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I look forward to returning home soon -Buhari

THE

DAILY

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ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Bu-

hari has said he was looking forward to returning to Nigeria as

soon as he resolves issues with his medical doctors, as he played host to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Continued on page 12

NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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dailytimesng

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 301

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GAINERS AS AT February 15, 2017 FO

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LOSERS AS AT February 15, 2017 4.98%

GUINNESS

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Federal ministries to sack 3500 workers Ï d ƑƐ ƆƏ ƆƏ ƅƅ Ƒ Ɛ Ƈ Ə ÕƠü Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɛ Ƌ Ɔ Ɖ Ƅ y & d 9 n

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Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Despite the high rate

of unemployment in Nigeria, the federal government has penned down about 3500 civil servants for disContinued on page 6

FEC approves N126bn for 12 roads in Enugu, Bauchi, others FG, labour 5 agree to review minimum wage Lagos to generate 6 3,000mw of electricity in 7yrs Epe 5: Kidnappers demand N350m ransom 12

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Abia gov’ship 5 election: S’court reserves judgment May 12

Police nab 2 brothers with fresh human head in Ekiti

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

CARTOON

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Police nab 2 brothers with fresh human head in Ekiti Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Barely 72 hours after a man was beheaded and carried away by unknown persons in Ekiti State, two brothers, of the same parent, David Oluwatosin and Tosin Oluwatosin, have again been caught with fresh human head in Ifaki Ekiti, in Ido Osi Local Government of the state.

The first two incidents of beheading in the state was recorded earlier in the year during the heat of the Ayede-Itaji land dispute, in Oye Local Government of the state, while the latest beheading became the third within three weeks.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Adeyemi Alberto, who confirmed the story to jour-

Abia gov’ship election: S’court reserves judgment May 12 Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment for May 12 on the appeals filed by Dr. Samson Ogah challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division that set aside the ruling of the federal high court and affirmed the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Ogah who is contending that governor Ikpeazu gave false information about his tax clearance certificate with which he contested the primary election. Therefore he (Ogah) who came second at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary was the rightful candidate that won the 2015 election.

Dissatisfied with Court of Appeal decision which upturned his initial victory at the trial court and he had lodged two separate appeals at the Supreme court. Gov Ikpeazu also filed a cross appeal.

A panel of the Supreme court justices headed by the Acting chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Samuel Onnoghen heard the appeals yesterday after they

were consolidated.

At the hearing, Samson Ogah urged the court to set aside the judgement of the court of appeal which last year upheld the nomination of Ikpeazu.

Counsel to the appellant Alex Iziyon (SAN) in his argument, submitted vehemently that the case of his client was that Ikpeazu was not qualified to have contested the 2015 Abia governorship election on the platform of PDP on the grounds that he supplied false information in the document used to secure clearance for the election.

The counsel maintained that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it based its judgment in favour of the governor on the effect that Ogah founded his case on perjury against the defendant.

Iziyon insisted that his client never raised any criminal matter against Ikpeazu but only claimed that the respondent submitted false information in his form cf001 which by provision of section 31 of the electoral Act 2010 he was not eligible to stand for election.

Iziyon further argued that the federal high court

which removed Ikpeazu from office found that he had supplied false information in respect of his tax papers that were dated Saturday which is a nonworking day.

Iziyon therefore, urged the court to set aside the decision of the court of appeal and uphold the judgment of the federal high court which found Ikpeazu culpable of supplying false information in his document.

In his objection to the appeal, Ikpeazu represented by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.

Olanipekun argued that the trial court miscarried justice in its judgment because the PDP guidelines and its constitution which would have aided the court to arrive at a just conclusion were not before the court hence the trial judge based his judgment on extraneous considerations.

Specifically Olanipekun said that the trial court went out of its way when it assumed that Ikpeazu did not pay tax because he was a civil servant.

The counsel also said that it was wrong of the

News

trial court to have persecuted and crucified his client for the office of perjury for a public servants whose tax was deducted from source and confirmed by the Abia tax officers in their affidavit evidence.

Olanipekun maintained that even if there were inconsistencies in the form CF001 of his client, the inconsistencies cannot be used to disqualify Ikpeazu because the provisions of section 31 of the electoral Act cannot override the provisions of Section 177 and 182 of the 1999 constitution which both deal with qualification to stand for election.

He therefore urged the apex court to uphold the findings of the court of appeal which set aside the judgment of the trial court on account of miscarriage of justice and having being based on a criminal matter that was not proved behind reasonable doubt.

The Independent National Electoral Commission represented by Alhassan Umar also urged the dismissal of the appeal to allow the judgment of the appeal court in the matter to stand.

nalists in his office in Ado Ekiti yesterday, however disclosed that David, the second suspect is at large.

Adeyemi disclosed that Tosin was arrested with the fresh head in Ifaki Ekiti, in Ido Osi Local Government of the state around 3.35pm on Tuesday, February 14, following an intelligence report.

He said, “Yes, it is true.

One of the suspects is on the run. The victim is about 12 years old, but we are still looking for the severed body and we are also on the trail of the one at large. After investigation, the suspects would be charged to court.”

The PPRO, who decried incessant beheading in the state, said the police would also investigate if the two brothers had hand in the first two beheadings.

FG, Labour agree to review of minimum wage ÏÏÏ President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Wabba, says the Federal Government and the organised Labour movement in the country have reached a consensus to review the National Minimum Wage.

Wabba, who disclosed this in an interview with on Wednesday in Abuja, said the consensus was reached during the sitting of the Technical Committee on Palliative.

He said the committee was meant to look into the framework to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians and cushion effect of the increase in the price of fuel.

He also noted that the report of the committee, which was also meant to discuss the issue of the minimum wage, was ready for submission.

“I think there is a consensus on the fact that nobody has said that the minimum wage should not be reviewed.

“The palliative report is ready and it would be submitted before the end of the month. “At the last palliative meeting, labour leaders had requested that they needed to look at the main report of the committee before submission.

“So, the technical com-

mittee will have to submit its report to Mr. President and not to the Minister of Labour and Employment,” he said.

Wabba said that after the submission, the Presidency would then set up the tripartite committee that would involve the government, private and public sector.

The NLC president said that labour was hopeful that the minimum wage committee would be constituted soon. He said that labour had also received positive response from the National Assembly, saying that the Senate had promised to pass the bill.

Recall that the labour unions had submitted a proposal to the government demanding for N56, 000 as minimum wage.

Wabba

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Daily Times Nigeria j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕè 0ƆƄƏƑ Əƕ ơÕè ƾƠơƣ

Federal ministries to sack 3500 workers

Continued from page 1

missal over what it calls “irregular appointments/unauthorised appointment issue.”

Investigation by our reporter revealed that almost all the ministries are affected. But according to the Federal Character Commission, the most affected ministries are Education, Health, Science and Technology, Information, Finance, and Transportation.

However, 2100 of these workers are from the South-South, SouthEast and South-West geo-political zones of the country.

Investigations have also shown that the Ministry of Communication has compiled 66 names of staff for sack and that is the least of all affected ministries.

On the list, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, out of the 66 staff members to be sacked in the Ministry of Communication, 41 are from the South-South. South-West accounts for 25, while South-East and North-Central account for eight and three, respectively.

No staff from the North-East or North-West is to be sacked.

In the same ministry, Delta accounts for the highest number of people to be sacked with 14, while Akwa Ibom, Imo and Lagos account for six indigenes each to be sacked.

The document was signed on January 17, 2017 and sources say the affected members of staff were aware of the development but are yet to be formally notified.

In the Ministry of Finance, a total 503 staff are said to be on the sacked list with disproportionate distribution across geo-political zones, as the Southern zone still accounts for the highest number.

Majority are from the South-East, while South-West accounts for the second highest and South-South comes third, with North-Central accounting for the highest number in the North, generally.

The Ministry of Education has

the highest number of those to be sacked, with a total 809, according to one of the sources affected. The source said the list has not been concluded, adding that it might be up to 1000.

Mr. Joe Oruche, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), a body constitutionally tasked with the recruitment, promotion and dismissal of workers in all ministries, confirmed the fact that the Ministry of Education has the highest number of people to be sacked. He said when the exercise is completed, a huge number of staff would be removed from the system.

Also, in the Ministry of Health, over 700 people would be sacked, according to a source.

Surprisingly, however, the ministries are still carrying out

recruitment exercise, a development, which Mr. Oruche confirmed, adding that the number of those to be appointed will not be more than 2000.

However, Mr. Oruche said those to be sacked are among those, whose appointments were “irregular and unauthorised.”

According to him, “irregular appointments are appointments that are not backed by approved declared vacancies, in which case, government does not have the financial provision for them.”

He pointed out that the sack has become necessary because the “commission has discovered a lot of irregular appointments, which are not backed by approved declared vacancies. All appointment letters have a stipulated validity period of two months within which they must be accepted,

failing which the offer will lapse.

“Where some were backed by approved declared vacancies, the offers were not accepted within the stipulated two months. The commission also observed that some letters were out rightly fake and some of these fake ones are under investigation,” he declared.

He added that “No matter how long the process and how well perfected the irregularity might be, when the arms of the law catches up with an offender, he or she will have to pay the price. Both the culprit and the accomplice will be brought to book.”

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism was said to have also compiled its list, which according to a source, would affect 670 staff. Still, majority of those affected are from the South.

Our correspondent found out

that some of these ministries are going ahead with the sack and employing other staff without recourse to the constitutional mandate of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

It was also discovered that some of the staff listed to be sacked, but have influential persons within the system, are being reassigned to different ministries, where they would be protected by highly placed individuals.

For instance, in the Ministry of Communication, investigations showed that a certain female staff works in both the ministry and a private telecom firm. She was appointed to level 08 of the civil service, but rejected the appointment, saying the salary was too low. She was later promoted to level 09 in the same ministry before she accepted the appointment.

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Lagos to generate 3,000mw electricity in 7yrs Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the State plans to generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various embedded power plants in strategic locations in the State within three to seven years.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Lagos House in Ikeja, during the presentation of report by the Embedded Power Technical Committee, he said the planned 350MW of this incremental power will be delivered by the first quarter of 2018.

He added that an additional 850MW will be delivered by quarter four of 2018, and the balance of 1,800MW not later than quarter three of 2022.

“On my resumption of office

as Governor of Lagos State, one of the many firm resolves I made was to tackle the structural and administrative issues slowing down our State from realising its full economic potentials. You will agree with me that the problems plaguing the entire power sector value chain in Nigeria has had very negative impact on productivity, sustainable growth and development of the nation.

“As a result, the State plans to generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various embedded power plants in strategic locations in the State within three to seven years,” he said.

Governor Ambode said while the Federal Government continues in its efforts to resolve the power crisis, it has become clear

that the problems in the Energy Sector can no longer be left to the Federal Government alone to solve. He added that sustainable solution going forward is one that pools together the commitment and resources of all stakeholders in the power value chain.

“In this regard, and in fulfilment of my election promise to create an enabling environment for people and businesses to thrive in Lagos State, our government initiated the Light Up Lagos programme as a platform to drive sustainable intervention in the following areas: “Street lighting, which is aimed at improving illumination, aesthetics, night economy and security in the state. This is being relentlessly pursued, with over 47,000 poles of street lights

under concession for effective management and optimum performance.”

He said rural electrification was embarked upon to improve grid and off grid power to communities. In this regard, he added, that about 67 communities in the Ibeju Lekki axis were connected to the grid in March 2016 after about six years off grid.

The governor noted that 32 other communities in Badagry which had not had access to electricity for over 16 years would be connected to the grid within the next 21 days.

“Our embedded power plan is to work with stakeholders towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos. The overall objective of our power intervention programme is to ensure energy security for

Lagos State, by implementing the distribution of the embedded power off-grid, within Lagos State through the network of Eko and Ikeja distribution companies,” he said.

He said his government would support the distribution companies in upgrading their distribution infrastructure and installation of smart prepaid meters in the areas where embedded power is deployed.

He added that areas of collaboration will include support for collection, appropriate legislation and enforcement of power theft laws. Also, he reiterated that the state would actively collaborate with operators of oil blocks in the Lagos area to accelerate the extraction of gas feedstocks for power generation.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Over 100 retirees in Cross River stage peaceful protest Edem Edem, Calabar Over one hundred retired civil servants in cross river state on Wednesday staged peaceful demonstration complaining about nonpayment of their gratuities.

About three months ago, these groups of retired government workers staged similar protest but state government has not done anything to alleviate the suffering of the senior citizens.

The retirees who walked around major streets in calabar, embarked on a protest following the refusal by the state government to look into their plight.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Give us our right,’ ‘Gratuity is a compulsory right of every retired worker,’ ‘Many are already dead without their gratuity’, ‘you, in office today, will join us tomorrow,’ amongst others.

The protesters later stormed the Governor’s office demanding to know why they were “treated as second class citizens” Spokesman for the protesters, Jacob Usang while speaking with newsman, described gratuity as a “right of all retired worker after years of fruitful service” adding “it is not a privilege or favour from government.”

Consequently, Usang said “I retired in 2014 as a director of administration in the service of Cross River State after 35 years of fruitful service. Some of the people you are seeing here retired since 2012, some 2013, and till date we have not been paid our gratuity.

“There is no controversy that government is paying salaries and pensions regularly, but any honest man who worked in government without any form of stain is expected to use his gratuity to put a roof over his head after retirement. Everybody knows that salary of a civil servant cannot build for him a house. It is the gratuity that is always used.”

Lamenting, Usang said, “At my level, I am still living in a thatched house in my village, expecting government to pay me my entitlement to help me sort myself out, but for this three years, government has done nothing about it. Please, help me beg Governor Ayade to pay us.”

Another retiree, David Ishie, who also spoke about their plight said, “Many of our members have died due to frustration. Some of members are also complaining that pension allowances have been cut down. Some who were on N35, 636, have had their pensions slashed to N15, 771. We do not know the reason.”

7 News

Anti-corruption activist sues Saraki, others over Magu’s confirmation Andrew Orolua, Abuja Anti-corruption crusader, Raji Rasheed Oyewumi has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja to disqualify the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and 10 other ranking senators from participating in the Senate screening and confirmation processes of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Magu, whose nomination was initially rejected by the Senate on the account of an indicting report by the Department of State Security Services (DSS), had his name resubmitted by the presidency.

But in a suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/102/2017, filed at the

federal high court by Raji Rasheed Oyewumi an anti-corruption activist in which Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Jonah Jang, Senator Aliyu Wammako, Senator Stella Oduah, Senator Theodore Orji and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso were made the respondents, the plaintiff alleged bias.

They also joined Senator Ahmed Sani, Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Joshua Dariye and Senator Adammu Abdullahi.

Others are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Magu.

According to the plaintiff, the senators cannot be fair in their screening and confirmation of Magu, since all of them have

pending cases before the EFCC. According to the suit, Saraki and others are threatened by the leadership of Magu as EFCC chairman.

In the suit, the plaintiff raised five issues for determination.

He asked the court to determine whether Senate President and other senators will not violate the provisions of Section 56, 172 of paragraph 1 and 9 of the fifth schedule to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) if they jointly or severally participate in or vote during the screening or deliberation on the nomination of Magu for the position oof Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in view of their ongoing cases of financial and economic crime.

In the suit filed by on behalf of the plaintiff by Inibehe Effiong Esq., the activist is also seeking five declaration from the court.

He prayed the court for an order of injunction restraining the Senate President from presiding over or participating in the screening, deliberation and voting on the nomination of Magu as EFCC chairman.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons, the.

Plaintiff said the Senate President exhibited bias against the confirmation of Magu when he failed or refused too read the Acting President’s letter on the floor of the Senate until July 14th, 2016, three weeks after it was received.

He said further manifestation of their bias and conflict of interest in the nomination Magu was exhibited when they failed to consider his nomination until December 15, 2016, six months after the letter was received from the Acting president.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.

Obaseki gives Provost 90-day ultimatum for college accreditation Itus Akhigbe, Benin

L-R: Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar BawaBwari; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Chairman, Senate Committee on Steel, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, after the 2016 / 2017 budget performance appraisal at the National Assembly, Abuja... on Tuesday.

Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Acting CJN says Nigeria, others moving away from punitive criminal justice system Mr. Walter Onnoghen, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), says Nigeria and other developing countries are moving away from punitive criminal justice system to restorative system.

Onnoghen made this known at a judicial colloquium on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 organised by centre for Socio Legal Studies on Wednesday in Abuja.

The CJN was represented by Justice Mary Peter-Odili, a Justice of the Supreme Court.

He said that the restorative system of justice recognised the various needs of the society,

adding that such restorative system would ensure the protection of the rights of its citizens.

Onnoghen said that the restorative system of justice was for the protection of the victims and vulnerable persons in the society.

He commended the Centre for Socio-legal Studies for being at the forefront and consistent in advocating the proper implementation of the act.

Onnoghen lauded Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George’s (SAN) overview of the act, adding that it was a comprehensive work that highlighted the very important aspect of the act.

“One of the beautiful features of the ACJ act is the provision of a monitoring committee to ensure that the provisions of the act are effectively complied with by all stakeholders of the criminal justice system,’’ he said.

He listed the stakeholders to include judges, prison staff, police officers, social workers, the victims and the defendants among others.

“I am optimistic that at the end of this seminar, everyone will be well informed and convinced that domestication of the act is imperative in all states of the federation,’’ he said.

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has given the management of the College of Education, Igueben, a 90-day ultimatum to get the institution ready for accreditation.

Obaseki, who gave the marching order after an on- the- spot assessment of facilities at the institution, located at Igueben Local Government Area of the state, assured management of the institution of his administration’s support to immediately address some of the teething challenges.

He said the state government would quickly commence the rebuilding of the decayed infrastructure, payment of arrears of salaries and improve the level of funding to the school.

The governor on arrival to the school proceeded on inspection of facilities on ground including ongoing projects sponsored by TET Fund.

The governor, displeased with the infrastructure decay in the school, gave the provost, Prof.

Matthew Omo-Ojugo and other management staff of the school, a 90- day ultimatum to ensure the institution was ready for accreditation.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

IDFP to focus on sustainable interreligious dialogue in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has inaugurated its elected Executive Secretariat to coordinate the Forum’s activities with the aim of achieving inclusive and sustainable interreligious dialogue in Nigeria.

In a communiqué issued yesterday at the end of its two-day conference organised by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) in Abuja, stated with the formal adoption of a draft constitution for the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) and the inauguration of its elected Executive Secretariat to coordinate the Forum’s activities and ensure peaceful coexistence.

The International Dialogue Centre acts as a facilitator in Nigeria to help strengthen social cohesion, particularly among Muslims and Christians, as well as between them, to coordinate and support local capacities of religious communities to actively contribute to conflict resolution and reconciliation in the region through interreligious peace building.

According to the communiqué, the Coordinate to Achieve 2 conference (CtA2) will focus on ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Interreligious Dialogue in Nigeria,’ as a follow-up to the first meeting (CtA1) which took place in Abuja, Nigeria in September 2016.

It stated that “At CtA1, the participants developed an Action Plan to promote dialogue as a prerequisite for peace and development, and lay the ground for the establishment of an inter-faith dialogue platform in the country.

The event convened 100 Nigerian religious, traditional, youth and women leaders from across the country in interreligious and intra-religious dialogue sessions. The CtA2 participants resolved to work together towards inter- and intra-religious activities to mitigate the ongoing tensions and

conflicts in the country through enhanced dialogue.”

Speaking at the closing session of the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, one of the most prominent religious leaders of the Nigerian Muslim community, expressed his determination to always be a part of these efforts to build peace and dialogue among Nigeria’s religious communities and applauded KAICIID’s support, stating, “I commend KAICIID for its support and other religious leaders who are working hard to achieve peace in our country.

All religions preach peace and all Nigerian Muslims are desirous of the peace and stability of our country Nigeria.

Former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme (4th right); Leader of the PDP Strategy and Inter-Party Affairs Review Committee, Alhaji Aminu Wali (3rd left); other members of the committee, in a group photograph after submission of the committee’s report to Chief Ekwueme in Enugu...on Wednesday.

Principal, 7 others arraigned for allegedly vandalising Benin Electricity facilities A Vice-Principal of a secondary school in Benin, Mrs. Caroline Akoriegie, and a civil society activist, Mr Joseph Ngbede, were among the eight people arraigned at a Benin Federal High Court last Thursday for allegedly tampering with electricity fittings.

This, according to a statement from Head Key Clients Group, Abel Enechaizam, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), is a crime that is punishable under Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M.17 Laws of Nigeria 2004.

A second count of unlawful disconnection, removal, damage, tampering and interference with electric fittings, meters, or other appliances designed to use for transforming or converting electricity property of the BEDC. The suspects were arraigned at the instance of BEDC, which had complained of overwhelming energy theft through meter bypass and tampering especially from some members of the civil

society who use it as a cover up to avoid payment of electricity bills .

The suspects were charged under Section3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M.17 LFN 2004 which deals with the offence of conspiracy to commit the said offence to wit: tampering with electric fittings etc. If convicted, the offence carries the same penalty as committing the offence itself (life imprisonment). Mr. Brodrick Okirierie, Igbinoba Osayende and Mrs Akoriegie Caroline who were alleged to have tampered with electrical fitting were charged under Charge No. FHC/B/6C/2017 committed the offence at Imade Street, Okhoro area of Benin- City. The other persons-Airiofolo Daniel, Bankole Olalekan, Adeyemi Samuel, Simon Ewaocheand Joseph Ngbede charged on N FHC/B/7C/2017 were alleged to have committed the offence at No 3 Airiofolo Aremie Oko Benin City.

The suspects were also further

Fani-Kayode faults FG’s withholding of Ekiti allocation Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has faulted the decision of the federal government to withhold the monthly allocation due to Ekiti State, describing the action as petty, vindictive and reprehensible.

Fani-Kayode therefore called on the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to intervene on the matter without any further delay.

The Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has cried out on Tuesday that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal government was holding on to the allocation due to the State.

The former Minister and erstwhile Director of Media and Publicity of PDP Presidential campaign organisation in the 2015 general elections, said in a statement yesterday said that action of the federal government was wrong.

According to him “the Federal Government’s refusal to

release the monthly allocation to Ekiti State Government is petty, vindictive and reprehensible.

“Simply because the courageous Ayo Fayose has become the rallying point of opposition against Muhammadu Buhari does not mean that the people of Ekiti State should suffer.

“I call on Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo to intervene in this matter expeditiously and release the Ekiti State Governnent’s allocation forthwith”, he said.

charged of Tampering with, unlawful disconnection, damage or removal of electric plants, works, cables, wires or assembly of wires designed under Section 1(9) mentioned in Act 2004 which deals with the offence or used for transforming or converting of electricity. The penalty upon conviction is “life imprisonment” without the option of fine.

The charges were contained in charge number FHC/B/6C/2017 and FHC/B/7C/2017 dated 16th January, 2017 and were preferred against them by police prosecutor, Ledee N-Ueh of the Edo State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID).

Mr Joseph Ngbede was docked along with Airiofolo Daniel, Bankole Olalekan, Adeyemi Samuel and Simon Ewaoche, while Mrs. Akoriegie was arraigned along with Broderick Okirierie and Igbinoba Osayande.

The trio of Okirierie, Osayande and Akoriegie were alleged to have committed the offence on or before September 2015 and November 2016 at Okhoro area of Benin, while the others committed the same offence on or about November 25, 2016, at 3, Airiofolo Aremie, Oko, area of Benin.

They all pleaded not guilty when the offences were read to them and were granted bail in the sum of N1million and one surety, who must be a civil servant of grade level 12 and above and must own property in the GRA area of Benin.

Trial judge, Hon. Justice J. I Ajoku, who adjourned the case to March 21 and March 24 for the Ngbede and co and Akoriegie and co, warned that the suspects must be brought to court and

that she would withdraw their bail condition any day they are not present in court. Bail was granted to the defendants in in Charge No.FHC/B/7C/2017 at N1million naira each.

RIWAMA vows to punish those behind indiscriminate burning of tyres Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Chief Felix Obuah, has vowed to bring to book those behind indiscriminate burning of tyres in the state.

Obuah, who doubles as the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said this on Wednesday in a statement while reacting to the illegal burning of tyres along Nzemanze Street, opposite Rivers State Health Management Board, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

The fire which threatened buildings and lives of residents and those doing businesses in the area, lasted for several hours. Chief Obuah said his agency would investigate the cause of the illegal burning of tyres along Nzemanze Street and other parts of the State, and bring the culprits to book.

The Sole Administrator urged Rivers people and those doing businesses in the State to join hands with Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to end the menace of black soot by stopping illegal and indiscriminate burning of tyres in Port Harcourt and other parts of the State.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Politics

9

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Bindow and challenges of opposition Tom Garba, Yola An African adage says ‘A tree with many beautiful fruits receives the highest stones’, the many stones thrown at a tree determine the level of the level of attraction its fruits has. It goes to say that a good leader is never void of attacks and even blackmails.

World record of good and visionary leadership has revealed that they also had all kinds of opposition. Their enemies never see anything good in them or their kind of leadership, as leaders they always hold unto the dreams and vision of what they have and intend to achieve. It is what stands them out to be leaders, standing strong above all forms of accusations, attacks and blames.

Senator Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla Bindow is one of such leaders, who is certainly the most performing governor and yet the most attacked probably because of the indelible mark of progressive records score card of development in Adamawa State. On daily basis he receives primordial bashings, insults and attacks, may be because of political differences by people who should naturally appreciate his style of leadership in the state.

He kept adamant and mute to all kinds of opposition scandalising his administration and trying to shift his focus to a committed course that “Adamawa State must be better “ no matter the plans of the enemies of the state.

According to one of the arrow heads of this administration in the state, Alhaji Abba Jimeta, the Chief of staff to Adamawa State government House, “Hate him or like him, Bindow is doing what many governors have failed to do since 1999 to date and his vision is to take Adamawa State to the level where our enemies will not have any

option than to say thank you.”

Initially the unwarranted negative comments against the governor who many believe to be working has perpetually kept some political watchers in a mode to be asking why all this hatred by these people who are the sons and daughters of the soil, that should appreciate the efforts of the man, even at this stage of economic down turn? But many believe he is working wonders in the state.

However, the attacks have seem to be his propelling gear, not minding their hatred and campaign of calumny, he is just focused on delivering his best to the state.

It has however dawn on many that even the holy prophets were hated by their closest allies, but respected and honoured outside their communities, towns, cities and even country. Indeed “a prophet has no honour in his home town “,you can simply say a good leader is not respected, valued, honoured or even cherished in his home town.

Their line of attacks was not predicated on any bad action he has taken. On coming on board as the executive governor of the state, the humble governor was labeled as a small boy that lacks the experience, education and that in fact he does not have the feat to govern the state, they saw him as somebody who nothing good can come out of.

They seem to forget that it is God who can work wonders among men, but now the powerful forces contending against the growth of the state is becoming feeble, it is clear that God is letting people to know that because of one man, (Bindow) and that it is He who removes kings and set up kings.

Many consider him to even lack the “general qualifications” to govern the state, but never un-

Gov. Bindow

derstand that wisdom is the principal thing in the life of an individual. For God gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that knows understanding. I think that is one of the secret why is succeeding.

When he awarded contracts of roads in the state, some said, it is never possible, and started asking many questions of “how?” He is working on the roads, they said it is substandard, but he still working. He is gradually making the state capital a haven for all and the pride of every in-

habitant of the state, but haters are still barking.

He declared state of emergency in the education system of the state, whalers are saying it is a white wish dream, soon it will turn out a reality again. It’s rather late and quite unfortunate, blackmailing him at this point in time; I guess he has grown above the wisdom of attackers.

Bindow is certainly reversing the irreversible, expediting and reversing every negative circumstance in the state. He is bent on development, he is working the work.

Abuja Centenary City Project: Landowners seek Anyim’s arrest

Anyim

Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja The controversial Abuja Centenary City Project initiated by the immediate past administration has taken a new turn as a group of landowners in the city wants the Inspector General of Police and anti graft agencies to arrest

and prosecute a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim.

Addressing the press under the aegis of the Century 21 Real estate Aggrieved Abuja land owners in Abuja, the group alleged that the project was fraudulently conceived to disposes them of their duly acquired property.

Spokesperson of the group, Sir Felix Modebe Osuji speaking on their behalf accused the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Anyim Pius Anyim of masterminding the fraud that led to the confiscation of their land situated close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Osuji who is the chief executive officer of Century 21 Real estate group claimed that Anyim not only abused his office as SGF, but hid under the centenary city project to allocate the land to himself, using the Centenary City Plc, owned by two firms - Basic Start Limited and Company First Limited jointly owned by Messrs Paul Oki and Mrs Boma Ozobia with 10,000 shares for each of the companies.

“Those two people were office assistants in Pius Anyim’s office. So the

question is why should Pius Anyim own such a project running into billions of dollars with two companies with share capital of N10, 000 each belonging to his office assistants? He introduced the centenary city project. He selected the companies that were clearly not qualified to execute such a project and started executing the project. Only him!

If this is not corruption at its zenith, what is it?

“Centenary City Plc belongs to Pius Anyim and his cronies. It does not belong to the government. Centenary City Plc has no right to deny people of their lands. They used their connections in the past administration to fraudulently collect people’s lands. This is stealing.

This is injustice in every sense of the word,” Osuji claimed.

Osuji who was surrounded by aggrieved protesters, said it behooves on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation ( AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami, anti -graft agencies like the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) ,the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to prosecute Anyim for his complicity in

the controversial centenary city project saga.

Osuji who demanded the return of his 22. 4 hectares of land duly allocated to him by the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Bala Mohammed claimed that he had invested the sum of N1.25 billion, equivalent of $7,800,000 as at the time the land was confiscated.

Applauding the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Herman Hembe for wading into the issue, the aggrieved land owners enjoined the former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) to dissociate himself from the fraud by resigning his position as the nominal chairman of the board of directors of the Centenary City Project PLC. Recall, that the Hembe led committee of the House of Representatives had queried Anyim over his display of interest in Centenary City Plc, the firm that handled the Centenary City Project.

Hembe who had during the on-going investigative hearing on the matter queried thus: “It is curious to note that

the former SGF told the President that the Centenary City plc will be a purely private sector initiative and then turn round to write a letter demanding for the Certificate of Occupancy from the FCTA even as a public servant. What was his interest in the project that he would be the one asking for the release of the C of O even when the Centenary City people had not met the terms of agreement?”

“The former SGF must clear the air on conflict of interest as to why he continued to correspond on behalf of the Centenary City Plc even after the company had taken over the project as private investment.”

Hembe therefore demanded that Anyim produce all relevant documents relating to the project owned by Basic Start Limited and Company First Limited jointly owned by two persons, namely Mr Paul Oki and Mrs Boma Ozobia with 10,000 shares for each of the companies.

Osuji who made presentation before the lawmakers had demanded the return of their land titles on the basis they were neither compensated nor reallocated another plot elsewhere within the FCT.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Tambuwal: How Nigeria can get out of recession Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal recently fielded questions from journalists in Sokoto on wide range of issues affecting his state and the country. He gave his frank assessment of the measures needed to take Nigeria out of recession.

The last administration promised to improve the welfare of religious and traditional rulers in the state. This includes providing them with vehicles and modernising their palaces, why haven’t you done much in that regard?

First of all, this government respects traditional institutions and since we came on board, we have accorded them the respect they deserve. They play important roles in efforts to sustain peace and security, and in a larger sense, they promote religious and communal harmony. Because of their place in our history, we know we cannot do anything less for them. But you will agree with me that our financial situation since we came on board has been precarious. Government has cut back on much expenditure, and has prioritised areas of needs for the whole state. I am happy that our traditional rulers have understood clearly what we are faced with and they have not pressured us to continue with the policy of fixing their palaces when there are more competing needs in our hospitals, primary healthcare centres, agriculture, education, youth, women empowerment among others. Similarly, if you look into the number and importance of projects we met on ground and the pressure to complete them, what we did is the best for the state. We inherited about 30 large and important projects from the last administration, and we are working hard to complete all of them and put them to use for the benefit of the citizens. These are projects that we have to complete as allowing them rot away will lead to wastage of funds earlier expended to start these projects.

Our philosophy has been to take these gradually, depending on availability of funds, and complete them before delving into new ones. That policy has served us well in the last two years and we are happy to put them to use. What you may not be aware is that many of those projects for traditional rulers were to be executed from the joint accounts with the local government councils.

But at the moment, many of those councils cannot carry out any meaningful project outside payment of salaries. We have severally bailed them out from the state government to enable them meet their obligations to workers. In such situations, I don’t think they are buoyant enough to embark on building and repairs of palaces.

You spoke about local government councils, but there are complaints that many of their workers don’t get their salaries on time, what is responsible for that?

We have carried out verification exercise to determine the correct number of workers in each of the 23 local government councils of Sokoto State. What we met on ground was beyond reason because the strength of the workforce in our local governments is twice more than that of Kano that has 44 local government areas. We felt this is not sustainable.

We are continuing with the biometric verification to ensure that only genuine work-

Tambuwal

ers remain in the schedule of payment, and they will be paid according to their levels.

We must do this to sanitise the system and ensure ghost workers or absentee workers do not find sanctuary in the local government system.

Few days ago, you dissolved the management team of the state Board of Internal Revenue, why now and secondly what is the current IGR figure for Sokoto State?

For almost two years, we gave the dissolved team the necessary incentive and support to improve internal revenue base of the state, but they haven’t done that. If you recall, I have stated publicly that we would take action to

ensure better performance in revenue generation. After a review of their performance, we decided to bring in new persons to reposition the board. As for the figures, since we came on board, the monthly IGR for Sokoto ranges between N340 to N400 million. When I spoke to the Ministry of Finance, I was told that the previous administration received up to N500 million monthly. My argument is that this figure they are giving us is meager. What we deduct monthly as PAYE from civil servants alone, should be in the range of this figure, so what happened to other revenue sources? The new team has been mandated to put in place a new framework which will boost performance and improve revenue figures.

Personally, I believe creating job opportunities, especially through the construction industry, and injection of more money into the economy, remain a sure way out of the current recession in the country. Ask any Economist about the way out of recession, and I am sure they will inform you that massive construction efforts, backed by release of funds, will create jobs whose multiplier effects will jumpstart the economic barometer

With this new target, are we seeing tougher measures against members of the public who are not paying tax?

We are fully aware of the economic situation in the country, especially survival of businesses and the harsh conditions they are operating in at the moment. We will put that in consideration in pursuing what is due for the government. I am saying this because as leaders, we need to be clear about our intentions. Whenever we ask people to make sacrifices, we must reassure them that it is for common good. So we are telling the people that whatever they pay to government as tax, will be applied judiciously for the benefit of all the people of the state.

How will you review the performance of the state’s 2016 budget?

I’ve spoken about this during the presentation of this year’s budget, and in fact when I assented to the budget law a few days ago.

Taking a holistic view of the performance of the budget, I feel we can do more. That is why we started this year by making necessary changes in the personnel that drive the budget process, as can be seen from what we did at the board of internal revenue. We will continue to improve the system because time is not on our side. What I’m promising the people is that the performance of the 2017 budget will be better than that of 2016 in terms of implementation, while even distribution of resources will be ensured. We will start new projects across the state, with much emphasis placed on rural areas.

At the meeting of the Northern Governors Forum recently, you agreed to improve the security situation in your states, how far have you gone in that regard?

We discussed many areas of cooperation, for example agriculture, education and the likes. As for security, we agreed to share intelligence and this has been paying off. Take for instance issues of cattle rustling; because of renewed onslaught by security agencies and the inter-state collaboration among all the states, this problem has reduced. We still have few scattered instances, but we are working to tackle that as well. This cooperation is extending to cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, civil unrest and the likes. So the more we collaborate the better for us as states and the better for our citizens.

Your Excellency, the government has done marvelously well in containing the fuel situation which was getting out of hand in the last few weeks, what are you doing with regards to prices of commodities in the market?

We read from the news that the federal government has set up a committee to ensure commodities are not priced out of the reach of the common man. In Sokoto, we’ve already established the state commodity board which will work to give our farmers and citizens a fair deal. The board will buy grains from CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

11 Politics

Tambuwal: How Nigeria can get out of recession CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

farmers and store them. We hope to intervene when situation is getting out of hand as you have stated. We are already talking to the Federal Government and Flour Mill Nigeria Plc for effective utilization of the Silos here in Sokoto by buying and storing grains so as to do some intervention when the situation arises. We intend to use the commodity board as a platform whereby we can always off-take excess produce from our farmers.

Who or what is responsible for the current economic situation in Nigeria and secondly, what’s the way out of recession for the country?

Experts have called on the Federal Government to inject more money into the system.

Personally, I believe creating job opportunities, especially through the construction industry, and injection of more money into the economy, remain a sure way out of the current recession in the country. Ask any Economist about the way out of recession, and I am sure they will inform you that massive construction efforts, backed by release of funds, will create jobs whose multiplier effects will jumpstart the economic barometer. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I’ve had reasons to disagree with many of the policies of the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan which we felt were inimical to the overall development

Tambuwal

and well-being of the people. Many thought we were raising the alarm because we had personal hatred for him. That is not the case.

I had nothing personal against the former President. The recession we are currently

facing is as a result of the way the economy was mismanaged, largely, by the Jonathan administration. What is the way out? I’ve said we need to inject money into the system and create employment opportunities for the

people. And one way to do that is to engage in massive construction projects. It is part of the reason why we encouraged the Federal Government to disburse the funds from the debt relief for states to kick-start activities at regional level. Similarly, we’ve read how immediate-past President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, used this strategy of massive construction works to take America out of economic challenges. So construction projects alone will create a lot of jobs which will benefit the economy. We all know that Nigerians are not happy and are running out of patience, but they should be more patient. It is very easy to destroy but to rebuild the economy takes time.

You have announced an incentive that will benefit some 25,000 women across the state; can you shed more light on this?

What we are doing with the women groups is part of our overall strategy to assist small and medium scale entities to boost their operations. We’ve asked the Sokoto State Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) to create a data base of all small business run by women in the state.

As a starting point, we decided to empower 25,000 of these women who are in the rural areas with a soft loan of N10,000 each. That amounts to N250million. We plan to expand it as time goes on but we are starting with the first set who are getting the N10,000 each very soon.

Defection rumour: PDP confirms lawmakers’ move, tags them betrayals Alade Tasma The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State has confirmed moves by some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the party to cross over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Making the confirmation, the chairman of the party in the local government who is also the Secretary, Board of Local Government Chairmen of PDP in Lagos State, Hon. Ismail Abiola said members of the House like the Minority Whip, Hon. Sangodara Mosunmola and Hon. Jude Idi-

mogu have by their latest actions left no one in doubt about their plan to dump the party that brought them to office.

Abiola who called the affected lawmakers betrayals however, challenged the Minority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Bello from Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2 to clear the air on the planned defection of six out of eight members of the PDP in the House to the ruling APC. According to the party leader, Hon. Jude Idimogu from Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 and Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara from Surulere Constituency 2 have been showing

signs that they are ready to move to the APC. While Jude has said it openly, Sangodara has removed the flag of the PDP in her constituency office.

“It is no more rumour. I specifically want the Minority Leader, Hon. Akeem Bello to speak out because we heard that he is also planning to defect to the APC,” Abiola stated.

The party leader emphasised that the people who voted for the lawmakers want to know what is happening and that they should be bold enough to tell the people what is going on.

On the crisis in PDP, Abiola said there is no

party without crisis and that Senator Ahmed Makarfi remains the substantive National Chairman of the PDP based on a judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.

The politician said he had confronted Hon. Akeem Bello on the defection, but he denied the allegation described some members of the party, who recently defected to the APC as losers.

He however, said the party has learnt its lessons in a hard way and that they would be more careful in choosing its candidates next time.

Buhari not implementing Change mantra script, says APC chieftain Iniobong Iwok

Buhariu

President Muhammadu Buhari has been accused of implementing a different political programme rather than the change mantra that the All Progressives Congress (APC) promised Nigerians.

This was the position of a chieftain of the APC in Lagos State, Mallam Moyo Jaji in an interview with the Daily Times, lamenting that the current administration have been hijacked by few individuals who were not part of the planning and campaign to bring the government into power.

Jaji attributed the failure of the current administration to the six months delay before the President constituted a cabinet and initiate

policy framework, adding that some of the polices of this administration were strange.

He said “Those who sat down with Buhari to articulate the change mantra where are they? Most of those people are not playing the role they should be playing, they are not with Buhari.

“That is why we are saying the original script of the change mantra is missing; and the President should look for the script, two years down the line we are giving excuses. The man on the street does not want excuses, the problem Nigerians are facing today was not caused by the masses, it was caused by the elites who abuse the opportunity of the office.

“The essence of change is that what that man is doing I would do

it better, but we hope before 2019 the President would find a solution to the problem.” Jaji added.

Speaking further, Jaji who is the immediate past Executive Secretary of Ojudu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) stressed that if the country is to overcome its current economic and social woes, this current administration’s cabinet members must be ready to think, initiate policies and also listen to the yearnings of Nigerian.

The political scientist laments a situation were public office holders in the country would rather concentrate effort on re-election about half year into their current tenure, adding that the APC had failed to redirect the President because it has been hijacked by few individuals who

take decisions without consulting the national executive committee of the party.

According to him “The first mistake is that the President did not constitute his cabinet on time which did not give the foreign investors’ confidence and there was a lot of capital flight, most of the people we deal with are portfolio investors and they are those who drive the economy because they bring the foreign currency.

“The national executive committee of the APC never met, the party is the platform in which officers get elected, some few individuals are the ones taking decision in the party, I may be wrong, am worried that our party could be liable in 2019,” he stressed.

News 12 FEC approves N126bn for roads in Enugu, Bauchi, others Tony Ailemen, Abuja

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of N126 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 12 federal roads across the country.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who disclosed this yesterday while briefing State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, said it include roads in Enugu, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Kwara, Gombe, Yola, Kaduna states.

This is just as the Minister of Health; Isaac Adewole on Wednesday dismissed the veracity of the claims that a drug for the treatment and cure of HIV/AIDS has been discovered.

He said the claim by a Nigerian university don, Prof Maduike Ezeibe recently, had no valid ethical approval by the relevant health authorities.

According to the Minister “nobody is entitled to conduct any experiment or research on human beings without an ethical approval.

“At the National Health Research Ethics Committee level there is no evidence that this researcher sought and obtained ethical approval.”

He said the ministry was yet to get the final report from the Director General of the National Institute of Medical Research.

“We are yet to get the final report from the Director General of the National Institute of Medical Research. But what is clear is that those activities were carried out without a valid ethical approval.

“As you might be aware, nobody is entitled to conduct any experiment or research on human beings without an ethical approval.

“At the National Health Research Ethics Committee level there is no evidence that this researcher sought and obtained ethical approval. But at an appropriate time we shall disclose the full report.” he said He also disclosed that Council approved a new National Health Policy that will reposition the health sector in the country.

The Minister explained that the new policy will provides direction necessary to support the achievement of significant progress in terms of improving the performance of the country’s national health system.

The policy also lays emphasis on primary health care as the bedrock of national health system in addition to the provision of financial risk protection to all Nigerians particularly the poor and vulnerable population.

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I look forward to returning home soon, Buhari tells NASS leadership in London Continued from page 1 Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in London.

Both Saraki and Dogara met with the president, Wednesday night, as they exchanged banters, while the president took the two legislators up on issues back in Nigeria, according to reports made available to Daily Times.

The president in the pictures taken during the visit by Saraki and Dogara look radiant and relaxed as one of his close aides disclosed that the president expressed eagerness

to return to Nigeria to resume work soon.

It is not certain yet when President Buhari will return to Nigeria, although such possibility has been tied to the decision of his doctors, who were said to have advised him to stay back to monitor the outcome of the tests conducted on him.

The visit by Saraki and Dogara to President Buhari, according to report, was arranged by top aides of the president as part of plans to prove to Nigerians and the rest of the world that the president is in good health condition.

Dogara, as disclosed, was to visit the president first since he was billed for a programme in the United Kingdom, whereas the Presidency considered it more appropriate for both Saraki and Dogara to make the trip together, for it to record greater impact.

Former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, accompanied by the former interim chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, had earlier paid President Buhari a visit while the two leaders affirmed that the president was in good health

condition.

Recall that on Monday, President Buhari had engaged the president of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, in a telephone conversation amid reports that the two leaders discussed matters on security, trade, and other diplomatic issues.

The widely reported telephone conversation was still a subject of doubt to many in some quarters, prompting the White House to issue a statement confirming the talks between the two leaders.

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Epe 5: Kidnappers demand N350m ransom Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ Abductors who are said to be responsible for the kidnap of two Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) members and five farm workers at Eliasa farm in the Igbodu area of Epe on Tuesday have demanded N350 million ransom before releasing the victims.

The Daily Times learnt that the kidnappers contacted the manager of the farm through the phone of one of the victims on Wednesday and asked for the sum of N5o million each for the seven victims.

In another development, one of the suspected kidnappers who participated in the abduction of the secretary of Isheri North Estate, Mr. Dayo Adekoya, has been arrested in Ogijo, Ogun State.

The 38- year- old Joseph Omo-

ni was who arrested by the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) as a suspect confessed to have participated in the kidnapping of the Turkish School’s Children and that of Aisha Ali Balogun along the Ikorodu- Mile 12 road where one person was killed and nine people, including children were kidnapped.

Two houses built with the proceeds from the illicit business with one of his gang members identified simply as Aka Chairman were sealed in Centaury village in Ogijo, Ogun State by the police authority.

Efforts are, however, in top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the gang who are all natives of Ajgba Community in Ondo State.

A source in Igbodu who spoke with The Daily Times on phone on the kidnapped OPC members

and farmers said, mobile Policemen and anti-kidnapping Squad have been deployed to the community to rescue the kidnapped victims.

He said: “we cannot take laws into our hands. The kidnappers have taken us for granted but to avoid chaos, I and the officer in charge of the anti-kidnapping visited the Oba of Ikosi Ejirin who promised to reach out to the Governor of the state for prompt action in the area.” ‘’I want the Lagos State government to pay more attention to that part of the state, because after the dislodgement of the kidnappers from Arepo and Ikorodu, they have seen Epe axis as their next area where they launch attacked.”

According to the Assistant Inspector General of Police zone 2, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, ‘we are going to rescue the victims alive.

He said: ‘’ we are doing everything to police that area, because the major problem in that part of the state is the porous nature of the area that gives room to the kidnappers to thrive.”

Aderanti added: “we we’ll police that area twenty four hours every day and my advice to business owners, school operators in that area is to be security conscious and do their background check of anybody they want to employ.

“We are also going to do our own job to see to release of the victims without paying a dime to the abductors.”

It will be recalled that the gunmen numbering about 15, dressed in military camouflage, stormed the farm situated along Ishiwo road around 7am and abducted the OPC members who were working as security guards in the farm and five workers.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

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PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Ending child malnutrition in Nigeria

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hildren are the joy of every home and the future of every country. That is why their arrival is celebrated by all and sundry, while their progress generates enormous interest in all societies.

Therefore, like other countries of the world, Nigeria cannot afford to be indifferent to the welfare of her children.

Even at this, Nigeria has continued to lag behind the internationally accepted standards for child development, especially in the area of child nutrition. Due to this, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria has been at the forefront of sensitising mothers and other stakeholders on the need for breastfeeding children from the start of pregnancy until their second birthday.

This 1,000-day period represents a critical window of opportunity to avert malnutrition and ensure that they have adequate nutrition at this time to grow, learn and rise out of poverty. For long, there has been rising malnutrition among Nigerian children. According to recent Federal Ministry of Health report, more than 41 per cent of Nigerian children under age of five suffer stunted growth resulting from malnutrition.

Corroborating this report, UNICEF put the estimate of severely malnourished in the country at 1.1million. In fact, the findings estimate that nearly four in 10 Nigerian children of less than five years of age are stunted- the second highest rate in the world, and the highest in Africa. This embarrassing development is cause for concern and a clarion call for action.

Question is, what is malnutrition. It is a condition that occurs when people consistently do not consume or absorb the right amounts and types of food and essential ingredients. Dubbed “Nigeria’s Silent Crisis”, malnutrition is responsible for the deaths of more than 500,000 children in the country before their 5th birthday, even as it is a major contributory factor for stunted growth among them. The same survey shows that almost 30 percent of Nigerian chil-

Publisher/Editor in Chief Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

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Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

dren are underweight, while those who are wasted or too thin for their height has risen from 11 percent in 2003 to 18 percent in 2013.

Moreover, up to 1 million Nigerian children under age five suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), while 4 out of 5 of do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, even as 70 percent of children between 6 to 23 months are not receiving the minimum acceptable diet. With this alarming development, we call on the Federal Government and other health related agencies to devote more attention and resources towards eradicating child malnutrition in Nigeria.

With all hands on deck, we believe that malnutrition, which manifests in some children as kwashiorkor and affects the cognitive ability to learn in school, can be history, even in Nigeria with a high children population.

All that is needed to tackle the conundrum is the redoubling of campaign for families to space their children adequately, and to a proportionate size.

However, the problem of malnutrition goes far beyond how it affects children.

A large population of Nigerian adults is suffering health-related problems due to imbalance in their diet. Many ignorantly go on feeding on meals with high percentage of carbohydrates, which health professionals deem inadequate for balanced diet. On the other hand, child-feeding practices should be improved through breastfeeding. This is because breast milk contains enzymes, antibodies, long-chain fatty acids and hormones.

Nutrition to support the life of children should be given the urgent and priority attention it deserves for the healthy growth of the next generation.

It is fact that well-nourished, well-educated children undoubtedly grow into a more productive labour force as adults, while improvements in nutrition could lead to a boost in GDP growth by as much as 11 percent.

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Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu(right), mother of abandoned triplets, Mrs. Queen Udukwe, during a courtesy visit on Udukwe in Edo State... on Wednesday.

Winner, IBB Gulf Championship/ a Police Officer, Rachael Danjuma (left), presenting her trophy to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris (right), during a courtesy visit on IGP at the Police Force Headquarter in Abuja... on Wednesday. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

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President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, presenting a bag of rice seed to a female small holder farmer, Hajiya Asabe Shinaka, during the flag off ceremony of the Dangote Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State. Looking on is Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar...Wednesday.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Nelson Mandela

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!

“There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route”.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16 , 2017

Rate of naira counterfeiting less than one percent -CBN Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked the news report by a section of the media that about 20 percent of naira in circulation is fake, saying that the rate of naira counterfeiting is less than one percent.

CBN, in a statement made available to the Daily Times by the Acting Director, Corporate Communication, Mr Isaac Okorafor, said records at the bank clearly indicate that the prevalence of counterfeit notes in Nigeria from January to December 2016 was less than one per cent (0.0014%) or 14 counterfeit pieces out of one million bank notes.

The Apex bank said while they acknowledge that no currency in the world is immune from

counterfeiting, the bank make bold to state that the rate of counterfeiting in Nigeria has been very minimal due to appropriate policies put in place by the Bank.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to certain spurious and grossly uninformed claims suggesting that about 20 per cent of the naira currency notes in circulation are counterfeited. ‘’In line with our core value of proactivity, we have always endeavoured to use strong security features to make it difficult for dishonest persons to counterfeit the currency. In addition to that, we have carried out periodic massive nation-wide enlightenment of Nigerians on easy identification of fake banknotes and the reporting of such.

AIG asks people not to resort to jungle justice Joy Anyim

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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Kayode Aderanti, has vowed to deal with anyone caught engaging in jungle justice in any part of the command.

The AIG made this known on Wednesday during a sensitization visit by the Centre For Change, an NGO led by Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin at the Zonal command headquarters.

The Zonal Police boss who expressed sadness over the bane noted that there was need for high regards for human right in the country, emphasizing that jungle justice must not be accommodated describing juggle justice as a set back to Nigeria, stressing that such action has no place to thrive under zone 2.

He said: ``Self help does not help the society.

People must believe in the system. Nigerians should believe in the police, judiciary for justice. ``When suspected criminals are caught, they should be handed over to the police or any other

law enforcement agency for appropriate action. We are therefore appealing to members of the public to stop taking laws into their hands. Whoever is caught carrying out juggle justice will be dealt with according.The AIG assured the group of their support, stressing that the police will always be part of their crusade.

On her part, Dr Okei-Odumaki said the reason for the visit was to seek AIG’s collaboration in fighting against juggle justice and domestic violence.

She spoke on the imperative of police-citizens in handling of violence against persons, noting that many innocent persons, including children had been sent to their early grave due to lawlessness of some people.

The activist also frowned at domestic violence being perpetrated by men and women in various homes, urging the police to rise up against such act through prosecution of offenders.

Over 100 officers and men drawn from the zone participated in the sensitization forum.

A cross section of dignitaries, during the 2017 budget breakdown in Enugu State... on Wednesday.

PDP asks APC to name people $151m, N8b were recovered from Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

National Youth Supreme Council of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has tasked the Federal Government to make public the names of those it recently recovered the sums of $151million and N8 billion from.

The PDP group described the $151 million and N8billion which the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said were recovered through whistle blowers as a big way of distracting Nigerians from the failures and incompetencies of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led administration.

The group equally challenged the ruling APC to tell the world how much it has recovered from some

of its serving officials who have been accused of wrong doings.

The PDP National Youth Supreme Council said these in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Adai Edwin Adai and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The group said, “We read with amusement the purported reports by the Federal Government of Nigeria that it has recovered a total of $151 million and N8 billion through whistle-blowers but none recovered from looters in the present All Progressive Congress (APC) administration.

“The most ridiculous aspect of the reports from the Federal Government is the naming of the former Group Manager Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew

Yakubu of $9.2 million without the mention of the remaining suspects where the other monies were recovered from.

“The All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration found it easy to distract Nigerians with the purported recovered funds but has not seen reasons to tell Nigerians how much is recovered from the former Governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Alhaji David Babachir Lawal, the alleged N500 Million bribe by the multinational company, MTN to the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari and other APC stalwarts.

“Lest we forget, has the APC led federal government recovered the N13.12

Million loan the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed borrowed from one of the parastatals under his Ministry, the Nigeria Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC)?

“The last has also not been heard of all the allegations of several misappropriations in Lagos State during the tenure of the Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

“We are yet to get the full detail of the steps taking by this so called anti-corruption administration against the allegations made by the Justices of the Supreme Court against the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonaya Onu and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Human capacity development necessary for growth - Obaseki Titus Akhigbe Benin

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki said any nation that seeks to develop and be in the comity of advanced nations should pay attention to the institutions that help to create and develop human capacity.

He made this known while receiving management team of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) who visited

him at Government House, Benin City on Tuesday.

Obaseki said his administration sees a huge opportunity if only the state can take the lead and begin to convert and redirect the human capacity as it will lead to efficient productivity.

“We see a huge opportunity for us as a state that if we can take the lead and begin to convert and redirect our human capacity, converting those skills and energy into ones that can lead to efficient productivity, the state will be better

for it”.

He said the strategy of his administration is so clear and it is to use opportunities of institutions like NABTEB to begin to look at the current educational system and infuse technical education into it.

“This step will help our student to do something with their hands as they graduate from senior secondary school or at any phase of their lives. We want to work closely with your institution maybe we can start with 50 schools where we would ensure

we have technical training component”.

Obaseki said as his administration rolls out its other programme, he is very keen on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET). He said as the administration spends money to procure services, he is going to be working very closely with service provider to ensure that she link them into technical school, whether it’s in the area of Agriculture, electricity or manufacturing that will come there off.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

15 Opinion

Lalong’s template for peace

A

Yakubu Dati

s he rose amidst thunderous applaud to address the first combined convocation ceremony of the Plateau State University, Bokkos as Visitor and the Executive Governor of Plateau State, one could not but marvel at the twist of faith.

At the same venue 12 years ago, Lalong was on the same ground to witness the foundation laying of the institution performed by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State.

The question of whether individuals shape history or history shapes individuals has remained a recurring decimal in the life of Rgt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau State.

Lalong’s own life and the metamorphosis of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, has remained intertwined. As the then Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, he

re-engineered the legislative process that gave birth to the ivory tower under the Joshua Dariye administration. Having seen the institution at the prospects of its infancy, Lalong witnessed the painful trauma of its abandonment by his predecessor, Jonah Jang and is today central to its rebound as a fledging institution under the respected Prof Danjuma Sheni. The extend to which he embodies the history of the University can be gauged with the overwhelming support he received from Atahiru Jega, a Professor and former Chairman of INEC who accepted to be the Pro-chancellor of the institution.

Lalong has joined the ranks of great philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who believe in the potency of education as the most powerful instrument of social change. His deployement of massive resources to fast track it’s academic and structural development is yielding bountiful harvest. Youths

have found conducive avenues to acquire the golden fleece and become responsible members of the society, with little or no time to indulge in vices inimical to the society. No wonder peace has returned to Plateau.

Hear Lalong “Ours is a promise to create opportunities not just for those with the money and influence, but for every Plateau citizen who desires to have meaningful and productive life”.

The educational empowerment of the youths will no doubt further broaden viable choices and make them competitive in the direction of innovative creativity the world is heading towards.

Since assuming office, Governor Lalong has deplored a combination of strategies and activities that had great meaningful impact, fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence and, in turn, economic progress in a period of recession such as ours.

While efforts geared at edu-

cating leaders of tomorrow has gained traction, the working class had their day in December 2016 when Governor Lalong injected over 4 billion naira into the economy when he paid up the backlog of salary arreas to civil servants. This gesture has endeared him to the Plateau people who fondly address him as Simon Bankalert Lalong.

While the search for peace has remained of great challenge to neighboring states and indeed, the nation, the Lalong template is worthy of emulation.

The presence of the Gov Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Mallam Nasir Elrufai of kaduna State, Bar. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Gov Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State has sent a clear signal that Plateau is back to it’s true identity- Home of Peace and Tourism.

Yakubu Dati was former commissioner of Information, Plateau State.

Re: Oh No! Not Again ASUU (1)

A Ikechukwu Muo

braham Ogbodo is my friend. It is because of his weekly sermons that I go to all lengths, in search of Guardian on Sunday which is increasingly becoming as scarce as the Euro! I like the permanent smile etched on his face, I like his witticisms, sarcasm, and the way he treats hard matters softly, and I also like the way he gives TKOs whenever and wherever he feels it is necessary and without fear or favour. Sometimes in December 2016(Guardian on Sunday, December 4 & 11,2016), the punch landed on my face, when healmost wrote off ASUU, the lecturers and Nigerian universities. Since I have been savouring his punches against others, I had no choice than to enjoy the punch that landed on my face; I cannot complain neither should I say: why me. In this intervention, I do not want to challenge his assertions; I will rather do an addendum to what he wrote about us(members of the academic community), and add a little more flesh to it.

Characteristically, the article in question was punchy all the way and every sentence therein was a quotable quote on what was wrong with academics and our universities. He highlighted ASUUs massive infiltration of government over the years and

wondered why it did not rub-off positively on the universities; regretted the persistent resort to strikes and almost criminal inability to think outside the box and concluded that lecturers are as evil and visionless as the government they are battling. He was also not happy with our tendency to persistently throw back problems at society, absence of intellectual rigour, tendency towards populism and adopting call-to-strike, as the shortest route to fame.

He regretted that the gown and town synergy has not materialized because ASUUists are more interested in intrigues, self-aggrandisement and would rather struggle for VC-ship than engage in research. He reminded us that universities are not just about funding and infrastructure, challenged us to push the frontiers of knowledge, chided us for not brainstorming for solutions and being street-protesters rather than providers of answers. In effect, he declared that the ivory has left the towers in our universities. He suggested a review of curriculum and methods and working through ASUUG( ASUU in Government, probably led by Prof Osinbajo) to achieve our aims rather than always paralyzing the system.

I agree with him especially as our people say that it is good to agree with others so that they will also agree with you.

On 23/7/09, I delivered the valedictory lecture at the now famous(you know why) Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbonla. The topic wasManaging the challenges of the next level. I started by reviewing the academic environment then, an environment that was characterized by uncertainty, strikes, strife and conflicts, cultism and juvenile delinquency, outrageous student-teacher ratio, corruption and politicization of the system, grossly inadequate and Lugard-era facilities,uneducated, uneducable, and unemployable products, misapplication of the quota system, crowding–out of public schools, watering down entry qualifications and lack of commitment and seriousness on the parts of parents and students.

I arrived at the conclusion that we were all guilty (including lecturers) and responsible the sordid state of educational affairs by failing to do that which we should do and going ahead to do that which we should not do.

I also democratically apportioned the blames as follows:Go vernment(inconsistency, underfunding, poor remuneration, politicization of appointments, etc); Society( Certificate mania, decayed moral values & crash of work ethics, ‘money can buy everything” mentality, monetisiton of success, etc); Parents(No time for children whom they force to

study fancy subjects, facilitation of expo and other corrupt practices, failure to lay goods examples), the Schools(blowing in the wind of societal decay, universities that are no longer UNIVERSities, politicization, poor attention to the core essence, and failure to model excellence or practice what they preach);teachers(meal-ticket paradigm and lack of interest in teaching, the Blind leading the blind, poor orientation and wanting own reward here and now); and the students(Americamania and foreign orientation, focus on fashion and “life”, want success without work and ignorance of the reason why they were in school).

Consequently, we have a)Poorly coordinated, poorly funded and inconsistent educational policies yielding b)Ill-equipped, overcrowded, non-conducive schools in which c) Ill-trained, ill-motivated, non-committed, poorly paid, hungry and angry teachers who try to teach d) Unserious, unwilling, uneducable students who came in with expo arranged by parents who are too busy to monitor them. These are pushed into :e) A society which wants certificate by all means; which has destroyed the system, which would not even fund the schools but yet expect the best from them and we reap tis equation: A+B+C+D+E = K A T A K ATA!

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Features

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Marginalisation: Aworis demand independence, own paramount ruler Subair Mohammed The Awori clan, spread across Lagos mainland, and also in Ado-Odo, Otta, in Ogun West - (the offspring of the creation of Ogun State in 1976), has its headquarters in Otta, Ogun State.

Her indigenes, who host the third largest concentration of industries in Nigeria, are acclaimed to be peace loving, accommodating and friendly host communities.

However, in spite of its relevance and contributions to the socio-economic growth of both Lagos and Ogun states, Aworis, under the aegis of Iganmode Afeleja Liberation Group have recently lamented the marginalisation of its clan and status.

Their grievances include, the marginalisation and relegation of the Awori tribe in terms of representation in government, provision of infrastructure and other social amenities to Awori community, and intrusion by people they describe as, “third parties” in the selection process of monarchy for the Iju-Otta stool.

At a forum recently organised by the group to brainstorm over the plight and future of the Awori nation, an indigene, Barr. Seyi Ojugbele, informed that Awori land has been facing series of developmental challenges and degradations.

“Awori indigenes have been sidelined in the governance of its affairs and that of the state,” he stated, and said further: “Iganmode Afeleja Liberation Group over the years has been doing its best towards self actualisation and liberation of Awori land from the shackles of slavery, oppression, degradation and imposition from external agents.

“But the truth needs be told that when it comes to Yoruba developmental history, Awori land can never be side-tracked, because we are the soul of Ogun state and Nigeria in terms of

economic viability and relevance. Awori has the weight, strength and all other ingredients that make it a toast of all.

“Unfortunately, in spite of these feats, the Awori people are seen as a minority entity in Ogun state, largely because we lack sincere leaders that are truly concerned with the progress of Awori land and its people.”

Stressing that the Aworis cannot be set apart from the growth, governance and economy of Awori land by the Ogun state government and its allies, the learned man said that Awori land has been in existence before the Egbas, therefore, there is no nexus between the two clans.

He said further: “As such, the question of an Egba man being crowned as a traditional ruler in Awori land shouldn’t have arisen. We consider this as an affront to our existence as an entity.

But that is the situation in Awori land as they are making warming up to install an Egba monarch in Iju-Otta, despite several court judgments which favoured us.

“So, I want to say that the Egbas should stop interfering in the affairs of Awori kingdom because Awori land has all it takes to stand alone.

We are ready for them, as any attempt to impose a monarch in Iju-Otta land will be resisted.”

Boundary dispute Speaking also at the occasion, a member of the Ijemo Ruling House in Otta, Bimbo Macaulay, identified greed as a factor responsible for the crisis rocking Awori land.

“A number of Egba individuals perceived themselves as being uncontrollable,” he noted; “They are using the opportunity they have to encroach on our land. Over the years, it has been a case of injustice on the Awori people by the Egbas. For instance, since the 1980s, there has been an issue on boundary dispute, which led to the beginning of disagreement between the people

of Egba and the Aworis.

“I want to call on all Awori indigenes throughout the Federation to stand up for the cause of Awori land. Our land is under developmental siege in spite of the huge financial contributions of Awori land to the economy of Ogun state,” she said. History has it that the settlement of the Awori clan in Ogun state preceded the establishment of Abeokuta as an Egba kingdom in 1832, as Isheri, the foremost Awori town within present day Ogun State, was founded in the 15th century.

Senator Akin Odunsi, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, said it is regrettable that Ogun west, which has the largest population, provides huge chunk of internally generated revenue for Ogun government.

“We have been relegated in the aspect of the delivery of the dividends of democracy by the government. The dividend of democracy in terms of infrastructure development to the entire local government is appalling. The stretches of roads in the entire Awori land are in a state of disrepair.

The existing ones are those that were built during the tenure of Chief Olusegun Osoba as the governor of the state.

“In the name of urban renewal, the current government of His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, has demolished several buildings and rendered families homeless; the two roads he promised to construct are not completed to date. So, what kind of development are we talking about?

“As one of the sons of Awori land, we felt the need to re-delineate Awori land. We proposed that considering the nearness of Otta to Lagos state, the Aworis ought to be part of Lagos state where their kits and kins are.

“We, therefore call on the Federal Government to urge the Ogun state government to respect the traditional institutions, boundaries and the indi-

genes. They consider us as minority but there are rights enshrined in the United Nation’s Charter, which outlines the rights of the minority groups.

That the Awori people are in the minority does not imply that they do not have a stake in Ogun state,” he said.

History of the Aworis The Awori people migrated from Ile Ife and occupied the present day Lagos state. Post-colonial creation of States and local governments influenced the splitting of the homogenous people into the present Ogun and Lagos States in SouthWest Nigeria. Awori towns in Ogun State are-Otta, Igbesa, Ilobi and Tigbo.

The settlement of the Awori clan preceded the establishment of Abeokuta as an Egba kingdom in 1830.

Otta, the foremost Awori town within present day Ogun State, which is also the state’s industrial nerve-centre, for instance, was already in existence in the 15th century. The first crowned Oba at Otta was Oba Akinsewa Ogbolu in 1621, while the first Alake in Abeokuta, Sagbua Okekenu was crowned on 8th August, 1854.

Also,the Awori are direct descendants of Olofin, one of the sons of Oduduwa-the father of the Yoruba nation. As such, in accordance with Yoruba custom, they brought their crown along with them from Ile Ife. While calling for the enthronement of a paramount king for Awori land, Senator Odunsi said it is about time the people of Awori land have a paramount ruler.

“The Awori land is vast enough to have its affairs managed by its indigenes. The first Olota of Otta was crowned in 1652 long before the first Alake of Egba was crowned. So, with the age of our superior crown, why should the Aworis be under the Egbas? We need our independence and the only way to do that is to create the stool for our paramount ruler as Olota of Otta, he said.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

19 Features

Treasury Academy: Why AGF is making it world-class Everyone wants to be a leader, but few are prepared to accept the accountability that goes with it. Yet, you can’t have one without the other; they are two sides of the same coin. Being an accountable leader, means that you accept responsibility for the outcomes expected of you; both good and bad. You don’t blame others and you don’t blame the external environment. There are always things you could have done or still can do to change the outcome. MATHEW DADIYA reports.

Victims are passive, they are acted upon but leaders are active because they take initiative to influence the outcome.

This is exactly what the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris has been doing since assumption of office as the Chief Treasurer of the nation.

One of the key projects in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation that endeared the heart of Idris is the Federal Treasury Academy (FTA) located in Orozo, a suburb of the Federal capital Territory, Abuja.

The Academy, which hitherto, was known as Federal Treasury Training School, was established in 1973 for the purpose of training accountants, auditors and other officers engaged in finance function, in the public service, in order to enhance their on-the-job performance.

With a campus sitting on a large expanse of land, measuring about 100 hectares, also holds workshops to also train different categories of staff.

Therefore, besides the objective of training accountants and auditors, the FTA itself has to be sustained through the provision and maintenance of infrastructure or facilities. This was an onerous task among others.

Facilities in the Academy, such as ,hostels, library, computer and medical centres were in eroded and needed to be modernized. None of his predecessors deemed it fit to look into the comatose state of the institution to give it a facelift.

But on assumption of office, the Accountant General, Ahmed Idris said “The Treasury under my Leadership is committed to making this institution a World Class Centre of Learning and Academic Excellence.”

In line with his vision of transforming the institution, Ahmed Idris has completed the renovation of Infrastructure/ Facilities. Again, with the AGF’s goodwill which influenced some Nigerian corporate bodies to provide intervention projects through the renovation of a block of classrooms and an abandoned hostel as part of their corporate social responsibility. Work on these two facilities has been completed and handed over by the said bodies.

In addition, a brand new 275KVA JMG generator had been donated to the Academy by another corporate organization while public electricity was restored by PHCN, through the installation of the transformer that had been supplied earlier.

For ease of learning in line with global standards, brand new sets of desktop and laptop computers, were provided for the Academy as part of effort to actualize the plan to develop an e-library in the

school.

Keeping to his promised, Idris has ensured that the Academy has been upgraded to offer the public finance management course of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, as part of Federal Government’s efforts to professionalize public finance management in the public service. It offers courses such as, certificate, diploma, professional and strategic stages.

The good news is that the institution is

now wearing a new look and a set of diploma students have been graduated and a new academic session has begun.

As an achiever and result oriented leader, the Accountant-General of the Federation has also pledged to raise the bar on the quality of academic programmes being offered as well as the state of infrastructure at the Federal Treasury Academy.

Mr. Idris, who led members of Governing Board of the institution on a famil-

iarization tour to the Academy at Orozo recently, reiterated his willingness to reposition the school as a centre of academic excellence in providing public finance education in Nigeria.

While expressing delight with the level of work achieved in the renovation of the hostels and classroom blocks, as well as the dedication and commitment of the management and Staff, the AGF assured that Government will do its best within the limits of the available resources to uplift the status of the institution to make it more attractive to both public and private organisations.

He however, urged the management to further look inward in view of the current economic challenges facing the nation and come up with more innovative ways of addressing some of the challenges facing the institution such as poor funding dilapidated structures.

Idris therefore, tasked the management of the institution to do their best to ensure that facilities already provided are properly managed and adequately maintained.

The Governing Board therefore, commended the Accountant-General for the bold initiatives taken so far in addressing the infrastructural challenges of the Academy.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

HARRISON ONYEKACHI IGBOKWE FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP C20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. HARRISON ONYEKACHI IGBOKWE 2. HARRISON NNAKWUZIE OBI AIM: 1. TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN WORKS BY FUNDING AND EMPOWERING THE POOR, WIDOWS, CHILDREN AND THE NEEDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA – FCT, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

21 Public Notice

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

TRUSTEES 1. OLAWEPO NUEL OLATEJU. - CHAIRMAN 2. AJAYI EBENEZER TUNDE. -SECRETARY 3. OYETOLA OLUWASEUN. 4 NUELLAH IBUKUNOLUWA OLAWEPO 5. OSIFALA ELIZABETH YEJIDE 6. IZEGBOYA IKPEKHIM GIFT AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANGLICAN GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL BENIN CITY OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF COMPANIES ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990

THE RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHINWE SANOMI 2.OSEHISE IBHAWOH 3.EMUOBONUVIE OCHIJALA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IRENE IMADE IDEVA 2. JOAN ESOSA AIHIE 3. SWEET ADESUWA 4. BOSEDE SHEMAU AKIBA 5. GLORIA ELAIHO

THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE : 1.LUC DELATTRE 2.CLARA ROCHE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

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

SIGNED: CHRIS & CHRIS SOLICITORS +2348037308539

SIGNED: SECRETARY

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Club has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ifere Hilary Nworie 2. Chukwunonso Ano 3. Ogbuehi Placid Udodiri 4. Dr. Chukwu Chiadikaobi Charles 5. Chinwetalu Enebechi Tochukwu 6. Igbokwe Ikechukwu Chigozie 7. Nwatu Obiajulu Charles AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To help the poor in the society 2. To promote peace, unity and cooperation among members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ARCH BISHOP (PROF.) ZAKKA BONET - CHAIRMAN 2. BISHOP THADDEUS BAUSHE - MEMBER 3. PASTOR PETER GIWA KWASU - MEMBER 4. REVEREND (DR.) ABEL DUNIYA - MEMBER 5. ELDER SIMON KARNILIYUS ALI - MEMBER 6. PASTOR BENJAMIN YASHIM - MEMBER 7. BROTHER YAKUBU BAMAI - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) TO MOBILIZE ALL BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS PARTICULARLY OF MOROA EXTRACTION FOR THE COLLECTIVE PURPOSE OF EVANGELIZING THE ENTIRE MOROA LAND. 2) TO DISCIPLINE ALL THOSE WON TO CHRIST TO MATURITY 3) TO ORGANIZE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS CONFERENCES, RETREATS, SEMINARS CONCERTS FOR THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS IN THE LAND.

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THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS.

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

7755 FRIENDS EXECUTIVE CLUB

MORO’A CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

ARCH BISHOP (PROF.) ZAKKA BONET (CHAIRMAN) 08033497199

SIGNED SECRETARY

CLUB DE-ECOLE FRANCAIS, MARCEL PAGNOL, ABUJA CAC/IT/RC/NO. 87047

xx

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THE CORNERSTONE HABITATION MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT LFN 2004.

xxxxx

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. RICHARD OSIGWE OSHIOKPEKHAI 2. CHINONYE RICHARD -OSIGWE 3. OSO ABIODUN IDOWU AIM AND OBJECTIVE ARE TO RAISE PEOPLE WHO WILL DISCOVER, PURSUE AND FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE (MANDATE) FOR THEIR LIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OR ANY OF ITS TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

GREATER LIBERATION CITY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 REV. OKAFOR CHRIS IHECHUKWU 2 PASTOR NWANALI SYLVESTER CHIMEZIE 3 DEACON NNANNA CHUKWUMAEZE OBINNA AIM AND OBJECTIVE ARE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OR ANY OF ITS TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARRISTER ABIMBOLA OLADIMEJI

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

ON THE INSTRUCTION OF NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL, THERE IS GOING TO BE A ONE DAY(1) DAY PUBLIC AUCTION SALES OF NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNSERVICEABLE ASSETS INCLUDING: UNSERVICEABLE VEHICLES AND OTHER ITEMS 1. ITEMS ARE ALREADY LOTTED AND CAN BE INSPECTED IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL WORKS YARD. 2. INSPECTION 10:00AM TO 1PM FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. DATE: 24/02/2017. TIME: 12:00 NOON. VENUE: NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL’S YARD. AUCTIONEER’S DECISION IS FINAL. SUCCESSFUL PURCHASERS ARE EXPECTED TO EVACUATE ALL ITEMS WITHIN 48 HOURS STRICTLY CASH PAYMENT AT THE FALL OF AUCTIONEERS’ HAMMER. HIGHEST BIDDER WILL BE THE PURCHASER FOR ENQUIRIES, CONTACT THE AUCTIONEER. SIGNED: RAPHAEL ENE (08037704812)

MARYLAND COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL ( 1998) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OSENI MORAYO OLAWUNMI 2. NWOKOCHA ANSLEM CHIDI 3. BOLAJI OLUBOWALE 4. MODUPE JAMES 5. OLAYIWOLA SULAIMON THE OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AND FRIENDLY CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL OLD STUDENTS OF MARYLAND COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL ( 1998) SET. 2. TO RENDER SUCH ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE REQUIRED OF THE ASSOCIATION BY THE ALMA MATER FROM TIME TO TIME 3. TO MEET, DELIBERATE AND FORMULATE PLANS AND MEASURES DEEMED APPROPRIATE TO ADVANCE THE PROGRESS OF MEMBERS AND OUR ALMA MATER SIGNED: SECRETARY

UYIO NDITO AKWA IBOM DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

THE EDDA WOMEN PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED “INITIATIVE” HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE 1. MRS EKUMANKAMA NGOZI CANDI - CHAIRPERSON. 2. MRS KALU OGERI OGECHI - VICE CHAIRPERSON. 3. MRS UGWUOCHA ELEMCHI ONUOHA - SECRETARY. 4. MRS EBILAH ELEMANYA - MATRON. 5. MR OKAM LIVINUS AGWU - PATRON. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. TO PROMOTE WOMEN OF EDDA AND SUPPORT SELF DEVELOPMENT AND GIRL CHILD. ANY OBJECTION(S) TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, PMB 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY CHAIRPERSON

THE CHRIST SALVATION FOCUS ON BIBLE CHURCH OF GOD

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORM THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, DEGREE NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ELDER OTOBONG UDO EKPENYONG - PRESIDENT. 2. BARR. GABRIEL SUNDAY ETUK - SECRETARY. 3. UDEME GERARD AKPAN. 4. EDET NSIKAK EKPENYONG. 5. EKAETE OTOBONG UDO. 6. IMAOBONG ETIM ARCHIBONG. 7. ANGELA MICHAEL AKPAN. 8. JOSEPHINE JOHN AKPAN.

THE TRUSTEES: 1.

OBODO PETER NWEFURU 2 OBODO ANTHONIA NNENNA 3.

AWOGU ARINECHUKWU JOHN 4.

UGWU GEOFREY IFEANYI 5.

ARUM NNENNA STELLA 6.

OBODO MOSES

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIQGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ELDER OTOBONG UDO EKPENYONG

PRESIDENT.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOODNESS GOSPEL TO THE WORLD 2. TO EVANGELIZE, PROPHESY THE WORD OF GOD AND WIN SOULS FOR JESUS CHRIST 3. TO HONOUR AND WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH 4. TO PROMOTE GOOD MORALS, DISCIPLINES, SPIRIT TO HARD WORK AND TOLERANCE AMONG PEOPLE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATION AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI-IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OBODO PETER NWEFURU (PRESIDENT)

22

Public Notice

NICHOLAS VICTOR MONDAY Formerly known and addressed as NICHOLAS VICTOR, now wish to be known and addressed as NICHOLAS VICTOR MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

OLANIYAN AKOREDE ABDULSALAM

Formerly known and addressed as AKOREDE OWOLABI ABDULSALAM, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYAN AKOREDE ABDULSALAM. That my date of birth is 5 April 1993. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

AREMU OLUBUKOLA MARY FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AREMU BUKOLA MERCY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AREMU OLUBUKOLA MARY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

MRS. SUZANNE MOTUNRAYO KEHINDE

FATAI NIKE TAIBAT

Formerly known and addressed as MISS SUZAN MOTUNRAYO EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SUZANNE MOTUNRAYO KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as FASHINA ADENIKE TAIBAT, now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI NIKE TAIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NSIKAN MONDAY ISANGEDIGHE

OKONKWO IKECHUKWU HENRY

OLUTOMI OLUTOSIN BANJO

Formerly known and addressed as NSIKAN MONDAY JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as NSIKAN MONDAY ISANGEDIGHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO IKECHUKWU JUNIOR, now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO IKECHUKWU HENRY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMAGA BENARD

MINATU ADUKE ANIMASHAWU

This is to confirm and certify that my name was wrongly written as LINUS ELIZABETH RHODA on my BVN instead of LINUS RHODA UGWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NWOGBAGA BENARD, now wish to be known and addressed as AMAGA BENARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EKWUEME MECHI DOUGLAS Formerly known and addressed as FRANCIS CHINEDU CANICE, now wish to be known and addressed as EKWUEME MECHI DOUGLAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OLOWU MINATU ADUKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MINATU ADUKE ANIMASHAWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UMARU NUHU SANI Formerly known and addressed as UMAR NUHU SANI, now wish to be known and addressed as UMARU NUHU SANI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

KHALIL ASSUMPTA LAJU Formerly known and addressed as ASSUMPTA ANUWE BETTY, now wish to be known and addressed as KHALIL ASSUMPTA LAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JUDE IKEMEFUNA OKORO Formerly known and addressed as JUDE IKEMEFUNA NWAGBARA, now wish to be known and addressed as JUDE IKEMEFUNA OKORO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

x SULEMAN JAMIU TUNDE

MICHEL OFONIME MONDAY

BOATENG STEPHEN AKOTO

Formerly known and addressed as MONDAY FAVOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHEL OFONIME MONDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MENSAH KOBINA, now wish to be known and addressed as BOATENG STEPHEN AKOTO. That my correct date of birth is 7 February 1970. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NGEREM DABERECHI CHIDINMA

Formerly known and addressed as NGEREM DARBIE CHIDINMA, now wish to be known and addressed as NGEREM DABERECHI CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMEH TUTUMOR OMOEFE STEVEN

Formerly known and addressed as OLUWATOMISIN ABOSEDE BANJO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTOMI OLUTOSIN BANJO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as TUTUMOR EFE AMEH, now wish to be known and addressed as AMEH TUTUMOR OMOEFE STEVEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ENITA JULIET OFURE

DADA ABIOLA

NWOKEDI CHINONSO COSMAS

OLAMITOYE AISHAT NNEKA

Formerly known and addressed as OSAZUWA JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as ENITA JULIET OFURE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUNONSO NWOKEDI, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKEDI CHINONSO COSMAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAMITOYE SANDRA NNEKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAMITOYE AISHAT NNEKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

SAKA KAZEEM AKOREDE

IKEOGU VERONICA OKPORO

ABDULAHI RONKE AFUSAT

SUNDAY BUKOLA GBEMISOLA

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINSANYA MICHEAL ADELEKE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAKA KAZEEM AKOREDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as STEPHEN VERONICA, now wish to be known and addressed as IKEOGU VERONICA OKPORO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NURENI AFUSAT HAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULAHI RONKE AFUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY BOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY BUKOLA GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

WILLIAMS ABIODUN GEORGE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAKARIYAHUN NAJEEM, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAKARIYAU NAJEEM JIMOH. THAT MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 20 OCTOBER 1978. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGOOLUWA WILLIAMS G., NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS WILLIAMS ABIODUN GEORGE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ERNEST CHIGO EKWY

UWANUAKWA FAVOUR NNEKA

KELECHI STEFFIN NJOKU

IWUANYANWU GLORY

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNEKA FAVOUR UWACHUKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UWANUAKWA FAVOUR NNEKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as METTU OLUMA STEFFIN, now wish to be known and addressed as KELECHI STEFFIN NJOKU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IWUJI GLADYS, now wish to be known and addressed as IWUANYANWU GLORY. That i was born on 4th of April, 1979.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LASISI ABDULRAZAK AYINLA

KAMA EDWARD UKA

EMMANSON USEN SUNDAY

PAUL OLADOTUN JOB

Formerly known and addressed as KALU AGWU UKA, now wish to be known and addressed as KAMA EDWARD UKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANSON USEN-OBONG SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANSON USEN SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OLADOTUN PAUL, now wish to be known and addressed as PAUL OLADOTUN JOB. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UYABEME SUNDAY JAMES Formerly known and addressed as UYABEME SUNDAY ONYEMECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as UYABEME SUNDAY JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULRAZAK AYINLA, now wish to be known and addressed as LASISI ABDULRAZAK AYINLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, MRS SHAKIRAT ALAKE WELLINTON certify that ALAKE is my middle name, as I am adding ALAKE to my other names. That my full names are MRS SHAKIRAT ALAKE WELLINTON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

This is to confirm that I, ADEYEMO MODUPE OLUWAKEMI is one and same person as ADEYEMO ABIKE OLUWAKEMI. All documents bearing the above names remain mine. General public take note.

MOMOH HAMED ADETOYE CORNELIUS I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOMOH JIMOH AHMED HAMMED ADETOYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOMOH HAMED ADETOYE CORNELIUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

TAIWO O. AMEN. I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKOSUN O AMEN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAIWO O AMEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MBAMARA HYGINUS NKEM

Formerly known and addressed as AFOLAYAN JAMIU TUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as SULEMAN JAMIU TUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAKARIYAU NAJEEM JIMOH

. Formerly known and addressed as AGU CHIGO GWEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ERNEST CHIGO EKWY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IKUNG MATHIAS IKUNG FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EDILO MATIN NZE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IKUNG MATHIAS IKUNG. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Formerly known and addressed as HYGINUS NNA MBAMARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MBAMARA HYGINUS NKEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GANIYU-RAHIM SEKINAT FOLASHADE

OKOLO CHUKWUDI INNOCENT

LEGBEDE LUKMON LEKAN

TOLULOPE FOLAKEMI OLUKOTUN

Formerly known and addressed as RAHIM SEKINAT FOLASHADE, now wish to be known and addressed as GANIYU-RAHIM SEKINAT FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKOLO CHUKWUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO CHUKWUDI INNOCENT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ELEGBEDE ABIODUN TIMILEYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ELEGBEDE LUKMON LEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TOLULOPE FOLAKEMI BANJO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TOLULOPE FOLAKEMI OLUKOTUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

MUHAMMAD MOSHOOD ADEKOLA FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEKOLA MOSHOOD AYODELE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUHAMMAD MOSHOOD ADEKOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

AMOKO RACHEAL AINA Formerly known and addressed as ALAYANDE RACHEAL MOYINOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMOKO RACHEAL AINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS ADIGUN AISAT OYINLOLA FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OLADOSU AISAT OYINLOLA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADIGUN AISAT OYINLOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ISHOLA ISIAK ATANDA

TITUS WISDOM OSINACHI

MISS EMMANUEL JENNIFER

PRINCESS OZIOMA OKORIE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS WAHABU ISIAK ATANDA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ISHOLA ISIAK ATANDA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALIH FRIDAY OGBADA, now wish to be known and addressed as TITUS WISDOM OSINACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NWACHUKWU JENNIFER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EMMANUEL JENNIFER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as SARAH OZIOMA AWE, now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCESS OZIOMA OKORIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS. OLUWABUNMI MARY ARIYIBI

CHANGE OF NAME AND CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OLUWABUNMI MARY AKINBODE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OLUWABUNMI MARY ARIYIBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN AGABA OCHIGBO and date of birth 01/01/1991, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN JOSHUA OCHIGBO and correct date of birth is 01/01/1996. All former documents remain valid. General

CORRECTION OF NAME On my BVN, my name was wrongly written as MODUPE ABIMBOLA instead of MODUPE AKINBOLA, now my correct name is MODUPE AKINBOLA. General public and Authorities Concerned should take note.

ENJALI CHRISTOPHER CLEMENT I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EHJALI CHRISTOPHER STEV, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ENJALI CHRISTOPHER CLEMENT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday February 16, 2017

23 Public Notice

CHANGE OF NAME

RE-REGULARIZATIOM OF BVN

I, formerly known, called and addressed as EZENNOLIM AGHATA AMAKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as TOCHUKWU ORJI AGHATA AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I , formerly known, called and addressed as ANIOBI CHARLES OBINNA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHARLES ANIOBI OBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

That I, INI MERCY NDIFREKE opened a first Bank Savings Account for my daughter, INI VICTORIA EDIKAN for which I am the sole signatory.

That the BVN details should bear INI MERCY NDIFREKE instead of INI VICTORIA EDIKAN which is blocking my other bank accounts . That I want the BVN bearing my details to be corrected and effected. General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as HOSANNA I. UBA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as HOSANNA I. NKEREUWEM. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME I formerly known as CAROLINE N. OKORAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as CAROLINE NNENNAYA OKORAFOR.All former documents remain vaid.The general public especially UNION BANK PLC, please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as GODFREY BRAINMOON IFEAYICHUKWU CHIDOZIE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GODFREY JOSEPH IFEANYICHUKWU CHIDOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as AKABUGO GINIKA EBELE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKABUGO GINIKA NWABUFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as AFOLABI NOFISAT YETUNDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADIPUPO NOFISAT YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as AGWU ABIDEMI PELUMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AGWU PELUMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOY WILLIAMS, now wish to be known and addressed as, HAPPINESS WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ONWUKA IKE PRECIOUS IFEOMA AND IKECHUKWU BRANDA PRECY, now wish to be known and addressed as, IKECHUKWU PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UGOCHUKWU LUCY UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. UGOCHUKWU LUCY EZINNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UKWADIAMOR AUGUSTINE AZUBUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as, AZUBUIKE AUGUSTINE IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as, NNAJIBUBA CHIGOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as, NNAJIUBA CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. JULIET NWACHI NWAKANMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. JOHN JULIET ENO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. BEAUTY ONYINYECHI INYA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. BEAUTY ONYINYECHI AKWARANDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, CHICHI SUNDAY NKPALA, wish to add, NKPALA, to my name which was formerly, CHICHI SUNDAY, in my account and BVN details. That I now wish to be known and addressed as, CHICHI SUNDAY NKPALA. All former documents remain valid.

All relevant authorities and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogbuekiri Nne Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbuekiri Patricia Odawayi.

The general public, please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

WRONG NAME - DIYA MARGARET.. Y. My CORRECT NAME is - DIYA MARGARET YEWANDE. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as Okpara Stephen, now wish to be known and addressed as Uzoanya Stephen. Former documents remain valid.

General public, take note.

Formerly Odina chinaza Blessing Now Odina Sarah Chinaza. Former documents remains valid.

General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olanrewaju Olabisi Aminat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Muritala Aminat Olabisi.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Chinyere Udochukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Chinyere Nwaokocha.

All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly Okon Obo now to be addressed as Okon Sam Betty Eka . former documents remains valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SIMEON LIVINUS now wish to be known and addressed as NNABUIKE UGO LIVINUS. Also was BORN ON APRIL 4TH 1987.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mustapha Olukayode Aminu. Now wish to be known as Moses Olukayode Aminu. All former documents remain valid.

General public and authorities concerned should take note.

This is to confirm that Lovina Nwachukwu Azubike and Lovina Ezekoha refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Lovina Nwachukwu Azubike. All former documents remain valid, banks and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Alidu Suwebatu Abolore now wish to be known and addressed as Muritala Suwebatu Abolore. All former documents remain valid, general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANACHU UCHENNA GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHEAL UCHENNA GODWIN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

. I formerly known and addressed as YAKUBU OMOYEME JOYCE now wish to be known and addressed as IRIA OMOYEME JOYCE .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as JAMES CHRISTIANA now wish to be known and addressed as ONOJOWO CHRISTIANA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MR FALADE KAZEEM ATANDA now wish to be known and addressed as MR ABDUL KAZEEM MUHAMMEDQASIM ATANDA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ONYEKA ELIZABETH ADAEZE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ACHU ELIZABETH ADAEZE UZONDU ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINONYEREM HAPPINESSS UKPABI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINONYEREM HAPPINESS OBI .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as NIYI BADMUS now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWOLE ATOLAGBE ATANDA .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EGWUANIM ENOFE COURAGE now wish to be known and addressed as BRIGHTSON ENOFE COURAGE .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ESOROIBEBA OGECHI VICTORIA now wish to be known and addressed as IGWENYERE OGECHI VICTORIA .All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED UMATE now wish to be known and addressed as DASSA MOHAMMED UMATE . I was born on 6/06/1985. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWAOGU SUSAN ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addressed as EKECHUKWU ONYINYECHI SUSAN .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

In some of my documents my name was written as AGNES JACKSON EKERE While in some other ones It appears as AGNES JACKSON UMONDAK.The names refer to the same person.All the documents bearing all the names are valid.General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as LAWAL ALIMAT OMOLOLA While in some other ones It appears as LAWAL SHADIAT. Henceforth I wish to be known as LAWAL ALIMAT OMOLOLA.All the documents bearing all the names are valid.

General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known, called and addressed as ALADUM FORTUNE CHUCKWUDUM, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUDUMALADUM FORTUNE OSELOKA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AGENE ENE MARGARET, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ACHANYA AGENE ENE MARGARET GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and address as EMEKA FRIDAY B... now wish to be known and address as EMEKA LAWRENCE FRIDAY. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Ogunbu Emmanuel Adetunji Ojeyemi now Isaac Emmanuel Adetunji . former documents remains valid. General public please note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I Miss JACINTA CHINENYE NWAJAGU is same person as MRS.JACINTA CHINENYE UGBOAJA.now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.JACINTA CHINENYE EMEJULU.former documents remain valid general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIEDU ABIAKAM KEVIN, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIEDO ABIAKAM KEVIN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADEKUSIBE VICTORIA FUNKE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGOKE FUNKE ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as JEFTA ADESAKIN OLUWAFEMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKANYE OLUWAFEMI JEFF .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OYEWOLE SALIUDEEN IDOWU now wish to be known and addressed as OYEWOLE SOLIUDEEN IDOWU.All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as WILLIAMS CHUKWUYEM KINGSLEY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DIKE CHUKWUYERM ROTA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, GREGORY HANNAH, and DOME HANNAH KADILOBARI, now wish to be known and addressed as, DOME HANNAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. NWACHUKWU MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. MELISSA IBEBULACHIM JUSTICE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and address as OLATUNJI HAKEEM AKINTUNDE,now wish to be known and address as SHOLARIN AKEEM. All former docccument remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Bandele Mildred Ewere Ojeyemi now Isaac Mildred Ewere . former documents remains valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly know called and addressed as MISS TINA IGBINOVIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMADIKE TINA.former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotayo Abimbola Ariyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotayo Abimbola Oladiran.

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

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as KOLAWOLE HABIBA FEYISAYO now wish to be known and addressed as BARUWA HABIBA FEYISAYO .

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

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ALADE ISAIAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALADE RACHEAL .All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as WILLIAMS GODWIN INNIH, now wish to be known and addressed as WILLIAMS GODWIN ODFAE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Public Notice 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday,February 16, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as EMMANUEL MAIMUNAT AJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI MAIMUNAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as ADENIYE MUSILI TEMITOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI MUSLIMAH TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as SULE NOSIRU YUSUF, now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMON NASIRU YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZEH:

IBEH:

EWELUM:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IBEH CHIDIMMA MARYROSE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OHAGWU CHIDIMMA MARYROSE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EWELUM MARY OBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as EZIKEANYI MARY OBERE.All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONODU:

NWODO:

OKORIE:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONODU CATHERINE OBINNE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ELONG CATHERINE OBINNE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWODO OLUCHI HELEN, now wish to be known and addressed as NWODO OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU VICTOR OKORIE, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU VICTOR UCHE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

UZOR:

AKANOLI:

I, formerly known and addressed as UZOR JENNIFER CHIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EGBONU QUEENETH CHIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as VICTOR ADEBAYO AKANOLI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKWU IKECHUKWU EDEBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEH IFEANYI PANTELEON, now wish to be known and addressed as EZENEH IFEANYI PANTELEON. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OKONKWO:

I, formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO CHINONSO HENRIETTA, now wish to be known and addressed asCHINONSO HENERIETTA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Building Certificate of Occupancy C of O belong to Mrs Cecilia Anyaegbu of the land at Mbulu Nkanu LGA of Enugu registered as 46/46/412 at land Registry. If found contact the Ministry of lands and Urban Development Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as CHICHI GLORY NWABUKO now wish to be known and addressed as CHIOMA GLORY NWABUKO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MISS IJEOMA AMUNEKE wish to be known and addressed as MRS IJEOMA AMUNEKE EJIOFOR. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

UME: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UME BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING ONWUASO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONUKAEGBE: I, formerly known and addressed as ONUKAEGBE CECILIA, now wish to be known and addressed as UDE HELEN CHIAMAKA .All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

AGBALLA: I, formerly known and addressed as AGBALLA STELLA AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBALLA ESTHER AMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHINEKE:

EKE:

I formerly known and addressed as CHINEKE IFEOMA FAVOUR now wish to be known and addressed asOBODO IFEOMA FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EKE CHARITY LEBECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONOWU CHARITY LEBECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IHUSAH ROSEMARY OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed asIHUSAH ROSEMARY CHIKA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

IHUSAH:

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULFATAI ADEOLA JARINAT, now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI JARIN ATOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Avoseh Satide Adokun now wish to be known and addressed as Avoseh John Saturday. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly known and addressed as FABINU TEMITOPE Now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADENIBA TEMITOPE All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities Please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ANEKWE GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ANEKWE GODWIN LOTANNA all former document remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Ekene Vernatius Obeji wish to be known and addressed as Kelechukwu vernatius Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as Salawudeen Kamorudeen Sulaimon wish to be known and addressed as Kamorudeen Sulaimon. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as Nnadozie Onyinye Donata wish to be known and addressed as Obi Onyinye Donata. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

MR OSABOUHEN COLLINS JOHN

I whose name was wrongly spelt and referred to as ABEL ONYEMUWA ABELONYEMUWA. That whereas the correct spelling of my name is EMMANUEL NDUBUISI ABELONYEMUWA Now wish to be known, called, addressed and referred to as EMMANUEL NDUBUISI ABEL-ONYEMUWA. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as GLORIA EBERE CHINEMEMMA ADIEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA CHINEMEMMA OLISA-OKEBUGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR OSAS COLLINS JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR OSABOUHEN COLLINS JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKPO ELISHA ALBERT

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NGOZI MIRIAN EZEGHALIKE Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS NGOZI MIRIAN ARINZE All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities Please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALBERT ELISHA OLADIPUPO, now wish to be known and addressed as EKPO ELISHA ALBERT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

EYA:

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EYA GEBECHUKWU RUTH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ITODO GEBECHUKWU RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MATHEW:

I, formerly known and addressed as MATHEW MIRACLE ADAEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAJURU FAITH AKUDO. My correct of birth is 1st June 1994. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as PRINCESS AKAM ISONG now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID AKAM ISONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as IDUMA GOODNESS AGBEE, now wish to be known and addressed as IDUMA GOODNESS CHINEDU all former document remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly known and addressed as Ubaba Racheal Ugionim now wish to be known and addressed as Ekhator Racheal Ugionim. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKULAJA SALDI SAHEED ADEYINKA wish to be known and addressed as OKULAJA ADEYINKA MODUPE. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

WORD TRIGGER CHRISTAIN CHAPEL

2.BRO. IME VINCENT UDOH 4.ELDER UDOH FRIDAY 6. ELDER GEORGE AKPAPAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO UNDERTAKE MISSIONARY AND EVANGELISTIC WORK IN NIGERIA AND THE WHOLE WORLD 3. TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS ON CHRISTIANS FAITH RELATED MATTERS 4. TO RECONCILE MAN BACK TO GOD 5. TO HELP THE POOR AND THE NEEDY IN THE CHURCH. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORAE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TOGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI SREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

ODO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODO NGOZI BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA NGOZI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, Adams Abdulfatai Remilekun, I am also the one bearing Adams Fatai. All documents with above names remain valid. Public take note.

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

TRUSTEES 1.PASTOR GODSWILL DICKSOM 3. PASTOR (MRS) ISABEL GODSWILL 5. ELDER JOSEPH CHUKWUMA OKORO 7.PASTOR JOB OMOLAIYE

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as OLALEKAN FALILU AMUDA, now wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE FALILU AMUDA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINKUNMI ADEDOJA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DARE-ODE OLUWAFUNMITO ADEDOJA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Philip Oreoluwa Odunewu wish to be known and addressed as Odunayo Philip Oreoluwa.

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

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH EMMANUEL OBINNA, now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH EMMANUEL AKABOGU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU MARGRET, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU PRECIOUS CHIMERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWANGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BENEDETTE ADAKU NWANGWU, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS BENEDETTE ADAKU UDEKWE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that UGWUEZE PRINCE CHIKWUADO, UGWUEZE CHIKWADO GABRIEL and UGWUEZE CHIKWADO FERDINAD refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUEZE CHIKWADO FERDINAND. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ADEYANJU ADEKEMI OLUSEYI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOHN ADEKEMI OLUSEYI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as ALEXANDRIA SOMTOCHUKWU OKEKE now wish to be known and addressed as ALEXANDRIA SOMTOCHUKWU UKO . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED YUSUF KAYODE now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED YUSUF OMOKAYODE . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH That I OUADRI OMOWUNMI REBECCA my name was wrongly written as QUADIRI KHADIJATU wish to be known and addressed as OUADRI OMOWUNMI REBECCA. My wrong DATE OF BIRTH is 12th of MAY 1974 and corrected Date of Birth is 12th OF MAY 1976. All Documents/Credentials remain valid, general public please take note.

THE 7TH BASKET FAITH ORGANISATIONS The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1, 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEE 1. Rev. Akpan Blessing Nice - President 2. Mrs. Helen Onwuasor - Vice President 3. Asogwa Ikechukwu - General Secretary 4. Dagbo Godswill Kessiena 5. Oche Joseph 6. Mrs. Basseyawan Blessing Nice AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To establish vocational centres for skills acquisition for youths/less privileged.

2. To promote the girl-child development through education/counseling/ rehabilitation.

3. To propagate peace and reconciliatory avenues in the society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16 , 2017

25 News

My success is yours -Peace corps boss tells Nigerian youths Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The National Commandant of the Nigerian Peace Corps, Dickson Akoh has reiterated the commitment of the Corps to secure the future for the Nigerian youth.

Akoh who was addressing a coalition of young Nigerians, com-

prising of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Democratic Youths Congress and other bodies in his Abuja Office, on Tuesday; said the Nigerian Peace Corps was birthed for the youths, and as such, its success was the success of Nigerian youths.

The National Commandant, who had earlier led the youth bodies with all his National Officials and State Commandants to the National Assembly on a ‘thank you’ tour, also appreciated the Nigerian youths and students, for standing by the Corps, even as he acknowledged their submission in support of the corps,

during the public hearings at the Senate.

Akoh said, “ I may not have the wealth, but I am one of the most celebrated Young Nigerian today. This was made possible by your collaborative efforts. We are grateful to you for that”.

The National Commandant also promised the forum of continu-

ous partnership, even as he jointly agreed with the youths that the cogent assent of President Muhammad Buhari on the Peace Corps Bill was the best thing that would happen to Nigeria’s growing Youth sector.

The event was attended by the National President of NYCN, Comrade Ayuba Murtala Moham-

Edo Govt to partner Army, others on security, says Shaibu

Tabuwal, Dangote flag off rice outgrowers scheme in Sokoto

ÎÎÎEdo State Deputy Gov-

ernor, Philip Shaibu has expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensure optimal security in the state.

Shaibu dropped the hint in Benin when he received the General Commanding Officer, GOC, 2 Division,Nigerian Army Maj.Gen Chukwunedum Ibraham and his men who paid a courtesy visit to the Governor.

Hon Shaibu who received the military officers on behalf of the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki said the state government is ready to do everything necessary to encourage the military to enhance their performance in the area of security. “we are very pleased with the work you people have been doing. When the rest of us are at home sleeping, you people remain awake to secure our lives and property and the country from external aggression.

So, the governor knows the important role you play in the society, hence he asked me to receive you instead of postponing the meeting.

He cherishes you and appreciates your efforts and sacrifices in the security of lives and property ,and he is ready to answer your call at any time.”

The deputy governor who congratulated the new GOC on his appointment also commended the military over the successes they have recorded in the fight against insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the country, especially the recapture of the Boko Haram stronghold, Sambisa, noting that the military has sacrificed their lives for the security of the nation.

med; National President of NANS, Comrade Haruna Kadiri; Former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Students, Comrade Jude Imagwe, Provost of Federal College of Vet and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Dr. Joseph Okwori, clergy men, among other bodies.

L-R: Opeluwa of Ilado and Inagbe Island, Chief Mondiu Bakare; Director of Reforms, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim; Onilado of Ilado and Inagbe Island, Oba Mobadenle Oyekan; Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA and Representative of the Director General of NIMASA, Engr. Rotimi Fasakin and Eletu of Ilado and Inagbe, Chief Bashir Adeniyi Lawal, during a courtesy visit on NIMASA management in Lagos...on Tuesday

Crisis of confidence rocks welders’ unions over alleged contracts’ award Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÎÎÎA crisis of

confidence and other related act are currently threatening the relative peaceful co-existence among welders’ unions (Welding and Fitting) over alleged contracts’ award.

The “bad blood” created that may likely resulted in a clash between various associations in the business of welding and fitting, might be fierce if urgent steps are not taken to resolve their differences by the concerned authorities.

Expectedly, the recognized body, the Nigerian Welders and Fitters Union (WIWELFU) which recently secured a court injunction restraining companies in the Niger Delta from dealing with any other union apart from NIWELFU, is reportedly spoiling for war with the

contractor handling the laying of pipes from OkpareOlomu to the Utorogun gas plant except the court order is respected by the contractor.

In a letter to the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Delta State Chapter, signed by the chairman and secretary of NIWELFU, Delta State chapter, Comrade John Etoborh and Felix Oboro, respectively, a copy made available to our reporter, warned that except aims Nigeria Limited (the contractor in charge of the project pipe laying) respects the court order from National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in yenogoa, which directed that all companies operating in the South-South region should not enter into negotiation, or discussions and business transaction with reference to Nigeria Welders’ Asso-

ciation because they are not trade union complaint as required by law, rather it should deal with the Nigerian Welders and Fitters Union (NIWELFU) adding; “there shall be no laying of pipes in the area by pipes in the area by any union not recognized by law.

But in a swift reaction, the contracting firm’s spokesman, Mr. Ejiro Lukemen described the court order as not applied to the firm adding that firm was never served or duty bound to answer any questions from any Union or Association.

Part of the letter addressed to the NLC reads: “This petition is to avert an imminent break down of law and order in the Otorogun Gas Plant Locality, particularly as it concerns this instant project, to our chagrin, the contractor Aims Nigeria Limited, who we had written earlier of the

subsisting court order, went ahead to do otherwise by entering into negotiation with the unrecognized Nigeria Welders’ Association (NWA) and another unrecognized association called fitters senior staff association of Nigeria (FISSAN), as law abiding citizens and responsible union, we believe that your quick intervention shall right the wrong to ensure that the law takes its due course to avoid the beak down of law and order, the peace being currently enjoyed in the locality” it added.

Efforts by our reporter to seek reaction from the acting chairman of the state NLC, Comrade Jonathan Jamegbem was not successful, but officials of the union who did not want to be named confirmed the receipt of the letter, adding that efforts were being made to resolve the differences.

ÎÎÎGovernor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal along with the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Muhammed Dangote, Wednesday flagged off a rice outgrowers’ scheme which will cover 25,000 hectres of farmland across some selected local government areas of Sokoto state.

Speaking at the site of the event which held in Goronyo Dam, Dangote said the project will within the next three years produce at least one million tonne of high quality parboiled rice for Nigerian market.

He said to achieve this, his company plans to cultivate 160,000 hectres of irrigable rice farmland in selected states, including Sokoto, which will be cultivated to grow paddy during two cropping-season per year.

“With this, we hope to achieve a minimum yield of five to six tonnes per hectre. Our plans is to off-take not less that 80 percent of the paddy produced by the outgrowers. We will also develop our own farm operations to include seed multiplication capabilities,” he added.

According to him, Dangote Rice Limited aims to boost the local economy, create jobs along the value chain and make a significant contribution to the transformation of subsistence farms into market-oriented agribusinesses.

In his remarks, Tambuwal commended Dangote for siting the project in Sokoto State, saying the renewed efforts of his administration in the sector has started yielding the desired result.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16 , 2017

Security chiefs suspend mining activities in Jos Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÎÎÎThe

face-off between miners from the communities of Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas in Plateau State that resulted in the death of 10 persons, has ignited the wrath of security chiefs in Plateau State who have placed a temporary ban on mining

activity within the said area.

Speaking with newsmen at the Special Task Force Headquarters (STF), in Jos, yesterday where the task-force held a town hall meeting with stakeholders of the warring communities, the force commander, Major-Gen Rogers Nicholas stated that the miners were illegal, a trend that has been on for a longtime.

According to him, “conflict ensued among illegal miners which led them to take up arms among themselves leading to the death of 10 persons and as a result communities began to take sides along ethnic line; it is however, purely an illegal miners clash and has nothing to do with ethnicity or religion.

Consequently, the Plateau State Commis-

sioner of Police, Peter Babatunde Ogunyanwo, reiterated the ban, adding that the ban will be lifted only when all issues have been resolved, saying that the security agencies will not allow illegal miners to thrive in the state.

He appealed to the citizens to stop taking laws into their hands, emphasizing that the Police remain an avenue for resolving conflicts.

Cattle rustling: FCT minister charges national committee on border leakages

Idu Jude, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has challenged the National Implementation Committee for the Curtailment of Cattle Rustling in Nigeria to evolve a robust mechanism to track all the cattle coming in from the neighboring countries.

The Minister gave this challenge on Tuesday, while receiving members of the Committee led by its chairman, AIG Charles Ugomuoh that were in the FCT Administration for Advocacy visit.

The Minister said that all such cattle could be tracked from the border thereby reducing friction often being generated by their activities in the hinterland, which can also be used for statistical pur-

poses.

His words: “It would be a good idea for your Committee to set up a robust mechanism to track all those coming across the border even for statistical purposes.”

Malam Bello reiterated that majority of cattle rustling activities are being perpetuated by those coming from the neighboring countries hence the need for their actions to be nipped in the bud.

He urged the Implementation Committee to take advantage of technology to track them and ensure that the herders pay for such services.

“The Implementation Committee needs to capture them by creating a data base with their names and identity because nobody can move in other countries without identity,” the Minister emphasized.

Niger Gov tasks parents on children’s education Saka Bolaji

State Government has urged parents to always pay attention to the trend of the Educational advancement of their children in order to enable the children imbibe the right values.

The Commissioner of Information Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa stated that the Governor of the state Abubakar Sani Bello said that the parents should always be available for the children.

He stated that the governor urged the parents to regularly visit their wards in schools and monitor closely what the children are up to at their formatives ages in school instead of leaving them solely for teachers.

According to Vatsa, the Governor recognised the important roles of parents in the early socialization of the child and

that good parental care was the foundation towards molding a responsible adult.

The Commissioner stated that the governor was committed to the transformation of the education sector in the state which was why the government adopted the whole school renovation approach.

“Mr. governor is ready to give education a facelift in Niger State, what he wanted is for the parents to play their role in guiding the children very well by visiting them regularly in the school to monitor their progress” he stated.

The Commissioner said that the Governor was concerned about the attitude of some parents who apparently neglect the emotional needs of their children by not regularly visiting them in schools and showing them the desired parental love.

Minna

ÎÎÎNiger R-L: Provost, Bayo Tijani College of Education, Mrs. Matilda Amaechi; Chairman/CEO of the College, Alhaji Hammed BayoTijani; Ag. Registrar, Mr. Oseni O. Abbey; Ag. Bursar, Mrs. Suliyat T. Sulaimon, during the 2nd matriculation ceremony at Egan, Igando-Ikotun, Lagos ... recently.

CHRIST HEALING EVANGELICAL CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES UNDER“PART C“OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990 REMOVED TRUSTEES 1. APOSTLE MICHEAL ADENIYI BAMIDELE--DECEASED 2. PROPHET ABRAHAM OLORUNFEMI ODETOLA—DECEASED RETAINED TRUSTEE“S 1.REV. GABRIEL SUNDAY ADELAIYE—LEGAL PRACTICE NEW TRUSTEES 1.PASTOR SAMUEL BABATUNDE OGUNFOWOKAN 2.MR. OLAKEKAN ABIMBOLA 3.MR. OLUMIDE OLUWATOSIN NOIBI ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : OKEZIEM NWOKO : CHAIRMAN CHINYERE JUILET , OKEZIEM- NWOKO : SECRETAY AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SELF RELIANCE 2. TO ENCOURAGE AND ORGANIZE SKILL ACQUISITION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES TO IMPACT SUSTAINABLE KNOWLEDGE. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL , CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION , P.M.B 198,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAIMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARRISTER ( MRS) ALMA NNEBE.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:1, MR SULAIMON FATAI AYOMIDE 2, MR DAIRO IBRAHEEM ADEYEMI 3, MR KOLAWOLE IDOWU DAVID 4, MR ENIYANDUNMO ABIODUN BENARD 5, MR SALAUDEEN SHERIFF OLANREWAJU 6, MR LAWAL KAZEEM ADENIYI 7, MR OLORI ADENIYI ISMAIL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. TO SEEK THE INTEREST, WELFARE AND PROGRESS OF MEMBERS AND THE SOCIETY WHEN NECESSARY. 2. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN AND SELFLESS SERVICES OR ASSISTANCE WITHIN OUR CAPACITY TO MEMBERS WHEN NECESSARY 3. TO EMBARK UPON DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS AND SUPPORT OTHER SOCIETIES WHICH APPEARS TO CATER FOR THE INTEREST OF OUR MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED BY : BARR. MARY BODEDE, 08064165811.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, ALLO RUFFUS OLU MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS OJO RUFUS ALO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

BERNARD P. AGADA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS PETER ABAH NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESSED AS BERNARD P. AGADA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AGBAHA-OTUKPA IN OGBADIBO L.G.A AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHARLES ULO UYE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ODEWUNMI MORIAN OLUWASEYI WISH TO BE KNOWN AN ADDRESSED AS OLAREWAJU PRICILIA OLUWASEYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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This is to confirm that I, NNAMOKO SUNDAY is one and same person as OKENWA SUNDAY PETER. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public take note.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Health

s

Approve vaccines budget for 2017, NIFT tells NASS

Lara Adejoro

In its bid to ensure continuous availability of vaccines and uninterrupted access to immunisation services, the advocacy sub-committee of the National Immunization Financing Task Team (NIFT) has called on the National Assembly to approve the total sum of N7,651,209,498 and N4,859,785,272 for vaccines procurement and the Polio Eradication Initiative respectively, as allocated in the 2017 budget proposal.

This was contained in a communiqué issued and made available to The Daily Times at the end of a one-day workshop held in Kaduna, to develop advocacy strategies for the development of a sustainable immunisation financing transition plan and finalise its harmonised advocacy work plan for 2017.

The immunisation advocates support the Federal Government plan to pursue additional $125 million loan from the World Bank for immunisation financing in 2017, as a temporary measure to bridge the existing funding gap and avoid further outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The communiqué stated that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) should extract the vaccine financing sustainability plan as contained in the Gavi Country Engagement Framework (CEF) and share with advocates when finalised.

Other resolutions at the workshop include, “That FMOH should work with NIFT and other

A non-governmental organization, Lead Nurse Africa International Foundation, has launched the maiden Tele-Nursing in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event the Executive Director of the NGO, Collins Ogboli said the launch is in partnership with Alkin Services International based in the United Kingdom.

Explaining further, he said, “This programme is tele-nursing/ nurses guide conference. We intend to bring resource persons all over the world to help build capacity on nursing so as to facilitate tele-consultation and professional capacity building.

“We also plan to run a monthly nursing programme that will guide nurses towards professional excellence. This will also help our projects of public health in

AMLSN inaugurates 12th chairman Edokpolor Osayande

A cross section of participants at NIFT SIF workshop in Kaduna

advocates to develop innovative sustainable resource mobilization strategies in line with the newly developed National Health Financing Policy; and engage the private sector, including religious institutions.

“That FMOH, through NPHCDA should make quarterly presentations at the Core Group and Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (ICC) as well as produce publications of immunization financing outlook, including budget release and expenditure on their websites to promote transparency and ensure availability of data for use by advocates.”

The communiqué also states that NIFT and partners should

continue to support NPHCDA to conclude the ongoing review of the EPI Comprehensive MultiYear Plan (CMYP 2016-2020) within the next 2 weeks.

It urged the federal government to take ownership and lead the development of sustainable immunization financing mechanism and review the implementation of the above recommendations on a quarterly basis.

Immunization is one of the most cost effective public health interventions ever known to mankind, saving about 2 – 3 million lives yearly. It has contributed significantly to the reduction in infant and child mortality over the past couple of decades.

NGO launches maiden Tele-Nursing in Nigeria

Lara Adejoro

27

rural areas in the country; targetted at children with HIV/AIDS that don’t have people to take care of them, carry out community health outreach, carry out research that will enable us generate data that will help us know how to address the poor health

indices in the country.”

Telenursing refers to the use of telecommunications and information technology in the provision of nursing services whenever a large physical distance exists between patient and nurse, or between any numbers of nurses.

From the middle : Collins Ogbolu (Executive Director) Docars Shonibare ( Director of Nursing Services Lagos State) , Stephanie Ikodiya Kalu ( Director Of Operation) and cross section of Lead Nurse Africa executive members.

A 2016 study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health assessed 94 low and middle income countries and found that vaccinations saved $16-$44 for every dollar invested spent.

Since 2001, the federal government and Gavi have been the main sources of secured funding for the immunization programme. However, Nigeria is no longer eligible for the Gavi support as its Gross National Income has exceeded the $1,580 threshold.

Consequently, there will be a progressive reduction in Gavi’s contribution while there will also be a quantum jump in government funding from 2022.

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State branch, has inaugurated Mr Kehinde Adegoke as her 12th Chairman of the Association that would pilot its affairs for a three-year tenure in the state.

Speaking at the occasion at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, the chairman, Comrade Adegoke said that his leadership tenure is set to build on the achievement of his predecessor, as the welfare of members would be an organizational responsibility.

“As part of the welfare packages of the association, members have started getting allocation of their land and documentation in less than 100 days in office, we have also started another estate where members can buy 2-bedroom bungalow at the rate of 4.5 million and 3 bedrooms at the rate of 6.5 million respectively”.

Adegoke

Scalp cooling caps may save chemo-linked hair loss Scalp cooling caps can help breast cancer patients save their hair from the ravages of chemotherapy, a pair of new studies suggests.

This development published in MedlinePlus on Tuesday states that, more than half of women fitted with cooling caps kept their hair during chemotherapy in the world’s first randomized clinical trial of the devices, said lead researcher Dr. Julie Nangia. She is an assistant professor and breast cancer expert with the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“The trial was stopped early because the device was so effective in the group that got the device,” Nangia said. “In our study, half of women who used the scalp cooling device kept their hair, and in the control group there was zero percent hair retention. Everyone

who didn’t have the device lost their hair.”

A second study also found that the cooling caps could reduce hair loss, with two-thirds of patients losing half or less of their hair during chemotherapy, researchers reported.

Scalp cooling caps could help save lives by making chemotherapy more acceptable to breast cancer patients, Nangia said.

About 50 percent of patients consider hair loss the most traumatic aspect of chemotherapy, and approximately 8 percent report they would decline chemo because of this concern, an accompanying journal editorial stated.

“Universally, every woman cries when I tell them they’re going to lose their hair. There’s a very emotional aspect to it,” Nangia said.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Crime

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Company amputee seeks N15m compensation

A typical factory

OGUNTADE ISMAILA A 23-year-old orphan, Anthony Effiong, who recently lost his right hand to a moulding machine belonging to KGM Chemical Industry, has vowed to sue the company for fifty million Naira, as compensation for the loss.

The young man, who was engaged in the factory, located on plot 6, Cowbell Way, Abimbola Street, Isolo, Lagos, as a casual worker, was initially posted to the assembly section where worked.

Effiong, who is an indigene of Odukpani, Akwa Ibom State, was later redeployed to the injection moulding department, as a machine/reliever without prior training as required by the International Labour rules of engagement.

Narrating his ordeal to our correspondent, the now physically-challenged and psychological depressed Effiong, said the need for greener pastures brought him to Lagos, before he later got a job as a factory worker in that company.

He said initially, he was

IGP, Idris

happy at what looked like an elevation for him when he was moved from the assemblage section to the moulding machine department, but soon started entertaining fear when, on regular basis, accidents occurred in that section; and young men lost their fingers or hands to the bloodsucking machines.

His words: “At that stage, I wanted to approach one of the management staff to plead with him to redeploy me back to the assemblage department, but I was advised by my colleagues that such request is seen as a taboo by the Indian owners; and the consequence for seeking such favours, is sack.”

He said, based on advice by his colleagues, he had no option than to remain on the same job.

Narrating further, Effiong said he had been apprehensive that he could one day be another victim of industrial accident there even before the incident happened to him.

According to him, he had resumed work as usual on

the 26th of October, 2016, but he never had any premonition that danger was lurking around the corner for him.

He said, his fears became real, however, when, during the one-hour mandatory lunch break for workers, his co-operator, one Mr. I. K. excused himself to have lunch and because the company forbids operators to stop work on their machines even for a minute, they (operators take their lunch in turns); and so he has to continue till his partner returns.

He alleged that one of the management staff, Mr. Kisho, an Indian, had, without informing him, increased the speed of the machine; and before he could take precaution, his right hand was caught up in the machine and by the time the machine was put off by the few workers present, it has lacerated his hand at the wrist region.

He said he was rushed to a hospital, where he regained consciousness few days’ later.

Effiong said that doctors battled effortlessly to bring life back to the badly lacerated

wrist, but after realizing that their efforts were not yielding the expected result, they soon advised that his hand be amputated.

According to him, the management’s promise to get him an artificial hand was yet to

“At that stage, I wanted to approach one of the management staff to plead with him to redeploy me back to the assemblage department, but I was advised by my colleagues that such request is seen as a taboo by the Indian owners; and the consequence for seeking such favours, is sack.”

be achieved; and today, he said that he moves about covering his the amputated hand with his shirt.

He vowed that he was going to demand fifty million naira from the company, as compensation for his permanent disability.

Asked if the said Mr. Kisho was ever reprimanded for being the major cause of the accident, he said, “they merely transferred him to our branch office at Agbara” also in Lagos.

It will be recalled that many Nigerians, who suffered various degrees of injuries, most of them leading to permanent disability, or even deaths, have been left to lick their wounds; while the owners of such companies, majority of whom are foreign entrepreneurs, usually felt unconcerned by their act.

Many organisations, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, had campaigned against casualization and had sought for adequate safety at work places and compensation for workers who suffered any form of challenges or death.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

29

a

Ajayi

Ajayi, Adeyemi score in Rotherham’s loss Nigeria’s Semilore Ajayi and Tom Adeyemi scored in Rotherham United’s 3-2 home loss to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Former Nigeria U20 international Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for Rotherham in the 11th minute to give the hosts

1-0 lead.

Tom Adeyemi restored Rotherham United’s lead 2-1 in the 71st minute in a game they eventually lost

Page 30

3-2.

Semi Ajayi has played for Arsenal and Cardiff City.

Rotherham look

doomed for relegation as they are bottom of the English Championship with 17 points from 32 matches.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

A

buchi Obinwa has revealed that he is fast adjusting to his new environment and playing at Major Soccer League (MLS) side, Columbus Crew SC. Obinwa has gained experience with Columbus Crew in their pre-season camp for the MLS season and thinks he has ticked the right boxes ahead of the new campaign.

However, the 19-year-old owned up that “the speed of play” remains “the biggest challenge” he has had to face during the camp.

“It’s a great experience to finally get on my first pre-season with a professional team, and I think I learned a lot everyday with training. And I think I progressed very well. So I think I had a great camp.

“I think it is a big change and I have adapted well because I am very athletic. The league is very athletic and in training the pressure is high. I also think I have adapted well to the style that we play.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is probably adapting to the speed of play. Like said the guys are very quick here and athletic, so the pressure comes along quick,” he told reporters.

The midfielder is now looking forward to playing his first game and at the same time wants to stay fit to be in contention all through the campaign for Crew.

Columbus Crew SC signed Obinwa in January. The teenager last played for the under-19s of German club Hannover 96.

Obinwa adapting to life in MLS Gregg Berhalter and Abuchi Obinwa (right).

Maradona stunned by media reports Maradona at a loss to explain reports of disturbance with girlfriend Diego Maradona was left baffled by media reports of an alleged disturbance involving him and his girlfriend and said the police were not contacted.

The Argentina icon is in Spain ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie with his former club Napoli.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday suggesting that the authorities had been called to Maradona’s hotel room concerning an alleged incident involving the 56-year-old and his partner.

Those claims prompted Maradona to release a statement via his official Facebook page, in which the 1986 World Cup winner denied any complaint had been made to the police.

“I want to inform that I am in Madrid enjoying my family, and waiting for Napoli to play in the Champions League,” Maradona said.

“My lawyer Matias Morla contacted the Spanish authorities. There are no complaints and nobody

was able to explain to me the reason for this media show.

“I’m having a great time, let them tell their stories...”

Maradona

NBF holds National Open tourney

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

All is now set for the Nigeria Boxing Federation National Open Men and Women Championship holding from February 19th -26th 2017 at the BraiAyenote Boxing Gym, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos.

Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Chimezie Asiegbu who informed Extra Time that the weeklong championship will feature all the ten weight categories for men according to the International Boxing Association standard while only three weight categories will feature in the women class.

These include 46-49kg, 52kg, 56kg, 60kg, 64kg, 69kg, 75kg, 84kg, 91kg and +91kg for men while the women will be doing battle in the 51kg, 60kg and 75kg weight class.

However, the states, armed

forces which include the Nigeria Army, Navy, Air-Force and the Nigerian Police, clubs and private individuals wishing to participate in the championship have been advised to forward their entries to reach the secretariat of the Nigeria Boxing Federation on or before February, 19, 2017, closing date for entries.

Meanwhile, states are to carter for the accommodation and transportation of their athletes to and fro Lagos while other logistics including medical and security issues are the responsibility of the organizers.

However, Oyo State and Abbey Boxing Club have registered two teams each while Lagos, Delta, FCT, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Corps have also registered. States are free to register more than one team provided they can cater for them.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO…

Bilic fined, escapes ban for misdemeanour

S

Rooney, others out of Man Utd, Saint-Etienne tie

M

anchester United will be without captain Wayne Rooney and midfielder Michael Carrick for the Europa League clash with Saint-Etienne today, while Phil Jones remains sidelined.

The trio missed training on Wednesday and Mourinho confirmed at his pre-match news conference that they would not be involved in the first leg of United’s last-32 tie against their Ligue 1 op-

Bale Rooney

ponents.

Defender Jones has not featured since limping out of the 0-0 Premier League draw with Hull City earlier this month, when he sustained a bruised foot.

Rooney and Carrick will sit out as a precaution, with an FA Cup fifth-round trip to Blackburn Rovers and the EFL Cup final against Southampton concluding United’s February schedule either side of the return leg in France.

“Wayne and Michael, I don’t want to say injuries because I don’t think we are speaking about injuries,” Mourinho said.

“We are speaking about little problems and protection for these problems, so they are out.”

To offset Jones’ ongoing absence, Mourinho revealed Marcos Rojo would be fit to play, having missed out on the 2-0 weekend win over Watford, but the Argentina defender will not start.

Galatasaray appoint Tudor as new boss

G

alatasaray have appointed Igor Tudor as their new head coach on a one-and-a-half-year contract. Tudor, 38, joins from fellow Super Lig club Karabukspor in a move that swiftly follows Tuesday’s sacking of Jan Olde Riekerink, who had been in charge of Gala for less than a year. The former Juventus

and Croatia defender has impressed at the helm of Karabukspor this season. Tudor is now at his fourth club in as many years since starting his non-playing career, having previously been in charge of Hajduk Split in his homeland and Greek club PAOK.

Xavi tips Guardiola to bring Wilshere to City J ack Wilshere will be on Pep Guardiola’s radar when he draws up a shortlist of close-season targets for Manchester City, says Barcelona legend Xavi.

City boss Guardiola has long been an admirer of the Arsenal midfielder, who is spending the season on loan at Bournemouth following his well-documented injury problems in recent seasons, dating back to a Champions League tie between Barcelona and Arsenal in 2011.

The England international’s future remains in question, with Arsene Wenger - whose own contract expires at the end of the season - boasting a wealth of options in the Gunners’ midfield.

Guardiola paid tribute to Wilshere’s quality ahead of City’s Premier League win over Bournemouth this week, and Xavi - a key component of Guardiola’s golden Barca era - believes his old boss may be interested in striking a deal.

“I know Pep has always had a lot of respect for Wilshere - he impressed so many of the Barcelona team when we played Arsenal in 2011,” Xavi told reporters.

“He impressed me a lot that night, I know he also did Pep and it will be a player that he would have been following ever since.

“We have talked about him, it was not a performance you forget easily.

“Technically he is the sort of player that Pep loves - his only problem has been injuries - and if it wasn’t for the issues he has had with injuries I am sure he would be one of the best midfield players in the world.

“At the moment he seems to be doing well with his fitness and, if there is a chance to sign him in the summer, I am sure Pep will give it real consideration.”

laven Bilic has been fined but escaped a touchline ban after being sent to the stands late in West Ham’s 2-2 Premier League draw with West Brom.

Bilic was ordered away from the sidelines by referee Michael Oliver after reacting furiously to the Baggies’ stoppage-time equaliser, which secured a 2-2 draw at London Stadium on Saturday - the Croatian manager picking up and throwing a touchline broadcast microphone.

His assistant Nikola Jurcevic had already been dismissed in the 19th minute for venturing the length of the touchline to confront the assistant referee and protest against West Ham’s disallowed goal, which would have made the score 1-1.

Both men have been fined £8,000 after admitting a Football Association misconduct charge and accepting the standard penalty, leaving the 48-year-old boss free to take charge of the team’s next match away to Watford on February 25.

After the dramatic draw, Bilic was unrepentant and seemingly unconcerned about a potential suspension.

“Will I get a ban? Whatever,” Bilic said.

“We have been punished enough with the result. I’m sorry to the microphone.”

Cavani revels in ‘special’victory

E

dinson Cavani revelled in Paris Saint-Germain marking his 30th birthday with a “special” 4-0 thumping of Barcelona on Tuesday. PSG took a huge step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with an emphatic victory in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Cavani rounded off the scoring after a double from Angel Di Maria – also celebrating his birthday – sandwiched a goal from Julian Draxler. The Uruguay international enjoyed the occasion, but was quick to point out that PSG cannot lose focus on domestic matters.

Cavani

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T Bash Ali

Anibeze denies assault report on Bash Ali Uzoenyi completes Wits switch Bidvest Wits have announced that former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Ejike Uzoenyi has signed for six months.

The 24-year-old Nigerian-born winger trained with the Clever Boys after leaving the ABSA Premiership defending champions last month.

Announcing the move on Wednesday, the Braamfontein-based side wished the speedy and tricky winger all the best in the team.

It is reported by the club that he joins on a six-month deal and is set to add depth to Gavin Hunts side as they aim at challenging for the league title.

The Students sit at number four with 28 points and will hope to frustrate the struggling Sea Robbers ship.

Uzoenyi

he Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Youth and Sports Nneka Ikem Anibeze has described as falsehood, a story being circulated by former cruiser weight boxing champion Bashiru Ali aka Bash Ali. The Minister’s aide said the text message by Ali is an unsubstantiated claim with intent to deceive the public.

The SMS being disseminated by the boxer claimed that he was currently admitted at the trauma ward of the National Hospital Abuja after he was manhandled by the Minister’s security.

According to the SA Media, “Ali came to see the Minister and was told to wait at the Minister’s waiting room with the 10 people who accompanied him.

“The Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Prof. Gabor Ternak who had an earlier appointment for 2pm arrived a few minutes later and was ushered in by the Protocol officer.

Bash Ali barricaded the entrance to the office of the Minister with the men who accompanied him as he questioned why the ambassador

would be allowed to see the Minister while he, who came earlier was not given access,” she said.

The uniformed security tried to persuade Bash and his men to leave the Minister’s Secretary’s office but to no avail. The boxer who was carrying a file and mobile phone carefully went to the Secretary’s table to drop his valuables and then fell flat on his back across the doorway.

“Bash Ali was neither touched, shoved nor manhandled by security operatives of the Minister. He feigned that he had been beaten up but we challenge him to produce physical evidence of assault, gun butt bumps, bruises, swelling or otherwise as being presented to the public.

“He needs to find alternative means of raising money for this World Guinness book of records title fight as government is finding it difficult to sustain programs on the sports calendar of sports federations at this time of recession let alone a title fight by a professional boxer,” Anibeze concluded.

The incident has already been reported to the police while other security agencies have been duly notified.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

FG, Labour agree to review minimum wage

Kerosene sells at N434, as price increases 87.12 % in January The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that Nigerians bought Kerosene at N434 per litre in January from N231.85 they bought the product in December 2016.

The bureau announced this in a “National Household Kerosene Price Watch (January 2017)’’ released on Wednesday in Abuja.

The report stated that average price per litre paid by consumers for Kerosene increased by 87.12 per cent year-on-year.

It stated that the price increased by 93.19 per cent month-on-month to N433.84 in January from N231.85 in December, 2016.

“States with the highest average price per litre of kerosene were Sokoto which sold for N647.62; Niger, N625.00 and Edo which sold for N560.19.

“States with the lowest average price per litre of kerosene were Ogun which sold for N324.44; Zamfara sold for N300.00 and Plateau N270.00.’’

Similarly, the report stated that average price per gallon paid by consumers for Kerosene increased by 38.92 per cent year-on-year.

The report stated that it increased by 101.80 per cent monthon-month to N1, 434 in January from N1,033 in December 2016.

“States with the highest average price per gallon of kerosene were Sokoto which sold it N1, 814.00; Taraba sold for N1,787 while Oyo and Niger sold for N1,700.00.

“States with the lowest average price per litre of kerosene were Ogun (N1,182. 14), Zamfara (N1,211.11) and Plateau (N1,232.35).

Meanwhile a Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) Price Watch for January, also released by NBS, stated that average price paid by consumers for automotive gas oil (diesel) increased by 22.56 per cent year-onyear.

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Page B2

Naira drops further, closes 510/$1 at parallel market Page B3

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Huge improvement in quality of service by media independents Page B6 – Adetu

Information, education, catalysts for consumer protection – NCC Tony Nwakaegho The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has held the 25th Edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting (THM) at the New Keffi Hotel, Keffi-Akwanga Express Way, Keffi, Nasarawa State where it underscored the importance the Commission attaches to consumer rights and their protection.

The NCC Director of Consumer

Affairs, Mr. Abdullahi Maikano, represented by one of his deputy, Mr. Ismail Adedigba declared open the programme which focused on the theme: “Information and Education as Catalysts for Consumer Protection”.

Adedigba noted that the institutionalization of multiple platforms on consumer issues which include the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP); and the Consumer Outreach Programme

(COP) to enable consumers to interact directly with the Commission and service providers, signify the centrality of the consumer to the undertakings of the NCC. He stressed on the place of Protection, Information and Education (PIE) of telecom consumers as an important duty of the Commission and service providers.

This explains, he said, why NCC instituted the consumer Town Hall Meeting (THM) to

bring consumers, service providers and the Commission together to address telecom issues and challenges affecting consumers in rural areas.

The other consumer-centric companion initiatives TCP and COP take place at State capitals and semi-urban towns respectively in order to ensure that grievances of consumers at all levels and at different locations are attended to.

L-R: Chairman Dangote Flour Mills Plc,Asue Ighodalo, President/CE Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote,Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema at Dangote Foods Gala Nite in Lagos on Monday.

Sokoto govt’, Dangote, sign rice growers’ agreement A tripartite agreement spare headed by the Dangote Rice limited to create jobs for 16,000 outgrower rice farmers in Sokoto was yesterday signed amid excitement and a pledge by all parties to ensure the success of the scheme to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice cultivation.

The agreement was signed dur-

ing the launch of the Dangote rice outgrower scheme in Goronyo, Goronyo Local government, Sokoto, which was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar. Farmers were presented with rice seeds, fertilizers, nets, agro chemicals.

Chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, Aliko Dangote said he

was mover to go into rice cultivation because of the genuine interest of the Federal government to revive agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, and reduce importation of foods that could be produced locally.

He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5 Mtn of rice which costs

the nation over 2 billion dollars annually pointing out that it is heartening that the government now has policy direction that encourages private sector’s active participation in agriculture.

“Buoyed by the policy direction of the federal government, we at Dangote decided to key into this CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Fidelity Bank trains children on social etiquette

Sokoto govt’, Dangote, sign rice growers’ agreement CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

by establishing Dan gone Rice Limited to partner with states to redress the present situation where a huge sumo forex is spent on importation of rice.

“In the next three years we want to produce one million tons of quality rice and make it available and affordable to the people.

We hope to do 150, 000 ha and when we are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with importation of rice.

“Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed to creating significant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country by providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers.

“This Scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nation’s import bill. The scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain,” he stated.

The Dangote Rice Project Director, Robert Coleman, said the Sokoto operation was a demonstration phase to familiarize the farming community with the programme, train extension workers and lead farmers as well as test modern technologies. He noted that they would have 25,000 ha cultivated by nearly 50,000 outgrowers in 2017 in addition to hundreds of jobs expected to be created by the end of that year.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal expressed delight at the event, saying the coming of Dangote to invest in the state was as a result of his sustained effort towards inviting prospective investors to the state.

He said the state under the scheme, just as it had done with the federal government would distribute nets, water pumping machines and fertiliser T subsidised prices to help the farmers have good yield.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that the scheme would cover 10 local governments in the statend and that the state government is committing several millions of naira to support the famers in the scheme.

According to him, “the farmers participating in the 5000 ha pilot scheme, the state government is giving out free nets to fight against queue a birds during production which is costing the state N48 million. The state will release and sell 5000 units of water pump worth N170 million at a subsidised rate of N10, 000 each.

L-R: Head of Sustainability Services, Ernest and Young Nigeria, Joseph Owolabi; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale; Head, Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; Global Sustainable Development Director, Diageo Plc, David Croft and Head of Governance, Water Aid Nigeria, Tolani Busari, during the launch of Guinness Nigeria 2016 Sustainability Report in Lagos...on Wednesday.

Gains by highly priced equities lift stock market by N34bn …As Forte Oil lead gainers Bonny Amadi Capitalization of the Nigerian equities market on Wednesday recorded growth

by N34 billion, supported by gains in highly priced equities.

Market value closed trade higher at N8.697 trillion, having opened trading for the day at N8, 66 trillion. The positive trend whish reversed declining line of the market for the past consecutive two days further reflected on the NSE All Share index which closed higher at 25,130.26 points, from 25,032.17 points which opened trade, reflecting growth by growth by 90.09 points.

The price movement table showed that 10 equities appreci-

ated, lower than 14 others that recorded decline in their equities prices.

FORTE oil gained 10.23 per cent or N5.80 to close at N62.50 per share, followed by Beta Glass with equity price gain of 4.98 per cent or N1.73, closing trade at N36.45 per share, Honeywell Flour grew by 4.76 per cent or N0.05, to close at N1.10 per share, while UACP and NB closed the top five gainers table with 4, 23 per cent or N0.15 and 4.15 per cent or N4.68 to close at N3.70 and N117.50 per share respectively.

Dangote Cement closed the top ten gainers table with 0.59 per cent or N0.99 closing trade at N169.00 per share.

The decliners table showed that Air service led the losers table with -4.88 per cent or N0.14 to close at N2.73 per share, followed by Guinness Nigeria with 4.81 per cent or N3.08 to close at N60.92 per share while Continental Reinsurance declined by -4.55 per cent or N0.05 to close lower at N1.05 per share.

Fidson depreciated by -3.81 or N0.04 to close at N1.01, while African Prudential Registrars closed the to five decliners table with -3.81 or N0.10 to close trade lower on Wednesday at N3.05 per share. However, Custodians Insurance closed the top 14 decliners table with -0.30 per cent or N0.01, closing trade at N3.23 per share.

FG, Labour agree to review minimum wage The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, says the Federal Government and the organised Labour movement in the country have reached a consensus to review the National Minimum Wage.

Wabba, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the consensus was reached during the sitting of the Technical Committee on Palliative.

He said the committee was meant to look into the framework to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians and cushion the effect of the increase in the price of fuel.

He also noted that the report of the committee, which was also meant to discuss the issue of the minimum wage, was ready for submission.

“I think there is a consensus on

the fact that nobody has said that the minimum wage should not be reviewed.

“The palliative report is ready and it would be submitted before the end of the month.

“At the last palliative meeting, labour leaders had requested that they needed to look at the main report of the committee before submission.

“So, the technical committee will have to submit its report to Mr President and not to the Minister of Labour and Employment,‘’ he said.

Wabba said that after the submission, the Presidency would then set up the tripartite committee that would involve the government, private and public sector.

The NLC President said that labour was hopeful that the minimum wage committee would be constituted soon.

He said that labour had also received positive response from the National Assembly, saying that the Senate had promised to pass the bill.

Wabba

Fidelity Bank Plc is collaborating with JSK Etiquette Consortium to teach contemporary manners and social skills to children in Nigeria with a training programme which held at the weekend at the Fidelity Bank Private Banking office, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

This laudable initiative which is part of the Bank’s Mentorship Programm for the Younger Generation, also seeks to enlighten and equip children with the right values at an early age. Children between the ages of nine to fifteen years were also trained on other soft skills such as communication and collaboration to prepare them for future endeavours.

In his welcome address at the one-day Youth Etiquette Class held in Lagos, the Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said “at a time when inappropriate behavior and manners are threatening to push our core values as a nation to the background, we need to rekindle hope for tomorrow by teaching children basic etiquette while reinforcing what parents may have thought them.”

Dangote rewards foods distributors Bonny Amadi Distributors of the Dangote foods companies, including Dangote Flour, Sugar and Salt smiled home last night as the management of the Companies doled out over N2 billion as rewards for their loyalty to the companies over the past one year.

At a Gala night Tuesday night, top performers in each of the six geo-political zones as well as national leading distributors were duly recognised with plagues and cash rewards of varying amounts.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the recognition and cash rewards was in the character of the Companies management to appreciate their loyalty customers who stood by the organizations through thick and thin.

“Our achievements would not have been possible without you. You stood by us through thick and thin. We appreciate the confidence reposted in us to serve you. We came into these businesses at a time Nigerians have preferences for imported foreign foods, even if inferior.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Inflation accelerates to 18.72% in Jan -NBS The Nigerian annual inflation in January rose to 18.72 percent from 18.55 percent in December, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday.

A separate food index showed inflation at 17.82 percent from 17.39 percent in December, the statistics office said The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 18.72 percent (yearon-year) in January 2017, 0.17 percentage points higher from the rate recorded in December 2016 (18.55) percent. Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yield the Headline Index.

Communication and Restaurants and Hotels again recorded the slowest pace of growth in January, growing at 5.1 percent and 8.4 percent (year-on-year) respectively.

However, the faster pace of growth in headline inflation, year on year, were bread and cereals, meat, fish, oils and fats, potatoes, yams and other tubers, wine and spirits, clothing materials and accessories, electricity, cooking gas, liquid and solid fuels, motor cars and maintenance, vehicle spare parts and fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road On a month on month basis, headline inflation was driven by passenger transport by air, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, liquid fuels, cooking gas, oils and fats, fruits, Miké cheese and eggs, fish, meat and bread and cereals.

B3 Money Market

CBN debunks claims of fake Naira notes in circulation Stories by Motolani Oseni The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has discredited the report alleging 20 percent of naira currencies in circulation are fake.

In the latest statement of the apex bank, its spokesman Isaac Okorafor, pointed out that the Rate of Naira Counterfeiting in circulation is currently standing less than one per cent, which is against the - CBN According to the CBN Ag. Director, Corporate Communication, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to certain spu-

rious and grossly uninformed claims suggesting that about 20 per cent of the Naira currency notes in circulation are counterfeited”.

“While we acknowledge that no currency in the world is immune from counterfeiting, we make bold to state that the rate of counterfeiting in Nigeria has been very minimal due to appropriate policies put in place by the Bank. Indeed, our records at the Bank clearly indicate that the prevalence of counterfeit notes in Nigeria from January to December 2016 was less than one per cent (0.0014%) or 14 counterfeit pieces out of one

million bank notes”.

“In line with our core value of proactivity, we have always endeavored to use strong security features to make it difficult for dishonest persons to counterfeit the currency. In addition to that, we have carried out periodic massive nation-wide enlightenment of Nigerians on easy identification of fake banknotes and the reporting of such”.

“We therefore find it rather curious that a former high ranking official of the CBN would make such bogus and unauthentic claims apparently calculated to destroy confidence in our national currency and sabotage

the collaborative efforts of the CBN and the Federal Government at ensuring enduring stability of the financial system.

The unfortunate implication of the fabricated claim of the said former official of the Bank, is that it gives the false impression that two bills out of every ten Naira pieces held by an individual is ‘fake’”.

“We therefore challenge the said former CBN official to make public the empirical evidence suggesting that 20 per cent Naira currency in circulation is fake. For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN frowns strongly at attempts to counterfeit the Naira”.

UBA

L-R: Director, Independent Newspapers, Adaobi Nwakuche, presenting the award of the Most Innovative Bank won by UBA Plc to the Divisional Head, Digital and Consumer Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Yinka Adedeji while Managing Director, Independent Newspapers, Mr. Ted Iwere looks on, at the Independent Newspapers Awards, held in Lagos recently.

Naira drops further, closes 510/$1 at parallel market The Nigerian currency, the Naira on Wednesday fell further to close at 510 per US dollar against a relative depreciated rate of 507 traded on Tuesday at the parallel market.

The naira was sold at 625 to a pound and 535 per Euro respectively on the unofficial segment of the foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

The local currency, opened the week at a negative rate of 503 to a dollar against 498 that was traded few weeks ago but dropped to over 500 recently.

At the CBN official rate, the naira was sold at 305.50 to a dollar, 381.14 per pound Sterling and 324.75 against Euro respectively.

But the Western Union receiving rate stood at N 375.00 to a

dollar, N458.24 to the pound and, N388.67 per Euro.

Similarly, the local currency at the Moneygram receiving rate yesterday exchanged at N373.12 to the greenback, while traded at 466.66 to a pound and N396.22 against the Euro.

The naira, recorded a fresh low on the black market last Friday, at 506 per dollar, as traders tested new levels to try to tempt dollar holders to sell.

The currency has hovered near the 500 level for more than two weeks and, with demand for dollars swelling, crossed the threshold as the unapproved retail market opened on Friday.

However, it is very important to note that the issue of unmet foreign exchange demand in the

country has been persistence over the time, which is responsible for the sharp drop in the local currency value.

Proffering ways to combat this menace of forex shortage in the country, KPMG, a global firm providing audit, tax and advisory services, has said that for the country to achieve foreign exchange stability and solve the issue of unmet demand which stands at about $4 billion there was need for fiscal discipline and strong monetary policies.

Speaking at KPMG Shareholders Audit Committee Seminar for Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, NSSA, Partner, Audit Services at KPMG, Mr Kabir Okunlola, advised the Federal Government to

streamline the foreign exchange market to a single platform to enhance transparency and price

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

stability.

Presently, Nigeria’s foreign exchange market runs on about five platforms with five different exchange rates.

He explained that the current fragmented nature of foreign exchange market will not help the country, noting, that “the sustainable solution is to have stable rate that everybody can get in terms of Foreign Exchange, because if we have different rates, it will give opportunity for fraud, where people get cheaper rate and sell at high rate in the market.”

Okunlola pointed out the need for government to reduce the extent of speculative demand for foreign exchange in the market.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Capital market to leverage NISM Diaspora for economy recovery Stories By Bonny Amadi

L-R: Afreximbank President Dr. Benedict Oramah with Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada of Sao Tomé and Príncipe after their meeting on Wednesday.

NSE ASI rebounds by 0.39% Afolabi Adesola The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share Index (ASI) on Wednesday halted a three day losing streak, to rebound by 0.39 percent due to moderate gains posted by certain blue chip companies.

The ASI which started the day at 25,032.17 points added 98.09 points to close at 25,130.26 points.

In the same vein, market capitalisation appreciated 0.39 percent or N33.9 billion to close at N8.697 trillion compared with Tuesday’s closing figure of N8.663 trillion.

The day’s gains were attributed to capital appreciation recorded in Forte Oil, Nigerian Breweries as well as Dangote Cement.

The price movement chart showed that Forte Oil, led the gainers’ table when it added N10.23 percent to close at N62.50 per share, followed by Betaglass which appreciated 4.98 percent to close at N115.88 per share, Honeywell Flourmills gained 4.76 percent to close at N1.10 per share. UCAP increased 4.23 percent to close at N3.70 per share, while Nigerian Breweries grew 4.15 percent to close at N117.50 per share, among others.

Airservice led the decliners’ table with a loss of 4.88 percent to close at N2.73 per share, followed by Guinness, which shed 4.81 percent to close at N60.92 per share, Continental Reinsurance depreciated by 4.55 percent to close at N1.05 per share, Fidson dropped 3.81 percent to close at N1.01 per share, while Af-

rica Prudential Registrars went down by 3.17 percent to close at N3.05 per share, among others.

Zenith Bank emerged the most traded equity on Wednesday with an exchange of 48.5 million shares worth N727.6 million.

It was trailed by Sterling Bank having accounted for 25.99 million shares valued at N18.2 million. Guaranty Trust Bank recorded the sale of 20.04 million shares worth N477.1 million; Access Bank exchanged 11.5 million shares valued at N76.02 million while United Capital traded 8.5 million shares worth N31.2 million.

Overall, investors in 4,216 deals traded a total of 161.9 million shares valued at N1.8 billion compared to 144.9 million shares

FMDQ to admit inaugural listing of FGN $1bn Eurobonds …Targets to be Africa’s NO.1 by 2019 FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange is set to admit the pioneer listing of the $1bn Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Eurobond to its platform, as the OTC Exchange targets to be No. 1 in the fixed income and currencies markets in Africa by 2019.

The listing reflects the strategic and value-adding initiatives spearheaded by the OTC Exchange in developing the Nigerian financial markets.

The OTC Exchange, in admitting the $1.00bn Eurobond for listing and trading, assured that it would continue to provide a worthy and operation-

ally excellent platform, serving as the point of integration between the domestic and international markets.

The historic event, according to the FMDQ, follows series of meetings on the importance of promoting and supporting economic development in the country through the opening of Eurobonds to the domestic Debt Capital Market (DCM) via the OTC Exchange’s platform.

This led to the listing endorsement by the country’s Debt Management Office (DMO), and the Ministry of Finance, to list the Eurobond on the FMDQ OTC to deepen and

support development of the local DCM. DMO is the authority under which the Nigerian government issues Bonds and Treasury Bills.

FGN’s issuance of the $1.00bn Eurobond is aimed at fostering economic development and will also serve to rejuvenate the vibrancy of the nation’s foreign exchange (FX) market. With the listing, FMDQ has made history, as the first Exchange in Nigeria to host a sovereign Eurobond, following the nation’s first and second Eurobonds in the international capital markets in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

The Nigerian capital market and that of United Kingdom have commenced partnership initiatives through the Nigeria in Square Mile (NISM), tapping into the Diaspora reach to revive Nigeria’s dwindling economy.

NISM, is a membership, think tank organisation made up of outstanding individuals in the financial and professional services sectors in the City of London.

Established in 2008, NISM has become an influential organisation advancing the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in the world’s leading financial centres.

At the launch of Lagos Chapter NISM at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Chief Executive Officer, of the Exchange Mr. Ocar Onyema said that establishing a Lagos Chapter of Nigeria in square Mile (NISM) is a logical and crucial step in enabling the body deliver on its prime objective which is “serve as a think-tank,

and contribute to the development of a vibrant and professional financial services industry in Nigeria”.

NSE CEO urged every Nigerian to support the NISM as its inclusiveness remains pivotal to realising the collective quest to make Nigeria great again. “We must give every Nigerian that has something meaningful to contribute to our development, an opportunity to be involved. This is the only way we can build a better future for both the Nigerian state and its Diaspora” Oscar Onyema inducted as patron of NISM IN September 2015, said that the organisation understands the relevance and importance of leveraging the Diaspora community for the sustainable development of the Nigerian economy. Leverage, he said, is imperative as “we urgently need to catalyse the rebound of our economy and offer the vast majority of Nigerians, a new lease of life”

Afreximbank aids Sao Tomé’s blue economy with financial, advisory services The African Export-Import Bank has expressed its commitment to providing financial and advisory support to assist Sao Tomé and Principe.

The move which is to help the gulf of Guinea region African country achieve its structural transformation which focuses on expanding and diversifying its blue economy, will further advance the country’s economic growth.

President of the Bank, Dr. Benedict Oramah speaking in Sao Tomé and Príncipe recently during a visit to Patrice Trovoada, Prime Minister of the country, said that Sao Tomé and Príncipe’s vision and regional perspective to development were in line with Afreximbank’s IntraAfrican Trade Strategy and its drive for value-added export from Africa.

“Sao Tomé has decided to fo-

cus its efforts on the diversification of its services and logistics sector while leveraging on its large maritime territory to grow its fish and port industries,” Oramah noted that the country has, therefore, taken a well-thoughtout and targeted developmental approach, based on the logistics demands and trade exchange needs of neighbouring countries, aimed at positioning as a strategic hub and stop-over for trade in the Gulf of Guinea region.”

The Afreximbank President revealed that the Bank had made significant contributions to the economic development of other island countries that were its members, adding that the Eden Island project currently contributing more than 20 per cent of the Seychellois GDP, was created and financed in Seychelles by the bank.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

25,130.26 4,216.00 161,939,067.00 1,796,864,395.98 8,697,107,543,825.38

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

29,000

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

28,000

12,000

10,000

27,000 8,000 26,000 6,000 25,000 4,000 24,000 2,000

23,000 22,000

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08-Dec 11-Dec 14-Dec 17-Dec 20-Dec 23-Dec 26-Dec 29-Dec 01-Jan 04-Jan 07-Jan 10-Jan 13-Jan 16-Jan 19-Jan 22-Jan 25-Jan 28-Jan 31-Jan 03-Feb 06-Feb 09-Feb 12-Feb 15-Feb

B5

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

B6 Brands & Marketing

Capri-Sonne plans interface with children nationwide The Capri-Sonne Fun Alarm Promo will resonate with children across Nigeria, it will also create the excitement and fun that Capri-Sonne is known for, by offering experiences children love to engage in, the Managing Director, Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy has said.

Roy who made this known in a statement made available to newsmen recently in Lagos, disclosed that Capri-Sonne, the fruit juice mothers all over the world trust, has launched a national consumer promotion tagged ‘Fun Alarm Promo.’ The promo which is targeted at mothers who want the best for their children will give them the opportunity to win free gifts inside every carton of all variants of their favourite

Capri-Sonne that they buy while the promo lasts According to him, “the Capri-Sonne “Fun Alarm Promo” which is being amplified nationwide with an effective media campaign running on major regional and national television channels and radio stations in the country. Simultaneously, the campaign is being driven through advertisements on Billboards and digital platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Consumer engagement platforms such as trade activations in open markets and consumer activations like taste trials in schools and shopping malls has commenced in various cities to connect with the consumers.”

L-R: Managing Partner, GroupM, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Gavin Duke; Founder & Group CEO, Algorithm Media, Mr. Seni Adetu, his wife, Janet and Chairman, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Ernest Ebi at the media launch of Algorithm Media and announcement of its affiliation to GroupM recently in Lagos.

Huge improvement in quality of service by media independents – Adetu Stories by Godwin Anyebe Reflecting back on his thirty years of working on the client’s side, the Managing Director of Algorithm Me-

Adetu

dia Seni Adetu, has disclosed that there has been a huge improvement in the quality of media services offered by the main media independent players.

Adetu who made this known recently in Lagos at a media launch of Algorithm Media into the Nigerian market as well as its affiliation to GroupM and panel discussion entitled “Connecting with the Nigerian Consumer in a recession said; “Today, we are seeing more and more agencies having the necessary tools to enable quality insights for media strategy and planning, we have better and sharper responses to clients’ briefs and we are tracking media placement much more effectively. If you take the example of outdoor, with technology now, taking date coded pictures of lighted campaigns on the billboards have been made a lot easier.”

According to him, Algorithm Media, “our company being formally introduced to you today, offers advertising media

selection services that include media planning and buying. We are affiliated to GroupM, the world’s largest media services company renowned for innovation, speed and excellence.”

“Similar to all GroupM affiliated agencies, Algorithm Media runs an independent operations in its own right. We however have the leverage and collabo rate with GroupM on activities that include content creation, digital advertising, finance, proprietary tool development and other business-critical capabilities”. He added.

He added that as a localised media specialist company, we aim to become the “go to” media agency for creative media planning and buying. When the client needs reassurances of commercial benefits from their media spend and 110% governance assurance, we would ask they speak to us. With Algorithm Media open for business in Nigeria, blue chips and global corporations can look forward

to speed, innovation and excellence in brand building.”

The Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ernest Ebi, who was chairman of the panel discussion segment, said the topic of discussion was very relevant against the backdrop of the economic headwinds in the country that had drastically affected consumer behaviours.

He said the high inflationary pressure, dollar shortage, low fiscal activities and accumulation of salary arrears, among others, had taken a toll on the consumers.

“The issues are quite weighty and are bound to affect consumer behaviours in the country,” Ebi stated.

The President, Coca-Cola West Africa, Peter Njonjo, stressed the need for companies to invest more and launch affordable products during tough times, saying, “The company will come out stronger and earn greater loyalty from the consumers.

There is a huge population in Nigeria that is spending a lot every day.

Nigerian Breweries rewards trade partners After a fulfilling and rewarding business relationship in 2016, one of Nigerian brewing giants, Nigerian Breweries Plc recently in Lagos, rewarded its distributors and trade partners spread across the country.

Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde thanked the distributors for the longstanding relationship and the value added to the business last year. He restated the commitment and sustained support of the company in the years ahead despite the continuing challenges in the economy.

“As partners for greatness, we need you now more than ever before to win. The environment is more intense and the com-

petitive landscape continues to change every day locally and globally, “he said.

He disclosed that as the company looks forward to 2017 and is prepared for the challenges, the years ahead will be more profitable, since the fundamentals of the Nigerian market is very positive. Vervelde lauded the partners for 70 years of support and affirmed that the company looks forward to sustaining its partnership with them in the years ahead.

On his part, Hubert Eze, the company’s Sales Director thanked the company’s customers for the unrelenting support throughout 2016 and explained that the annual award was conceived to be a celebration of their excellent performance in the

preceding year. He added that despite the challenges in the operating environment, the company did well in 2016 and achieved many milestones as a result of the partnership with them. He challenged the customers to resilient as they set out to achieve their mutual business objectives in 2017.

During the event, several awards were presented to winners including the CFAO Award for Non-alcohol Distributors; Growth Award and Isuzu Direct Depletion to Road Award. Others were Regional Key Transporters Award; Brand Champions; National Key Transporter; Regional Champions and National Champions.

In the climax of the event, last year’s winner, Ken Maduakor Group Limited

from Nnewi in Onitsha marketing zone beat two others to emerge National Champion and the company’s best distributor for 2016.

Nathan Ofoma and Sons Limited, Nkpor, Anambra State came second and beat Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited, the winner in 2013 and 2014, to the third position Maduakor who set an African record last year by selling more than five million cases of beer in 2015, broke his own record by selling more than six million cases in 2016. He thanked the company for the gesture and advised that the momentum be sustained so that the company and its partners will remain on top.

Property

B7

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Failure to implement NHF responsible for housing deficit - Experts Stories by Babajide Okeowo The National President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Rev. Ugochuckwu Chime has revealed that the failure of policy makers in the country to tap into provisions of the National Housing Funds responsible for the huge housing deficit in the country.

This is even as he posited that there must be a synergy between the NHF and the pension fund.

With a pension fund standing at about N6tr and a housing deficit of 17m million, experts believe that with proper policy implementation, Nigeria has

Call for synergy between NHF, pension fund what it takes to surmount the challenge.

According to the REDAN boss said; “The NHF and the Pension Funds are funds created to ensure that while in service or retirement; the average Nigerian worker is catered for. We know that three elements form the basic needs of man that is food shelter and clothing and now government have been intervening in the issue of food where we now have single.

“Unfortunately policy makers have not deemed it necessary to implement some of the pro-

visions of the NHF. The provisions of the NHF and the Pension Funds which is now the contributory scheme were all dovetailed into the welfare of the worker and there must be a linkage because if you contribute money the value of the money at the point of contribution is not comparable to the value of the money at the point of retirement, you will find out that inflation have eaten up the money so that whereas what you are getting at the point of retirement as pension fund and retirement savings account is only a negligible per-

centage in terms of its purchasing power “We are saying that let there be linkage and synergy between the NHF and pension fund to ensure that the trillion of naira in the pension funds is brought to bear on the welfare of the worker at a time that welfare will make meaning to them now not on retirement when the purchasing power of that money would have depreciated very alarmingly.”

Similarly, the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria Chairman, Mr. Chudi Ubosi, in his presentation, titled: ‘Investment of

pension Fund and idle funds in housing development: The estate surveyor and valuer’s perspectives’’, argued that with about 17 million housing deficit, and the demand for housing put at 10:1 for demands and supply, about N59 trillion would be required to bridge the gap in housing. He said the sector contributes about 1.3 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Ubosi regretted that housing is still low, saying that Lagos State, which has been described as the most vibrant property market in the country,.

Stakeholders chart course on real estate opportunities in recession Stakeholders in the real estate industry will converge at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos for the 2016 edition of the Refined Investor Series (RIS), promoted by Fine and Country International Realty to discuss how to tap into the vast opportunity available in the industry as a panacea to the recession the country is currently facing.

The programme, which is coming on the heels of Fine and Country West Africa’s 8th anniversary in Nigeria, will be chaired by the Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola will discuss the theme – “Out of the Box”: Unlocking Smart Real Estate Opportunities during a Recession RIS is a real estate thought leadership series targeted at high net-worth investors, economic influencers, real estate developers, property enthusiasts and aspiring investors. The series will generate high-level conversations on smart real estate investment strategies and opportunities in the Nigerian, UK and global property market during a period of recession and transition.

Some of the sub-themes of the upcoming event include; An economic melt-down or an opportunity to re-invent? What is the impact of the economy on real estate? The economics of definitions: how they affect valuation

and perception of value?

The discussion will also centre on pricing strategies for real estate in a volatile economy. How Investors price prime offices and residential properties in a recession and volatile economy?

Emerging new cities: Urban cities or ghost towns in the making? What is the future of Middle class urban residential living?

Where are the opportunities?

Real estate value enhancers: The economics and politics of design specifications and how they affect facilities management and service charge.

Some management members of The Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) led by the MD/CEO Babajide Sanwo - Olu (3rd left), with His Royal Majesty Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Elegushi of Ikateland (3rd right) during a courtesy visit was to inform the monarch of the new project (Estate) the Corporation intends to build in his domain.

Hope rises for FHA, as Senate panel fast-track restructuring

The Senate Committee on Housing has promised to work with relevant agencies to fast-track the restructuring and commercialisation of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

This is even as the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Barnabas Gemade revealed that the planned amendment would strengthen the Authority and return it to its pride of place as an effective national instrument for housing delivery.

He made this known in Abuja when he led his colleagues on an oversight visit to the Author-

ity’s headquarters.

He said urgent legislative action was required to fast-track the reform and commercialisation of the FHA which had been on-going since 1992.

He said the planned amendment would strengthen the Authority and return it to its pride of place as an effective national instrument for housing delivery.

The lawmaker, who was accompanied by four of his colleagues, noted that the fortunes of the FHA have been adversely affected by somersaults in government’s policy. He said the

removal of the FHA from government funding had stacked the odds against the agency and affected its ability to deliver on its mandate.

To strengthen the FHA, Gemade promised that his committee would explore the possibility of its benefitting from the Central Bank’s N30 billion Real Estate Development Intervention Fund. To this end, he directed the Authority’s Managing Director, Prof. Mohammed Al-Amin, to furnish his committee with a list of all its completed and on-going housing projects, including partnership

projects, loan portfolio, and nominal roll.

During a visit to the FHA/ ENL Paradise Hills Estate, Apo, Abuja, Gemade expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the houses.

He said FHA demonstrated a high level of professional competence in delivering quality houses for medium and high income earners and urged it to brace up to build houses for millions of the nation’s low income earners.

Al-Amin said there was need to strengthen the Authority’s ability to deliver on its social housing mandate through special subventions and regular budgetary allocation.

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 16, 2017

Mitsubishi ASX gets new look

Components manufacturers seek investment prospects in Nigeria Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

MITSUBISHI ASX

Mitsubishi has treated its ASX to another makeover, the compact crossover gaining a restyled front end, comfier seats and an additional model in the form of an entry-level CVT derivative.

The ASX is both smaller and more dated than its rivals, having first appeared abroad as far back as 2010.The rest of the exterior design remains as before and same goes for the cabin, except that the seat cushions have been redesigned with a focus on longdistance comfort.

Mitsubishi has added a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option to its entry-level GL model, but other than that the range continues as before, with all models powered by a 110kW/197Nm 2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine, driving the front wheels.

Even the entry-level GL is fairly well equipped with standard features including an aircon, audio system with Bluetooth and voice control, multi-function steering wheel, rear park distance control, auto lights and windscreen wipers, seven airbags and ABS. The entry model doesn’t have traction control however. For that you have to opt for the mid-range GLX, which also adds a colour touch-screen infotainment system with reverse camera, heated leather seats (with electric adjustment for the driver) and a fulllength panoramic glass roof. The range-topping GLX adds a fancy Rockford Fosgate audio system to the mix.

All of them are sold with a threeyear / 100 000km warranty and five-year / 90 000k.

How to maintain safe driving on the road Before beginning a long drive, always get enough sleep and eat something before you go. Highly caffeinated beverages are not necessarily the best way to stay awake while driving. While initially you will feel more alert, the effects can recede with time, and your attention may wander although you remain awake.

Pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don’t feel sleepy. Grab a snack, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs by walking around. If you need to, take a quick nap.

If you can, share the driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also enable you to nap without losing time. If you’re driving alone, turn on the radio or put on some music, and keep your window cracked open. You may also want to refrain from using your cruise control if you’re driving alone at night -- having to concentrate on maintaining your speed can help you stay awake.

If you do have to pull over, move your vehicle off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane for any reason

except an emergency.

Know the laws along your route concerning cell phone use while driving. While it may be legal in one place, it may be illegal in another, and ignorance is not typically an acceptable excuse for a violation.

Never drink any alcohol before your trip. While you may not become intoxicated from one beer, you will become sleepy.

Keep an eye on the skies, and if you can, plan a route around inclement weather. A minor detour could actually wind up saving you major time.

Search the Web for traffic update sites and listen to radio traffic alerts, especially when approaching major cities. If you don’t have a smartphone, all-news stations on the AM dial are often your best bet.

Not even a GPS unit is infallible, so we recommend bringing a detailed map or road atlas as a backup just in case. A mapping app on your smartphone is another must-have for long road trips.

10. If you are driving a rental vehicle, familiarize yourself with the car and all of its equipment (horn, brakes, hazard lights).

Component manufacturers from the National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM) last week reaffirmed their determination to support automotive manufacturing in Africa with initial focus on Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria and Ethiopia.

NAACAM envoys who were in Nigerian cities of Abuja and Lagos to discuss industry and trade matters with principal directors at the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other stakeholders said component manufacturers in South Africa are eager to come and invest

in Nigeria’s nascent automotive industry.

Shatterprufe Managing Director and President, NAACAM Dave Coffey who led the four-man delegation said: “We see a journey taking place in the country’s automotive programme and we’ve got a number of component manufacturers working under the banner of African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) willing to come to Nigeria to partner and invest.”

He described their visit as an extension of the August 2016 Jeff Nemeth-led AAAM appointment with President Muhammadu Buhari and top government functionaries and relevant agencies including representatives of the National Au-

tomotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA).

Outside South Africa, which has a well-developed world-class automotive industry, Nigeria is recognized as a strategic market over the long term due to its demographics even though certain indices haven’t yet been remedied.

Shaterprufe director who feels strongly about these indices said new vehicle volume can only grow if there is an affordable solution and this does not only repose in the manufacturing of reasonably priced vehicles but also in creating access to attractive vehicle finance whilst managing and constraining the importation of secondhand vehicles in a balanced and appropriate manner.

L-R: Roux Coetzee, Engineering Manager, Gabriel South Africa, Kobus Oosthuysen, General Manager, Caravelle Automotive Carpets, Prakash Karat, Plant Head, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria and Dave Coffey, Managing Director, Shatterprufe and President NAACAM at the industry and trade briefing with NADDC and NAMA .

Top 6 most sensitive car parts to check out regularly The functionality of any vehicle is highly dependent on the maintenance. All aspects of the care need absolute care but there are some parts motorists need to concentrate on regularly.

Here are some of the sensitive areas.

Engine: The engine is one of the most important aspect of the car. It serves as the soul of the car. Quality time therefore needed to be given to this part as any hindrance to it will automatically render the car useless. The

solution is constant checking of the engine and also responding to any change in the sound.

Tyre: The tyre is equally important as it serves at the leg of the car. It should be replaced and checked at intervals while the use of fairly used ones or fake tyres must be avoided. Tyre burst is one of the most frequent causes of road accidents in Nigeria.

Battery: The battery in your vehicle performs many functions. The most obvious is to provide electrical energy to crank

the starter and get the engine running. It must also provide energy to the lights, heater, radio, air conditioning and other electronics. Your battery has the ability to last several years because your vehicle’s alternator works to replenish it with electric current. However, over time the battery will lose its ability to store and hold an electrical charge, making it difficult to start your vehicle. It is important to check your battery and help identify a change in the condition and

Mercedes-Benz E-Class welcomes you to the future Weststar Associates Limited, sole general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria is proud to introduce a cutting-

MERCEDES E-CLASS

edge luxury sports sedan, the new E-class.

This is proof that Mercedes-Benz is committed to transforming not just automobiles, but the very idea of mobility itself. The E-class is one of the most technologically sophisticated automobiles in the world today with major steps taken towards an accident free and autonomous driving future.

The exterior exudes an elegant aura with its sweeping new front and rear design.

Such noticeable elements include the new radiator grille, the sliding tinted glass sunroof, striking new LED headlamps, optional 1719 inch 5-spoke wheels, muscular rear shoulders and glistening LED taillamps which offer a remarkable sporty stance in the E300.

The Edo Times

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, Febuary 16, 2017

Contributory pension scheme, new security for Edo’s future

ET 4

Crisis in APC worsens as suspended members kick

ET 2

EDSG to construct 3,000km of road using concrete technology

ÏÏÏ The Edo State Govern-

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); his deputy, Hon. Philp Shaibu and other Government functionaries in a group photograph with members of Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) when the group paid a courtesy visit to the Government House Benin...recently

Obaseki tasks Pensions Fund Administrators on quality service delivery

Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏ Edo State Governor, Mr.

The Edo

T E A M

Godwin Obaseki, has assured the Pensions Fund Managers of his administration’s support in ensuring quality service delivery to Edo State workforce who are currently keying into the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Godwin Obaseki, who recently engaged the services of about 15 Pensions Fund Administrators saddled with the responsibility of enrolling the employees in the state public service, gave the assurance in his office during an interactive session with the Pensions Fund Managers

in Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

Addressing the PFMs, Obaseki said their selection was based on trust and their quality of service, while urging them to motivate the enrollees and ensure that they are well-informed on the significance of the scheme. ‘’We have spoken with labour yesterday, and they believe that they need to be persuaded and their concern is on the effect it will have on their take home pay,’’ he said.

He explained that the state government has set up a technical committee which is expected to create a smooth take off of the scheme. According to him, members

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Titus Akhigbe

of the committee are drawn from the state government, labour and representatives from PFMs. He also admonished the managers to ensure they secure offices in Benin City, adding that the state government has proposed to own service centres in designated areas across the state, and constitute a new Pension Board that is expected to work side by side with the PFMs in terms of support and sharing of experience. ‘’We want to have service centres that people can access when they have challenges.

We are going to conduct an inspection, and only those who are eligible, properly settled here and can respond by providing the required services would be given the bulk of the accounts of the enrollees to handle.’’

Speaking with newsmen, the State Business Manager, Premium Pension Limited, Edo State, Lare Izeshu, commended the state government on its initiative and assured them of their contribution in the area of expertise and adequate sensitization of the enrollees.

In attendance were the Trust Fund Pension Plc, Alico Pensions Managers Limited, Arm Pension Managers Limited, Crusade Starling Pension Limited, Fidelity Pensions Managers Limited, First Guarantee Pensions Limited, Future Unity, and Glanvils Pensions Limited, Leadway Pensions PFA Limited, Legacy Pensions Managers Limited, Pensions Alliance Limited(PAL), Sigma Pensions Limited and Stanbic BTC Pensions Managers Limited among others.

ment is set to construct and reconstruct over 3,000 kilometres stretch of roads across the state using the concrete pavement technology.

Besides, Edo State Government is training 50 youths who are indigenes of the state in general road construction, Surveying, Carpentry, Masonry, Safety, Lab Technology, Welding and road supervision in fulfilment of the vision of the Governor Obaseki-led administration to empower over 200,000 youths in the state.

The Project Manager of the Edo State Micro and Macro Concrete Road Projects, Engineer Bob Ferguson Enabulele, disclosed this to newsmen during the inspection of Nevis Street by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in Benin, the state capital.

Engr. Enabulele said Nevis Street which is located between Lagos Street and Forestry road in Benin City, is about 450 meters long and it is a demonstration project to test run the concrete technology.

According to him, the state is partnering with the AG Dangote company in the construction of the Concrete-demonstration road.

“We intend to use the technology to construct and re-construct 3,000 km length of roads across the state within the next four years.

‘We are using this technology because the materials are locally available which makes the technology cheaper in the long run, easy to construct, more durable and requires little or no maintenance compared to Asphalt technology,” he said.

The Edo Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, Febuary 16, 2017

Group lauds Obaseki’s Agric, tax initiatives

ÏÏÏ Members of Godwin Obaseki

Support Group (GOSG) have commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, for the giant strides he has taken since the inception of his administration.

In a statement issued by its Trustee Chairman, Mr. Henry Idogun, at a Working Committee meeting, the group noted that Mr. Obaseki has surprised Edo citizens in no small measure, including major political actors within and outside the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said: “The Agro-investment initiative of Mr. Governor is an emblem of hope that will make the youths in the state to embrace agriculture again while also creating massive employment for Edo people.

“As a group, we are happy that Edo State is fast becoming the economic hub of Nigeria again. With the effort that our amiable and dynamic Governor is putting in to attract quality investment to Edo State, there is no doubt that unemployment will soon become history to us.”

Continuing, he explained that the people of Edo State understand the

vision of the governor and are prepared to support his innovations to make the state grow.

While commending the governor, he also noted that the youths in the state are also being encouraged to key into the initiative.

GOSG also lauded the massive efforts of the government to woo foreign and local investors to invest in Edo State.

“We are also ready to partner with Mr. Governor and his government to make this dream a reality and one that will bring evidential growth to our economy in Edo State”, Idogun added.

Meanwhile, the group aligned itself with the Governor over the January 1, 2017 broadcast in which illegal revenue collection by nongovernment officials was suspended.

Furthermore, the group praised the government’s efforts at rehabilitating dilapidated roads in the state, especially in Government Residential Areas in the state capital, Benin City.

He said citizens are now happy in Edo State with the ban on illegal revenue collection.

Election tribunal: INEC fails to open defence ÏÏÏ

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has failed to open its defence at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City as it applied for more time to contact and interact with its witnesses.

The commission’s counsel, Onyinye Anumonye, who applied for adjournment till Friday (tomorrow) due to what he called ‘logistics’, told the tribunal that most of the witnesses were awol and could not be reached before yesterday’s sitting.

“Most of the times’, INEC staff are not stationed in Edo State but are members of the National Youth Service Corp scheme who have passed out of Edo State...

From text messages sent to them, they were unable to make it,” Anumonye said.

He said besides the former NYSC members, the many civil savants who were also involved in the elections and are its witnesses cannot be pulled out of their duty posts even at short notice.

Counsel to the PDP, Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, however opposed the commission’s application for adjournment on the basis of logistics and said it can only succeed if it gives cogent and credible reasons to the tribunal.

With the counsels to both Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the All Progressives Congress (APC) not opposed to the INEC application, Justice Ahmed Badamasi in his capacity as chairman of the three member tribunal granted the application and adjourned sitting till Friday (tomorrow), February 17 2017.

Obaseki advocates improved health care for Edo indigenes Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏ Edo State Governor, Mr. God-

win Obaseki, has called on members of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW), who are on a seven day medical mission in the state, to join hands with his administration for improved and better health care for the people of the state.

He made the call recently while receiving members of the group who are on a courtesy visit and medical mission to the state at Government House in Benin City.

Obaseki said the group who are medical practitioners in the Diaspora should join hands with his administration to improve on the health care system, adding that his administration will fix the naughty issues challenging the sector.

He said one area he wants the group to assist his government is in the area of nursing care.

He said: “We don’t have nursing school any more, our concern is how to get our people back home to come train us here on how to get the best

nursing care like it is obtainable oversea. I don’t believe that the doctors over there are better than the ones we train here.

“Most of us are lucky to have gone through a decent primary, secondary educational system and get the best health care that worked that is why we are who we are today. For me, I believe God did it for a purpose and the only way to thank him is to turn around and make sure those coming behind get a better access than we got”.

Obaseki said the essence of coming into government is not to make money but to serve the people as the purpose of politics and governance is to give back to the people.

He said he understands the frustration and anxiety they face when they look at the disparity between the health care system oversea and the one obtainable here in the country but encouraged them that the disparity can be bridged faster than most people can imagine.

He said his administration will focus on health infrastructure as good hospital building does not translate

to good medical care.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Edison Osifo congratulated the governor for his victory and subsequent swearing-in as the Governor of Edo State, assuring the administration of their support.

He said the group was in Government House to inform the governor of their presence in the state on a seven day medical mission which the group has done for over four years now. He said the medical mission will cover the three Senatorial District in the state.

“We are here to diagnose, monitor and also make sure that we advise and plead with our host the local doctors to help us follow up whenever we leave. We have embarked on a journey of donating four (4) incubators to the hospitals in the three (3) senatorial District in the Edo State,” he stated.

Osifo said the group would embark on health promotion, disease prevention and also help to create awareness of diseases that can be cured with just exercise and with the right diet.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd from left); his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu and others inspecting ongoing road construction in Benin City recently.

Crisis in APC worsens as suspended members kick ÏÏÏ Crisis

rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state has taken a new dimension as the party youths and ward leaders in Edo central have disassociated themselves from the purported suspension of their leaders.

At an enlarged meeting held in Ward 9, Opoji in Edo Central Local Government Area, the executives and members of APC condemned the suspension of Chief Francis Inegbeneki, Henry Okoror, Ken Ihensekhen and others.

The State Working Committee of the party had amongst others in an emergency meeting ratified the suspension of Chief Francis Inegbeneki, Chief Henry Okoror and vice chairman of the party (Edo Central), Hon. Kenneth

Ihensekhien, over illegal detention and holding hostage of the State Chairman, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, at Uromi on January 2, 2017.

According to a communiqué signed by the secretary of Ward 9, Barrister Momodu Onusua and Monday Ojeaga, youth leader, they called on leadership of the party in the state and national headquarters to intervene in the issue.

“While trusting that the leadership of APC will do the needful, we hereby unequivocally pass a vote of implicit confidence on our leaders, Chief Francis Inegbeneki and others.”

The All Progressives Youths Disciples (APYD) on their part said: “We condemn in strong

terms the unlawful suspension of our highly responsive, dedicated and committed leaders.

“The activities of Anslem Ojezua on the alleged suspension of these leaders amount to harassment, intimidation, abuse of power of his office, which neglects and contravene article 21 of APC party constitution which provides for principles of fair hearing.

“We believe Anslem Ojezua and a few cabals are on a serial mission to destroy the party in Edo State so that PDP can take over this state. How else can one explain what is happening, why is it that it is this period when all APC members are supposed to rally round Governor Godwin Obaseki to win the case in tribunal, that they are chasing people away

from the party?”

“We call on the leadership of the party in the state and National Headquarters to intervene in this issue. We cannot watch our leaders being embarrassed in this manner, and a few destroying the party.

“While trusting that the leaders of APC will do the needful for the progress of our great party, we hereby unequivocally pass votes of implicit confidence on these leaders- High Chief Francis Inegbeneki, Henry Okoror, Ken Ihensekhen, Henry Okpamen and others,” the youths concluded.

But reacting, Francis Inegbineki, said the state party Chairman, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, lacks the power to suspend him, adding that he can only be suspended

by the ward party leaders as he doesn’t have the constitutional right to suspend him.

He said Ojezua became uncomfortable and started exploring illegal means to suspend him the moment he was unanimously adopted as the party leader in Edo Senatorial District in a motion moved by a former commissioner in the state at a meeting well attended by party members and leaders precisely January 2, 2017 at Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan Norh East Local Government Area.

He said he become object of attack having accused the party chairman of embezzling the party fund during the last Governorship election in addition to engaging in anti-party activities.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, Febuary 16, 2017

EDSG to engage corps members on service delivery Stories by Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏ Governor Godwin Obaseki of

Edo State has requested the deployment of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with engineering background to the state Ministry of Works.

Besides, the Governor said the state would also partner the NYSC in the area of environmental sanitation as he plans to make the state the cleanest in the country with corps members as key partners in propagating the environmental initiative.

Obaseki made this request when he received a delegation of serving Corps members and management of NYSC in the state, led by its new state coordinator, Yusuf Abdulahi, at the Government House in Benin last week Friday.

He said that the corps members would serve as direct labour to the state in the area of road infrastructural development and impacting of skills to youths in the state. ‘’We will like to have more formal engagement with you as the state is emphasising on engagement of direct labour for our road infrastructure.

“We are requesting that all your engineer corps members; civil, electrical and mechanical are posted to us so that we can place them in the state Ministry of Works to assist as direct labour and in the training of other youths who are interested in public works,’’ Gov. Obaseki said.

The governor promised to clear the outstanding arrears owed Corps members serving in various agencies of the government in the state and assist them in augment-

ing what the Federal Government gives for feeding during orientation programmes.

He also pledged to complete the Permanent Orientation camp in Okada.

Earlier in his address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Abdullahi, thanked the governor for his support to the scheme.

Abdullahi said that the corps members through their Community Development programmes had impacted immensely in the lives of people in the state.

He also requested the assistance of the governor in completing the permanent site, payment of arrears owed serving corps members as well as provision of utility vehicle to aide them in monitoring the activities of corps members in the state.

3 The Edo Times

Order EFCC to defreeze Ozekhome’s account, Group urges Osinbajo

ÏÏÏ The Edo Unity League (EUL) has

called on the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to order and prevail on its leadership to defreeze Chief Mike Ozekhome’s account.

In a strongly worded letter signed by its National Secretary, Johnbull Edoimioya and addressed to Professor Osinbajo, the EUL said that “the seeming vindictive tendencies of the operators of the anti-corruption apparatus, especially the EFCC and the DSS has caused many Nigerians nightmares.”

Going further, the EUL stressed that “like most Nigerians, the Edo Unity League sees the freezing of Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers’ account as an unmistakable and glaring case of vendetta and witch hunt because of the well-known fact that the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria is handling numerous cases for the Ekiti State Governor against the EFCC since the inception of the latter’s travails with the anti-corruption agency.

The letter by EUL reads: “The said sum of N75 million was legitimately and legally transferred to Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers account from the same account from which Governor Fayose also withdrew N5 million on the same date, after the account had been defrozen and made operational by an order of the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, presided over by Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo.

“In appreciation of the volatile

mood of the nation, we have resolved to restrain our members and other concerned Niger Deltans from street protests or processions, which could inflame the already tensed religious, ethnic and political divides in our country.

“We hope our resort to peaceful expression of our angst through this open letter to Your Excellency will not be interpreted as a tacit approval of the apparent vindictiveness of our esteemed son and brother, who has defeated the EFCC over five times in court as Attorney on behalf of his clients, in the last one year, with the latest case being in January, wherein the agency was indicted and ordered to pay the sum of N6 million only, as damages for its illegal arrest and detention of one Barrister Sylvanus Okpetu.

“He has also fought against other tendencies deemed antithetical to law and order.

“Your Excellency sir, we fear that if the EFCC loses its focus and the confidence of generality of Nigerians, as it is sure headed, it will be fatal to our collective aspiration for a corrupt free society. We urge you to urgently call the agency to order as the patience of Nigerians over its seeming ‘Lord and Master unto thyself’ status is getting unbearable. Our humble prayer is that you prevail on the leadership of EFCC to immediately defreeze Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers’ attached and frozen account.”

FRSC convicts 69 commercial vehicles for speed limiter violation

ÏÏÏ The Edo State Command of the

Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryanne Philip-Shaibu (second right) presenting cartons of baby milk and other items to mother of abandoned triplets, Queen Ndikwe.

Edo, NSCDC team up to tackle menace of herdsmen

ÏÏÏ Edo State Governor, Mr. God-

win Obaseki, has revealed that the state government is involving the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in settling disputes between herdsmen and farm owners as part of their duties which will be to help government to formulate policies and find a lasting solution to the problem.

Gover Obaseki disclosed recently when he received the new State Commandant of the NSCDC, Makinde Ayinla Iskil, at the Government House in Benin, the state capital.

He explained that the issue of herdsmen grazing did not start overnight in the country but they have been doing this for over a 100 years.

“Why are we having such a problem and crisis in the herdsmen community relationship? Instead of fighting, let us understand the depth of the problem, and sustenance of whatever resolution we make. We are relying

on you to give us intelligence information,” he said.

Obaseki said all the issues are been looked at as a state and it shall be nipped in the bud. He said his administration is developing her own internal security plans to complement what the Federal Government is proving through agencies like NSCDC. “We are in the final stage of coming up with our own community based arrangement. We want to get more members of our community in providing security across the state. We can’t rely exclusively on only Federal authority because security is also local. We see you as a veritable partner.

Be rest assured that whatever security plan or arrangement we have in the state, you will be part of it”, he said.

Responding, the state commandant of NSCDC, Makinde Ayinla Iskil, thanked the governor for the attention and support given to the Corps

in the state and creating the enabling environment for the Corps to operate effectively.

He said the Corps is 100 percent ready to synergise with other security agencies to provide security for the state and rid it of criminal elements.

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it has secured conviction against 69 commercial vehicles for failure to install speed limiter device.

The Sector Commander of the commission in the state, Mr. Samuel Odukoya, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Tuesday.

Odukoya told NAN that the figure covered the two weeks since the enforcement of the speed limiter device commenced.

According to him, the convictions were secured through a Mobile Court constituted by the commission.

He said that during the period under review, 917 vehicles were stopped with 236 of them booked and 174 cautioned across the 10 routes of the command.

He said that the court discharged 16 of the 85 vehicles prosecuted dur-

Maleke urges artistes to `rap’ in Edo Languages ÏÏÏ

The Chairman, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Edo State, Maleke Idowu, has advised young talented artistes in the state to promote indigenous languages in their arts.

The comedian cum singer, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin.

Maleke said that one way the artistes could do this was to rap in their `mother tongues’.

He said the association was determined to carry the campaign to the

grassroots, adding, “we have embarked on rallies to shop for young artists from the three senatorial districts’’.

He said that the association’s desire to promote Edo indigenous arts followed the call by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for encouragement of parents both at home and abroad to teach their children how to speak “our languages”.

The PMAN chairman, therefore, said he would continue to organise rallies to discover indigenous rappers in the state.

ing the period.

Furthermore, the sector commander said that between Feb. 1 and Feb. 5, 450 vehicles were stopped out of which 87 vehicles were booked, 133 cautioned and 10 prosecuted and convicted.

Odukoya told NAN that between February 6 and February 12, 2017, the command stopped 467 vehicles, booked 149 vehicles and cautioned 41 vehicles.

He said that the command also secured 59 convictions out of 85 prosecutions while 16 vehicles were discharged during the period.

In another development, the FRSC Edo State Command has disclosed that 11 deaths were recorded in Edo due to road accidents in January.

The state Sector Commander, Mr. Samuel Odukoya, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin.

Odukoya said that within the period under review, 23 road accidents were recorded with nine fatal cases, 13 serious cases and a minor case.

The sector commander said that 73 injured cases were recorded with total casualty of 84.

He explained that a comparative analysis of the road accident in the state between December 2016 and January 2017 showed that in December, 30 road accidents were recorded as against 23 in January.He said that casualties recorded in January were 84 as against 94 recorded in Dec 2016, while fatality and injured were nine and 73 respectively in January as against eight and 86 respectively in December.

The Edo Times 4

Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, Febuary 16, 2017

Contributory pension scheme, new security for Edo’s future John Mayaki

The CPS does not only benefit the individuals independently. There are other social and economic benefits as the new scheme enhances labour mobility. Workers can move freely from one employer to another without their retirement benefits suffering any negative impact

ÏÏÏ

About the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which Governor Godwin Obaseki is going great guns to get up and running in Edo State, much has been said. It will therefore amount to a tedious level of redundancy to dwell on the same issue the same way others have gone about it.

However, every now and then, I still hear people wonder aloud as to what they stand to benefit from this pension scheme. In that light, I find it pressing to reveal to the people of Edo State that the CPS is in fact of immense benefit to them.

Under the CPS, one has the liberty to choose a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). This freedom leaves the employee with the ability to choose what pension company they keep their money with for future collection. No more will the employee have to stick with a fund manager that they do not trust, and the employee has the option to remain with the fund manager even when he or she changes jobs.

The scheme is also designed in such a way that employees can transfer their Retirement Savings Account (RSA) to another PFA if they are dissatisfied with any PFA’s services. This creates more flexibility for the customer to back out of any corner they feel they are trapped in.

Additionally, it is more modern and user-friendly. The new system allows contributors access to their account balances through the Internet and other technolo-

Obaseki gy-driven platforms.

Efficient customer service and good investment returns are at the heart of the scheme, and the PFAs have had to put systems in place, as well as personnel and services that will ensure that contributors can gain easy access to their accounts, maximize returns to be earned on their retirement benefits over time, and receive their retirement benefits with ease.

What this signifies for the Nigerian worker is the absence of queues. It also means that they do not have to travel long distances

to get their pension payments neither do they have to present themselves for periodic pay parades since pension payments are completed directly to retirees’ accounts through banks of their choice on a monthly basis.

In addition, PFAs are required to have offices across the nation to enable clients to have easy access to their PFAs. The CPS does not only benefit the individuals independently.

There are other social and economic benefits as the new scheme enhances labour mobility. Workers can move freely from

Electricity tariff hike: Group wants BEDC to respect court order Stories by Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ A group under the aegis of

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has asked the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to obey court order and stop increasing electricity tariff.

Speaking for the group, Comrade Omobude Agho, who led a peaceful march along major streets in Benin City, said BEDC has disobeyed the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos which in its judgment said tariff should not be increased without abiding with the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

He said Barrister Toluwani Adebiyi instituted a legal action against the 11 distribution companies across the country, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission (NERC) and Ziklagsis Networks Ltd, arguing that further increment of tariff will bring more hardship and suffering on the masses.

He said the judgment was delivered on May 12, 2016, declaring the tariff increment illegal and thereby setting it aside, adding that the court further directed that the tariff be reversed to status quo ante.

He said the disobedience of BEDC to court order has forced electricity consumers to tamper with their meters.

“We are convinced that if the DISCOs have not increased their tariffs against the judgment of the court, there would not have been any tampering with meter installation by the people. It is clear that to all and sundry that Nigerians are forced to pay for darkness by

the private investors in the power sector regardless the recession period”, he said.

He alleged that BEDC has deliberately stopped supplying meters to customers in order to continually issue estimated bills to them while there is also a new attempt by the company to give power to the rich and deny the poor of their services.

Also speaking on the alleged harassment of the company through the help of military personnel, Comrade Idahosa Samuel Igue, said the company should stop arresting and detaining their electricity consumers, noting that constant harassment and intimidation by the company with the help of the military personnel could only make matters worse.

one employer to another without their retirement benefits suffering any negative impact.

Furthermore, the system instills a savings culture among Nigerians, which has created a pool of long-term investible funds for the development of our financial markets and the economy as a whole. The life insurance cover for employees also improves staff welfare, and promotes workers’ commitment and loyalty, while providing adequate cover for a worker’s family should he or she die in service.

Fund withdrawals also enjoy some constitutional protection.

The Pension Reform Act of 2004

protects fund withdrawals before the prescribed retirement age of 50 years. There are various instances where this can occur – a programmed withdrawal for life, the purchase of an annuity for life, and a lump sum withdrawal.

These requirements ensure that retirement benefits are only available to workers during their old age, except for situations of disability or ill health. It also ensures that adequate funds are available on a continuous basis to meet recurrent expenditure of retirees throughout their lives.

The Act also enables employees who have been out of employment by way of termination or redundancy and have not secured alternative employment after six months, to access a portion of their retirement savings.

The PRA 2004 stipulates investment guidelines for the management of pension fund assets and requires that PFAs adhere strictly to these guidelines because they seek to ensure the security and quality of pension fund assets.

So far, this new scheme provides a solution to the pension system that has elusively dogged the Nigerian economic clime.

Edo workers will do well to key into this scheme in order to bring an end to the dark and trying times that often degenerated into elderly people hoisting placards wearily and begging successive governments to release their pensions and retirement benefits.

John Mayaki is Chief Press Secretary (Interim), Governor’s Office, Government House, Benin

We’ll partner EDSG for development -RTEAN ÏÏÏ

Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Edo State chapter has promised to partner the state government in areas that would be beneficial.

Making the assertion recently was the newly elected president of the chapter, Reverend Sunday Erhahon.

Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the union is factionalised in the state, Reverend Erhahon debunked the claim. Rather, he stated that the union was moving from strength to strength and is now better positioned to augment the laudable programmes of the Governor Godwin Obasekiled state administration.

He asserted that unlike in the past when the union’s af-

fairs were ran like a personal enterprise, things are now better managed by the new management team under his leadership.

“I don’t want to retrospect in the problems of the past, because that era belonged to another person. This is a new RTEAN. “The new RTEAN will be different from what we had before. What we had before was like a personal enterprise.

“We are beginning to build this new RTEAN collectively.

This one will be ran for the benefit of all the members and not for one person,” he stated.

Going further, he said: “We will do everything that would make the government to see us in good light.”

Life&

Mercy Aigbe, Annie Idibia, Grace Amah others go in search of Mr Right PL2

TIMES Thursday, January 16, 2017

2Face, Shina Peters, Tekno others ignite at Eargasm concert L3

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Gist L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, January 16, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Aramide announces ‘Aramide Suitcase live ‘in three cities

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Genesis

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CocoIce Leaves Big Brother Naija House

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Mercy Aigbe, Annie Idibia, Grace Amah others go in search of Mr Right

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Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

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Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, January 16, 2017

Mutiat Alli

L3

2face, Tekno, Adekunle Gold, Shina Peters, Niyola, More Dazzle Guests at Eargasm Concert It was an unforgettable evening as legendary singer Sir Shina Peters alongside 2face, Tekno, Adekunle Gold, Niyola, Acetune and others graced the stage to blow minds at

R n B singer Niyola also graced

which held on Saturday, February 11 Island, Lagos.

Bovi who continuously sent the audience into gales of unending

more.

average Nigerian concert as it was held in a cozy setting, ensconcing with affection and love.

The concert was held to celebrate as sate the desires of music lovers for smooth, classic music.

The night witnessed ecstatic

Widely celebrated singer 2face took fans down

which included Yinka Davies who

songs from his early albums like

in excitement. Afro Juju legend Sir Shina Peters also induced hysteria from the audience with his

sensation Tekno went on to close

as well as erratic dance moves from his dancers on stage.

In attendance were some of the

Demuren, Yibo and several others.

Mixed Grill L4 Mutiat Alli

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, January 16, 2017

Photos: Niyola Gives Lucky Fan Sexy Lap Dance at Eargasm Concert

Frank Donga, Toyin Aimakahu stars in Hakkunde

2Digits Record Returns With Emergency