Movement Church led by Dr. Bisi Adedire, Mrs. Odeyinka, Founder Fluorescent Group of Schools, Alh. Soladoye, PRO, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Mr. & Mrs. Yemi Sonde, Sp. Apostle John Oyeku, HRH, Oba Oluwalambe Taiwo J.P., The Olojokoro of Ojokoro Land, Pastor Dayo Paseda, Deputy Managing Director, Chemstar Paints Industry (Nig.) Ltd. and many of the alumni of the University of Ibadan who have been friends since then till date.

Tunde Braimoh presented with expression and nomination forms for re-election It was a great atmosphere on the 10th September 2018 when leaders in Kosofe Constituency 11 surprised their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Tunde Braimoh with the party, APC Lagos Assembly Expression and nomination form which they bought for him as a gesture to further demonstrate the pass mark given to him during his first term and directly endorsed him for the second term.

The unprecedented event in the history of Lagos APC which witnessed presence of almost all the Party officials in the area was held at the Constituency Party Secretariat as leader’s showers praises and encomium on the Chairman House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petition for bringing dividends of

democracy to their constituency.

Led by Hon Abiodun Akhigbe who on behalf of the leaders in the

area presented the Expression of Interest and Nomination form to Hon Braimoh, the very short event was not devoid of the poetry words and songs from women and youths from the community to show how grateful and blessed they are towards the exemplary works of Hon Tunde Braimoh in the LAHA. Among leaders present at the event are LGA Chairmen of Agboyi/ Ketu LGA Hon Sunday Odekomaya and Hon Jegede of Ikosi/Isheri LGA and also Hon Abiodun Salami.

In his word while expressing his appreciation to the unexpected great gesture, Hon Braimoh thanks all Party leaders in the area for entrusting him with such honor to represent them once again and promise to re-double his effort in to dwarf his first term performance if re-elected.

One of the greatest phenomenon occurrences in life that has brought progress to humanity is change. Change in making the right decisions which invariably transform nation through good governance by the right choices of representatives.

This is what best described the love bestowed on the industrious and ever-dynamic Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

His rising political profile since he was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007 was a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness.

These same qualities that endeared him to the electorate and gave him all-round success both in the upper chamber and among the people of his constituency.

Unlike other politicians who are stupendously rich with tear-rubber Rolls Royce and a 5-star hotel in Ijebu, Gbenga Ashafa has been living a modest lifestyle with the vision on how to transform Lagos East constituency with laudable projects.

Ashafa is not a braggart who goes about trying to soil other people’s name just to gain political point.

Many have described him as an enigma of new dawn in the whole Kosofe senatorial district.

While others are busy moving around with thugs and hoodlums trying to brag about empty promises

to cajole electorates, Gbenga Ashafa is engaging the elders, youths and political stalwarts of his constituency on what they can do differently.

This we gathered has continue to give him edge over other candidates within the constituency. Senator Gbenga Ashafa’s position in the party structure has continue to pave way for him especially in Lagos East Senatorial district.

Lumina drops introspective iisuals to ‘Light of the World’ single As a follow-up effort to her debut single ‘Light of the World’ featuring budding singer and guitarist Phrance, which swept across social media like a whirlwind when it dropped; female wordsmith Lumina has released the anticipated video to the song, to celebrate her birthday today; September 12, 2018.

The femcee took to her social media to announce the release of the video in a hilarious caption that reads; “Ok. Since some of y’all can’t cool your blood down, I’ve dropped the video for #TheLOTW” – a reference to the fact that majority of her fans have consistently asked her to release the video.

The video packs multiple layers of

introspectiveness from the first few scenes which see Lumina physically bring her bars to life through her performance, to the emotional stories narrated throughout the duration of the video. Topics like drug abuse, depression, resilience, among others were visually touched and expounded in the video – showing there is a need for more artists to touch these subjects with their artistic prowess in order to touch the lives of millions going through them.

‘Light of the World’ would mark Lumina’s second official effort of 2018, and the rapper has promised fans more incredible projects in the months to come.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Fall in love with someone who gives you peace of mind - Singer Minjin Talented Afro-Pop cum RNB singer Adewale Lawanson Junior, better known as Minjin, has shown his versatility since he starred as lead male character in the first all-black-cast High School Musical where he played the character ‘Troy’ and ever since his career has blossomed not just as an actor but a blessed musician with several songs to his credit.

However not so many will know that Minjin is a prolific painter whose work has graced the wall of veterans like Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi amongst others. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the multi-faceted recording artiste led us into his world as a music artiste, as a painter, love life and why painting naked women isn’t new to him. Enjoy: What’s new about Minjin the Artiste?

Well, as a musician, what is new is that I just shot my new video ‘Slowly’, and also releasing a new single. The song is about love.

Passing a message that love is not necessarily about money but true feeling of affection.

What prompted such song, it’s so unlike Minjin?

I got a lot of connections to my fans. Most of them wanted me to do a love song. They all loved it. I sampled it with my major fans and they all fell in love with it. I was stubborn about it earlier but I had to succumb.

Aside from music you also draw and paint, can tell us about it?

Art is my business side because most of the people that buy my art work buy it because of the painting.

They are not buying it because I am a musician or because they like my song. They buy it because it’s cute.

Some of them don’t even like music.

They are just rich people who have money and want to buy art sorts.

Music for me comes first because it is my life

Did you to any school of arts?

Not at all. All I did was street apprenticeship. I had to lie to me mum that I was doing some extra classes. She had no idea; I was on the streets learning how to perfect my art. Everything I saw my oga do then, I go home and try it out. It was rough thou, but I had the zeal and keen interest and that saw me through. All I needed was the spark which the street apprenticeship gave me.

How long have you being painting?

I have been painting since 2006, but music has taken all my time and attention until recently. When you have something inside you, it will always come out one way or the other. When I decided to take it seriously in 2015, I began to attend exhibitions. At the moment, I have people who are interested in my paintings, I have my own studio now and I am doing my exhibition before the year runs out.

I will be collaborating with clubs in Lagos; Quilox restaurant is part of them. Fans will have an opportunity to interact with me and I will engage in live paintings as well.

What’s the idea?

Musician painting live, singing and lots of fun things going on. My fans will watch me do music and painting at same time. Most people don’t know that part of me, but now I really want them to know that I draw, paint and other creativity.

How do you cope painting naked clients?

Most men don’t feel secure when their wives or women are around artists. But our job is not different from a doctor. You cannot say because a doctor will see your wife’s nakedness, he must not attend to her. Also, the doctor must behave himself regardless of what comes to his mind.

I am used to seeing naked women and it is not because I enjoy seeing them. My job requires me to do so for me to bring out an unbelievable image.

I am a man too; I get moved when I see naked women, but it doesn’t mean I don’t get the job done. I work with my imagination a lot and what I see around. In my art, I try to depict African culture because it is where I am from. If I showcase Africa, people will understand where I am coming and appreciate me.

What inspires you?

My ears. When I close my ears, noise is out, then I feel the inner me.

My ears are very sensitive. I trained them. I might be driving and I hear a song playing someone, I can easily pick it and do something different.

Won’t this new side of you, affect your music career?

Not at all. Right now, it’s a time for reflection. Instead of wasting time with friends, drinking at clubs or hanging out, I can use that time to do something useful with my pencil.

It’s not easy to see a musician that paints like me, because I know that I’m very good in what I do. Painting keeps me away from trouble. I can paint you to look exactly like you. I’m that good. I like to wow my clients. I have done lots of jobs. Now, I have less but quality friends.

What has the music industry taught you?

It has taught me that you need to get the best team first and putting out your stuffs is good. Just imagine Rihanna posting that I am her favourite artiste. Imagine how many people will look for me even if they don’t know me because it matters who is taking about you.

The best musician in Nigeria has not blown. He might just be somewhere doing ‘yahoo yahoo’ sef. What I am trying to say is that there are lots of talents out there that are yet to be discovered.

Yahoo boys are invading the industry, how is this affecting artistes who have no money for promotion?

It is also affecting me. But thank God for social media and other music platforms where you can showcase your art.

Is Minjin a romantic person?

To me, love means peace of mind.

Who gives you peace of mind is the person you should love. Feelings of affection are good but I can’t be with someone who claim to love me but won’t give me peace of mind. It keeps you sane and helps you through life. Love is quite consuming. Inner peace should always come with love. Peace, Joy and happiness should also follow.

I’m in love with a lot of my fans.

Right now, I am weighing my options.

They are people I like, but I can’t say I am in love with them. But if any of them gets pregnant, I’m not ready but its fine. We will keep the baby.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

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Inflation ups by 11.23% in August Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

L-R: Acting RBH, Fidelity Bank, Cross River-Akwa Ibom states, Emenike Okeudo; Country Director, Community Humanitarian Emergency Backing Nigeria (COHEB Nig), Ugochi Ossai; Head CSR and sustainability, Chris Nnakwe; CEO Rhema Care, Eric Shu; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Unical, Celestine Igwegbe during the presentation of Sport items at the Refugee Camp, Ogoja as part of Fidelity Bank’s effort to promote healthy living conditions and child friendly environment at the refugee camp.

IATF: President Museveni to address stakeholders’ session in Kampala Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Kampala, 14 September 2018: - President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will deliver a keynote address to kick off a stakeholder engagement

event being hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Kampala on Monday to promote the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

The Trade Fair, organised by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union, and hosted by the

Government of Egypt, will take place in Cairo from 11 to 17 December.

The stakeholder engagement event, is being organized in collaboration with the Uganda Export Promotion Board and will be held under the theme “Strategy to Deepen Uganda–

FG faults HSBC, Economists predictions, says they are fake Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Federal Government has faulted prediction by two British based institutions, HSBC and the Economists over the 2019 elections fake and a psychological warfare against the administration’ anti corruption policies.

The Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed replied the two institutions on Friday in Lagos when he paid advocacy visit to Channels Television to drum up support for national campaign against fake news.

“We have all read that the Intelligence Unit of the Economist said the PDP will defeat the ruling APC in 2019.

“We have also read that the international financial institution, HSBC, said Nigeria’s economic development will be stunted if President Buhari gets a second term.

“Let me state clearly that these reports are based on fake premises and, therefore, qualify as fake news.

“It is a psychological warfare by those who have been badly hit by our policies”.

The minister explained: “Our fight against corruption has meant that many

financial institutions, especially banks, that fed fat on the proceeds of corruption are no longer able to do that.

“Also, international publications that used to feed fat on questionable supplements paid for by the Federal Government have seen a drastic reduction in such patronage, as the Administration cuts down on frivolous spending that was the order of the day in the past.

“Therefore, it is natural that these institutions and publications would not wish to see another term for this Administration.

“The truth, however, is that only the good people of Nigeria will determine who presides over the affairs of the country, not any bank or media establishment, irrespective of their influence or self importance”.

The minister said the government was not surprised and would not loose sleep over the predictions because the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is on course and delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“The parents and wards of the 8.5 million school children, who are being fed every

school day under our home-grown school feeding system, are feeling the impact of this Administration.

The more than six million farmers, who have joined rice production since this Administration came on board, know what this government has done.

“Nigerians, who are enjoying more stable electricity after power production has more than doubled, know better.

“The 500,000 unemployed graduates who have benefitted from our N-Power programme know that these naysayers are only thinking about themselves. So we are not bothered,” he said.

The minister reiterated his position that fake news phenomenon would get worse as the 2019 general elections drew nearer.

He said fake news had become the only weapon left for naysayers to demarket the administration after failing to take them on issues of infrastructure, economy, fight against corruption, and agricultural development.

He therefore appealed to the media to drive the campaign against fake news because if left unchecked, it has the capacity to disrupt the peace and unity of the country.

Africa Trade”. It will feature highpowered panel discussion exploring ways of increasing the level of trade between Uganda and the rest of Africa.

Participating in the panel will be Stephen Kauma, Afreximbank’s Director and Global Head for Human Resources; Charles Oleny Ojok, Secretary General, Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Samuel Sejaaka, Partner, SNG Sejaaka, Kawaase & Company (SNG Africa Group); and Mr. Gideon Badagawa, Executive Director, Private Sector Foundation, Uganda.

They will be joined by Felix Okoboi, Chairman, Board of Directors, Uganda Development Bank Limited; Gideon Badagawa, Executive Director, Private Sector Foundation Uganda; and Dr. Fred Muhumuza, an Academician.

The discussion, scheduled for the Speke Resort and Conference Centre, Munyonyo, will look at ways of unlocking the intra-regional trade and investment potentials of Uganda.

The event will also feature a keynote address by Amelia Kyambadde, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives of Uganda.

Outlining the motivation for the IATF, Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said, “Intra-African trade accounts for only 15 percent of Africa’s total trade. In Europe the figure is 67 percent. We, therefore, need to develop industrialization in Africa, increase intra-African trade, and no longer depend on export of raw materials. We need to create more value-added and diversified exports.”

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 11.23 percent (year-on-year) in August 2018.

This is 0.09 per cent points higher than the rate recorded in July 2018 (11.14) per cent and represents the first year on year rise in headline inflation following eighteenth consecutive disinflation in headline inflation.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced this on Friday in its monthly CPI report, noting that the composite food index rose by 13.16 percent in August 2018 compared to 12.85 percent in July 2018.

Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index. On month-onmonth basis, the Headline index increased by 1.05 percent in August 2018, down by 0.08 percent points from the rate recorded in July 2018 (1.13) percent).

The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending August 2018 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 13.55 percent, showing 0.4 percent point from 13.95 percent recorded in July 2018.

The urban inflation rate increased by 11.67 percent (yearon-year) in August 2018 from 11.66 percent recorded in July 2018, while the rural inflation rate increased by 10.84 percent in August 2018 from 10.83 percent in July 2018.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.00 percent in August 2018, down by 0.23 from 1.23 percent recorded in July, while the rural index also rose by 0.96 percent in August 2018, down by 0.22 percent from the rate recorded in July 2018 (1.18) percent.

The corresponding twelvemonth year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 13.95 percent in August 2018. This is less than 14.33 percent reported in July 2018, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in August 2018 is 13.21 percent compared to 13.64 percent recorded in July 2018.

On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.42 percent in August 2018, up by 0.02 percent points from 1.40 percent recorded in July.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Domestic services and household services, Dental services, Hospital services, Medical services, Repair of household appliances, Tobacco, Wine and Repair of furniture.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 11.28 percent for the twelve-month period ending August 2018; this is 0.2 percent points lower than 11.48 percent recorded in July.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

Nigeria’s Insurance sector records N300bn in 10 years – BPE boss Says Public Offer of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation opens soon Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh has disclosed that the Insurance Sector in Nigeria has continued to enjoy steady growth with Premiums increased from N75 billion to over N300 billion between 2005 and 2015.

Okoh made the disclosure while speaking as a special guest at the investiture ceremony of the 23rd Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Tope Smart in Lagos on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Head, Public Communications, Amina Tukur Othman in a statement on Thursday, said that the BPE boss was spurred by the potential growth in the sector, adding that foreign investors have acquired substantial equity in local insurance companies.

He listed the foreign investors as Old Mutual of South Africa which has substantial investments in Oceanic Insurance, Sanlam Insurance in FBN

Life Assurance, Greenoaks Global Holdings of the United Kingdom in Ensure Insurance Plc(former Union Assurance),NSIA Participation of South Africa in ADIC Insurance and AXA of France with substantial investments in Mansard Insurance.

Okoh maintained that despite this, there is still much room for improvement in growth in the sector in Nigeria as the country by the 2016 statistics, is 10th in Africa with 0.27 percent insurance penetration premiums as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to South Africa, Namibia and Mauritius with 14.27 percent,6.87 percent and 6.4 percent respectively.

The Director General gave the reasons for this to include; lack of consumer trust, low implementation of compulsory insurance and lack of adequately skilled professionals.

“Whilst the foregoing may make for bleak reading, a number of factors, including: The emergence of a middle class with increased spending power, a large youth population who are technology savvy, and increasing female

empowerment thus enabling women to make spending decisions, all make the sector ripe for growth.

“And the possibility of achieving this growth can become a reality with the right policy formulation, a sustained sensatisation program to educate the population on the benefits of insurance, engaging the support of other sectors including the telecoms sector to increase market penetration for insurance”, he said.

Meanwhile, the BPE Director General announced that the Federal Government’s privatisation program in the insurance sector is set to continue with the Public Offer of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation which would open soon and solicited the support of the Association to make the offer a success.

Okoh informed the gathering that the Bureau had privatised some insurance enterprises which include: Niger Insurance Corporation, through Initial Public Offer (IPO); Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, through core investor sale; and National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria also through core investor sale.

EFCC debunks raid on Standard Chartered Bank Motolani Oseni Following repeated media enquiries regarding a purported raid on the head office of the Standard Chartered Bank today September 14, by Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Commission is constrained to state that there was no raid on the bank by its officers.

The Financial Crimes agency disclosed this in a statement signed by its Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren,

stating that the raid by operatives purportedly wearing the jackets of the Commission might have been the handiwork of errant officers who acted without authorization.

The action is in flagrant violation of the standard operation procedures of the Commission as it is not the style of the EFCC to openly raid the offices of banks and other financial institutions.

Officials of such institutions who are wanted by the commission, are usually invited for questioning after discreet investigation. Over the years, banks

have been cooperative in releasing their officers to the Commission for questioning.

The Commission will investigate the circumstances leading to this illegal raid by errant officers and those found culpable would be subjected to the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Commission.

EFCC again reassures Nigerians that it is an agency which adheres strictly to the rule of law and will, as much as possible, avoid draconian measures in its fight against corruption.

Macro-economic convergence, key to attaining ECOWAS single currency – Buhari Says Nigeria committed to single currency Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has said that sound and sustainable macro-economic policies should be the hallmark of their deliberation on regional integration agenda and launching a common currency for the West African region.

Buhari commended the dedication and support of member States for the implementation of the regional integration agenda which he said was a veritable means of attaining the economic development goals of member-countries.

The President said this on Friday when he addressed the ongoing 40th Meeting of Convergence Council of Ministers and Governors of Central Banks of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) holding in Abuja, Nigeria; where CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele formally received a handover note as elected chairman of the body.

Buhari who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, said “Nigeria once again emphasizes that economic convergence must be based on sound and sustainable macro-economic fundamentals.”

He acknowledged the challenges, with numerous postponements over the past decade and half of the region’s attempts to achieving a common currency.

ECOWAS recently directed a reversal to a single track approach in lieu of the double track approach adopted in the past, he noted.

“This development requires that you take a critical look at the framework and make constructive recommendations towards charting a new course for the zone.”

The gathering is critical for the region as it is coming barely 18 months to the target set for the introduction of

ECOWAS single currency.

The President also said there is need to reconsider the status of West Africa Monetary Institute (WAMI), with a view on converting it into a Commission.

He based his argument on the proposed merger of WAMI and West Africa Monetary Agency (WAMA) by ECOWAS Commission into ECOWAS Monetary institute, a possibility he said would leave WAMI with no forum to exchange ideas and discuss matters of common interest to the English speaking countries in the ECOWAS. “To that end, Nigeria would await the outcome of the working group but restated its commitment to the integration programme whe all the issues are raise critically and amicably resolved”, he stated.

He said the issues of fiscal and banking union for example, should be carefully studied and taken onboard, with a need to also identifying those developments that drive fiscal policy implementation in member countries and relate them to the overall objective.

“We have reached a delicate stage in our integration agenda. The WAMZ must work, especially to strengthen macroeconomic indicators and streamline convergence as well as involve the formal and informal institutional frameworks and mindset to support them in attaining the social economic optimum of integration. Towards this goal, our focus should be centered on public investment in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, construction, manufacturing and energy; keeping in mind the need for prudent macro-economic management.

This approach will not in doubt provide the urgent need for economic diversification in all our membercountries. And the need to continue to strengthen our resilience to economic shocks by rebuilding the much needed buffers,” he added.

Mathematics is like building a house – Cowbellpedia teacher Godwin Anyebe “Teaching Mathematics is like building your dream house which could be the most exciting and rewarding project, if you painstakingly follow the steps and processes.”

This is the summation of Mrs. Victoria Bamise, a teacher whose students are participating in the ongoing 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary SchoolsMathematics Television Quiz Show, sponsored

by Cowbell Milk brand from Promasidor Nigeria Limited.

Bamise, who teaches Mathematics and Chemistry atSt. Patrick College, Idah, Kogi State, recently explained that the subject is not difficult as it is being portrayed. “Just like in building and construction, it is just about the process and your ability to follow the simple steps. For me, I try to catch them young and impress the Mathematics mentality in my students,” she explained.

The 14-year-old Jonathan linked his performance to consistence practice of Mathematics, while expressing determinationto be the 2018champion. “This is the 20th anniversary which is a landmark. It will be so fantastic to be the champion

of this landmark edition. This is my promise to my family and my school.

So help me God”, he said.

Favour, who had a perfect score in the qualifying examination in February, explained that Mathematics is a mystery, which requires endurance and determination to deal with.

In the senior category, Jessica Austine of Federal Government Girls’ College Owerri, Imo State and Emmanuel Igban of the Ambassadors College Ota, Ogun State proceeded into semi-finals after defeating four other counterparts.

They are:Aliu Lionel Daniel of The NYSC School Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State; TochukwuEgwuchika of Shalom Academy Nsukka, Enugu State; TunmiseIdowu of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; and Ofodu Praise Chukwuemeka of Petoa City College Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Jessica, who is participating in the competition for the second time, scored 95 percent in the qualifying examination. According to her, Mathematics is fun, and she so thrilled participating in the competition. “If I win, I will be happy. But if I did not, life continues. For me,Mathematic is fun that is why I am in the competition again,” she said.

L-R: Alero Ayida-Otobo, Board Member, Teach for Nigeria; Feyi Ojugo, Head of Teaching and Administration, Greensprings School; Lolade Sasore, Head, Communications and Knowledge Engagement, FBNQuest Merchant Bank; Folawe Omikunle, CEO, Teach for Nigeria and Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman, Teach for Nigeria at the Teach for Nigeria 2018 Fellows Graduation which took place in Lagos.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

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APC primary: We can’t be threatened - Sen Marafa What is the rationale behind I n the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to adopt Direct Primaries for the President and left the rest open?

There are some of us that are radically inclined; you can’t threaten us that is exactly what happened. Now, glory be to God, under the present leadership of the APC today, they swore that these people don’t mean well for this party, so, let us insulate ourselves and our president, that is why the APC said, Presidential election is by direct primaries. more This is an admission of failure of the than 21 states, congresses in the states, so, I am very there were parallel happy that the APC has protected the congresses and like I President because their intentions (the said that time, I don’t fifth columnists), people that refused need to be a lawyer; I don’t to leave, people that are friends of the need to be a retired judge to President in the day time and enemies know that what held in most in the night, that is what they wanted to of the states were use after the primaries, that maybe after nothing but rubbish. general elections people would go and Like I said that re-contest that the President was voted time, it was during the primary by illegal delegates just and the chairman is a very wise person, highly experienced. He has the leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who can see through machinations and do the right thing.

The rest is for us states, we can sort ourselves out, we know ourselves, we Marafa like know where we came from, we know all is political. somebody building an estate and putting price tag on the houses and The direct and indirect primaries asking the general public buying the system has been generating serious houses to go and inspect one of your issues within the party structure with choice, but these are my account some of the governors predisposed to numbers, if you make your choice, go to the indirect primaries system. Can you the bank and pay into my account, bring tell us some of the implications if your your slip, I will give you the keys and party does not use direct primaries? after making your payments, you come Let me say this, I don’t think there is back and the owner tells you that he is any doubt, I have once said it after the sorry that no house for you. That was conclusion of the congresses, I made exactly what happened. it very clear that I see the activities of APC said at that time, that anybody fifth columnists in the APC that know that is desirous to contest any party very well they cannot defeat President office should go to the bank and make Buhari in the general election. So, the payments and produce the teller and common fear is the fear of second term collect form to contest. of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The guidelines said that the party Then, if you cannot beat directly, how constitution provides for consensus. do you beat him indirectly? So, that But in the absence of consensus, there was why the congresses were done, should be election. Most of these states, deliberately in such a way that they people made payments into APC cannot withstand legal scrutiny. account, obtained their tellers but the

governors felt that they were demi-gods that feel they must be worshipped, that feel they are

t h e ones that can determine the attitude of every human being in Nigeria and we said look, you cannot do that.

Particularly to Zamfara State, with respect to the last congresses that had parallel one, do you have confidence t h a t the system will b e free and

fair?

There are peculiarities from one state to another. In my own state, I don’t have any problem. I wrote the party through my lawyers because I am in court, I am challenging the illegality of these congresses and I have absolute confidence in my God, I have confidence in the judicial system of Nigeria, I believe they are going to do the right thing, because it cannot stand anywhere even if the government own its system, it is the judge I present my case to that will decide, if the court says it cannot,it should never be allowed to stand, because it is my turn today, it could be their turn or anybody tomorrow, it could be you.

Having seen that we conducted parallel congresses, I don’t recognise what they have; they don’t recognise what I have. The party here is at liberty to do what they want to do, the very NWC recognised a faction but thank

There are some of us that are radically inclined; you can’t threaten us that is exactly what happened. Now, glory be to God, under the present leadership of the APC today, they swore that these people don’t mean well for this party, so, let us insulate ourselves and our president, that is why the APC said, Presidential election is by direct primaries. This is an admission of failure of the congresses in the states, so, I am very happy that the APC has protected the President

God, we have the judiciary, we are there, I believe it may take some time, but the judiciary will do the right thing.

So, we opted for direct primaries and the reason is simple. We don’t want to be like them, we don’t want to be selfish, we want APC to win Zamfara, they don’t want APC to win Zamfara, and they don’t want APC to win Nigeria.

There are some of the technicalities on those things but it doesn’t matter. If the APC headquarters wakes up tomorrow and say that, like I said, we have written, they have written also, they said they want indirect, we said we want direct, it is for the APC headquarters to determine what manner

of primary.

If APC says go for indirect, I will do my direct with my own direct with my own set of executive, they will do their indirect with their own set of executives.

So, when the time comes for the court to rule, if they say Marafa is right, I am going home and retire. Thank God I have done business before I came to Senate.

I take risk, I am a risk taker and I don’t believe in those following sheepishly and uselessly, I will never do that; I will never succumb to that kind of insults. That’s the reality of Zamfara.

Is this opposition to the indirect primary system not born out of the fact that you are running for governorship of your state?

I am not an overly ambitious person and I don’t talk until it is necessary.

However, I understand the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saying every Nigerian - man or woman has the right to vie for any elective position in Nigeria.

I started by saying I am not overly ambitious by nature; so, the driving force behind my ambition this time around is the condition under which my people in Zamfara State live today.

The issue of insecurity in the state is a matter of concern for everybody let alone somebody like me whom his ancestral home of Zamfara has done a great thing, which I am representing today.

This is my seventh year in the National Assembly, I got to the Senate in 2011 and like I said, I have nursed ambition to contest with my governor in 2011. With unfolding events, they say actions speak louder than voice, the attitude of the government in Zamfara State dictates that all sons and daughters of Zamfara must put all hands on deck to ensure that we deal with the issue of insecurity decisively because one can say

without fear of any contradiction that as we live today, there is no government in Zamfara State.

It is common knowledge that the governor has variously been described as an absentee governor. It is a common knowledge to all of you here that when the people of Zamfara State needed the government to tackle the insecurity, the governor absconded and he came out publicly to say that he had resigned his position as Chief Security Officer of Zamfara State. In a civilised democracy, he was supposed to resign or be forced to resign.

Sometimes, some of us feel that you members of the Press have a lot of questions to ask. With due respect, the chairman described me saying, I say it the way it is; that is my nature, that is me, you know that is not supposed to be because when a state governor comes out to say that he has resigned his position as Chief Security Officer of a state, and he is still sitting tight on the seat, spending security votes, spending the money allocated to that state, I don’t know what this is supposed to be called, but I task him here to come out with what the situation needs to be called.

I don’t envy anybody aspiring to be the governor of Zamfara State; it is the responsibility like I said, and part of Zamfara State, that is the zone I represent did me an honor and no amount of sacrifice is too much for the people of the state.

In 2011, we contested against the Federal Government, the state government and the local government; we contested under the platform of the ANPP which had no Federal Government at that time, no state government at that time, no local government at that time.

To anybody that is using his senses as yardstick of advising told me that I am supposed not to contest, but I have faith in my God and my people stood solidly behind me, because the way and manner the then PDP treated me. They said go to any party that will take you and I went to ANPP that didn’t have anything and by the special grace of God, my people brought about government of Zamfara State at that time because they gave the winning votes.

I’m sure it was not our power, it was not anything. The people believed in us and I believe the government of Zamfara State of today has failed and I think I have a duty, somebody that contributed most in the part of that government and I believe it is the time for me to pay back to my people and give back what they have given to us in election, this is the reason for my aspiring to be the next governor of Zamfara State. God willing, at least, we will bring succor, peace and rest of mind to the good people of Zamfara State. I believe they have done quite a lot for the legacy party, since the inception of democracy in 1999 Zamfara State consistently vote for ANPP and later APC. *********You are in the Senate on the APC platform, the issue of removing Senate President has been in the front burner where people have met severally on this issue, with insinuations that a deal on automatic ticket has been struck.

How do you respond?

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

APC primary: We can’t be threatened - sen Marafa Who said so? *******They met and the issue of automatic ticket was canvassed. My question is this, do you believe that the Senate President should be impeached or should resign as a Senate President?

I think that is an internal problem.

Every institution has what is called its own internal mechanisms. We are constitutional arms of government and we have our laws and ways of conducting business. So, I think we should subtract politics from that.

When we get to the chamber, we know ourselves and we know what to do and I am sure the Senate President also knows what to do and how to go about it. When we get to the bridge, we’ll know how to cross it. **********The international community talked about peculiarities of Zamfara, I am asking you to make

it open to us, do you want to tell us Senator Marafa has a peculiar security tips he wants to use to solve Zamfara problem and the governor didn’t know about. What is that peculiar thing to bring peace to Zamfara State?

Honestly speaking, with sincerity of purpose, that is what is lacking today.

And the answer is clear. That is why the Minister of Internal Affairs once had course to say that if you like, deploy all the Military in Nigeria to Zamfara, they can achieve nothing; because the government on ground is not interested in anything.

Like I said earlier, the governor has been variously an absentee governor.

As I am talking right now, he is not in this country. Imagine, the Chief Security Officer has been absent in his country for more than 9 days. In his absence, men and women are fleeing their

hometowns.

When the governor came back last time, he went straight to the Presidential seat of power (Villa) to attend the National Economic Council meeting.

He was on air talking about the illegality of freezing of Benue State account. Not even his own state, in a civilized society like I said, you members of the press are supposed to chase him out. It is criminal! When your people are being killed in thousands, see what happened in Benue, 73 people were killed and Benue protested it.

But they moved to my own state, they have shown and say they are responsible for our problems. They have not summoned everybody that is involved. In Benue, everybody was summoned because they were serious.

Before you know, Vice President was in Benue. The President was also there and

Osun Guber: Cleric warns politicians against do-or-die attitude Patrick Okohue Less than a week to the governorship election in Osun State, a Prophet and Founder of Christ Deliverance Ministries-CDM, Lagos, His Grace, Prophet Ekong Ituen has warned politicians in Nigeria not to consider politics as a do-or-die affair.

According to him, whatsoever anyone becomes in life is exclusively in the hands of God, stressing that, “it is

only God that gives power to whoever he pleases.” He urged them not to overheat the polity on account of their desperation to get elected.

Ituen, who recently predicted the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election in favour of Dr Kayode Fayemi, also warned contestants in Saturday’s election as well as their parties and supporters to abide by the outcome of the election in good faith.

The cleric who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Lagos however predicted that the outcome

of the election will be in favour of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola.

He said that irrespective of the shortcomings of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the same party, that, “Heaven has ordained Oyetola to win and succeed his boss.”

On the next year’s general elections, Ituen, who is reputed for accurate predictions over the years said comprehensive prophesy over them will come after the Osun State poll.

also every well-meaning Nigerian was in Benue.

In Zamfara, between 2011 and today, we have lost over 15,000 people. If you take a minimum of two wives per person, that means we have minimum of 30,000 widows. Even if you have a minimum of four children per person, I have nine children, so, if you take just a minimum of four, four multiply by fifteen, we have 60,000 orphans. Who is feeding these children? Nobody is asking, nobody is interested, there are no IDPs in Zamfara, nobody is asking these questions, who is taking care of these widows?

I understand when the Federal Ministry of Agriculture distributed grains, Zamfara State was missing. I was emotional at the floor of the Senate to make case for Zamfara State. This is the duty we have.

As Nigerians, we all have responsibilities.

As journalists, you have responsibilities and you need to serve it. You don’t need to be sentimental about issues. People talk

2019: Don’t use Festival venues as battle field, Adams warns politicians Patrick Okohue

APC National Chairman, Oshiomhole

PDP National Chairman, Secondus

about Taraba and Benue because largely they are Christians. What happened in Zamfara happens in some other places.

We all have responsibilities and we need to do the needful.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has warned politicians not to use venues of cultural events as battle field.

Adams in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on media, Kehinde Aderemi, said that, “The warning came on the heels of the recent crisis that occurred at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 during the grand finale ceremony of the Oranyan festival, where two persons were killed.”

Adams, who was in Canada at the time of the event, described the incident as sad, saying it was a calculated effort by some people, especially politicians to use the avenue to settle political scores.

“I want to also make it clear that Alaafin’s stool is sacred; the palace is sanctified as a cultural abode for all sons and daughters of Yoruba race.

Therefore, the palace should not be turned to a battle field for political

thuggery and war. The role played

by Alaafin, Ooni , Awujale of Ijebu land and other prominent monarchs, especially, in the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition is next to none.

“It is the duty of our monarchs to promote our culture, and they have demonstrated unequal determination and interest in sustaining the cultural identities of the Yoruba race; therefore, it is out of place to discourage our monarchs from doing their sacred duties.”

He however urged organisers of cultural events to, as a matter of necessity, provide effective security for guests and attendees at such events. This, he said, is the best measure to ensure security of lives and property. He also advised politicians to be magnanimous in handling political issues.

“Events such as the just concluded Oranyan Festival is a cultural fiesta, for the promotion of our cultural identities, tradition and core values, therefore, we must refrain from using such platform as a forum for riot and senseless killings,” he said.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

5 varsities dazzle at intercollegiate choral fest Stories: Chris Onuoha University of Lagos main Auditorium played the host to an intercollegiate choral festival tagged, “Africa Sing 8”held on Tuesday September 11 to mark the evolving orchestral soulful music.

The annual choral concert that started some years back normally features the Unilag mass choir, but this year’s concert involving other institutions is unique for one reason: it is a special dedication to Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire & Miracle Ministries Worldwide for his contributions to the development of Music in Africa. Secondly, the music fiesta featured choir from other universities in Nigeria that include University of Port Harcourt, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, Mountain Top University and host institution, University of Lagos.

Notable Academia at the event include Unilag Vice Chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Dr. DK Olukoya, General Overseer, MFM and founder, Mountain Top University; Prof Muyiwa Falaiye, Dean, Faculty of Art, Unilag; Prof. (Mrs.) Adepeju Layiwola, HOD, Creative Arts, Unilag; Mountain Top Vice Chancellor and most of the institutions academic board; Dr. Albert Oikelome, programme director; perpetual Nwaefido, Chairman Organising Committee and host of others.

According to Dr. Albert Oikelome, the programme director, “Dr. Olukoya, over the years has influenced the development of music in Africa. Several people know him as a fiery preacher of the gospel of Christ. His contributions to the development of music in our institutions is phenomenal. On this premise, five universities that have benefited from his philanthropic gestures believed that the event is one way of appreciating a man who has mentored many scholars and musicians within and outside Africa. His benevolence by way of financial assistance to music department and Association of Nigerian Musicologists across the country is remarkable and invaluable. “ Dr. Olukoya is not only a pastor but an accomplished music composer. The participating Universities have decided to honour him by singing his choral compositions at this event,” Dr. Oikelome said.

Meanwhile, It was indeed a kaleidoscope of colours as choirs from participating institutions filed one after the other to render soulful traditional gospel songs originally composed

by Dr. Olukoya himself. The show, started on a flaming note by an all kids orchestra, ,’Heavenly Strings Orchestra’ of MFM, youth wing. The Lasu orchestra band opened the floor with a rendition of ‘great is thy faithfulness’ including other jazzy repertoires. This was also followed by choir from Unilag, Mountain Top, and others. Perhaps, a thrilling cynosure was when the wonder kids, ‘Heavenly String Orchestra’ mounted the stage again dishing out both ancient and modern songs in a rollicking style.

They eventually held the audience spellbound with their violin, viola and wind instruments.

The music presentation was drawn to an end with an assemblage of all participating institution’s mass choir conducted by Dr. Albert Oikelome the Director of programmes.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos. Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe thanked MFM General Overseer, Dr. Olukoya for his immense contributions towards his philanthropic gestures and the development of music in the society. “Something is bringing us here today and it is music that has a healing power. I also want to thank Dr. Olukoya for initiating the programme and wishing all participants to sit and enjoy the evening of good music.”

Similarly, Dr. Olukoya is his closing remarks congratulated the participants for putting up such a unique and entertaining choir and especially to

Song performance on stage the University of Lagos department of creative arts under the watchful eye of Dr. Albert Oikelome for successful 2018 edition of the choral fest.

However Olukoya lamented that someone who did a copyright of his original song did not give him credit and didn’t even realise that the song was his.

In his words of advice, he urged students to read their book to be somebody in life. “If you want to escape poverty, read your book. I did it from 9pm to 3 am in my days in school to escape my own poverty. It worked for me, with flying colours,” Olukoya said.

He also stressed on change which is very

important in life. “If you want to become somebody in life, there no way you can do it without a positive change in you. The law of change is the most powerful law. A life changed is world changed. Without change you can’t move in nature. Changing one thing in your life can completely change your destiny,” he said.

Onobrakpeya, YCT Rector, others eulogises Omoighe @ 60 Charge youths to study hard Joy Ayim When the academic community, including friends and well-wishers of Mike Omoighe converged at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, Yaba College of Technology YCT, last Thursday to celebrate a man termed as a great scholar and formidable artist, emotional encomiums filled the air. Mike who turned sixty last week is an art lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, a prolific painter whose art practice spanned for decades. He was honoured with a birthday lecture organised by the School of Art, Design & Printing, YCT, the Society of Nigerian Artists SNA and the Culture & Creative Art Forum CCAF, under a lecture theme: Celebrate Mike @ 60, delivered by a guest speaker, Prof. Ben Ohaezeagwu.

Notable speakers who paid tribute to this veteran artist/scholar include Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya; Engr Obafemi Omokungbe, Rector; Yaba College of Technology; Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Dean, School of Art, Design & Printing, YCT; Dr. Kunle Filani, former Rector, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka; Bernard Aina, former Dean YCT; President, SNA represented by former Lagos chair, Dotun Alabi; current Lagos SNA chairman, Idowu Sonaiya and host of others.

Renowned visual artist, scholar and pioneer member Society of Nigeria Artsts SNA, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya found it most honourabe to be present while one of his protégés is been celebrated.

According to him, Mike has been a good teacher both in formal and informal sector.

“Well I am very happy for Mike because what’s happening today is an attainment of continuity which gives and inspires confidence for those coming behind and for those of us who has gone past our summer and now in our winter period.

It is a very good thing and we are celebrating one of our own. Mike is a hero. He has done so well in artistic productivity, and also in passing down the knowledge to the younger ones as a teacher. He has taught in the academic world and also participated in the informal world which is art workshops. He was one of the pioneer participants and director in the harmattan workshop in Delta State. Since that time, younger people has drawn from his enthusiasm, his scholarly deeds and other things.”

Speaking further, Prof Onobrakpeya also admonished young artists who want to remain

steadfast in art to emulate the resilient attitude of Mike Omoighe to achieve height. “What Omoighe has attained is a good example for the youths. The youths have to study. Being creative is not enough.

And in studying, you have to lean on mentors and study them and imbibe in their personality and also you have to work with your collegues, attend exhibitions, participate in exhibitions and by so doing, you will be able to discover patrons. Once you discover a platform, hang on to that patron because they own the possibility of elevating you and making art something for you to grow forward on,” says Prof Onobrakpeya.

The guest lecturer, Professor Ben Ohaezeagwu, head of Graphoanalysis studies, University of St. Louis, Akonabe, Benin Republic made an impressive graphic detailing of Mike’s lifestyle; both as an academic, artist, and a peculiar resolute person. His analysis which perhaps, sound obscure to many was highly inspiring as he detailed back to back Mike’s formation stage to the present through indept focus on his handwriting. According to Prof.

Ben, underneath Mike’s handwriting style lies his personae and it also forms his creative ingenuity.

The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Engr.

Obafemi Omokungbe described Mike Omoighe as a fantastic artist: one who expresses his inner mind in his art. “I have known Mike for more than 30 years now. I know him as an artist. And his works speaks for him. Just like Dr. Kunle Filani said, he expresses his inner mind in his works. His combinations of colours are also fantastic. Like I said, the little I know about art is from the people like Mike. And it has been inspiring for me. In the world of art in Nigeria today, there are Zaria School, Yaba School, Nsukka School and others, and Mike happens to belong to the Yaba artists. It is wonderful to have him in the college both as ex-student and as a lecturer.

Celebrating him today as one of our own in this institution is a plus for the community,” says Engr.

Obafemi Omokungbe.

Bernard Aina, former Head of Department and Dean, School of Art Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology said, “Mike Omoighe has always been a hard working child. I knew him as far back as 1981 when he finished his National Youth Service Corps NYSC. His first place of work is at my place where I was working at the Federal Government College Ojo as the acting Vice Principal.

I have known him to be very serious minded person

when it comes to art. And he has his unique way of painting which he has maintained ever since. It’s over 40 years now and he is still maintaining it. I give him credit for still maintaining that style of painting.

“Fortunately, we have to meet again in Yaba college of Technology as a staff colleague. I thank God for bringing us together because we worked together like a jolly friends and also being an ex-student of this place makes our working together easier. We both understood the background; what it was then, now and what it should be. With that, we are able to relate very well,” Aina said.

For Dr. Kunle Filani, former Rector, Federal College of Education, (Technical) Akoka, I think celebrating an individual is a remarkable thing for whatever thing the person has done. For Mike Omoighe, we see him as an artist first who have achieved tremendously in the number of exhibitions he has done and in teaching he has been doing as lecturer in Yabatech, and the intellectual articulations of his writings which has to do with that of culture. He has also been a leading person in administration, as a Head of department, Dean, Director of School. You can see that he has imparted so much, not only on his own personal staff but in the teaching ability he has also done. That’s why he is been celebrated today.

Also, I see this as a new beginning for the art community. We have been celebrating people when they reach certain age, in their own contribution towards the development in the art and culture.

But the significance of these is that we should encourage the leaders to show more commitments to art practice, theory, and propagations of artistic ideals. The art is like still in a pariah. Many people still don’t know. Up till now, it is the parts of the noise we are making, that people don’t know what the artist should stand for thereby, discouraging their children from even studying art which is also a discipline like any other one. Art should be viewed with a bifocal focus: a focus for theoretical knowledge and knowledge for skill acquisition that suppose to be an advantage. People should also remember that the artist gives credence to visibility to ideas, whether in shaping products, or shaping the society. There is no product without artistic input. If society should look at it from that perspective, they should begin to respect the artist.

To a large extent, they should decide on their visual articulations and visual perspectives. We think that we should propagate such ideals and to encourage people to have an aesthetic eyes to appreciate art,” Dr. Filani said.

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FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

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Hurricane Florence: Woman, baby die after tree falls on house

Zimbabwe’s opposition postpones mock presidential inauguration Zimbabwe’s main opposition alliance has called off plans to hold a mock inauguration to name its leader as the country’s president after public gatherings were banned due to a cholera outbreak.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had planned the Saturday event to highlight its claims that Nelson Chamisa - and not President Emmerson Mnangagwa, of the ruling ZANUPF party - was the rightful winner of a July election.

“It is clear that the government is abusing the cholera epidemic for political purposes and puts into serious doubt that the ban of our commemoration event was out of genuine concern,” Jacob Mafume,

MDC spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday.

“The anniversary rally will go ahead at a later date to be advised and the venue will remain the same, Gwanzura stadium,” the MDC official said.

The mock swearing-in was set to coincide with the MDC’s 19thanniversary rally near Glenview in the capital, Harare, the epicentre of the cholera outbreak which has claimed 25 lives.

Mnangagwa narrowly exceeded the 50 percent threshold required to secure an outright victory in the July 30 election, the first without long-time ruler Robert Mugabe on the ballot.

The MDC alleged fraud but

Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed the opposition alliance’s bid to annul the results.

The cholera outbreak has prompted the health ministry to declare an emergency in Harare after at least 3,000 cases were reported.

The disease has since spread to other urban and rural areas in five of the country’s 10 provinces.

Cholera outbreaks are common in Zimbabwe’s cities as authorities struggle to provide potable water and sanitation facilities.

The country suffered its worst cholera outbreak in 2008 when 4,000 people died and at least 100,000 people fell ill.

Kidnapped DRC journalist found in a ‘very weak state’ A journalist who went missing in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s restive east has been found in a “very weak” state, according to his radio station.

Hassan Murhabazi surfaced on Thursday evening, three days after he was abducted in the city of Bukavu in the South Kivu province, Radio Svein said on Friday.

“He is very weak,” Honneur-David Safari, the community radio station’s manager, said in a post on Facebook, adding that the presenter “confirms” he was kidnapped.

“The circumstances under which he was found remain unclear and will be released later after medical tests.”

Safari said Murhabazi went missing after leaving his house on Tuesday.

He left without his mobile phone following an “urgent call from a stranger”, the station manager said in a statement earlier this week. Radio Svein was “very worried about this sudden silence of a journalist who has always communicated on his movements”, added Safari.

Murhabazi is the host of a programme called “Mkate”, which covers general

news and politics, and often gets threatening text messages, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The global press freedom group said that prior to his disappearance, Murhabazi was called a “devil” and “little journalist” in some of the texts and was told to stop talking about Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the ruling coalition’s candidate for the DRC’s long-delayed presidential election on December 23.

RSF said Murhabazi had aired a programme on Shadary, RSF said.

President Joseph Kabila, whose second and final term ended two years ago, named last month his former interior minister as his chosen successor in the upcoming ballot.

RSF said journalists have been the victims of a total of 22 attacks and 35 arrests during the first eight months of 2018 in the DRC. Independent news websites and radio stations have become popular in the central African country, where the traditional press is mostly owned by politicians.

The DRC is ranked 154th, out of 180 countries, in the RSF’s press freedom index.

A woman and her child died after a tree fell on their house in Wilmington, North Carolina, the first reported fatalities from Hurricane Florence, which made landfall earlier on Friday.

Police confirmed the fatalities on Twitter, saying the father of the child was being transported to a local medical centre to be treated for his injuries.

The reports came just hours after Florence made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane at 7:15am local time (11:30 GMT) at Wrightsville Beach, a few miles east of Wilmington, as the centre of its eye moved onshore, the National Hurricane Center said.

The eye of the storm and its outer edges pushed a life-threatening storm surge of floodwater miles inland and ripped apart buildings with screaming wind and pelting rain.

“The worst of the storm is not yet here, but these are the early warnings of the days to come,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told reporters just before the hurricane made landfall.

“Surviving this storm with be a test of endurance, teamwork, common sense and patience.”

Coastal streets flowed with ocean water, and more than 460,000 homes and businesses were without power, mostly in North Carolina, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks the nation’s electrical grid.

Forecasters said “catastrophic” freshwater flooding was expected along waterways far from the coast of North and South Carolina.

They added that the onslaught would last for hours because Florence was barely creeping along at 9km an hour and still drawing energy from the ocean.

“A big worry about Hurricane Florence is that it’s not acting like a normal hurricane,” said Al Jazeera’s Andy Gallacher, reporting from Wilmington, North Carolina.

“Hurricanes normally come in and they go inland, which sucks the power out of them as they go over the land,” he said. “This one is set to linger right where it is for at least 48 hours.”

Hurricane-force winds extended 130km from its centre, and tropical storm-force winds reached out to 315km.

Winds bent trees towards the ground and raindrops flew sideways as Florence moved in for an extended stay, with enough of its killer winds swirling overseas to maintain its power.

The wind howled and sheets of rain splattered against windows of a hotel before dawn in Wilmington, where Sandie Orsa of Wilmington sat in a

lobby lit by emergency lights after the power failed. “[It’s] very eerie, the wind howling, the rain blowing sideways, debris flying,” Orsa, who lives nearby and fears splintering trees will pummel her house, told The Associated Press.

The rising sea crept towards the twostorey home of Tom Copeland, who lives on a spit of land surrounded by water in Swansboro. Winds knocked down trees all over.

The water “is as high as it’s ever been and waves are breaking on my point, which is normally grass,” said Copeland, a freelance photographer for The Associated Press.

“Trees are blowing down in the wind. Nothing’s hit the house yet, but it’s still blowing.”

A gust of 169km/h was recorded at Wilmington airport, surpassing the power of Hurricane Fran two decades ago.

The National Hurricane Center said a gauge north of Wilmington in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, reported 1.92 metres of inundation.

Early on Friday, South Carolina emergency officials said there was still time, “but not a lot of time” for people to leave flood-prone areas.

More than 12,000 were in shelters in North Carolina. Another 400 people were in shelters in Virginia, where forecasts were less dire.

Officials said some 1.7 million people in the Carolinas and Virginia were warned to evacuate, but it’s unclear how many did. The homes of about 10 million were under watches or warnings for the hurricane or tropical storm conditions. Coastal towns in the Carolinas were largely empty, and schools and businesses closed as far south as Georgia.

Forecasters said Florence’s surge could cover all but a sliver of the Carolina coast under as much as 3.4 metres of ocean water, and days of downpours could unload more than 0.9 metres of rain, touching off severe flooding.

Once a Category-4 hurricane with winds of 225kph, the hurricane was downgraded to Category 1 on Thursday night.

Forecasters said that given the storm’s size and sluggish track, it could cause epic damage akin to what the Houston area saw during Hurricane Harvey just over a year ago, with floodwaters swamping homes and businesses and washing over industrial waste sites and hog-manure ponds.

Florence was seen as a major test for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was heavily criticised as slow and unprepared last year for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

ParaPowerlifting body to inject new athletes into team

The Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation on Friday said that the body would continue to inject new athletes into its team to maintain the country’s prowess in the sport.

Are Feyisetan, Coach of the national team, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the aim was to find replacement for aging athletes that had done the country proud globally.

NAN reports that Nigeria is ranked number one in para power lifting.

Feyisetan said: “When you talk

about powerlifting in the world, Nigeria is a force to reckon with and for us to maintain and sustain our lead on the world stage, we need to inject new athletes into the team.

“Nobody is a champion for life, in the next three to four years, some of our athletes who are world champions will phase out.

“For us to remain relevant in the global scene, we will have to plan ahead to achieve this.”

The coach added that Paulina Okpala, a debutant, who won gold medal for the country at

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the African Para Powerlifting Championships in Algiers, Algeria, was among the new athletes.

Okpala said: “At a time, the likes of Bose Omolayo and Alice Oluwafemiayo were injected into the team but presently, we have four new athletes and one of them won gold for the country in Algiers.”

NAN reports that Nigeria won 11 gold and two silver medals at the Africa Championships which also served as qualification for the 2020 Paralympics Games.

FIFA to send observer as Amaju Pinnick, Aminu Maigari, Taiwo Ogunjobi battle for NFF Presidency The coast is now clear with regards to the 20th September elections into the NFF Executive Committee 20182022, following the official release of the list of candidates for the polls by the NFF Electoral Committee on Friday.

Four persons are battling for the presidency, including incumbent Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, Member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions and President of AFCON. Pinnick, a former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association and Executive Chairman of the Delta State Commission, is the highest–placed Nigerian ever in football’s boardroom globally, and has a very useful cordial relationship with world football’s top hierarchy. His Board also holds the ace of a blossoming positive appreciation by Corporate Nigeria that has galvanized considerable private sector funding of NFF’s activities.

There is also Alhaji Aminu Maigari, immediate past President of NFF, who was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association and also headed the Bauchi sub–seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, former Nigeria international defender, also has his hat

in the ring. Ogunjobi captained and administered one of Nigeria’s traditional powerhouse clubs, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, served as Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010. He is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association.

There is also Mr. Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC. For the 1st Vice President’s position, there are two candidates. The incumbent, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, whose stock has risen steeply as a result of his passion, commitment and investment in youth football development and charity, slugs it out with another South West chieftain, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

Incumbent Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will battle club proprietor, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

For other positions on the Executive Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North West.

The battle in the North Central has been somewhat narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle.

However, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ and Honourable Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande,

ranking Members of the Board, have to contend with Alhaji Busari Ishola, chairman of Kwara State FA. Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

In the South East, Hon. Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board); Barrister Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and; High Chief Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

From the South West, only Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee member position. From the South South, Oswald Atuake from Cross River State is up against Emmanuel Ibah, chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA. Elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022 will hold as scheduled on Thursday, 20th September 2018 in the city of Katsina.

World football–governing body, FIFA, has concluded plans to send a top ranking official as observer to the elections.

Enyimba suspend captain Mfon Reinhard Grindel, Gianni Infantino exchange heated letters over bid for Euro 2024 Udoh for ‘gross misconduct’ Enyimba have announced they have suspended till further notice captain Mfon Udoh for “gross misconduct” just after the forward said he has quit the club and now wishes to take up a new challenge.

In a letter dated September 7 addressed to Udoh and signed by club chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Enyimba said the captain has been axed till further notice and without pay.

“This is to formally notify you that due to your gross misconduct and indiscipline, you have been suspended indefinitely and without pay till further notice,” the letter read in part.

“Your actions were severe breaches of your expected and entrusted role as captain and ambassador of Enyimba Football Club.

“They also demonstrated your significant disregard for the established authority and governing laws of Enyimba FC.” Udoh had earlier said he has quit the club after five seasons, saying his contract with them has ended and he now wishes to take up a new challenge.

He also ruled himself out of Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal at Rayon Sports of Rwanda.

The 26-year-old Udoh is the all-time leading scorer in the NPFL with 23 goals scored in 2014.

The head of the German Football Association, Reinhard Grindel, and president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, have exchanged heated letters over bids for Euro 2024, German media reported on Friday.

Germany is one of the two candidates to host the tournament. The other is Turkey.

UEFA, the governing body of European football, will decide between them on September 27.

Grindel, Der Spiegel reported, was unhappy that Infantino had met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and praised the Turkish bid. The magazine said Grindel wrote to the FIFA president to say he was worried about interference in the process.

Spiegel said Infantino had replied, also in a letter.

“First, I must express my surprise and disappointment over the tone and content of your letter,” Spiegel reported

Infantino as writing.

“Before sending such a letter, I would have personally found it more appropriate to have a direct discussion, to know exactly what happened and to avoid relying solely on accusations made in the media.”

FIFA have no role in deciding who hosts the Euros, but as head of the governing body of world football and as a former secretary general of UEFA, Infantino’s influence is not negligible, the German media noted.

Moreover, Der Spiegel said, a preliminary expert report commissioned by the DFB has pointed out the “weaknesses” of the German bid, including the ongoing investigation into whether German officials, including Franz Beckenbauer, bought votes to win the right to host the 2006 World Cup. It is not the first time this year that Erdogan’s meetings have

upset Grindel, himself a former politician.

In May, the Turkish president posed for a photograph with two German internationals with Turkish roots, Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, sparking a political storm that rumbled on through Germany’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

After the World Cup, Ozil announced his retirement from international football, saying that “in the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose”.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 15, 2018

23 Sports Times

Ex-IAAF chief Lamine Diack faces fresh charges French authorities have added to former IAAF president Lamine Diack’s legal problems by charging him with favouring his son in negotiations over sponsorship and TV rights, sources close to the case revealed on Friday.

Diack was head of the governing body of global athletics from 1999 until his arrest in France in 2015.

He was charged at the time with taking millions of dollars to cover up failed Russian doping tests along with two other IAAF officials.

A tribunal led by anti-corruption judge Renaud van Ruymbeke has continued to investigate the 85-yearold, who is forbidden to leave France.

The latest charges were brought on June 26 and accuse Diack of a “breach of trust.”

They stem from the cooperation of the IAAF, now led by Diack’s former vice president Sebastian Coe, which gave investigators copies of all its sponsorship contracts from 2008 to 2015.

Diack is accused of exploiting his position to enable his son Papa Massata Diack, known as PMD, “to appropriate IAAF receipts from sponsors”, including Chinese broadcaster CCTV, Russian state bank VTB, Samsung of South Korea and Chinese oil refiner Sinopec.

PMD has been on Interpol’s most wanted list since December 2015 but is sheltering in Dakar as the Senegalese government refuses to extradite him to France.

At the court appearance in June, van Ruymbeke made an inventory of PMD’s invoices to the IAAF, some

of which were sent directly to Lamine Diack. In 2012, the total was $501,206 (429,000 euros at the time). In 2014, it was $825,955.

“Why did you agree to give your son so many advantages?” van Ruymbeke asked.

After the collapse of ISL, the Swiss sports rights broker that went bust in 2001, the IAAF sold its commercial rights to Dentsu.

The Japanese company in turn subcontracted rights to AMS, a company founded by ex-ISL staff.

Both have connections with PMD. In 2014, with the doping crisis looming, Lamine Diack signed a contract extension with Dentsu running from 2020 to 2029.

“Why did you tie the hands of the IAAF for such a long time with Dentsu and AMS,” van Ruymbeke asked. “Did not you want to prolong a situation that directly benefited your son, who had contracts with Dentsu and AMS?” Last September, PMD told L’Obs, a French magazine: “I earn my living by taking commissions on the business I bring in.

Sometimes 10 percent, sometimes 15 percent, sometimes 20 percent.”

Since the arrest in 2015 the Diacks have also been the subject of investigations in other countries, including South Korea, the United States and Brazil, where suspicion focuses on the Rio Olympics.

Ola Aina resumes full training with Torino, set for Udinese Nigeria defender Ola Aina is in line to make Italian side Torino’s squad for Sunday’s Serie A clash against Udinese after taking part in full training on Friday.

Aina picked up the injury in Torino’s 1-0 home win against SPAL before the international break and has been a major doubt for the clash against Udinese who are also sweating on the fitness of his international teammate, William TroostEkong.

The injury forced Aina to pull out of Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Seychelles last week Saturday

“Afternoon training for Turin at Philadelphia with a preparation session for the away match against Udinese.

“Aina did almost all the field work with his teammates, while Lyanco continues his rehabilitation program – took part in the tactical part,” reads a statement on Torino’s official website.

Torino manager Walter Mazzarri is expected to name his squad for the game against Udinese after Saturday morning’s training session.

The defender who is on loan at Torino from Chelsea has featured in all three league games for the Turin-based club this season.

Pep Guardiola keen to tie down Sterling with new deal Pep Guardiola has urged Raheem Sterling to end his prolonged contract talks with Manchester City and sign an extended deal with the Premier League champions.

The England forward is expected to be back in action for City against Fulham this weekend after missing the Three Lions’ clashes with Spain and Switzerland over the past week with a slight back injury.

But it is Sterling’s long-term status Guardiola wants resolved.

Sterling and City’s hierarchy spent much of last season in contract negotiations before the player, whose current deal expires in 2020, put them on hold, preferring to concentrate on England’s World Cup campaign.

The 23-year-old was also hoping that a strong personal showing in Russia might

strengthen his bargaining position.

But having failed to find the net as England reached the last four, talks have re-opened.

“It’s well-known we’re delighted with him and would like to continue,” said Guardiola.

“The club asked me my opinion and we shared our opinions and, after that, it is the club and the agent. I’m not involved.

“Sometimes this kind of thing needs its own time. But it’s important that Raheem and his people know how delighted we are with him.”

Reports have suggested that the former Liverpool forward, currently on a reported £175,000 ($229,000) a week, is seeking a pay rise of £100,000 a week.

That would still leave Sterling considerably short of the club’s highest-paid player, Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne’s contract can reach £400,000 a week, according to reports, when signing-on fees and bonuses are factored into the lucrative new deal he signed midway through last season.

The Belgian is currently sidelined by a knee injury that was expected to keep him sidelined for three months when first diagnosed in August.

And Guardiola remains hopeful of having De Bruyne back before the end of the year.

“He is progressing well,” said Guardiola.

“He is obviously not fit for tomorrow but twoand-a-half to three months is right. He’s going well in this perspective.”

Guardiola, meanwhile, believes Premier League games could be taken abroad in the future if La Liga’s plans to play games in the United States are successful.

NFF supremo Amaju Pinnick charges Golden Eaglets to stay focused, pick AFCON ticket Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, Pesident, has charged the U-17 national team, Golden Eaglets, to keep level heads and stay focused to conquer Ghana’s Black Starlets in Niamey.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eaglets will take on the Black Starlets in the final of the CAF U-17 Cup of Nations WAFU B Tournament in Niamey on Saturday.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the finals of the 2019 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Both West African giants of world cadet football clash at the Stade General Seyni Kountche, with the lone ticket to the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Tanzania 2019 to serve as the spur for an explosive encounter.

The atmosphere will be further charged by a 67-year rivalry between both nations, with crucial wins for either country over the decades.

But the Eaglets are encouraged that Ghana’s semi-final victims Cote d’Ivoire, suffered a 5-1 hiding when both teams met at the same venue last week.

Nigeria will be buoyed by the maturity that comes with a plurality of experience, having come from a shaky start to the tournament to reach the final.

They fell behind 0-2 to Burkina Faso in their opening match before drawing level, only to lose the tie by conceding late in the game.

Against the Ivorians, they fired from all cylinders from the beginning and led 5-0, and against Niger Republic on Wednesday, created a handful of chances and led 2-0 before conceding a late consolation to the hosts.

Pinnick, who is also 1st VicePresident of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is in no doubt that the Nigerian boys possess the quality to defeat the Black Starlets and also do the nation proud at the final tournament in Tanzania.

Pinnick said that the boys had shown resilience to get to the final of the tournament.

“First, I want to congratulate you on a job well done so far; you have done very well, including exhibiting the never-say die spirit that is peculiar to Nigerians.

“This was visible in the manner you bounced back after the loss to the Burkinabes to dismiss the Ivorians 5-1, and also beat the host nation in the semi finals.

“But I want you to know that the job is not done yet. You must stay focused and listen to instructions from your coaches,” Pinnick said in a statement by NFF’s Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire on Friday.

“I believe in their leadership because they are very knowledgeable and experienced and have discovered so many talented players that have excelled in recent years.”

He advised the young lads to avoid distractions from agents, who according to him, will deceive and hurry them into signing for clubs that will not aid their proper development.

“The youth tournaments are basically developmental, so you have to follow instructions from your coaches and don’t allow agents to deceive you and make you sign for clubs in obscure countries.

“Players like Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel John Obi, just to mention two, started properly and so, were properly developed to stay longer in the game.”

Pinnick promised to take the team for a training tour in either Qatar or Jordan ahead of the U-17 AFCON in Tanzania to help their development once they qualify.

Five players from the NFF U-15 squad discovered during the annual NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship, are part of the current squad tutored by Manu Garba.

Responding on behalf of the team, Goalkeeper Joseph Oluwabusola, thanked the NFF for the support so far and promised that they will make Nigeria proud on Saturday by defeating the Black Starlets to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Thomas Jefferson

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FLASHBACK in Times: September 15, 1958

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 753

N100

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Editor: TONY AMOKEODO, Tel: 08111811228, Email: tonyamok@gmail.com