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Africa loses $80bn annually through 5 money laundering

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Zuma may face 18-count charge for misappropriation of 5 funds Why we held closed-door meeting with Buhari in 6 Daura -APC Govs

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 580

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MƆƓƄ Ə Ƅ ƄƈƆ ë Doctors differ on caesarean sections

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Myke Uzendu, Abuja and Angela Onwuzoo, Lagos

ÏÏÏThe World Health Organisation (WHO)

has expressed concern over the increasing medicalisation of normal childbirth processes.

The global health body said this was undermining a woman’s own capability to give birth and also negatively impacting her birth experience.

According to WHO, about 140 million births take place every year globally and most of these occur without complications for women and their babies.

This was made known by Nothemba Simelela, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Family, Women, Children and Adolescents, while issuing new guidelines on glob-

al care standards throughout labour period and immediately after childbirth.

The official said the new guidelines is aimed at reducing the use of needless and potentially harmful routine clinical and medical interventions.

He said: “We want women to give birth in a safe environment with skilled birth attendants in well-equipped facilities”.

But according to the world health body, over the past 20 years, health practitioners have increased the use of interventions that were previously only used to avoid risks or treat complications, such as oxytocin infusion to speed up labour or caesarean sections.

Reacting to the report, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Innocent Ujah, Continued on page 6

Gideon Okeke: Actors are guided by story not money earned L2

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

5 News

Africa loses $80bn annually through money laundering Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has said that Africa loses whopping $80billion annually.

Adeosun, who stated this while quoting the report of former South Af-

rican President Thambo Mbeki’s High-Level Panel on IFFs, said that the money are lost to Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), with a significant percentage of the loss coming from Nigeria.

According to Adeosun, the IFFs are driven by the desire to hide illicit

wealth, hide the proceeds away from the public eye and law enforcement agencies and also conceal the ways and means by which illicit wealth was created, adding that “this makes it difficult to trace the associated money flow.”

Adeosun said this on

Friday at the the ongoing Platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT) Conference at the United Nations in New York.

She said, “Developing countries, including Nigeria, collect significantly lower levels of tax, as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),

Members of the Hopes Alive Initiatives with Chairman Ikorodu Local Government, Him Adeshina presenting the gift to a mother and her baby.

Zuma may face 18-count charge for misappropriation of funds

Myke Uzendu with Agency reports

Though Jacob Zuma may have resigned as President of South Africa, fresh indication has emerged that he faces an uncertain future as he may face an 18- count charge of allleged misappropriation of funds and arms deal scandal.

According to the Agence France Presse (AFP), Zuma faces 18 criminal charges over 783 payments he received that was linked to a multi-billion rand in 1990s arms deal and the clamour for him to face justice has been growing in recent months.

The charges were set aside just weeks before he became president in 2009.

It will now be up to the National Director of Prosecutions to decide whether or

not to bring up the charge.

A court recently ruled that the Zuma-appointed chief prosecutor, Shaun Abrahams, nicknamed “Shaun the Sheep” by media, is compromised and must be replaced.

Ramaphosa’s choice of successor could directly influence the outcome of the decision on whether the charges against Zuma are revived.

Zuma may also face charges over state corruption arising from his links to a controversial Indian business family, the Guptas.

“We are looking at a very awkward, troublesome and uncertain period for Zuma as he defends himself on all these fronts,” commentator Daniel Silke said.

If convicted, Zuma could face decades in jail. Zuma

previously spent 10 years in jail on the notorious Robben Island between 1963 and 1973 after being convicted by the apartheid regime of conspiring to overthrow the government.

If Zuma is prosecuted and convicted, the next question is whether Ramaphosa would intervene to pardon the erstwhile president.

On one hand, Zuma was a celebrated anti-apartheid struggle figure who was close to Nelson Mandela and still has huge support, especially in the ANC’s rural heartlands.

On the other, a pardon could taint Ramaphosa’s clean-hands image and give the opposition a stick with which to beat the ANC as general elections are due in 2019.

“Nobody is above the law, even if you are the president. There is no immunity,” said constitutional law expert, Pierre de Vos. But as sitting president, Ramaphosa “can pardon anyone who has been convicted of a crime,” he said.

With backroom deals being a well-worn feature of South African politics, in return for a quiet departure, Zuma, 75, could have received assurances that he will not be prosecuted or pursued in his later years.

In that case, it is most likely that he would retreat to his rural Nkandla farmstead in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal in the country’s east.

He could even, after a time, be rehabilitated as a benign national father figure like his two living predecessors Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe.

than wealthier states .

This is partly because the income and wealth being created, is taken out of the country illegally, without being taxed.”

She disclosed that the Nigerian Government had engaged a leading international Asset Tracing and Investigation Agency (Kroll), to trace and track illicit flows and assets.

In addition, she said Nigeria had signed the Multilateral Competent Authority on Common Reporting Standards, which allows for exchange of financial account information.

Adeosun also disclosed that Nigeria and global organisations, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank Group, have agreed on high-level collaborations with Nigeria and other African countries to stop Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) in Africa.

The Head of OECD Global Forum on Exchange of Information, Ms. Monica Bhatia, who spoke at the PCT Conference, stated that automatic information sharing had been adopted as part of proactive steps to curtail the IFFs from the African continent to developed countries..

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically says that we must significantly reduce illicit financial flows by the year 2030. A lot of efforts are ongoing to achieve this and support developing countries to end the IFFs,” Bhatia said.

In her address at the conference, Adeosun affirmed that the IFF remained a problem that urgently requires global focus and actions towards the realisation of significant developmental progress for Nigeria and other developing countries.

The country, according to her, is expected to effect the first exchange by 2019 as soon as the domestic legal framework was completed.

She said, “Nigeria has adopted the Common Reporting Standards and the Addis Tax initiative aimed at improving the fairness, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of the tax system.

“Furthermore, as part of open government partnership Nigeria has included

in the national action plan a commitment to establish a public register of beneficial owners. To this end, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the custodian of Nigeria’s company registry, is pursuing relevant amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act to comply with global standards.”

As part of measures to tackle IFFs, Adeosun called for the tightening of Nigeria’s tax codes and tax laws that encourage tax avoidance as well as strengthening of the tax system to make it more efficient.

Advocating more responsibility on the part of destination countries of illicit financial flows, the finance minister advised that beneficial ownership registers should be established to allow authorities track money in financial investigations involving suspect accounts/assets held by corporate vehicles.

She further called for the elimination of safe havens that provide incentives for transfer of stolen assets and illicit financial flows abroad, and also the development of a supportive, efficient and speedy process for returning assets to originating countries.

On the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) introduced by the Federal Government in June 2017, Adeosun explained that the tax amnesty was targeted at increasing the tax payers base, raising revenue and regularising the tax status of many Nigerians.

She noted that the scheme was aimed at raising at least $1billion and bringing in four million new tax payers into the tax net.

“We are using technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the programme. Project Light House is using advanced data mining and data analytics techniques to: identify tax defaulters, establish their tax liabilities and send notifications.

“The system-wide computer software, which drives Project Lighthouse, aggregates data from multiple sources such as bank accounts, land registry records, company registration data, tax filings, customs’ records, asset ownership records, among others, to identify, profile and track tax evaders.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Newborn babies: Doctors differ on caesarean sections Continued from page 1 said a lot of factors acount for caesarean sections to reduce the risk of death of a woman dying during childbirth.

Ujah, who is a former Directoral-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, said though some patients request for caesarean sections to avoid going through the pains of labour, no doctor will book a pregnant woman for CS when she can deliver on her own.

Givining reasons on why caesarean sections were high in developing countries like Nigeria, the Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecological Surgeon, said: “Well, l look at fetal and maternal indications before thinking about caesarean sections.

“We are careful about CS. If there are no danger, CS is not necessary. But if the baby is big and the pelvic of the woman is narrow, to avoid rapturing the uterus, the woman will be booked for a caesarean section to save her life and that of her baby.”

Blaming the high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria on activities of quacks and cultural practices, Ujah said: “When we carry out caesarean sections when necessary, we reduce the risk of death and complications from childbirth.

“It is important to note that after two caesarean sections, the rest of the deliveries for that woman will be through caesarean sections”, he added.

Studies show that a substantial proportion of healthy pregnant women undergo at least one clinical intervention during labour and birth.

Chairman, Association for Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Dr. Ejike Orji, said teenage pregnancy and child marriage were increasing the cases of caesarean sections in Nigeria.

Orji said the number of women suffering from Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF) in the country was becsuse they lacked access to caesarean sections, stressing that CS was necessary to save the lives of women with complications during childbirth.

He, however, noted that some private hospitals exploit some pregnant women by booking them for CS when not necessary

in order to make money.

On his part, National President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Mike Ogirima, called for standardisation in surgical practice in order to stop the activities of quacks in the system.

He blamed the increase in CS on activties of quacks.

Contiuing, Simelela added: “If labour is progressing normally, and the woman and her baby are in good condition, they do not need to receive additional interventions to accelerate labour.”

From the 56 evidence-based recommendations, the new guidelines include having a

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday held a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

According to the APC governors, their mission to Daura was to condole with President Buhari over the loss of two members of his extended family.

The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, stated this when he fielded questions from journalists after a closed door meeting with Buhari at his private residence in Daura.

Okorocha also dismissed media reports that their mission to Daura was aimed at convincing the president to seek re-election in the forthcoming presidential election in 2019.

He said the governors also used the opportunity to commend the

in health facilities with skilled health professionals and timely referrals, adding that they deserved better quality of care.

Estimates show that about 830 women die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications around the world every day – the majority of which can be prevented with high-quality care.

“Achieving the best possible physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes for the woman and her baby requires a model of care in which health systems empower all women to access care that focuses on the mother and child,” he stated.

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), after a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum in Daura, Katsina State...on Friday.

Why we held closed-door meeting with Buhari in Daura -APC Govs ÏÏÏState

companion of choice during labour and childbirth. It also include ensuring respectful care and good communication between women and health providers and maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

It further allowed women to make decisions about their pain management, labour and birth positions and natural urge to push, among others. It recognised that every labour and childbirth is unique and that the duration of the active first stage of labour varies from one woman to another.

The UN agency also noted that with more women giving birth

president for appointing former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu, as APC chief mediator.

The president had last week appointed Tinubu to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

On the issue of whether the governors were in Daura to convince Buhari to seek re-election in 2019, Okorocha said, “We are yet to discuss that. That would be in next the meeting where we will discuss whether we want to support him to run or not.”

But Buhari has not publicly said he will seek re-election, but it is all but clear the president will.

Okorocha said, “But for now we came on the issue of the death of his two relatives and to commend him for action taken on Tinubu as a conciliator.”

Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, said the governors were in Daura to

also sympathise with the president over the involvement of his son, Yusuf, in a auto-accident and the death of his two relatives.

He described the appointment of Tinubu as APC chief mediator as a wonderful initiative by the President.

“After the condolences, we had some very intimate discussion that further bound our relationships and affinity together and I believe this is a continuation of our closed association and support, loyalty and commitment to Mr President’s cause and Nigeria’s cause.”

The APC governors who met with the president are the chairman of Governors’ Forum and Zamfara Governor, Abdulaziz Yari; Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Abubakar Muhammed (Bauchi); Kashim Shettima (Borno); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Malam Nasir El-Rufa’I of Kaduna State.

Buhari condemns Zamfara killings, wants perpetrators arrested Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Bu-

hari has strongly condemned Thursday’s massacre of innocent persons in Birane village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The President commiserated with the families of victims of the heinous and inhuman attacks on defenceless citizens which left many injured.

Buhari directed the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd) to proceed immediately to the state to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and report back.

He equally directed security agencies to immediately mobilise and deploy their members to the vulnerable areas of the

state, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to face the full wrath of the law.

The President assured the Zamfara State government, victims of the mayhem and residents in the state, that the Federal Government will continue do all it takes to support security agencies to secure lives and property, not only in the affected state but all parts of the country.

Buhari restated his administration’s determination to put an end to the spate of senseless spilling of innocent blood in parts of the country, and calls for restraint to allow the nation’s security apparatus to stem the undesirable trend.

The President prayed that almighty God will receive the souls of the departed, and comfort their families.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

7 News

CNN, Dangote Industries solidify partnership, launch brand campaign Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏCNN

International Commercial (CNNIC) and Dangote Industries are expanding their long-term partnership by renewing Dangote’s sponsorship within CNN Marketplace Africa, launching a new brand campaign on CNN TV and Digital.

The new branded content campaign also involved a media-first which would integrate Dangote Industries with a video series on cinematic storytelling network Great Big Story.

A statement by the Dangote Group on Friday, noted that this partnership makes Dangote Industries the first African brand to be part of Great Big Story, which was launched by CNN and Turner in 2015 to tell amazing stories that appeal to today’s global generation of intellectual, curious and connected consumers.

The statement reads in part, “Since launch, Great Big Story has told more than 1,650 original stories from over 95 countries, has 10m+ fans around the world and has an average age audience of 29.

“Dangote is associated with the Great Big Story series Eyes on Africa, which tells the stories of individuals across the continent making a difference to their community. All videos are introduced with Dangote Indus-

tries branding and use sophisticated data-driven targeting to reach key audiences via social media, Great Big Story’s app and website, and on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV.” CNNIC has also extended Dangote Industries’ sponsorship within the continent’s flagship TV business show, CNN Marketplace Africa. Dangote now sponsors Profit Point, a segment within the weekly show which asks business leaders how they achieved success and when their companies reached profitability.

In addition, CNNIC’s branded content studio, Create, will produce a 360-degree campaign called Touching Lives, comprising a new branded film to air on both CNN US and International TV networks, as well as documentaries and interactive content for a Dangote Industries content hub promoted using native advertising across CNN Digital. Touching Lives marks a departure from previous campaigns by telling the story of how Dangote’s multi-faceted business activities impact the lives of ordinary Africans.

“Dangote Industries has been a true innovator for many years now, and we are delighted to extend its relationship with CNN with this media-first,” said Cathy Ibal, Vice President, Advertising Sales, CNN Interna-

L-R: Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during the draw to pick winners of Glo 4G MiFi router bundled data, presented at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)– Integrity & Service Programme Award in Abuja. Assisting him are Cecelia Oluokun and Benjamin Anaguonye of Globacom. tional Commercial. “This exciting new partnership is part of a wider trend amongst leading African brands who are moving towards creative marketing solutions that combine the very best in data, content and platforms.

By harnessing the power of TV, digital and social across CNN and Great Big Story, Dangote In-

dustries’ powerful message will resonate in Africa and beyond.”

Speaking on the issue, the President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said, “Entrepreneurship holds the key to the future economic growth in Africa and at Dangote Group, we are passionate about creat-

ing African success stories.

“Through this partnership, we aim to re-create the continent’s narrative, showcasing innovation, resourcefulness, resilience and more importantly; the success stories of our entrepreneurs who are challenging the status quo and breaking new business frontiers.”

Strong parties key to democracy survival - Dogara Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏSpeaker

of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has called for the strengthening of political parties in Nigeria in order to make them more competitive.

He said this when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute, led by its President, Mr. Daniel Twinning.

Dogara said that though the electoral process is of utmost importance, emphasis must also be laid on ensuring that credible elections translate into good governance and delivering dividends of democracy.

He said, “The concern before was that when you begin to talk about democracy, people just go straight to the ballot.

“Even though the ballot is es-

sential for the growth and sustenance of democracy in ensuring that the will of the people is not supplanted in the process of translating that will from the choices the citizens have made to positions in governance.

“But the ballot has also produced enemies of democracy and democracy has to be competitive.”

“For it to be competitive, the political parties must be very strong in the sense that they can cooperate but at least, they must remain competitive. If they are not competitive at the end of the day, it may be one political structure mushrooming into other political structures.

“We had that kind of situation in Nigeria here, where I think one of the late sages in Nigeria described the five political parties in Nigeria as fingers of a

leprous hand.

“The challenge is not just organising elections that are transparent, competitive and meet all the criteria of a democratic election, but the point is what does that election translate into in the effective running of the government and the delivery of what we know here locally as dividends of democracy?” he said.

The Speaker further stressed the need to deepen democracy in Nigeria in order to live up to the yearnings and expectations of the Nigerian people.

“It may not be the best, but the point is, it is the best that we know and we have to do everything possible to ensure that we deepen our democratic experience and practices in such a way that governance will meet the expectations and yearnings of citizens,” he added.

He also raised concerns about prevalent practices in political

parties whereby elected officials are termed leaders of the party, insisting that this prevents parties from being truly independent and warned of attendant consequences on the democratic process.

“There is one problem that we must address in this country and that is that elected officials, especially those in the Executive, are always regarded as leaders of the political party.

“That is where we have a very serious problem in this country and if an elected executive is the leader of the political party, the situation you find on ground is that every political actor within the entire party architecture must pander to the whims and caprices of that elected official,” Dogara stated.

Speaking further on the need to strengthen political parties, the Speaker made reference to current happenings in South Africa

which, he said, demonstrated that political parties in the country are actually independent.

Earlier, the President of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Mr. Daniel Twinning, stated that the work of the organisation is focused on helping political parties to be more competitive, more transparent and supporting democratic engagement.

He revealed that a major underlying reason for the meeting is to get political parties to interact more with elected officials and stressed the importance of following manifestos.

Mr. Twinning also spoke on the importance of Nigeria to democratic development not just in Africa, but on a global scale.

“We think Nigeria is central to the future of Africa and central to the future of the world.

We are really excited by what is happening in Nigeria,” he added.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Politics

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Buhari’s re-election bid: Obasanjo, Babangida cannot play God- Idahosa ≥≥10&11

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At Gani’s thanksgiving, cleric charge leaders on good governance ≥≥ 12

Only those that have money , time to waste will contest against Ambode –Adaranijo have decided to close ranks with other gladiators whom you claim were heirs of the same political family you emerge from?

For 2019, well you are right, everything depends on God, but my own wish is to go back and run for the second term, because I have initiated a lot of things. You know when you get to a place it is not easy for you to immediately grasp what is on ground there and note this that Obasa became the Speaker today because this was his fourth term there if not, he may not be the Speaker, so the more you are there, gain a lot of experience, have rapport with a lot of people there you become a ranking member, then you will be able to influence a lot of things, so my wish is to go back and I know everybody will also toe the line, I am not disturbing anybody and I am aware they will not disturb me, my own is commit it into the hands of God he would see us through.

Hon. Abiodun Taofeek Adaranijo is a member House of Representatives, representing Agege Federal constituency. To him, the Governor Akinwumi Ambode administration’s attainment in Lagos State beats his wildest imagination.

Adaranijo also used the opportunity to ventilate his views on the state of the nation; the proposed cattle colony saga, state police and his plans for 2019 in this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE There seem to be a pronounced bickering within your camp and that of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, are the gladiators closing ranks now?

Don’t worry yourself, Yoruba would say ‘inu ikoko dudu leko fun timan jade’, every gladiator you see on the field today are product of the same camp, everybody ask anybody, you are talking of Ogundimu, the Speaker, Adejare we all started from the same pot/camp, but Yoruba will also say, ‘Oba mewa, Igba mewa lonile aiye’ a king may reign today, another may tomorrow if somebody is reigning today you better just support him, because he is the one God has ordained at that time, there was a time I was the one ordaining everybody, whoever wants to go for any political office in Agege if I didn’t say yes that person will not go, today it may be the Speaker, that is the work of God, it is for me to cooperate with him and see that Agege moves forward that is my own, because it is only God that can do all things, God has said this is his own time, tomorrow may be somebody else, so while he is there the necessary thing for us to do is to cooperate and we work together.

I know the Speaker tomorrow or in 2019 is going to be my man and what do you expect me to do, if somebody is for me do you want me to be against him?

So that is my own philosophy of live, the last time when it was a local government contest and everybody said I am here you are there all of us cannot be on the same page, so it has come and gone that is my philosophy of live, it is only the person God wants to be there that is there now.

You have been off the radar politi-

ADARANIJO cally in Agege for some months now, one hardly see you at epoch making events in Lagos lately, an instance is that of the commissioning of the Abule-Egba golden Jubilee bridge last year ?

I am most times tied down at Abuja with one activity or another within the National Assembly, I feature most times in important functions that involves politics, the example of the Abule-Egba Bridge, you mentioned you know I am one of those that influenced it, I remember the time when Oke-Odo road was so bad I moved the motion on the floor of the House not long after FERMA and the Lagos State swung to action, money for the construction of that road was approved by the Federal Government, you know it was a loan between the state and local government and we collaborated to facilitate it owing to our influence at different levels, it was delivered and now we are enjoying it, thanks to Governor Ambode.

I want to delve into that because he has been doing wonderfully well for us in Agege, look at the number of roads that are being constructed and the new ones being initiated, two each in all of the local governments and LCDA ,very soon many of the works will commence and also to ease the traffic snag experienced by our people prior to now, for instance look at the Pen Cinema Bridge construction ongoing now, a lot of developments, sometimes I might be busy at Abuja most times on oversight functions, it may be at the North, East, West and a times when I know that some of these functions are the type my people can handle I send representatives to

represent me, because if you leave the other one I am talking about, a times it might have negative effect on my constituency or to my committee in the National Assembly, so politically, I have been there, I am relevant.

There is hardly a week I don’t come home, if you come to my constituency office sometimes you see me there attending to some people, last Friday I held meetings with the women, I did the same thing in Agege, all these things currently there is a training centre running in Agege, sometimes you want to achieve certain feats, it is not ideal for you to talk too much. Let your achievements do that for you.

How best can you assess Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration and style of politics?

Let us give thanks to God almighty and to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu our leader who gave us Governor Ambode, initially many didn’t believe things would go the way it is going, we believe he is a civil servant and may not be able to do much, but today when you look around you marvel at his performance, may be because he is also versed in grassroots management having worked at the local government as a Council Treasurer for many years, so he knows the do’s and don’ts, nooks and crannies of the state, he knows what to do to get results, the result is everywhere for everybody to see, so for Ambode 2019, it is a done deal. I don’t think anybody will contest that except anybody that wants to waste his time and energy, Ambode is our Governor by the grace of God. What are your 2019 plan as you

Years back you held a stakeholder town hall meeting, but since then you have not had another, what was the reason debarring this feedback session from holding?

We are doing it just that no noise was made about it, but I have been told that I need to do something soon, but sometimes we do get these projects to our constituency, but you know we as first timer you have to do a lot of work before you can get anything, but not withstanding talking about the Abule-Egba bridge and the roads, I believe in doing concrete things though empowerment is not bad at all, two schools have been approved for me to my constituency by the Federal Government, but they have not started constructing the school, may be because of my own executive background I believe in projects that will touch on our lives as constituents, but you know in 2011 the budget has been made we don’t have influence in it, in 2016 all of us in Lagos State from APC said let our money come for the Lagos State government for a mini stadium at Epe that is where our allotted fund went, 2017 that is what I am saying now, the school that I have been given the construction is yet to commence, you know the Federal Government don’t release money to start capital projects on time, immediately they do release money for construction you would see them working and some other things we would have to influence and fight for, but what is left for us is to go back and articulate all these things together and then you will see action immediately.

What are the expectations from the stable of Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo as you seek re-election?

Well, it is for one to build on what is on ground, I just moved a motion not quite long ago on casualisation of workers, that is you see some people who engage workers and say they would staff them after three months or six, when it is one year they would ask them to go and they would recruit another set of people, some would have accident at CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Hon. Charles Idahosa, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State is the former Special Adviser on Political Matters to former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. In this interview with TITUS AKHIGBE, Idahosa speaks extensively on a number of issues affecting the polity.

IDAHOSA

Buhari’s re-election bid: Obasanjo, Babangida cannot play God- Idahosa Looking at the present political crisis in Nigeria do you think your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will regain power at the centre in 2019?

Let me just tell you straight away that the APC will remain in power after the polls in 2019.

Why do you feel so, sir?

All the so called crises you are talking about are being orchestrated by some wicked Nigerians. In an earlier interview that I granted some time ago I said that President Muhammadu Buhari is doing well. But what I can see is that the cabal in the Presidency is hampering the good deeds of Mr. President, making it seems that he has not been doing enough and making it possible for corruption to fight back. What you are seeing now is corruption fighting back. It’s pathetic and I feel so sorry for Nigerians. We cannot even see clearly what is going on in Nigeria. There has been a cacophony of voices that Buhari should not run for a second term and that he is not fit for 2019. What is the best alternative? In all these orchestrations that is being coordinated by stolen money, the money in the hands of past presidents; the money in the hands of past political leaders in the PDP; the money in the hands of corrupt businessmen; the money in the hands of political jobbers etc. is just too much. More will still be unearthed, thus corruption is fighting back. That was what I said in my previous interview.

You are saying OBasanjo and Babangida cannot play God? Look at Obasanjo, he ruled Nigeria for twelve years - four years as a military head of state and eight years as a civilian. What did he do? What positive thing can we point to that happened during his time in office?

Is it power? Is it security? Is it electricity? A lot of mysterious deaths occurred during his tenure. What happened to (Harry) Marshall? What happened to (Aminasori) Dikibo? A serving minister of Justice (Chief Bola Ige) under Obasanjo died in his bedroom.

Have journalists investigated how it happened? In all these cases nobody has been investigated by police and brought to book. These same people who are completely dead and have contributed nothing tangible to this country’s development other than to always drag us back will now come out and want to play the role of an apostle, because we are a country of illiterates and we don’t know what we are doing. Yet here is a man who in a democratic set up cannot win his ward.

Obasanjo lost his ward, unit, local government and

state during the 1999 presidential election. Which other way do you measure the popularity or democratic approval of a person if he cannot win his state?

Obasanjo in the full glare of the world was addressing a presidential campaign rally and asking Umar Yar’adua who was out of the country for medical check up if he was dead as some people alleged. He was dancing around and making mockery of himself like a comedian. He knew that the man was dying, but he imposed him on us. Today Nigerians will see that young man, who has missed his way finally called Donald Duke (the former governor of Cross River State) sit next to Obasanjo and say they want to form a group that will take over power.

Duke wanted to be the vice president when Obasanjo replaced him with (Dr. Goodluck) Jonathan. This is a young and brilliant Donald Duke that performed exceptionally as governor of Cross River State. Obasanjo knew that Jonathan had nothing to offer. Duke wanted to be Vice President so also (Dr. Peter) Odili (the former governor of Rivers State), but Obasanjo worked against their ambition. He manipulated the process.

Look at the man talking of corruption. He gave N50 million to each senator during his subtle campaign to extend his tenure beyond two terms.

He brought in Jonathan whose wife, Patience, will sit down and be saying funny things like ‘na only you waka come?’ I knew Jonathan when he was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, while I was a Commissioner in Edo State. Obasanjo brought him knowing that he will be so weak, so that he (Obasanjo) can control the levers of power. He didn’t know that the Ijaw were waiting by the sideline and immediately Jonathan emerged as president people like Chief E. K. Clark surrounded him and Obasanjo could not accomplish his

These same people who are completely dead and have contributed nothing tangible to this country’s development other than to always drag us back will now come out and want to play the role of an apostle, because we are a country of illiterates and we don’t know what we are doing. Yet here is a man who in a democratic set up cannot win his ward. Obasanjo lost his ward, unit, local government and state during the 1999 presidential election

objectives.

He wrote a letter then which he has also done now, but he has failed. This is Obasanjo who in our presence at the Rivers State liaison office in Asokoro (FCT) knelt down before the then Vice President Abubakar Atiku begging that we should let him go for a second term in office. A sitting President kneeling down for his vice. So, we are just a confused people in this country. Who now made Obasanjo the messiah to determine who becomes President of the country?

There is a Benin adage that says that the fight started too early and thus I could not get access to the house to pick my weapon. Is it a crime to be sick? Do you blame somebody for being sick? They should set up a panel to investigate what happened inside Aso Rock before Buhari became sick. Buhari, a retired Army general, openly confessed: ‘I have never been this sick in my life.’ When the president could not resume in his office, Lai (Mohammed), my friend, had a tough time explaining what happened. They could not explain what happened in the President’s office. The President left the country for about seven months to seek for treatment overseas. Corrupt people who know Buhari’s no nonsense stance are the ones fighting him.

They knew that if he gets back all of them, regardless of party affiliation, will go to jail. He is a genuine anti-corruption man. He is the only man that can take us to the Promised Land. For our sake and those of our unborn children he came back to the country alive. Nigerians know that he can turn things around in our favour. Nigerians have forgotten that this man can come and make one dollar to be equivalent to one naira. But we’ll pay for it for the next one hundred years. They tried it in Ghana one cedi to a dollar. The country collapsed. So, what’s happening to Nigerians is the best that could happen. Buhari is a great man.

If you look at all the arguments about him nobody is offering a suitable alternative to him.

Look at IBB, he created corruption; he instutionalised corruption in this country during his tenure as Military President. He started bribing young military officers with cars so that they would not plot a coup against him. A man whose tenure witnessed the crash of a C-130 plane with a crop of young military officers on board. Till tomorrow nobody know the reason for the crash. These are the people who will come out to be telling us what to do and what not to do.

Every adult Nigerian who witnessed the Buhari/ Idiagbon combination knows that Nigeria was on CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

11 Politics

‘Re-election bid: Obasanjo, Babangida cannot play God’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

You cannot run a party where your created organs are fighting themselves.

(Ibrahim) Magu is an appointee of the Presidency, by extension the APC Federal Government. The Senate is controlled by the APC and they are fighting themselves. NIA (Nigeria Intelligence Agency) will be fighting the DSS (Directorate of States Services) while DSS will be using gun to pursue the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission). These are things the party should handle

course within that short period they were in office. Who aborted that government? Was it not IBB? He is now the one to determine who will be president and who will not be. You are talking of disunity in this country, it did not start during Buhari’s period. It started after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. The 1993 election was the best Nigeria ever had. The Abiola/Kingibe muslim/muslim presidential ticket was well endorsed by the generality of Nigerians and the duo won the election clearly. The man who aborted that election result was IBB. That action brought disunity into this country when a Yoruba man was stopped in his ambition to rule the country. So, what are we talking about? Who is fooling who?

Are you saying corrupt people are afraid of Buhari...

(Cuts in)Those who are corrupt are the ones afraid of Buhari coming back.

You know that in this country if you do not have a private jet or mansions all over the world where parties are held you won’t be taken serious. All those who have looted Nigerian funds are the ones that are now becoming fidgety. When you attend their parties you see who is who in Nigeria. They feel insecure that Buhari is gunning for a second tenure. I am fulfilled. Presently, I am not seeking for any political office, I have seen it all in the political space of the country. I have played politics at the national level. I was there at the formation of PDP (Peoples Democratic Party); I was there at the formation of APP (All Peoples Party) and was also there at the formation of AC (Action Congress). This is the only country where you are denied an elective position because you do not have money. I was to go to the Senate in 2003, but they said that they have decided that there would be no primary. They brought in Daisy Danjuma. That period was wasted in the representation of Edo people.

Some of them who go to the National Assembly don’t know why they are there. While they are campaigning they will make promises they cannot fulfill.

All the campaign against Buhari is being coordinated by corrupt people, but we won’t fold our arms and watch them. We will enlighten our people. It’s the duty of journalists to spearhead this enlightenment. If this country should not collapse we have to support Buhari to come back. The PDP destroyed this country for 16 years non-stop. Just imagine when you open someone’s door and you discover millions of dollars. Yet you don’t see anything wrong in that.

They will be caught with huge sums of money and they will say it’s from their relatives. Huge sums of money are recovered in the homes of Supreme Court judges which cannot be accounted for.

Many funny things happened under PDP watch. A country where somebody will steal N25 billion and you will fine him N3.5million. All those who stole this country’s money must refund it and must go to jail. That’s why they are fighting Buhari. Look at the agriculture sector. About 80 percent of the rice that we consumed during the last Christmas season was from our local outlets. This saved this country billions of naira in foreign exchange.

Obaseki’s worthy legacies?

Look at what Governor Obaseki is doing in Edo State now under the same Buhari administration. People don’t

IDAHOSA

know the implications of the Industrial Park. By the time he finishes with the Industrial Park and the Gelegele Port, nobody will cross the Mediterranean again and go to Italy, because the factories would be here. With the Industrial Park all the foreign companies will be producing their products here with cheaper labour. If over there in their country they pay say $30 per hour for labour here our people will take $20. They know that when they convert it to naira it will be a substantial sum of money. To encourage such companies we will give them tax incentives. They will get water and constant power supply. That’s why Azura (Power Plant) is nearby. If you look at Edo State today people fear government. There is respect for the rule of law. The governor is called ‘wake and see’ but some people do not know what it means. What it means is that you may have a structure that could be brought down anytime because it was built on an unapproved location.

You do the wrong thing you pay for it.

You see people who are orderly and obey the traffic regulations because they don’t know if Obaseki is close by. There was a case of a man who did not obey traffic regulations not knowing that Governor Obaseki who was behind him had called for his arrest. He was locked up in police custody that weekend and taken to court the following Monday.

Look at Ring Road, there is sanity there now. Recently, Buhari was complaining that the first time he ruled Nigeria under the military he was using decree but now he cannot do that because of civilian government and democracy.

When he came in 1983 he locked up majority of the politicians and asked them to prove their innocence before they can be released. When Obasanjo came out of prison he had less than N20,000 in his account. It was Orji Kalu that gave him N15 million for his campaign. The late Shehu Yar’adua in his last days in prison stated that if he dies Obasanjo should be made President. Now he is supporting Donald Duke whom he denied the opportunity to be president a few years ago.

People complain about National Assembly members not doing much for their constituents?

The National Assembly is an offshot

of the APC. But the party is out of tune with reality. (Chief John Odigie) Oyegun (National chairman of APC) is a disaster. I have said it many times. He doesn’t know what he is doing. He has not been able to manage the party well.

He is close to 80 years. At his age he should be able to do things for which he can be remembered. He was looking for award. Is it award that would save him?

Look at the set of people that attended the award ceremony. No governor; no deputy governor; no speaker etc. When Tom Ikimi was national chairman of NRC(National Republican Convention) the Benin Airport will be jam packed with the arrival of dignitaries if he was being honoured. What kind of party national chairman is Oyegun? Drive past his house you will not see anybody there. You are national chairman of a ruling party, the party is in tatters but you are looking helpless and cannot do anything. He is just interested in holding on to his position. I am 65 and I have seen it all in politics. I am no longer aspiring to be anything. I thank God for his mercies. In a state of about three million people I was elected as a council chairman; I was a governorship aspirant; I was a special adviser; I was a Commissioner; I was a director general of the state liaison office in Abuja; I am a party leader; I was a member of the board of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) for five years etc. There is nothing else to prove. God has blessed me with good children who are all doing fine in their different endeavours. What else do I want in life? I am contented, though I will still remain in politics.

Nobody can call Charles Idahosa a thief. So, what’s the problem with the National Assembly? You cannot run a National Assembly where there is a division in the house. You cannot run a party where your created organs are fighting themselves. (Ibrahim) Magu is an appointee of the Presidency, by extension the APC Federal Government.

The Senate is controlled by the APC and they are fighting themselves. NIA (Nigeria Intelligence Agency) will be fighting the DSS (Directorate of States Services) while DSS will be using gun to pursue the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission). These are things the party should handle. In the night

these people will be called by the national chairman and some party leaders to settle whatever is the problem. In the famous words of the PDP ‘it’s a family affair’. Oyegun doesn’t know what to do.

(Senate President Bukola) Saraki is on his own same thing with (House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu) Dogara.

They talk like they are in the opposition party. The first family is disciplined.

You see how simple Buhari is? Aisha Buhari and her children go by commercial flight any time they are traveling.

Nigerians forget so easily the theatrics of the former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. She was caught with a large sum of money, but she said that her grandmother gave it to her. The APC is operating in a world of its own. The different parties that made up the legacy parties that formed the APC are not together. They are operating on different wavelength. They are out to champion their individual interests. But by the grace of God we will survive it. Uptil now, the APC leadership cannot call a meeting. The opposition PDP has held three conventions. Probably, the fear of the APC leadership is that if they hold a meeting a vote of no confidence may be passed on them and thus they will be removed from office.

Are you in support of the call for the removal of Oyegun from office as national chairman of APC? I have no interest in his removal or continued stay in office as the national chairman of the APC. I don’t even know who can act better than him if he is removed from office. I know the role I played in his emergence as national chairman of the APC. I thought that he would make a difference. Tom Ikimi was already coasting home to victory. I made the state working committee to reopen the contest so that Oyegun can come in. Some of you will recall that Ikimi fought me on the pages of newspapers for my role in Oyegun’s emergence. He has let us down. I have known him and his family since 1963. I went to school with his younger ones. We are all members of the St. Peters Anglican Church, Benin. Samuel Ogbemudia died over a year ago, but the Federal Government has not named a monument after him.

Alex Ekwueme just died recently and already a university has been named after him. The reason is that the people from the same ethnic group with Ogbemudia who are in a position to make a case for him have not done so. Can you believe that Edo State can have a minister and a ruling party national chairman from the same ethnic group yet when one hundred people are crossing over the Mediterranean Sea to Italy 80 of them would be from the state. Is that not pathetic?

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

At Gani’s thanksgiving, cleric charge leaders on good governance Theresa Tekenah It was a special church service of thanks-giving, prayers, soulsearching while for some it was also an occasion for merriment. The church service at the Celestial Church, Genesis Parish, Alakuko, Lagos State was met to appreciate God over the enthronement of Otunba Gani Adams, as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

The church hall, it stairs and adjacent extensions outside was full to the brim, with hundreds of worshipers and guests, who had all come from within an outside the state, to grace the thanksgiving church service.

Pastor of the parish, Israel Oladele Ogundele Ogundipe in his sermon, noted that Nigeria was in its present precarious situation because its political leaders have failed to imbibe the fear of God, stressing that it was the fear of God that would discourage leaders from siphoning the treasure of the country, delivery good governance and be accountable to the citizenry.

Ogundipe advised Nigerians to shun unholy life style, unnecessary acquisition of wealth at the expense of others, stressing that when God was interested in promoting an individual, background or financial position was irrelevant.

The cleric added, that challenge in life was inevitable, especially if a man was to attain his heart desires, while stressing that the problem with most people was that they have failed to keep to the principles of God. He said, “The fear of God is the genesis of good thing, when you have the fear of God you would be blessed and it would discourage you from doing bad thing. It is the fear that would make you manage public office and be

ADAMS

responsive to the people.

“The fear of God is important, without the fear of God you would be in a mess and even if you find yourself in leadership position you would be misbehaving, the fear of God is important no matter how rich you are you have to humble yourself,” Ogundipe said.

Speaking earlier the Aare Ona Kakanfo praised God over his ascendancy to the exalted position inspite of opposition and challenge from other notable and wealthy Nigerians, while promis-

ing to use his position to promote the Yoruba nation, its cultural values and bring succour to the people.

He said the pastor Ogunipe was a true man of God, who had prophesied his ascendency to the exalted position of Aare Ona Kakanfo, inspite of challenge among more wealthy and influential Nigerians.

He said “I have been following the church and I have been following the pastor for years, it was the church I was before, I see the seal of God in

him, God has given him power, there was a day he came to my old office, he told me he saw three vision for me, and one of them was that I was going to be an Aare Ona Kankanfo, all the three vision have all came to pass. He was one of the people I consulted for prayers when I was aspiring for this position, and I told him if the vision came to pass his church would be the church I would give my first thanksgiving.

“And that is the reason I rolled on the floor when I entered the church, as a leader I know one must respect all religion in the country, am not new to church I use to attend church when I was young with my father before we enter the world. My position as the Aare Kankafo is purely leadership, and I would strive to defend the interest of Yoruba nation. I have come to fight for you and promote the values of Yoruba.

“I thank you for today, this church is real and the man of God is ordained.

It is one of the white garment church that respects the bible, any one that say there is God but does not respect the church is bad.

“I have seen pastors, but all of them cannot be like Pastor Genesis, we all have our job and it is different, we will be live in the secularity of the country and that is enshrined in the constitution.

“There are some people that may not go to church, but they fight for the interest of the people that give people, they help the less privileged, they give arms philanthropist. So when God said yes who can say no. personally I do worship God, I wake up and pray often, prayer Is important as an individual you have to pray or you would not prosper, it is only God that know the way and he is the one that give and take, thank you for the support” Adams said.

‘Only those that have money , time to waste will contest against Ambode’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

the place of work and they won’t take good care of them, there are also private member bill in the offing which I won’t disclose now so as not to be seen to have breached the protocols of the House until it is out, we are going to build on what we have gathered and getting there we know a lot of people, lots of ministries, agencies that we can approach and get a lot of things from today we are better off where we started.

Why is the 2018 budget still foot dragging till now in NASS? The question is very simple, I cannot be representing my constituency, the President is representing the whole federation and we would not see anything being done in our constituencies and you want us to continue to approve the budget for you. You know I said earlier that they supposed to have started constructing the schools given to me since 2017, we want all those things, so if you start doing that today we would also pass the budget. Because the President is getting the glory that he is doing this anti-corruption thing and we that are representing the constituency that gathered the votes for his emergence as President are not seeing anything and

the National Assembly is not like before that they flaunt monies here and there which we all believe in and agree that let’s use the resources of the country for the development of our people, but not to the detriment of our constituents.

That is what we are saying, we are not saying give us money or did you hear us asking for money from the President?

No! But do one or two things in our constituencies so that we can also go back and tell our people that if you give me opportunity, see I have been able to influence one or two things oh, if you give me another I will influence better developments, and it shores up support for our party, I am certain very soon we would pass it.

State Police issue how feasible?

First and foremost I am party man, my party has suggested that these are the things that we want and this had been on for several years, everybody have been clamouring for it that let’s have state police to complement and assist the conventional police because if you have a state police, somebody that is recruited and posted to Agege and he started misbehaving everybody would call his parents to stop him, for him to go out of hand so it would be easy for

some people to control them and if you look at the Federal Police if anything happens now you call a DPO who calls the Commissioner and he would call the DIG who will also call the Inspector General of Police, before you know many unexpected things might have happened, but when we have our own, who am I going to call than the person that is in charge of the local government there and you get immediate response to issues and because we are going to know ourselves, that is what they do overseas, the Police would know me and my children, I would also know him and members of his family, then if he starts misbehaving everybody would see that this person is going overboard, let’s draw him back, so there is no other alternative to state policing as it obtains in other climes, why not in Nigeria? We should allow it if it comes to the NASS we would have to amend some areas of the Constitution and we would give it a smooth sail.

Cattle Colony and hues and cries, your take?

One thing is certain, sometimes one man’s meat is another’s poison, what would work in Taraba may not work in Kogi, what would work in Lagos may

not work in Edo, so it depends on the states themselves may be the governor of Kogi felt it would work for them and their people key into it, Benue people said no this is not what we want, that is the essence of having this state police, so if it is what would work for you now enact a law the police would be in charge of implementing that law, but if there is a law that does not conform with any interest of the President and he gives directives to the IG that that law they made there I am not in support of it that law would not work, that is what is happening in Nigeria.

Even when it is not conflicting with any constitutional provisions?

Yes, that is what we are seeing today, but let every state have and implement what they prefer in their state, we would see that there would be a lot of ease in this country, that is the panacea and if the state are controlling their own resources you would see that there would be a lot changes and everybody will not be running to the Federal Government, some of us that would still be useful to the state but now at the national level now, you just have to find yourself in a place and adapt.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

News 13

Ooni’s surprise Valentine dazzles Lagosians Esther Taiwo

ÏÏÏIt was all smiles and

tears of joy this year’s February 14 a day set aside for lovers and tagged ‘Lovers’ Day’ as the Ooni of Ife gave a surprise Valentine celebration for newborns in Lagos.

While people celebrate the Day in different ways and styles, young men and women set aside the day to take themselves out on a date, spend time together, some use the occasion to donate to the needy in the society while some lovers also use the day as marriage proposal.

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi decided to celebrate this year’s Valentine with the newborns through his Initiative, Hopes Alive which he described as

a Social Advocacy Intervention designed to alleviate social, cultural and environmental issues of reducing the impact of poverty among the most vulnerable while creating equal opportunities for all for exponential impact on the society.

According to the leader of the team, Miss Temitope Adesegun, Hopes Alive Initiative is trying as much as possible to give hope to the hopeless succour to the oppressed and the less privileged in the society adding that although God created everybody equally but some are more privileged to have more than the others so there should be a mechanism and a platform or avenue to bridge the gap.

She said the Ooni has always loved to live his life for humanity.

The team visited two hos-

pitals in Lagos - Island Maternity and Ikorodu General Hospital.

The Media Coordinator of the team who led members to the Island Maternity , Mr. Chidi Amos appreciates the imperial majesty for showing such a benevolence attitude towards the newborns saying this has been part of his activities before he became the king.

“I was not surprised when Hopes Alive was being instituted because it has been part of the king. Today being celebrated worldwide as lovers day, he thought of the best way to celebrate it and in his act of benevolence, he chose to celebrate the day with those babies coming into the world for the first time, he felt they should be welcome with love, by giving them gift items, he had to send head of the team to

London Miss Temitope Adesegun to go and do shopping for the babies in London, because he believes that whatever he is giving out must be equivalent to the benefactors”, he said.

Amos urged leaders especially the monarch to borrow a leaf from the Ooni by showing love to their subjects especially on a special day like this adding that monarchs need to be recognised for a particular activity for their people especially in the area of putting smiles on faces.

Chairman Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Hon Kamal Salau-Bashua, said the event is a laudable one adding that Hopes Alive Intiative has embarked on this to put smiles on the faces of mothers and their newborns adding that Lagos Island Maternity is

the biggest baby manufacturing hospital in Africa.

“I want to thank the NGO for finding it worthy to come and distribute gifts to the babies born in this notable hospital today being Valentine Day, it’s a give back to the society and we appreciate the initiator. With the present situation in the country we should show love to one another, irrespective of religious differences, political affiliation and tribal differences”, he said.

The Chairman also suggested that the Day should not be celebrated individually but should be an all encompassing and holistic way of spreading love adding that it should also not be a gazetted date but love should continue everyday so as to arrest restiveness and aggression in the land.

“There is hunger in the land, government can use the day to visit the less privileged and distribute food items, clothing and so on among them. There is need to tackle the basic needs of life so as to put smiles on the faces of people and as such

social vices will be reduced to the barest minimum”, he said.

The Council boss also stressed that the federal government can take opportunity to address people on Valentine day saying people need to hear from the government at all times as this will calm the tension in the land.

“Nigerians are angry but there are decades of decadence. On a day like this I expect the federal government to issue statements, sometimes it’s all about advocacy, there should be motivation, when there is apprehension in the land government should speak more to the people, Nigerians want to hear the voices of their leaders, they should talk to us and calm the tension in the land”, he said.

The team were also led by the Chairman Ikorodu local government Hon Ayodeji Adesina, the chairman to the Ikorodu general hospital, in company of the medical officer of health, Dr E. Sotunde and other officers of the Council.

Okowa challenges students on skills acquisition Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏDelta State Governor,

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, Senator Rose Okoh, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Country Director, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Paulin Basinga and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, when the new country Director visited the President of the Senate in Abuja.

FOWOSO Women Empowerment: Mrs Akeredolu Ganiyu Obaaro

ÏÏÏNo

fewer than 100 women from Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State have benefited from the maiden edition of the ongoing Women Empowerment Outreach organised by the office of the wife of Ondo State Governor, under the umbrella of Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO. Some of the items distributed during the empowerment outreach included hybrid Laptop computers, grinding machines, hair drying machines, and sewing machines.

The beneficiaries were trained on various skills’ acquisition programs, includ-

ing ICT, fashion designing, hair dressing, shoe making, soap and disinfectant production, bead making and make overs artistry.

Speaking at the well -attended event, Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu - Akeredolu described the outreach as a medium to demonstrate that women matter in the Akeredolu- led administration.

According to Akeredolu, “The main reason why we are here today is to demonstrate that women matter in Akeredolu’s administration.

“It is also a demonstration that I am keeping my promise. When I was campaigning, I did say that I will not be far from our people, especially the women folk.

“You might have heard my

voice on the radio or maybe seen me on television, that may not be good enough, there is nothing like interacting with our people one on one, and through this process we be able to note what the problems are and how we can provide solution, so that government can provide quality life for our people.

“I know one veritable way of doing it is by making sure that people have means of livelihood.

“This is very important and critical in all our lives.

“Everybody would want a sustainable income to keep body and soul together to make sure that our families do not lack.”

She noted that what was witnessed in the maiden edition of the outreach was just

a scratch on the surface and promised more impactful empowerment for the women in the state.

She further described FOWOSO as a grassroot structure through which women and children’s problems would be identified and lasting solutions would be proffered.

In his welcome address, the chairman of Akoko South East LGA, Hon. Adeyemi Akinniyi Raymond expressed gratitude to Ondo State First Lady for the choice of his local government area for the first edition of the outreach and commended Mrs Akeredolu for initiating FOWOSO which according to him is a blessing to Ondo State women.

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Delta State Students to embrace skill acquisition.

Governor Okowa who made the call in Oghara during a skill acquisition awareness programme Tagged “EVEN A PROFESSOR NEEDS A SKILL “ charged youths to embrace skill acquisition so as to curb unemployment and create entrepreneur Senator Okowa, represented by Hon. Karo Ilolo, Commissioner for Youths, said that the state government was desirous of reducing youth unemployment through youth empowerment and job creation stressing that “this is why we have embarked on Skills Acquisition sensitization in our various institutions across the state in curbing criminality and creating entrepreneurs” adding “We will continue to support skills acquisition programme to reduce unemployment, we will also provide Starter Packs to graduate students to enable them start their enterprise. “ He applauded The organizers for the sensitization programme and reiterated the commitment of his administration in the reduction of unemployment rate in the state, while urging the

students to look beyond their certificate.

The Executive Secretary of Delta State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency Mrs Shimite Bello who was one of the Speakers noted that the World at the moment is no longer in the era of certificate but Sabificate and having a skills will showcase you to the world and also save you from financial slavery.

Other speakers including the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Opujor, House of Representative Member, Hon Lovette Idisi Ethiope, Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor and Directorate of Orientation Barr EA Uzumnism, admonished students on Skills Acquisition.

Earlier the organizers of the programme, Political Aide On Students Affairs Comr Okoh Ezekiel Oghenetega and Political Aide on Special Duties [Media] Mr Ossai Ovie Success noted that the objectives of the entrepreneurship awareness programme was to sensitise students on the need to acquire skills while in school, adding that it was also meant to grow a new generation of Entrepreneurs from among students even before graduation.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Jonathan backs NASS over re-ordering of elections ÏÏÏFormer

L-R: Chief Strategist, Chain Nigeria, Mr. Israel Opayemi; the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Protection, Mrs. Maryam Uwais; Communications Manager, National Social Investment Office (NSIO), Tarira Ikharo, and Associate Consultant, Data & Digital Group, Chain Reactions Nigeria, Stacy Famojuro, at the NSIO Media Immersion event held in Lagos...recently

What FG must do to end call for restructuring - Aguariavwodo Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏSenator

Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has said that Nigerians would not clamour for the restructuring of the country if the federating states were allowed to control their resources.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Senator Aguariavwodo who represented Delta Central Senatorial District and is currently serving as the Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the Delta State Government listed areas that the Federal Government will have to tackle for Nigerians to stop clamouring for restructuring. According to him, “do to me what you want me to do to you; don’t abuse power because, some set of people

think they own the power.

“That is why things are not working the way they should work; if those who are at the federal level want to do things the way things should be done, why should I care where I live in Nigeria? Why should I be afraid to live in Maiduguri? Institutions are not functioning the way they should function; that is why people are clamouring for restructuring”.

“If we have state police, why should people be clamouring for restructuring? If we control our resources, People will not clamour for restructuring and perhaps, if we have a situation where every state must be known for tree cops and you see the government carry out such policy,

people will not be clamouring of restructuring.

“May be, if we have a proper census and the people will know the true population of this country, people will not clamour for restructuring and if there is proper delineation of state constituencies based on population, people will not clamour for restructuring”.

He disclosed that the Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa administration had positioned Delta State with good governance that the people are no longer looking at ethnicity or senatorial districts but see themselves, first as Deltans in their actions.

“What Governor Okowa is doing today in tackling all the anomalies that could be recalled restructuring; he is

restructuring the mind of the jobless youths through job and wealth creation, he is restructuring the civil service by constructing a secretariat that will accommodate all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), he is restructuring the state by providing infrastructure in all parts of the state, including the creeks that ordinarily were no go areas”, he said.

He observed that Governor Okowa has done so much in terms of providing infrastructure and peace building in the state, assuring that it can only be better as the governor continues to “work, work and work because, he is a man who believes that he is elected to work for the people”.

Extend NHIS to cover infertility problems-CMD UITH Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe

Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Professor Abdulwaheed Olatinwo , has canvassed that the nation’s National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), should capture persons facing medically confirmed infertility problems.

Olatinwo said while infertility has raised many ethical, legal and social questions, the cost of managing it remained enormous and therefore required interventions of various strata of governments in Nigeria.

Delivering the 178th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin Friday, the Don said the Assisted Reproductive Technology

(ART) has become the most efficient method the world over that has assisted in removing the societal stigma of infertility from many couples.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Help for the Helpless and Hope for the Hopeless: the Medicine of Reproductive Possibility ‘ve said; “infertility should be made a public health issue because it is socially constricted, existing at the crossroads of medical and social realms.

“Its management should therefore be given special consideration under the NHIS in order to ease the burden of the affected individuals.”

Olatinwo equally advocated for preventive strategies as a vital role in the overall prevention of infertility and child-maternal death in Nigeria.

At the event, moderated by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sulyman Abdulkareem, Olatinwo while lamenting the financial constraints of persons suffering from infertility to access the ART, believed that unless his propositions were dutifully considered, many Nigerian populations might die childless.

His words; “ART has emerged as one of the most widely adopted and successful medical technologies in the last century. While giving hope to millions of couples suffering from infertility, unfortunately, ART services are inaccessible to large sections of the population, mainly due to very high cost of treatment.

“ART also has presented new ethical, legal and social questions that society must address. Many countries have

taken steps to regulate certain aspects of ART. However such are still in very rudimentary stages in Nigeria. “ He added, “there is an urgent need for stakeholders (fertility specialists, clients, professional organizations, religious bodies, bio-ethicists, and government) in s developing countries, to formulate cultural and context -specific guidelines in order to address some of these ethical dilemmas.”

Although the UITH boss urged the government to improve on the stability of electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria, he added that the government should collaborate with private sector firms “who are currently the main providers of IVY services” by way of reducing or waiving taxes for IVF, drugs, and consumables.

President Goodluck Jonathan has backed the National Assembly over its recent reordering of the 2019 general elections as contained in an amendment to the Electoral Act. In a statement made available in Abuja on Friday by Ike Abonyi, the special adviser to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, quoted Jonathan as supporting the re-ordering of the elections while receiving the PDP chairman, who led members of the National Working Committee, NWC, on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Jonathan Foundation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The National Assembly Conference Committee on Electoral Act (amendment) Bill had on Tuesday adopted a re-ordered sequence of the 2019 elections, which now puts the presidential election last in the timetable.

The sequence of the polls now has the National Assembly elections coming first, followed by governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls. The presidential poll will now comes last as against what happened in the last elections.

But President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to indicate if he would sign the amendment into law when he eventually gets the bill.

According to the statement, Jonathan reportedly said “what the National Assembly did would help in the election of quality persons into various positions.

“Holding presidential election first will affect

Jonathan

the quality of persons that will emerge in other polls because of the bandwagon effect.

“The ruling party, the APC should see it from national and patriotic interests since laws are not meant for persons in power at a particular time.”

About 10 APC senators had kicked against the amendment and accused the ‘proponents’ of targeting Buhari’s chances at the polls.

But Jonathan has urged his party, the PDP, to support the National Assembly for the patriotic act as he stated that he envisaged a time “when presidential election will be conducted differently from the others.”

He also commended the newly elected Secondusled NWC of the PDP for bringing back confidence in the party pointing out that those who left will soon return.

“I believe that PDP will return to power in 2019 if we continue to build confidence especially as the ruling party has failed to meet up their promises and give hope to the people.

“Propaganda may help you win election but can’t help you govern and that is what APC has seen in the last 32 months,” the expresident reportedly said.

Mr. Secondus at the event briefed the former president on the activities of the NWC since December when they were elected into office.

He said that the new leadership was already engaged in a number of activities aimed at rebranding, and repositioning the party with a view to regaining power in 2019.

FEATURES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

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PMB and the Bishops: Let the frank talks continue

Emma Agu

These are very challenging times for Nigeria and Nigerians. And if there is one man who should feel the pinch more than the rest of us, it is President Muhammadu Buhari, PMB, for short. Why, you would ask? Simple: Uneasy, the saying goes, lies the head that wears the crown. Of course, he should have expected it. He is not an accidental president. Don’t forget that, unlike Julius Caesar who was entreated by the Romans to take the crown, PMB’s was by personal choice. Not only did he offer his head for the crown, he did so on four occasions, spanning a period of twelve years.

PMB’s case reminds one of a story told about the late Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe, unarguably one of the most flamboyant politicians that passed through these climes; the man who had the audacious dexterity to twist the English language in a manner that defied the adroitness of even Nobel winners in English.

When reminded that uneasy laid the head that wore the crown and that he should tread gently in the pursuit of his political ambition, K.O. was reported to have blurted out: “Place the crown on my head, let me bother about the weight!” That was quintessentially the magisterial K.O. the coiner of jargons like men of “timber and calibre”, of “caterpillar and bulldozer”, the ambassador extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary of the Second Republic!

With politicians like K.O, Maitama Sule, M.K.O. Abiola, Ibrahim Tahir and Chuba Okadigbo, the political space never had a dull moment. They had a way of making even the most contentious disagreements look like friendly contests, the end of which left little or no bitterness. They had the uncanny ability to tell someone to go to hell, and the person would proceed gladly. But those days are gone. Today, tempers rise at the shortest provocation and political gladiators throw verbal scuds that rip through the psyche and short fuses of opponents with unquenchable anger.

That is why the recent meeting between the Catholic bishops and President Muhammadu Buhari should be defrocked of the antagonistic garb in which some commentators and political opportunists have tried to dress it, in a bid to pigeon-hole it into a preconceived narrative, thereby fuelling the climate of disharmony. I am an ardent Catholic.

I know that the real Catholic cleric is a forthright messenger of God who fears neither man nor the elements. I also know that Catholic clerics are humble, respectful and peaceful people who shun the limelight. I suspect that if the Bishops had their way, they would have preferred a quiet visit to the President, away from the klieg lights, unnoticed by news hounds and angry politicians baying for the blood of their compatriots.

That is why it is important to place the visit in its proper context. First, the bishops showed predictable maturity by

Buhari

taking advantage of the access they had to the President. It would have been totally out of character if they had taken to the streets or any other public forum when they could look the man in the face, eye-ball to eye ball and tell him the unvarnished truth. And the truth, they told him. They told him that all was not well, that people were suffering. They commended him for the degradation of Boko Haram but wondered why his stoic resolve against terror was failing him in the area of the herdsmen/ farmers crisis; they reminded him that his constituency was all of Nigeria and that the feeling of alienation by some groups needed to be addressed in appointments to political offices.

From the photographs of the event, you did not need anybody to tell you that there were tense moments; but it was also obvious that there was mutual respect. That is the way it should be.

Did the bishops achieve any results? It is too early in the day to conclude. But a few things have happened to suggest that PMB actually learnt some lessons from the frank talks. By the same token, going by their confessions to some of their friends in government, it will appear that the bishops equally learnt some lessons by the visit.

Therefore, it is apposite to conclude that some of the instantaneous visible changes were the salutary effects of the frank talks. For instance, at the diplomatic level, two days after their visit, the Papal Nuncio, that is, the Vatican’s ambassador to Nigeria, was able to present his letters of credence.

Why he could not do so for over three months is open to question but it needs be observed that it is not unusual for such accreditation to await certain clarifications. For another, the presidency issued a mild but reassuring rebuttal of the accusation that PMB was indifferent to the insecurity posed by the herdsmen crisis. For once, PMB

Bishop Kaigama

who is not given to brandishing his antecedents reminded Nigerians that he had been in the theater of battle and that, during his time in the military, commanded three out of the four divisions of the Nigerian Army, at the time in Lagos, Jos and Ibadan. That’s not a swagger; it was like saying: “trust me, I know what to do, I know what I am doing”. What one deduces from that is that PMB felt sufficiently concerned by the visit of the Bishops that he decided that a response was appropriate.

Actually, there are speculations that PMB felt so concerned that he confidently leaked to the bishops some inner security issues he believed were not for public consumption as these could inflame passions and lead to escalation of tensions.

Now this: All along, the attitude of PMB and his aides had been to shrug off any accusation of lopsidedness in appointments. But in a marked departure from the trend, PMB assured the bishops that he would look into their complaint about lopsided appointments, perhaps now that people who are not prone to telling lies or making statements to score cheap political points have weighed into the matter. What I deduce from this is that, upon reflection, it is beginning to dawn on the President that there is need to address the feeling of alienation and exclusion.

To be sure, one area where the stark lopsidedness stares everyone in the face is the exclusion of the south east from headship of any of the nation’s security agencies. That wouldn’t be considered fair, by any standard. Such exclusion only strengthens the argument and, perhaps, the resolve, of those who are regarded as trouble makers. Now, it is possible that hierarchically, the system cannot find anybody of sufficient rank, from the south east, to fill the quota of the zone.

If that were to be the case, the nation

is not devoid of precedents to fall back to. I am told of the dilemma faced by the military following the unfortunate assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed on February 13, 1976. With General Matthew Olusegun Obasanjo, OBJ, succeeding him as head of state, the natural thing was for the next most senior officer, in the person of Lt-General T.Y. Danjuma, to take over from OBJ as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. But the tension in the army wouldn’t allow for such indiscretion as both OBJ and Danjuma are Christians while Murtala Mohammed was a Moslem. What did the military do? They fished out an officer who, though junior in rank, fit the political profile enunciated by the kingmakers. That was how then Colonel Shehu Musa Yar’Ardua was overnight promoted to Brigadier-General to become second in command as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. What that showed was that the military, when challenged, could be trusted to exhibit the required political sensibilities to drive the process of nation building and political stability. We are not in a military government but the president, as commander-in-chief, can make necessary adjustments aimed at addressing the issue of diversity. In this, he has the full weight of Section 14, sub-section 3 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to support any action he takes to achieve an inclusive arrangement. For the avoidance of doubt, here is the provision of Section 14, Sub-section 3 of the constitution, otherwise known as the “Federal Character Principle”: The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies”.

In not so many words, the bishops conveyed to PMB the need to re-enact the political sagacity and flexibility of the past; that the polity is usually more stable when leaders show greater understanding of the complex reality of the pluralities that define our unity in diversity. One more example will suffice: confronted with a similar crisis after the 1979 general elections, the victorious National Party of Nigeria (NPN) went into an alliance with the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), to stabilize the polity. Granted that the alliance collapsed after sometime, it no doubt provided some breathing space to re-engineer the political architecture of the country hence allowing President Shehu Shagari’s administration the leeway to record some landmark achievements.

Agu, a media consultant, sent in this material from Abuja

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

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News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

2019: CNPP backs NASS on order of elections, cautions CSOs rejecting reordered polls Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏThe

R-L: Senator Sani Ahmed Yerima, Sen. Adamu Aliero, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Leader of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan during a condolence visit by the President of the Senate, to the family of a former Secretary to the Government of th Federation (SGF), late Alhaji Gidado Idris, in Abuja.

Human trafficking: Edo Govt. plans permanent shelters for returnees Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏThe Edo State Gov-

ernment has said that there are plans to construct permanent shelters for returnee Edo indigenes who were victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.

Secretary of the Edo State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, Mrs. Abieyuwa Onyemwense, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, in Benin City, said that such a facility was necessary to fasttrack short, medium and long-term objectives of rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees.

She explained that the state government already has a robust plan on reintegrating and rehabilitating the returnees, who the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Federal and State Governments, have facilitated their return to the state.

Onyemwense noted that the approach to receiving the returnees by the state government

are far-reaching, which includes medicals, payment of stipends, capacity building and provision of starter-packs, reunion with families and regular monitoring and follow-ups.

She said, “The returnees need a lot of guidance. We have a security team that does background checks right from when we receive them at the airports. There was a recent video of a lady that

was threatening to take to arms that went viral; we tracked her down and now she is working very closely with us. So, the system is so robust to spotlight issues and resolve them as quickly as possible.”

According to her, “We are looking at building permanent shelters for the returnees. It is one of the initiatives of the Edo State Government to see an end to this menace. With that, we can do

so much.”

Noting that the centre will serve to harmonise several activities and campaigns against irregular migration and human trafficking, she said, “We intend to run short, medium and long term programmes for the returnees. This will enable us follow through with the resettlement programme and ensure that we achieve 100 percent success in resettling the returnees.”

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has thrown its weight behind the National Assembly on reordering of 2019 general elections and beyond, insisting that the presidential election must come last to save Nigerian democracy and the country from nosediving into a one party state at any point in our national life.

In its reaction to the controversy surrounding the reordering of elections by the Assembly ahead of 2019 polls, the CNPP in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted that proposal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will lead to the party, which wins the Presidential election sweeping the polls at all level in view of the history of elections in the country.

CNPP also counselled all civil society organizations (CSOs) “towing the path of INEC to retrace their steps as they are unwittingly aiding a rigging formula that will turn the country into a one party state.

“If INEC wants to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country devoid of rigging, the Commission should listen to the voice of the representatives of the Nigerian people, who are working hard to reduce bandwagon effects in voting.

“Members of the National Assembly are not only experienced politicians but major stakeholders in the outcome of the elections.

Gulfstream G500 Jet Launches in Nigeria Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏThe

all-new Gulfstream G500 business jet made its Nigerian debut this week, with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s senior executives visiting Nigeria to give current and potential customers an opportunity to experience firsthand the new aircraft’s cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort and superior craftsmanship.

According to a release by Temitayo Fa-

mutimi, Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Consulate General, the Gulfstream G500 business jet was on display for private viewing at the ExecuJet Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on February 16 and 17.

At a networking event attended by senior leaders from diverse sectors of the economy, Commercial Counsellor Brent Omdahl reaffirmed the strong economic ties

between the United States and Nigeria.

“The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service continues to facilitate long term business relationships between companies from the United States and Nigeria. We are excited to welcome this stellar group from the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to share their experience and expertise with Nigerian business executives,” Omdahl said.

Private aviation is a growing industry

in Nigeria, which is home to more than 20 Gulfstream business aircraft, most of them large-cabin, long-range jets capable of connecting companies and business owners with their corporate interests around the globe.

The Gulfstream G500, for example, can fly 8,149 km at nine-tenths the speed of sound, easily carrying passengers from Lagos to London or Moscow. At Mach 0.85, the aircraft can travel 9,630 km, linking Lagos with Caracas or Mumbai.

“You don’t put in place an electoral process in place with one man in mind because if another person comes in, the process will be inherited by the person.

The the process should be to do the right thing and follow the path that can deepen democracy rather than a party that will ultimately destroy all democratic tenets we have all labour to build.

“For us, the reordered elections is the best thing the current National Assembly has done for Nigeria and democracy in the country. And anyone against it is a hater of Nigerian democracy.

“The issue is not about President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid. It is about Nigeria after President Buhari”, the Conference observed.

The CNPP then tasked the electoral umpire on free, fair and very credible 2019 elections that will surpass the legacy left behind by the last leadership of the Commission.

They equally urged politicians to work together to save democracy and unite the county rather than working for selfish purposes, with destruction as its end.

The Senate and the House of Representatives had in February 2018 concurrently reordered the 2019 general elections timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The order of elections was first reordered by the House of Representatives on January 24, 2018, by amending Section 25 of the Principal Act and substituted it with a new section 25 (1), stating that the elections shall be held in the following order: (a) National Assembly election (b) State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections (c) Presidential election.

Similarly, section 87 was amended by adding a new section 87 (11) with marginal note: “Time for primaries of political parties.

“The primaries of political parties shall follow the following sequence (i) State Houses of Assembly (ii) National Assembly (iii) Governorship, and (iv) President.

“The dates for the above stated primaries shall not be held earlier that 120 days and not later than 90 days before date of elections to the offices.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

19 News

Zamfara : Buhari, Atiku condemn killings, want perpetrators arrested Mathew Dadiya, and Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned Thursday’s massacre of innocent persons in Birane village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, even as former vice president, Atiku Abubakr called for caution on the proliferation of small arms.

The President commiserated with the families of victims of the heinous and inhuman attacks on defense-

less citizens, which left many injured.

Buhari directed the Minister of Defence, BrigadierGeneral Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd) to proceed immediately to the state to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and report back.

He equally directed security agencies to immediately mobilise and deploy their members to the vulnerable areas of the state, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to face the full wrath of the law.

The President assured the Zamfara State government,

victims of the mayhem and residents in the state, that the Federal Government will continue do all it takes to support security agencies to secure lives and property, not only in the affected state but all parts of the country.

Buhari restated his administration’s determination to put an end to the spate of senseless spilling of innocent blood in parts of the country, and calls for restraint to allow the nation’s security apparatus to stem the undesirable trend.

The President prayed that almighty God will receive

the souls of the departed, and comfort their families.

In the meantime Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to be vigilant in the wake of killings by gunmen in Zamfara .

Atiku also called on the Federal Government and its agencies to ensure “stricter enforcement of ban on the proliferation of small arms and other deadly weapons in the hands of criminals.”

The former Vice President In a statement on Friday in Abuja issued from his media office, condemned the Thursday’s massacre in Zamfara State in which scores of in-

nocent people were forced out of their vehicles and brutally killed by unknown bandits.

Atiku recalled that in January, he spoke out on the killings in Rivers, Kaduna and Benue States, adding that he was appalled by the continued large scale destruction of human lives by criminal groups.

He expressed concern over the frequency of these heinous attacks by criminal gangs.

The former Vice President said the ease with which criminal groups have access to dangerous weapons in the

country was worrisome and disturbing.

“When human beings are falling like flies repeatedly, ambushed by savage mass murderers and killed in cold blood, I wonder what becomes of the sanctity of life.

“Apart from identifying, arresting and prosecuting arms suppliers, there should be an intensification of efforts by our security personnel,” Atiku advised.

He extends his condolences and prayers to the Government of Zamfara State and families of the victims.

We are re-branding Man O’ War – National commandant Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The Federal Govern-

L-R: The Acting Director-General the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Engr. Chidi Izuwah Snr, Executive Director Projects, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Engr.(Dr) Samuel Adjogbe, Dr Felix Ogbera of ICRC and Engr Osmond Adiele, NDDC Director Public private Partnership, PPP, after a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

ment has deemed it necessary to bring a change in the Nigeria society through the Man O’ War Nigeria, but it must start from the members of Man O’ War, Nigeria themselves.

These are the words of the National Commandant of Man O’ War, Nigeria Col. Sanni Depsia Adamu, while inaugurating and decorating state officers in Umuahia, stating that there is the need for change of attitude and actions on the part of members.

“There is the serious need for change. Man O’

Rice farmers in Plateau get inputs for dry season farming Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) have distributed farm inputs to farmers under the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) to boost rice production in the state.

Mrs. Helen Temtsen, the Head, Development Finance, CBN office in Jos, while launching the pilot scheme of the distribution on Friday, said the gesture was aimed at boosting food production.

According to her, it is also aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency in the agriculture sector.

Our correspondent recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had in Nov. 2015, officially launched the programme in Kebbi State.

Temtsen explained that

the apex bank noticed serious depletion in the nation’s external reserve owing to importation of food items that could ordinarily be produced in the country.

This she said necessitated the need to support farmers with loans to go into high production.

“Between 2014 and 2015, more than N1 billion was spent on importation of rice, wheat, fish and other food items in this country.

“These are items we can produce in this country to consume and even export, but we keep depleting our external reserves because of so much importation.

“To address the anomaly, CBN came up with the Anchor Borrowers initiative which RIFAN keyed into, so as to provide farmers with loans to encourage them to go into production of huge and quality rice for the popu-

lace,’’ she said.

According to her, the loans will be given to farmers in form of inputs without any collateral as RIFAN will stand as guarantor for the beneficiaries.

She said the beneficiaries would bear the cost of production and collection of items would not be done by proxy, in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

Temtsen explained that for the 2018 dry season farming, 724 hectares of land would be used for the production of rice, adding that 666 farmers would benefit from the gesture in the state.

She called on the beneficiaries to put into good use the inputs given to them in order not to deviate from the purpose of the programme, which was aimed at addressing

food scarcity in the state and country at large.

She further warned beneficiaries not to default, as anyone involved would be decisively dealt with and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Temtsen called on other commodity associations to emulate RIFAN in partnering with the apex bank to make Nigeria a food sufficient nation.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Joshua Bitrus, the RIFAN chairman in Plateau, said the gesture was a right step in the right direction.

According to him, diversification remains cardinal in taking Nigeria to the path of economic growth.

“Today, the long awaited anchor borrower’s programme is taking off in our dear state.

“Farmers will today be given modern farm in-

puts that will enable them go into best global agricultural practice that will lead to greater rice production in the state.

“While we continually pray for the success of this programme in our dear state, it will be pertinent to draw the attention of all stakeholders in rice farming to partner with us in all aspects to make the state hub of rice production in the country,” he said Bitrus commended CBN for the initiative and the confidence reposed in RIFAN and assured that it would do all within its powers to sustain and cement the relationship for the greater good of the state.

This medium reports that items distributed to farmers include water pumps, sprayers, fertilizer, herbicides, and improvised rice seeds, among others.

War, Nigeria has gone to a level where change should come and it has started from the national level and will soon get to the unit level”, the national Commandant represented by the Assistant Commandant, South East, Uche Egbuziem said.

He said he was inaugurating “a new face of state officers to take the message down to the units. Man O’ War is an institution set aside by the Federal Government to impart on the society through citizenship education. Man O’ War is sitting on a sensitive gap”.

Speaking as himself, Assistant Commandant, South East, Uche Egbuziem said the organization is united in the south east and called on all state commands in the area to be “united and strong”, rating the south east commands as number one in the organization throughout the country.

According to him, “the unity of Man O’ War and the unity of Nigerians cannot be compromised at any level” and gave a mini lecture on ethics of the profession to the members.

Earlier in his speech, the Abia state Commandant of Man O’ War, Bar. Mike Ibeleme assured his members that as the organization is being re-organized, he will do all he can to better their conditions in the state.

He described Man O” War as regimented and a paramilitary, while urging members to abide by the code of conduct of the organization, stating that members are all leaders while the organization itself is about leadership training, stating “we are trained to train the society”.

“Anywhere you see yourself, consider yourself as a leader”, he admonished them and advised them to behave like leaders.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, Febuary 17, 2018

News 20

APC fault PDP claims on defection of 500 members in Bayelsa HURIWA upbraids

Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has faulted as “staged managed” the defection of over 500 members of the opposition party into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that those who purportedly defected are not card carrying members of the APC. According to the APC, though some of those that defected were in the party to contest the last Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries of the party and left after emerging losers, the alleged attempts by the PDP to use cheap defection as a yardstick for celebrating Governor Dickson is laughable.

The State Chairman of APC in Bayelsa, Hon. Joseph Fafi, noted that though the se-

rious attempts by the PDP led Governor Seriake Dickson administration is laughable and interesting,” the APC sympathize with the PDP on the abysmal failure of the Fineman Wilson committee to woo APC members.

Joseph Fafi, in a statement issued via email, said “The APC notes with interest the purported defection of some unknown persons claiming to be APC members in Bayelsa state to PDP. We wish to state that apart from a few persons who came in from the PDP to contest the last APC Governorship primaries and left immediately after their failure none of the other mentioned persons are card carrying members of the APC in Bayelsa state neither are they known within their wards.”

“This action of the PDP is no doubt a continuation of the grand deception of the people of Bayelsa state and Nigerians

as a whole. That the PDP has been rejected in Bayelsa state is a fact well known by the smallest child in the state. We wish to sympathize with the PDP on the abysmal failure of the Fineman Wilson committee to woo APC members.

Despite the many months of hard work travelling from LGA to LGA wasting tax payers money and promises of gold and silver they were not able to convince a single stakeholder to dump the APC. Having seen the best of the PDP, the APC is more confident than ever to win the next set of Elections in the state.”

“The APC wishes to congratulate its teeming supporters for their steadfastness assuring that the waiting period with soon be over. It would be recalled that hundreds of key actors in All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in

what looks like a signal to the 2019 general elections in Bayelsa state.

Among those who defected to the PDP included a returnee former State Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tarila Tebepah; former Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Engr.

Monday Karibo; former Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Stephen Erebo; former member of the House of Assembly, and the special adviser to the governor on inter-party relations, Hon. Ben Eyerekumoh Hon. Franklin Otele and a former key chieftain of the party, Hon. Iro Kominibo. Others are former Commissioner, Hon Geseye Isowo; a former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Johnson Alalibo; returnee former chieftain of PDP, Chief Victor Awala; and former House of Assembly member, Hon. Ayiba Duba.

L-R - The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the UNWTO’s Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, signing the Agreement on Nigeria’s hosting of the 61st CAF Meeting, in Madrid, Spain, on Friday

FG’s school feeding programme to become Africa’s largest – Uwais Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government’s National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) currently in 20 states of the federation has been projected to become the largest school feeding initiative in Africa, as plans are underway to cover the entire 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Protection, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, made this known during a recent interview.

She affirmed that government’s plan is to take the NHGSFP initiative, which currently feeds over 6 million

school children in 20 states, to the rest of the country within the shortest possible time.

Uwais said: “As at August last year (2017), the Federal Government spent N6.2 billion on the school feeding programme in 14 states. This has encouraged increase in school attendance across the country as the programme is also designed to improve school enrollment and completion.

“The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme has served 246 million meals. We are in about 60,000 schools around the country. Government wants to expand the programme to 36 states as this will ensure about 24 million children in

36 states and the FCT get fed, making the school feeding programme the largest in Africa.”

Launched in 2016, the programme also provides jobs for farmers, cooks and transporters, many of whom are parents of the children being fed.

This ensures the children are fed by people they are used to.

The school feeding programme has many benefits, one being that trained nutritionists are involved in structuring a balanced diet for the children while they are able to concentrate on learning as hunger is no longer a distraction.

Mrs. Uwais, in her strive to increase public awareness and knowledge of the Na-

tional Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) comprising four initiatives, recently met with journalists in Lagos at a ‘Media Immersion’.

The four programmes are: National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP); Government Empowerment and Enterprise Programme (GEEP) to provide zero interest loans for over 1.2 million Nigerian artisans; N-Power, a job creation and youth employment programme which targets 500,000 unemployed graduates; and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) designed to support one million of the most vulnerable and poorest Nigerians.

Presidency over Zamfara massac ÏÏÏNon-governmental or-

ganisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the inability of all the nation’s security forces to put an end to the intermittent mass genocide of villagers by freelance armed hoodlums in Zamfara State.

The Rights group accused the current federal government of pursuing political correctness in tackling the consistent mass slaughter of innocent civilians in Zamfara State instead of the President Muhammadu Buhari to order the surgical and comprehensive law enforcement efforts to crush the growing number of wellarmed militias operating in Zamfara State and whose identities may be known to security officials.

HURIWA insisted that there is already a comprehensive report of the cases of killings in Zamfara State put together by committees set up by past administrations and whose reports made recommendations on the best way and far reaching mechanisms to bring to an end these senseless targeted killings of innocent Nigerians.

HURIWA condemned the Federal Government under President Buhari for only decisively showing interest in launching intensive manhunt for the armed hoodlums only when cases of cattle rustling are involved and wondered why the special forces put together and inaugurated by the military camouflaged wearing President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to protect human lives first and foremost since the fundamental human right to life is sacrosanct and inviolable.

The Rights group recalled that sometime last year, the media had reported that some of these armed hoodlums surrendered their arms and wondered why the same federal government which set up a special battalion of armed soldiers to battle the scourge of cattle rustling in and around the lawless forests that littered Zamfara state has so far watched helplessly as tens -of -helpless innocent civilians are sent to their early graves by armed hoodlums who operate as if they have licences to kill civilians. “A serving Senator even accused his State governor of not doing enough to stop the killings but this strategic issue of safeguarding lives

and property of the citizens has been politicised and when two elephants fight only the grass suffer. Should innocent blood continue to flow in Zamfara State?”

“We have followed the ugly security challenges in Zamfara State in the last couple of years and we are shocked that the Nigerian state which showed the capacity to draw out some of these armed kingpins to ceasefire temporarily and stop cattle rustling cannot now be competent and capable of stopping the blood cuddling bonanza of mass killings of poor, innocent civilians in many unsecured habitations of Zamfara State”.

“We find it unbelievable that dozens of poor, innocent civilians are gunned down but all the heads of the internal security agencies are not held to account. This is the primitive display of impunity and this is a danger signal against democracy.

“In a sane society, both the Inspector General of police; DG of DSS and Comptroller General of Civil Defence would have been forced to resign for gross dereliction of duty. These mass killing of Zamfara people are outrageous.”

HURIWA recalled that the orgy of violence in the country continued on Wednesday as 41 persons were killed by bandits, who invaded Birane, a sleepy agrarian village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

HURIWA quoted the state police command spokesman, DSP Muhammad Shehu, in a statement, confirmed the incident and said it was a conflict between hunters, local vigilantes and the bandits.

HURIWA accepted with popular angst that the latest violence tested the will of the Federal Government to end the wanton killings in the North-west region of the country, particularly in Zamfara, that had come under heavy fire by bandits who rustled cattle and made life difficult for the people.

“Sadly, after gunmen torched dozens of residences and sent 24 persons to the great beyond in about three communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state last November, the federal government indicated its intention to establish a brigade of the Nigerian Army in some states to stem the killings in the region, particularly in Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina. We must stop these bloodshed now”.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Adamawa to construct 300 km of rural roads –ADRAMP2 Tom Garba, Yola coordinator of Adamawa State second rural access and mobility project (RAMP-2),Engr Abbas Adamu said that there is going to be over 300 kilometres of rural roads to be constructed across the three senatorial zones of the state.

According to Abbas the communities have already been earmarked and work will soon commence in essence as his office are only waiting for the contractors who will handle the job to start.

“The phase two rural roads projects for 2018 will construct over 300 kilometers rural roads in so many villages cutting across the three senatorial

district of the state, where Mubi Lamurde, Kirji,Bajaule,Ribawo Junction to Muchalla, L o ko h u m b a , To u n g o Kiri in Mubi are few in Northern senatorial zone among the many villages to benefit from the projects.’’

Abbas said.

Adamu further said that the effort of the World bank and the Government of France to create access and motorable roads in rural communities in Nigeria is to enhance the socio economy activities of the rural people, commending the duo donor agencies for their support in making sure towns and villages of the state are accessible.

He appreciated the efforts of the executive Governor of Ad-

amawa state, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow for raising up the counterpart funding when on demands. “ Bindow is no doubt a social transformation Governor whose political ideology shows he is a Man for social change in developing all sectors of the economy. “ He however warned any contractor who is not serious in meeting up to the contractual agreement, as he is not going to hesitate in withdrawing the contract to a more qualifying company. ‘’The roads construction is indeed consolidating on the ongoing infrastructural development witnessing in the state.’’

ADESHOLA

FALANA OLUWAFUNMILAYO YETUNDE

MISS AMINU RUKAYAT OLASUNBO

ÏÏÏThe

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADEBAKIN FATIMOH .A. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FALANA OLUWAFUNMILAYO IMOLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FALANA OLUWAFUNMILAYO YETUNDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OLABODE WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AMINU RUKAYAT OLASUNBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE

DEBORAH AREKPITAN UGWU

ADEBOYE RASHEED MUHAMMED

I formerly known and addressed as DEBORAH AREKPITAN UWAIFO now wish to be known and addressed as DEBORAH AREKPITAN UGWU . This is due to my marriage with IKECHUKWU DAVID UGWU. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AJASA RASHEED ADEBOYE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOYE RASHEED MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BUSARI MUTIU OLANREWAJU now wish to be known and addressed as BUSARI SAHEED ARISEKOLA. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

MISS EZE IFEYINWA JULIET

NWANGWU GINIKA FAITH

NNAMDI CHIZOBA

BUSARI SAHEED ARISEKOLA

Change of Names 21 EDWIN INI ARCHIBONG

ALHAJI JAMIU OLOWO AJADI

ADERINOYE ADEKUNLE ISRAEL

Formerly known and addressed as Alhaji JAMIU OLOWO JIMOH Now wish to be known and addressed as Alhaji JAMIU OLOWO AJADI. All former documents remain valid. Authority concerned and General public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as HAMMED ADERINOYE ADEKUNLE now wish to be known and addressed as ADERINOYE ADEKUNLE ISRAEL . All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

YUSUF MUSILI

ISIAKA SULEIMON BABALOLA

I formerly known and addressed as TOWOLAWI GANIAT ADEDOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF MUSILI .

I was born on 20/06/1956. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA SULEIMON SHOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ISIAKA SULEIMON BABALOLA . I was born on 15/05/1972 not 05/05/1972 nor 04/07/1972. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

EPELLE ESTHER CHIAMAKA

ONARO NICHOLAS OSAGIE

I formerly known and addressed as EPELLE ESTHER FESTUS now wish to be known and addressed as EPELLE ESTHER CHIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IGBINOBA DAVID OSAGIE now wish to be known and addressed as ONARO NICHOLAS OSAGIE . All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

OLUTOYIN PAMELA AKINJOBI OGUNWUSI I formerly known and addressed as OLUTOYIN PAMELA AKINJOBI now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTOYIN PAMELA AKINJOBI OGUNWUSI .

All former documents remain valid.

GT Bank and General public to please take note.

MRS INNOCENT EDITH IFEOMA

MRS. OGU ROSELINE NKECHI

OGUBUIKE SYLVIA CHINASA

I, formerly known and addressed as ANIGBATA EDITH IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS INNOCENT EDITH IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UFONDU ROSELINE NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGU ROSELINE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUBUIKE SYLVIA UJU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUBUIKE SYLVIA CHINASA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

MADU GOODNESS UKAMAKA I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN MARIA EGAH now wish to be known and addressed as MADU GOODNESS UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

ILOJIANYA SCHOLASTICA NDUBUAKU I, formerly known and addressed as ILOJIANYA SCHOLASTICA PETERS NDUBUAKU, now wish to be known and addressed as ILOJIANYA SCHOLASTICA NDUBUAKU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

GODSON KOSI JOY

MRS ANGELA NKIRUKA IGWE

MRS OKPALA UCHECHI VIVIAN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANGELA NKIRUKA ARIWODO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANGELA NKIRUKA IGWE. All former documents remain valid.

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO, ILEIFE and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANYALEMECHI UCHECHI VIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKPALA UCHECHI VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT UFORT INI UDO,EDWIN INI UDO AND EDWIN INI REFER TO ONE AND THESAME PERSON BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EDWIN INI ARCHIBONG. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

MRS OSENI KEHINDE FASILAT I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS YUSUF KEHINDE FASILAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OSENI KEHINDE FASILAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

AKALITE MODESTER CHIDIMMA

This is to inform the general public of loss of LAND DOCUMENTS Reg. as No 11/11/1090, 71/71/1690 and 6/6/1692 at Enugu Land Registry belonging to MR. KENNETH IKENNA UZOWULU, the land situate at Asata River Layout, Enugu. All effort of trace the said document has proved abortive.

If found please contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.

I formerly known and addressed as Ezeobi Modester Chidimma now wish to be known and addressed as Akalite Modester Chidimma. all former documents remains valid, general public please take.

RITA NGOZI ONYEGBULE

MRS QUEEN CHINECHEREM

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ONYEJI IFEYINWA JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS EZE IFEYINWA JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE GINIKA FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANGWU GINIKA FAITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKPARAKU CHIZOBA PRISCA., now wish to be known and addressed as NNAMDI CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS ANI PROMISE CHINASA

OKAFOR UJUNWA JECINTA

OPEYEMI EMMANUEL

MRS PRINCE OGECHI EUNICE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS KAMA PROMISE CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI PROMISE CHINASA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Banks and General public should please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as UCHE UJUNWA JECINTA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR UJUNWA JECINTA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I OPEYEMI EMMANUEL OLOGUNJA that i am the proprietor and sole owner of PREMOLAX GLOBAL AGENCY. That PREMOLAX GLOBAL AGENCY was registered by me with corporate affairs commission on the 6th

I formerly known and addressed as miss Ogechi Oyenkwere Reuben Eunice, now wish to be called and address as Mrs Prince Ogechi Eunice. All former documents remain valid authority concern and general PUBLIC please take note.

MRS UBAESIE NCHEDOCHUKWU SYMPHOROSA MICHELLE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MUOJEKWU NCHEDOCHUKWU SYMPHOROSA MICHELLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UBAESIE NCHEDOCHUKWU SYMPHOROSA MICHELLE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

NWOGBAGA FLORENCE IFEOMA I, formerly known and addressed as EZIKE IFEOMA FLORENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOGBAGA FLORENCE IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

OKECHUKWU QUEENDALINE CHIEMELIE I, formerly known and addressed as ONYIDA QUEENDALINE CHIEMELIE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKECHUKWU QUEENDALINE CHIEMELIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS CHIDI NKECHINYERE EMEKA-AKPU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechinyere Eke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chidi Nkechinyere EmekaAkpu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KOKOBILI LAURA OLUMA

I formerly known and addressed as Rita Ngozi Chigbu now wish to be called and address as Rita Ngozi Onyegbule. All former documents remain valid authority concern and general PUBLIC please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as miss Queen Chinecherem Onyegide, now wish to be called and address as Mrs Queen Chinecherem Hensaw Eden, All former documents remain valid authority concern and general PUBLIC please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed NNABUIKE LAURA OLUMA now wish to be known and addressed as KOKOBILI LAURA OLUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKPUNONU KOSI, now wish to be known and addressed as GODSON KOSI JOY. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

VINCENT OLISAEBUKA OKORO I, formerly known and addressed as VINCENT EBUKA OKORO, now wish to be known and addressed as VINCENT OLISAEBUKA OKORO. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

AGBOR MARY BENJAMIN I, formerly known and addressed as IREK MARY SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOR MARY BENJAMIN .

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

AJAH MICHAEL ORJI I formerly known and addressed as AJAH MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as AJAH MICHAEL ORJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note ESEROGHENE TUNDE IROROEWHO I, formerly known and addressed as ESEROGHENE TUNDE ITEFA now wish to be known and addressed as ESEROGHENE TUNDE IROROEWHO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

RILIWAN OLAMILEKAN BASHIRU I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RIDWAN OLAMILEKAN AJALA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RILIWAN OLAMILEKAN BASHIRU, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE

News22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Conclude constitution amendment in 30 days, group tells, Buhari, NASS Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Not Too Young

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, (Left), presenting hybrid Laptops to one of the beneficiaries (right), with the Secretary of the forum, Mrs. Daniyan Temitope (second right), at the Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials, (FOWOSO) Empowerment Outreach Programme for Women, Youths and Special needs people in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

4 policemen, pastor, deacon to face murder charge Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏFour Police men and

a pastor will Monday next week, face murder charge as well as pay the sum of N20 million to the family of a twenty-one year old student of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area on the night of September 10, 2015.

On the 10th of September 2015, Mr Ikechukwu Vincent Uwagbaokwu, a year two Marketing student of Imo Polytechnic went to bed at about 9:00pm but at about 10; 50pm there were persistent banging on the door of the family house of the Uwagbaokwus.

When Mr. Anthony Uwagbaokwe (Brother of deceased) came out to see who was banging on their door, behold, there were about ten fierce-looking men in Police uniform who had taken strategic positions in all the surroundings of the house.

Anthony Uwagbaokwe said “One of the men in uniform who came with Hilux pick up van and black Camry Saloon Car, hit the door of one of the occupants (names withheld) and forced it open.

When the occupant came out, the men in Police uniform, who refused to identify themselves, said that he was not the person they were looking for.

“The Police went to the direction pointed to by the person who allegedly directed them. The armed Policemen forced the next wooden door open and on sighting Ikechukwu Vincent Uagbaokwu, one of the Policemen shot at him at the ribs and he died immediately.

“On seeing that they have killed him, the policemen jumped into the waiting vehicles and drove off”. “”Our clients raised alarm but nobody came to their rescue. The matter was reported at Ehimiri Police Station in whose jurisdiction the area falls, but the Police could not give any useful assistance as they deny sending Policemen out on that day to effect arrest”.

The family of the slain student later petitioned the then State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Habila Joshack through Dr. Godwin Chionye, accusing the police of the gruesome murder of the Imo Poly student.

According to the family’s counsel, the matter was reported at the Ehimiri Police Station first “where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) gave them order to deposit the body at Madonna Mortuary in Umuahia”.

Narrating the ordeal of the family to our correspondent, the father of the deceased, Mr. Emmanuel Uwagbaokwu, a 54 year old house builder while corroborating the position the family Counsel said, “I am not suspecting but those who killed my son were Policemen from Ehimiri Police Station, Umuahia.’

Mr. Uwagbaokwu, a father of six disclosed: “Immediately I reported the matter to Ehimiri Police Station and the DPO there who denied not sending his men on duty to that area that night also ordered some police team to follow to the scene of the incident, on the way, the team dodged us and they did not get to our house.

Mr Uwagbaokwu then called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase to order for full inves-

tigation in order to unravel the killers of their son.

The police officers were identified as (now) Ex-Sergeant Ogbonna Alieze, Sergeant Eyong Inah, Corporal Obi Chimbuike and Constable Okafor Ugochukwu, while others involved were the owner of Christ Empire International Church, Pastor King Martins and his Deacon, Ikechukwu Ogbonna However, last Thursday, an Umuahia High Court indicted the four police officers and the pastor of a Pentecostal church and his deacon over the murder, and ordered them to jointly pay the sum of N20 million as compensation to the family of the deceased.

In his judgment on the suit No. HU/43M/2017, Justice Kenneth Okereke held that the respondents were guilty of conspiring among themselves for the cold blooded murder of the deceased, who was a student of Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo.

He said that the respondents failed, to justify the killing the boy, who was not even the suspect in the alleged stealing of the church property and was not armed at the time the police invaded their home.

“Vincent Ikechukwu Uwagbaokwu died an innocent man,” he said, adding that till date none of those involved in the killing has shown remorse and apologized for taking the life of the boy.

Justice Okereke said that the judgment would serve as deterrent to policemen who feel they could take life at will just because they are armed.

He also ordered that the pastor and all the policemen

involved in the illegal operation should be arraigned in court for murder of the late student.

Following the extra-judicial killing of the boy, his father Mr. Emmanuel Uwagbaokwu had filed a suit in conjunction with a human rights lawyer, Jude Nwaokoro, asking the court to declare that the extra-judicial killing was a violation of the deceased’s right to life.

In the suit number HU/43M/2017 the applicants had asked for five reliefs including N10 billion ‘exemplary damage’ (compensation), an enforcement of the deceased’s fundamental right to life, and a declaration that the deceased was unlawfully and unconstitutionally, killed by the respondents.

The applicants also asked the court to order the police to tender public apology to the family of the deceased and award any other relief the court may deem fit.

Pastor Martin is to pay the sum of N20 million compensation alongside four police officers, namely, Ikechukwu Ogbonna (church deacon), Ex-Sergeant Ogbonna Alieze, Sergeant Eyong Inah, Corporal Obi Chimbuike and Constable Okafor Ugochukwu.

Speaking with journalists after the judgment, the lead counsel to the applicants, Jude Nwaokoro said that the judgment has resolved the issue of the violation of the fundamental human rights of the deceased.

Another counsel to the applicants, Peter Agbai said that the court judgment has sent “a strong signal” to any police officer that would indulge in rascal behaviors just because they carry guns.

To Run movement comprising of over 100 youth organizations drawn from different parts of the world working to promote youth issues in policy making and constitution review process has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly and states assemblies to further deepen the nation’s democracy by concluding the ongoing constitution amendment process.

This is coming on the heels of the passing of the Age Reduction Bill popularly known as the Not Too Young To Run bill by 25 out of 36 states Houses of Assembly. The bill, which seeks to reduce the age for running for elective office in Nigeria, was first, passed by the National Assembly in a historic vote in July 2017.

The group represented by various organization at a press conference in Abuja on Friday presented a report on the historic passage of the bill described as unprecedented feat, said the world looks to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to this all important aspect of the constitutional amendment which makes it possible for young people to run for office in 2019, once it becomes law.

Samson Itodo on behalf of the coalition urge President Buhari to assent to the bill as soon as the bills are transmitted to him for assent. “Should the President delay or declines assent to the bill, we call on the National Assembly to veto the President,” he said.

In the interest of Nigeria’s Democracy, the Not Too Young To Run movement gives the State Assemblies, National Assembly and the Executive 30 days to conclude the ongoing constitutional amendments process.

The group therefore called on the state assemblies to without further delay transmit the amendments to the National Assembly which will in turn transmit the constitutional amendments to the President for assent. ”In furtherance of our goal, the movement has declared March 14, 2018 a National Day of Action for Presidential Assent.

We call on all citizens’ especially young people to prepare as we march

to the Presidential Villa to constructively engage with the President on assent to Not Too Young To Run. The group as well charged political parties to uphold the principles of internal democracy; transparency and accountability to enable more youth will seek to political office. “Whilst noting that the parties provide a platform for the actualization of political aspirations, we also note that parties can undermine and jeopardize youth candidacy at elections. It is therefore important to reiterate the need for political parties to ensure internal party democracy to safeguard the emergence of youth candidates in the 2019 elections.

“The movement would like to place on record that the amendment as passed by the National Assembly and State Assemblies reduces the qualifying age of the President from 40 to 35; House of Representatives from 30 years to 25 years and State House of Assembly from 30 years to 25 years. The age for the Governor and Senate was retained at the current 35 years. This is not totally in line with the demands of the movement. However, we recognize this as a progressive step towards opening the political space for young men and women to participate in electoral politics. The movement will not renege on its demand for the alignment of the voting age with the eligibility age for running for office.”, he said.

The group commended legislative houses of Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Yobe for passing the Age Reduction bill and subsequently inducted the states assemblies into the group’s Hall of Fame while it on the other hand berated the 11 legislators of the Taraba State House of Assembly that voted against the bill.

“The passage of the bill by the states is historic and unprecedented. This will no doubt enhance the quality of Nigeria’s democracy. We have shown the world that we are a country that believes in its youthful population and is taking concrete steps to address political inequality and social exclusion.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February17, 2018

23 News

Fed School of social works close to accreditation - Perm Sec Myke Uzendu and Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Anagbogu Ifeoma Nkiruka has disclosed that the Federal School of Social Works (FSSW) Emene, Enugu State, is very close to receiving accreditation of National Board of Technical Education (NBTE).

The School founded in 1983 has been unable to get the accreditation of the regulatory body due to lack of adequate facility and most importantly lack of a governing council.

However, to ensure speedy accreditation of the School, Ministry of Women Affairs inaugurated a new board for the school, charging them to insure that all necessary programmes get the required accreditation from the relevant body.

While inaugurating the governing council, the Permanent Secretary, represented by Olusegun Ogini, Director of Research, Planning and Statistics in the ministry, said that the school was established for the professional training of social workers and providing middle labour and manpower needs of the country.

He said, “The School was denied the much expected accreditation in 2015 due mainly to some identified deficiencies which non existence of a Governing Council for the School is one. It is for this reason that the Ministry considers the constitution of the Governing Council for the school very important and core to the accreditation of the school.

“I am optimistic that with the efforts put in so far

by Ministry in addressing these deficiencies identified

by NBTE as reasons for not granting addressing these deficiencies identified by NBTE as reasons for not

granting the school the desired accreditation, the Federal School of Social Work Emene would be accredited soon” he stated.

Also in her remarks, Mrs Temitope Bamgboye, Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry said that the school will train middle aged manpower that will provide social welfare services across the country She pointed out that the country is short of social workers but noted that with the accreditation, the school will supply the needed services.

Mohammed Mustapha,

who represented NBTE, in his remarks said the task before the board is enormous.

“The school has been transformed and the issue of accreditation has gone far and it will soon take place” he assured.

The governing council would be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, while the Director of Social Welfare will serve as the Secretary.

2019: BSO condemns NASS members over election timetable ‘It’s unconstitutional’ Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ

Secretary Oyo State APC, Alh.Mojeed Oloya; Chairman, Chief Akin Oke and his Deputy Alh.Isiaka Alimi during the Press Briefing on forthcoming Local Government Councils/Local Council Development Areas Election in Oyo State held at APC Secretariat OkeA do Ibadan.

2019: Okorocha can’t decide for Imo people – APGA Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏA

member Board of Trustees (BOT) of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has told Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State that he cannot decide for the people of the State on who succeeds him in 2019.

The Imo State Governor was said to have selected and endorsed his son-in-law to succeed him in 2019 after his eight- year tenure, which has elicited a wide range of reactions within and outside the state.

But Chief Eeonwuka said Okorocha having completed his tenure in Imo State cannot impose a Governor on them,since he has only one vote, saying “Imo people will decide who will be their Governor through a free and fair election.”

Chief Ezeonwuka, the Ogirisigbo was optimistic that if there is free and fair election in Imo State in 2019,

APGA will sweep the poll because every South East State will want a replication of what is now happening in Anambra State.

Ezeonwuka said the expectation of the people of the state from the Governor Willie Obiano is quite high as the preparation for his inauguration in March this year draws closer.

Speaking to newsmen at the Rojenny Tourist Village Oba, Idemili south Local Government Area of Anambra state, when he hosted the Director of State Security Services (DSS) in Anambra State, Yusuf Isyaku, however, assured that the Governor would be equal to the task.

He said the Aguleri high Chief has shown that he will surpass his achievements in his first tenure, given the zeal and verve with which he sustained the developmental stride of the state.

“The Governor has

shown he is not a typical Nigerian politician. He has been performing before and after the election. He has added more pep in his performance since after his reelection. I know how many roads I have followed him to commission since his re-election. He has exacted more zeal and effort since after his re-election. I doubt if Anambra State will have another Governor like him,” said Chief Ezeonwuka, the Ogirisigbo.

He pleaded to abide by the decision of the leadership of APGA in 2019 presidential election, saying that as an individual he has no say except the road map provided by the party.

But Chief Ezeonwuka noted that APGA as a performing party and that is why everywhere it was in power, whether in Anambra under Peter Obi, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Okorocha in Imo State briefly before he jumped ship to All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) and currently under Obiano.

He commended the head of security outfits in the state for the tight security in the state since Obiano assumed power.

In his brief speech, the director assures that he would collaborate with his colleagues to continue to provide security in the state.

Noting that the visit was the third time, he came to address the members of Ogirisigbo Foundation, Isyaku noted that everybody has his or her fundamental right but one’s right stops where another’s takes off.

He lauded Governor Obiano for being the arrowhead of security in the state, saying that he directs and they follow.

“He has told us to find out every nipping point and bad spots in the state, and that we have been doing. He has made our job easy. We’ll clear all the dark spots mentioned here” he said.

Other members are representatives of Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Education, Justice and Kano State Polytechnics, Rano.

Also on the board is NBTE, NEMA, NAPTIP, NHRC, NACA, FCDA and UNICEF. On the board also are Enugu State Ministry of Gender Affairs, Nigerian Association of Social Workers, National Hospital Abuja and Nigerian Prisons Service.

The Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), Enugu State chapter, Thursday, condemned what it called the unconstitutional amendment of Section 25 of the 2010 Electoral Act by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

It would be recalled that the National Assembly rearranged the timetable for the 2019 general election.

The Publicity Secretary, BSO Enugu chapter, Mr. Eze Chibueze while reacting to the raging controversies surrounding the amendment said the amendment “no doubt infringes upon the constitutional powers vested on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

He said the group “views the amendment as one done in bad faith, hence erosion of INEC powers an electoral umpire which had already issued sequence and order of 2019 general elections – National Assembly/President, and State Assembly/Governor elections.

“Therefore, we are at a loss and yet to locate the economic, patriotic or any valid reason for infringing on the Constitution which in the Third Schedule, expressly bestows INEC with the powers to: – organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, the Governor and Deputy Governor, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation.

“The fact and the law is that sequence of elections is an integral component of organisation and supervision of elections, which are the primary functions of INEC. This is why since 1960, neither the 1960 parliament, the 2nd Republic nor the 3rd Republic National Assembly had ever inserted the sequence of elections in our Electoral Act. We stand to be contradicted.”

“BSO commends the Senators and House Members who opposed the unconstitutional act, especially the only APC Senator from the South East, Distinguished Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.

Kogi suspension: APC dissociates national organs from action recommendations, ÏÏÏ The All Progressives make but the NWC has not been Congress (APC) has dissociated its organs at the national level from the purported suspension of the Kogi State Executive Committee of the part The party made this known in a release signed by the national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi Bolaji Abdullahi said the news of the suspension aired on a national television station came as a surprise to the national secretariat of APC, as “this action does not emanate from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party or any of its organs so empowered to do so.”

He said though there are issues within the party in Kogi State, the NWC has empowered a committee to investigate the issues and

appropriately briefed on the outcome of the committee’s work and therefore has not taken any decision.

“In this wise, we affirm that the State Working Committee of APC in Kogi State led by the Chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo remains the only recognized executive committee of the party in the state until the appropriate organ of the party decides otherwise in accordance with the procedure laid down by the party constitution.

“We wish to affirm that whether in Kogi or elsewhere, the NWC will ensure that justice is done to all concerned and will be guided by the constitution of the party and the best interest of the party.

a

Akindoju denies abandoning Wheel Chair Tennis

P

resident of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Mr. Dayo Akindoju has dismissed claims that he abandoned wheelchair tennis after assuming office in June 2017.

In a report published by an online media recently, an aggrieved wheelchair tennis player alleged that the president turned his back on the sport after he came

on board. The player who spoke anonymously also accused the president of reneging on his promise to increase sponsorship and boost funding.

But the president speaking with an online media while reacting to the allegations said the outburst of the player was misplaced and that there was no iota of truth in his allegations.

He asked in the telephone chat “How can I abandon wheelchair tennis? And why should I abandon wheelchair tennis”?

Mr. Akindoju who responded to all the issues raised stressed that contrary to the allegations of the aggrieved player, he had demonstrated his interest in wheelchair tennis.

According to him “The player

who accused me of abandoning wheelchair tennis has not been following the trend since I became the president of the federation.

“For example, he should know that after the elections into the board, I invited the secretary of the wheelchair tennis department of the NTF and two of their representatives to Abuja.

“And the only item on the agenda

Page 24

of that meeting was how to take wheelchair tennis to the next level.

“If I didn’t mean well for wheelchair tennis, I would not have hosted that meeting which was very fruitful in the sense that some issues were properly explained”.

“Another major step my board took immediately after the inauguration was appointing one of our members, Prof. Okunleye to

be in charge of wheelchair tennis.

“This has never happened in the history of wheelchair tennis in the country” Mr. Akindoju also countered the allegation of him declining calls from members of the wheelchair tennis constituency.

He explained “It couldn’t have been possible for me to respond to calls from all the players, coaches,and secretary. No organisation is run like that”.

Saturday, February 17 2018

Super Eagles are 52nd on FIFA ranking

N Winter Olympics: Nigeria finishes at 20th place

N

igeria’s first female skeleton athlete, Simidele Adeagbo, finished in the 20th position after Heats 1 and 2 of her event at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics on Friday.

Adeagbo was one of 20 athletes in the event, but she is resting bottom of the table after finishing with a total time of 1:48.77 secs in both heats.

The Nigerian, wearing bib number 20, could only manage 54:19 and 54:58 in both heat 1 and 2 respectively.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Jacqueline Loelling clinched top place with a timing of 01:43.86, while Austria’s Janine Flock and Great Britain’s Lizzy Yarnold rest comfortable at second and third positions.

Adeagbo would continue her campaign to possibly reach the medals table when the heats continue in the third and fourth rounds on Saturday.

Skeleton is a sport where individual riders head first on a small sled down an icy run, the lowest total time over four runs wins.

The Games which began on Feb.9 will end on Feb. 25

Emmanuel, Okon win 400m men, women honours

B

amidele Emmanuel and Patience Okon on Friday emerged winners in the 400m men and women categories respectively at the National/Commonwealth Games Trials in Abuja.

While Emmanuel won with a personal best of 45.28 seconds, Okon completed the race in 51.40 seconds.

Emmanuel later told newsmen he would strive to improve on his time before the Commonwealth Games, expressing optimism that Team Nigeria would win medals in the event at Gold Coast.

“My target for the year is to do anything below 45 secs, maybe 44 sub. I believe I can even do better before the Commonwealth Games.

“I believe in myself and I have

confidence. What was on my mind before the tournament was to have a decent time I can build upon,” he said.

Emmanuel, who is of Team Customs, however solicited for government’s support to ensure a productive outing in April at the Games.

“We need encouragement to do well. Often, they just call us for tournaments and forget about us after. We need better facilities and preparations before any major tournament.”

Okon, whose personal best was 50.78 secs, believes that with hard work she would make the country proud at the Games.

“My expectation is for me to work hard and make it to that

Commonwealth podium. That is my target.

“I believe that everything will be fine before and during the Commonwealth Games. It is just for them to put one or two things together to make things better.”

Orukpe Erayokan, also of Team Customs, finished second in the men’s category at 46.40 secs, while Isah Salihu came third with a time of 46.56 secs.

In the women’s category, Ajayi Yinka was second 52.49 seconds, while Praise Idamadudu was third with 52.92 seconds.

Trials, which ended on Friday, is part of preparations by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

igeria’s Super Eagles dropped one place in the latest Fifa ranking released by the football governing body on Thursday.

Eagles were 51st in the world with 651 points in January but are now 52nd with 606 points according to the ranking on Fifa official website on Thursday.

The leadership position at the world summit stays unchanged with the European giants, Germany at the number one spot.

Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium occupy the second, third, fourth and fifth position.

The remaining spots that make up the top 10 in the world are occupied by Spain, Poland, Switzerland, France and Chile.

Nigeria, who were losing finalists at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco recently, however remain seventh in Africa, where Tunisia are the top ranked country in the continent.

Senegal, DR Congo, CHAN champions Morocco and Egypt make up Africa’s top five while Cameroon are sixth.

Ghana, Burkina Faso and Algeria are eighth, ninth and 10th in Africa respectively.

Nigeria’s 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia opponents, Iceland are the biggest movers in terms of points in the ranking. The tiny European country moved up two spots from 20th to 18th and gained 58 points from 959 to 1017.

Nigeria’s other group’s opponents at the World Cup in Russia, Croatia and Argentina did not move staying in 15th and fourth respectively.

Incidentally, Nigeria and Libya played the most matches (six) in the period under review.

The next Fifa/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

National Sports Festival: Cross River not ready - Dalung

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Dalung

he 19th National Sports Festival has been officially withdrawn from Cross River state.

The decision was taken at the National Council on Sports meeting which ended on Thursday at the General Hassan Katsina House, Kaduna.

A voting process was thrown open on the floor of the meeting by the Chairman of the meeting and Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung, with

state Commissioners of sports, Directors of sports, Chairmen of state sports councils, sports policy facilitators and other representatives in the sports sector.

Having postponed the 19th National Sports Festival for six years, the Council resolved that the continued delay of the hosting of the Festival was detrimental to the growth of Sports in Nigeria and therefore withdrew the hosting rights from Cross River State while the Federal government will hold

the 2018 edition in Abuja in November.

The Council also approved the reduction of the age of athletes eligible to participate in the National Youth Games and adopted 15 years as upper limit of age for participants while over aged athletes, their erring coaches and states will be disqualified and fined the sum of N250,000 per disqualified athlete.

The council also adopted a presentation to National Council on

Establishment on Lateral Conversion of Coaches to enable them to progress in their cadres The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports was also directed to embellish the draft Implementation Guidelines for the National Sports Policy and circulate to members for inputs while the revised National Sports Policy for 2018 was also approved by the National Council on Sports and will be reviewed every 4 years.

25

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

Huddersfield can pull off Man Utd upset – Malone

H

uddersfield Town defender Scott Malone believes the club’s Premier League win over Manchester United earlier this season will be a confidence boost as they aim to topple Jose Mourinho’s side in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match.

Huddersfield pulled off a shock 2-1 league win over United at the John Smith’s Stadium in October but fell to a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this month.

“We’ve got Manchester United for the third time this season… we are all looking forward to it,” Malone told the club’s website. (www.htafc.com) “They’re a good side and put you under a lot of pressure. We’ve played a deep block against them twice now, beat them at home and lost away.

“It’ll be interesting to see what we do Saturday as there are no points to play for. We want a good cup run and we are going into the game to win it.”

Huddersfield, who return to league action at West Bromwich Albion on Feb. 24, last won the FA Cup title in 1922, while United have won it 12 times.

Pogba speculation false, says Mourinho

J

ose Mourinho says a “big injury” earlier in the season is not the reason for a dramatic loss of form suffered by Manchester United’s star midfielder Paul Pogba.

The France international, United’s record signing, was substituted in the second half of a 1-0 Premier League loss at Newcastle United on tomorrow.

Pogba had been dropped for United’s previous game, a 2-0 win at home to Huddersfield, having been off-the-pace and again substituted in a defeat at Tottenham at the end of February.Mourinho hit out at media reports Pogba was unhappy at Old Trafford, decrying the speculation as “lies” in a fiery news conference on Friday.

Although Pogba missed two months with a hamstring

problem earlier in the season, Mourinho denied lingering injury issues are to blame for the midfielder’s struggles.

“He had a big injury in the season, a big injury,” Mourinho told reporters.

“He had a big injury, almost went to surgery like [Ousmane] Dembele at Barcelona, the decision was not to do it and have conservative treatment, good results, everyone very happy.

“He was playing phenomenal before and after that, he had a red card against Arsenal in his best match [for United], in his best moment and the team’s best moment.

“He was out for a long, long time but in this moment is not playing well, period. Period.”

United have lost their last two Premier League away games

without scoring a goal, which Mourinho indicated is partly due to Pogba’s below-par displays.

“The team needs him at that level and when he is not, the team is not as good as when he plays phenomenal,” Mourinho added. “It happens at every team when some players are not performing, no need for histories or saying he wants to leave or we are going to sell, we don’t need him, some people [pundits] go in that direction.

“I know their profile and their surname is liar – people in your [the media] world, their surname is liar – and that’s not nice.

“Enough of Paul, he plays tomorrow.”

Mourinho’s men travel to Huddersfield for a fifth-round FA Cup tie on Saturday, having lost at the John Smith’s Stadium

on their Premier League visit in October, and the Portuguese is expecting a challenge against David Wagner’s side.

“In the FA Cup last match [against Yeovil Town] we went to a really serious difficult stadium, opponent living a dream to play Manchester United and be a giant-killer, and we did it serious,” Mourinho said.

“Obviously Huddersfield are better than Yeovil with different ambitions. I think Yeovil wanted to be a giant-killer, Huddersfield really want to progress and try to make something beautiful in the Cup, so we have to be ready.

“We played Huddersfield very recently, a couple of weeks ago, we know who they are and how they play, we lost in their stadium so we can’t be caught by surprise.”

Guardiola wary of Wigan as Jesus returns to Man City training

W

Guardiola

igan Athletic have inflicted FA Cup misery upon Manchester City over recent years and Pep Guardiola will not take any chances on Monday.

Pep Guardiola suggested he is ready to name a strong Manchester City team against League One Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup after scheduling landed favourably for the Premier League leaders.

City cruised to a 4-0 victory over Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday and their fifth-round tie against League One Wigan does not come around until Monday, having been moved for television coverage.

Guardiola has used domestic cup competitions to field ex-

perimental line-ups from time to time during his City tenure but, with four routes to silverware still open for the EFL Cup finalists, he insists the trip to the DW Stadium will be strictly business and preceded by three full training sessions.

“It depends [on the time] between the games,” Guardiola told a pre-match news conference.

“The Basel game was a winning game, we have six days or so and until next Sunday [the EFL Cup final against Arsenal] we have five or six days too.

“They can recover. When the distance is two or three days after we have to take a look at the condition of the team.

“The players are feeling well.

We will see what our decisions

are after the training sessions.”

Striker Gabriel Jesus will take part in a first session alongside his team-mates on Friday since he suffered medial knee ligament damage at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve. “It is good news,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know when he will be ready definitely but the first step is to make one week or two weeks training alone and today is his first training with team.”

Wigan famously beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final before knocking them out at the quarter-final stage a year later.

The Latics now find themselves lower down the football league pyramid but their exploits in this season’s competition alone give Guardiola cause for

concern.

“Of course, I am concerned because I saw the game against Bournemouth,” he said.

“Bournemouth for me are one of the teams I like to watch the most in the Premier League and they were able to beat them.

“I think in the FA Cup every season there are a lot of surprises. Not just this season and last season but throughout history “It would be good if the players do not think too much about the final next Sunday; they think about the final next Monday [the Wigan game]. It is one game and a chance to go to the quarterfinals.

“We are going to prepare as good as possible for this game.”

26

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

South Africa sacks Allister Coetzee

S

outh Africa coach Allister Coetzee has been sacked after a tumultuous two years in charge of the Springboks.

His departure came just days after the leaking of an explosive letter in which Coetzee accused South African Rugby of setting him up to fail.

‘First and foremost we had to assess what is in the best interests of the Springboks,’ said Jurie Roux, the chief executive officer of SA Rugby.

‘We’d like to thank Allister for his passion and dedication to the Springbok cause and wish him every success in his next role.’

A new coach will be named later this month and is expected to be Rassie Erasmus, recently appointed as his union’s director of rugby.

Coetzee’s side claimed 11 wins out of the 25 matches he took charge of but the 54-year-old believes that was South African Rugby’s plan all along.

According to Netwerk24, Coetzee wrote: ‘There is a general view among SARU ranks that the intention was always to replace Heyneke Meyer with Rassie, but SARU wanted to avoid any controversy regarding race.

‘A strategy was developed to use me as a coloured person to conceal the end goal - by offering me the job as Bok coach - but to not equip me with the necessary resources to adequately perform my tasks.

‘It would lead to me vacating my position earlier in order for Rassie to eventually be appointed.

‘This strategy is not in line with SARU’s strategic transformation plan. It’s distasteful to say the least, to use me as a black South African as a pawn in such an untenable manner.’

Coetzee was contracted until the end of the 2019 World Cup but the Springboks will go into the tournament in Japan with a new man in charge.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan backs Arsenal to win Europa league

A

rsenal have the potential to win the Europa League, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan said after their 3-0 win at Ostersunds in the first leg of their last 32 tie on Thursday.

Mkhitaryan, who won the Europa League with Manchester United last season, provided two assists as Arsenal built a solid advantage ahead of the second leg on Thursday.

“Why not? We have to keep fighting, we have to win every game and then at the end, we’ll see where we’re at,” Mkhitaryan told reporters when asked about Arsenal winning the competition.

The Armenian also said that the Premier League side could not afford to rest key players for the return leg against Ostersunds, ahead of the League Cup final against Manchester City on

Feb. 25, despite being in prime position to seal a last 16 spot.

We have to focus in every game. It doesn’t matter if we have got a good result or not.

We have to win in every game to get more confidence and to have better success,” the 29-year-old said.

“It doesn’t matter who we are going to play after the second leg, yes, we have a game in the cup final but we have to play with the same team, I think, and to win at home.”

Arsenal host Ostersunds at the Emirates before playing City twice in quick succession, including a home league match against Pep Guardiola’s side on Mar. 1.

Wenger confident of seeing out contract

L

ong-serving Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful of seeing out his current two-year contract at the Premier League club amid speculation about his future.

The Frenchman signed a new contract at Arsenal at the end of last season but the club have shown little progress as they sit sixth in the league, knocked out of the FA Cup and unsure of Champions League qualification for next season.

The club’s inconsistent performance has led to speculation that Wenger’s 22-year reign could come to an end af-

ter the current season.

“I have always respected my contracts,” Wenger, 68, told beIN Sports on Thursday. “I would like to remind you I said no to all the biggest clubs in the world to respect my contract so that’s always what I try to do.

“After that we have as well to accept in our job that the future is the future but for me that’s to win the next game.

“We have to perform better in every single game and show until the end of the season a complete hunger to win every single game. That’s what it’s

about for us.”

Arsenal’s best chances of winning a trophy remain in the League Cup, as they face Manchester City in the final on Feb. 25, and the Europa League, where they recorded a 3-0 win over Ostersunds in the first leg of their last 32 tie on Thursday.

The Europa League is also Arsenal’s most viable option to qualify for the Champions League next season as the eight-point gap to fourthplaced Chelsea in the league appears insurmountable with 11 games left to play.

Wenger

27

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

Boxing

L-R: Joshua and Parker

Price has fought and won only once since being stopped by Christian Hammer 12 months ago

David Price to fight Alexander Povetkin, March 31

D

avid Price is to fight Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s March 31 world heavyweight unification title showdown against Joseph Parker.

The heavyweight, 34, has fought and won only once since being stopped by Christian Hammer 12 months ago, when he considered retirement before appointing Derry Mathews as his new trainer, and he has been presented with the chance to revive his career.

Povetkin is the mandatory challenger to Joshua’s WBA title - the champion will also defend that of the IBF and fight for Parker’s WBO championship at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium - and defeated Hammer in

Joshua vows to beat Parker

A

nthony Joshua ripped and ready as he shows off incredible physique in training ahead of Joseph Parker fight Anthony Joshua appears to have sent the strong message that he is fit and ready to step back inside the boxing ring after showing off an incredibly cut physique in his latest Instagram post.

The world heavyweight champion shared a photo of himself lifting a medicine ball in his latest training regime and looked fitter than ever as he displayed a torso that any champion bodybuilder would be proud of.

But the 2012 Olympic gold-medallist December.

The 38-year-old Russian is in contention to fight Joshua later this year, but Price said: ‘It is a massive, massive chance for me and it has come from nowhere. I wasn’t expecting an opportunity like this to appear so it was a no-brainer.

‘It is a big ask for me to go out and win but upsets do happen. I have been on the wrong end of upsets and am due a bit of luck. This fight has come at the right time for me and I have a belief that I am going to win.’

Povetkin said: ‘I expect to put on a great performance. Then go on to fight the Joshua-Parker winner later this year.’

David Price (right) is to fight Russia’s Alexander Povetkin on the undercard of Joshua-Parker

will find a much more functional use for those muscles than mere display on March 31, when he defends his IBF, IBO and WBA belts against Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium.

It will be Joshua’s 21st professional bout and the sixth defence of his IBF heavyweight title. He will also have the chance to win another belt with Parker the current holder of the WBO heavyweight title.

Both go into the bout unbeaten with Parker boasting 24 wins and 18 knockouts compared to Joshua’s 20 wins and 20 knockouts. The New Zea-

lander’s last fight came against Hughie Fury last September, which he won by a controversial split decision after 12 gruelling rounds.

In comparison, no one has really come close to defeating except Wladimir Klitschko who sent him to the canvas in their Wembley showdown last April.

That famous night in front of 90,000 fans is likely to go down in British sporting history and Joshua has previously stated his belief that the experience gives him the edge over his more experienced opponent.

‘I think you can either become overwhelmed or perform under pressure - it’s either or,’ he said.

‘I think I’m at a stage now where I don’t know everything but in terms of being thrown in the deep end, with the [Wladimir] Klitschko and Takam fights, how I felt with the Klitschko bout is different to how I felt for the Takam fight and it should be different for the Parker fight due to experience.

‘It will be interesting to see how he copes as it is daunting. It is show time and everyone is watching now. It’s not only the fight night, remember it’s the whole build-up in terms of the press conference, the fight hype, the build-up and the interest — everything will probably be bigger than what he’s used to.’

Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather ‘in talks over MMA rematch worth up to $500m’

C

onor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather are reportedly in talks over a sensational MMA rematch potentially worth $500million (£360m).

The pair met in August when McGregor was stopped in the 10th round of their glitzy Las Vegas boxing match, Mayweather’s favoured discipline.

However talkSPORT presenter Jim White has reported the pair are discussing a potential rematch in the octagon and believes the fight will happen.

‘My soundings are that there are a lot of talks going on in the background, there are a lot of talks around people with Mayweather,’ White said.

‘There are a lot of talks about him potentially having an MMA fight with McGregor. McGregor had no chance in a boxing match with Mayweather.

Mayweather also shared this picture with the caption ‘#MCM, Mayweather Crushes McGregor’

‘People will tune in to see Mayweather get stopped

by Conor McGregor and it won’t affect his boxing re-

cord.

‘I think it’s going to happen and I think it will be a three, four, five hundred million dollar fight again.’

28

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

Liverpool eyes Victor Wanyama amid uncertainty

L

iverpool are monitoring developments with Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama.

Manchester United and Chelsea have also taken note that the Kenya international has been used sparingly by Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino following his return from injury.

Wanyama has started in the FA Cup ties against AFC Wimbledon and Newport County but has been used predominantly as a substitute during the eight other games that he has been involved in since recovering from a knee injury.

That included a 12 minute cameo against Liverpool when he changed the game with a thunderous strike in the 2-2 draw. Former Anfield captain and now youth team coach Steven Gerrard highlighted Liverpool’s need to find a ‘monster’ holding midfielder for next season to bring the best out of new signing Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson.

With Emre Can weighing up a summer move to Juventus, Gerrard said: ‘I think Liverpool would benefit from a monster of a central midfielder, a holder.

‘A Wanyama-type player who does sit in and is disciplined, and he would give more protection to the back four.

‘Emre Can’s leaving, obviously Keita’s coming in. But Keita is a No 8, Keita is a dribbler, and a runner.

‘The way he (Klopp) plays he plays 4-3-3 more often than not. So you can accommodate a Henderson and a Keita.’

Tiger Woods inconsistent at Riviera T

iger Woods finished five shots back of clubhouse leader Tom Hoge after mostly struggling off the tee in the first round of the Genesis Open in Pacific Palisades, California on Thursday.

Woods, in his second start of the PGA Tour season after a year-long absence during which he had back surgery, shot a one-over-par 72 at Riviera Country Club in a rollercoaster round that included five birdies, four bogeys and a

double-bogey.

Hoge birdied the last to finish with a four-under-par 67 that left him in sole possession of the clubhouse lead while fellow American Sam Saunders was five-under through 11 holes.

Former world number one Woods, playing in a high-profile group with four-times major winner Rory McIlroy (71) and reigning Player of the Year Justin Thomas (69), was forced to lean heavily on his short game given his struggles off the tee.

Woods made birdie at his opening hole, the par-four 10th, but was inconsistent over the next seven holes that included a double-bogey, two bogeys and two birdies.

The 14-times major winner started to steady the ship on his back nine, which he began with a birdie followed by a string of three consecutive pars that was broken at the par-four fifth where Woods opted for an iron off the tee.

He pulled his tee shot left

into thick rough and brought his ball back into play with his second shot but was still well short of the green. His pitch from about 40 yards bounced well past the hole en route to a bogey.

Woods made a another bogey two holes later followed by a birdie on his penultimate hole before closing with a par.

He finished the day having hit eight of 14 fairways, seven of 18 greens in regulation and needing 25 putts.

Federer sets to become world number one

R

oger Federer is one win from becoming the oldest world number one in ATP Tour history after beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(8) 7-5 in the last 16 of the Rotterdam Open on Thursday.

The 36-year-old needs to reach the semi-finals to overtake Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings and reclaim the world number one ranking for the first time since November 2012.

Kohlschreiber, 34, had not beaten Federer in 12 attempts but on his own service game proved a tough opponent for the Swiss, pushing him all the way to a first

set tiebreak.

The German even had two set points but could not convert them as Federer rallied and placed a forehand perfectly beyond Kohlschreiber to take the lead in the match after 54 minutes.

The second set followed a similar pattern but with Kohlschreiber, ranked 36 in the world, more attuned to Federer’s serve and improving his return rate.

He still had to save four break points without getting close himself to threatening the Australian Open champion’s serve.

Kohlschreiber’s resistance was finally breached in the 11th game as 20-times grand slam winner Federer overpowered his opponent and went on to comfortably serve out the set.

Federer would surpass American Andre Agassi as the oldest world number one if he wins his next match in Rotterdam and he would also set another record of the longest gap (five years and 106 days) between periods as number one.

He already holds the record for most weeks spent at number one, having topped the rankings for a combined 302 weeks.

Roger Federer

29

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

19

Neymar’s father hits out at son’s critics after CL defeat

N

eymar’s father spoke out at what he called the “vultures” circling his son on Thursday, in an apparent reference to criticism of the Paris St Germain striker’s less than stellar performance in the previous night’s loss to Real Madrid.

Neymar was widely criticised as being ineffective during Real’s 3-1 win over PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in Spain. “In a war there are those who feed off victories and those who, like vultures, feed off the carcasses of the defeated,” Neymar’s father wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of his son. Neymar Snr, who is also his son’s agent, was nevertheless adamant that PSG can qualify for the quarter-finals with a win in second leg of the tie in Paris on March 6.

“My son has been battling since he was a child,” he wrote, “always fighting fair, always avoiding the vultures, always rising again stronger.

“We lost a battle but as for the war, we’ll see, because it will last as long as we’re on the field.”

Mohamed Salah scored his 30th goal for Liverpool in his first season with the Reds

Saido Mane scores hat-trick as Liverpool thrash Porto S

adio Mane scored a hattrick as Liverpool marked their first Champions League knockout game for nine years with an emphatic victory at Porto in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie.

Mane opened the scoring when home goalkeeper Jose Sa failed to hold his placed strike.

Mohamed Salah then showed wonderful composure to steer the ball home for Liverpool’s second and his 30th of an incredible debut season at the club. With two away goals scored, the visitors could have been forgiven for taking a more conservative approach from then on but instead they went for more. A swift Liverpool counter-attack ended with Sa spilling Roberto Firmino’s shot into Mane’s path and the striker made no mistake, before Firmino scored his 21st of the season, sweeping home James Milner’s cross.

Mane got his third with a driven strike late on to become the first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick away from home in Europe since Michael Owen in 2002, and the second ever. Porto had lost only two matches in all competitions this season prior to Wednesday’s game but simply could not cope with Liverpool’s unstoppable forward line.

Otavio had the Portuguese side’s best chance towards the end of the first half, placing his shot just wide of the far post after he was put through on goal.

Liverpool will expect to complete the job when they host Porto in the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, 6 March.

Liverpool boast a proud record in continental football having won the European Cup or Champions League five times – more than any other

English side. But this was their first involvement in the knockout stages of the competition since 2009, when they lost 7-5 on aggregate to Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

And it was like they had never been away as they made light work of a side that reached this stage of the competition last season and were quarter-finalists just three years ago.

Only PSG (25) scored more goals than Liverpool (23) in the Champions League group stages and the Reds picked up where they had left off in December as their front three proved too much for a nervous Porto defence.

The hosts ultimately became the latest side unable to cope with Liverpool’s rapid attack.

This was the 17th time Liverpool had scored three goals or more in a game this season and the 10th time they have done it away from home.

Saturday February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

30

I

t’s amazing what the prospect of a game against Barcelona can do for a team. Admittedly this was essentially a game against Hull City reserves, a side from the Championship so far out of their depth at Stamford Bridge they might as well have arrived clutching buoyancy aids.

Nevertheless, the nervous, anxious Chelsea of recent days and weeks was not visible here.

Hull were dismantled in a first half that was so complete from a Chelsea point of view that they could have scored double the four goals they amassed.

In midfield, Willian and Cesc Fabregas were full of life and artistry. They could not have expressed their interest in Champions League selection next Tuesday any more clearly had they written to their manager and asked for a game.

Meanwhile, there on the touchline - warming up eagerly - was Alvaro Morata, the striker who coach Antonio Conte said recently may miss the rest of the season with a back injury. With 20 minutes to go, the Spaniard was on.

So, with a much greater challenge lying in wait, this was a good night for Chelsea and a desperate one for Nigel Adkins and Hull.

Chelsea scored through Willian in the second minute and there was no looking back. Hull could not live with the Premier League team’s cleverness or indeed their appetite and by the end of a first half of endless chances Chelsea had scored three more through Pedro, Willian again and even Olivier Giroud.

There was a second-half rally from Hull but it ended after two minutes as they won a penalty and then missed it. David Meyler was the culprit as Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero flopped to his right and saved with two hands.

This looked like being a long night for Hull before a ball had been kicked. Within two minutes of the start, the task before them grew even harder.

Chelsea fielded an understrength team by design where-

Giroud poked a left-footed effort just over the bar as the Frenchman went in search of his first since moving to the Blues

Chelsea mauls Hull City 4-0 as Adkins had little choice. The Hull manager was without three defenders on loan from Chelsea and missing other players, too.

On reflection, this was a good night not to be involved.

Chelsea started briskly and were ahead after a minute and 53 seconds. The Brazilian Willian - star of the first half -picked up possession after a mistake from

Hull’s Kevin Stewart, advanced ten yards or so and jinked inside to curl a superb shot into the far corner with his left instep.

It was a spectacular goal, expertly and clinically taken but the whole thing did derive from a Hull mistake and that pretty much set the tone for the opening period.

Chelsea were on top throughout and could have scored more

Jackson Irvine then missed a follow-up attempt as Chelsea keeper Caballero stood firm to deny the Hull midfielder

than the four goals they did. Willian proved impossible for Hull to keep track of and seemed determined to play himself in to the team to face Barcelona.

Fabregas was also terrific and if Conte’s team had been slightly more cold-eyed in front of goal, Hull could have been seriously embarrassed rather than slightly.

Hull ran hard and tried to keep a decent shape when Chelsea had the ball — which was most of the time — but were out of their depth. The few supporters who had made the trip from the East Riding of Yorkshire were seriously subdued almost from the start.

Chelsea did not actually score their second and third goals until the 26th and 31st minutes but had many more chances before that.

Willian played Fabregas in for a near-post shot that was saved in the ninth minute and then escaped down the left to cross low a minute later. This time Giroud couldn’t quite reach the centre.

Still looking for his first Chelsea goal at this stage, Giroud was not exactly his team’s weak link here but he did at times look a little off wavelength.

Better was to come for him at the end of the opening period but he was left embarrassed in the 14th minute after a superb Pedro ball played him clear only for the striker to control and volley over the bar when he should have

scored. At times, Chelsea were passing the ball beautifully.

Fabregas and Willian seemed to be playing their own game and another superb ball from the former almost led to a Pedro chance with only a quarter of an hour played. This time Michael Dawson stretched to intercept.

While Chelsea were only one goal ahead Hull were theoretically in the game but the reality was different. This was never a contest and a flurry of goals in the lead up to the break put daylight between Chelsea and the team from the Championship.

Fabregas played Pedro clear with a sumptuous, first-time ball over the top in the 26th minute and the Chelsea forward controlled it equally well to drive low past David Marshall.

Stewart then gave the ball away again and watched in horror as Willian beat Marshall with a low shot from 20 yards.

For some reason the Hull goalkeeper chose not to dive and it looked as though he thought the shot was going wide. It wasn’t.

Then, three minutes before the break, Marshall was beaten again. Chelsea debutant Emerson found space and when he crossed low, Giroud steered the ball expertly in at the near post with his left foot.

31

Saturday, February 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

Harry Kane doubtful for Tottenham’s FA Cup

H

arry Kane is a doubt for Tottenham’s FA Cup fifth-round trip to Rochdale - but manager Mauricio Pochettino is backing his star striker to break the 50-goal barrier this season.

Kane twisted his ankle and suffered a series of knocks in the Champions League draw away at Juventus in midweek and could be handed a rest at Spotland.

Pochettino will make a final call on the 33-goal forward on Saturday but the injury concern is not serious and Kane is not expected to miss any further games.

‘Harry, after the game he suffered some knocks and the possibility is I will start with Fernando (Llorente) on Sunday,’ Pochettino said.

‘He twisted his ankle, he received some knocks and we need to assess him tomorrow. If he’s fit maybe he’s a possibility.

‘If he’s not 100 per cent it’s maybe good for him to be on the bench or if we see that he’s not capable then maybe he stays here. We need to assess him tomorrow.

‘The effort he made in the last few weeks was amazing and we need to take care.’

Clive Allen, Tottenham’s record goalscorer in a single season with 49 goals, has suggested Kane could beat his mark this season such is his goalscoring form.

Kane is already just two goals off his total from last season and Pochettino says he is can hit the 50-goal mark by May. ‘Harry is capable of everything, for me,’ the Argentine said. ‘I hope he can break this record too.

‘I trust in him and I know very well and we are seeing him working everyday I can tell you that he’s capable of everything in football.

‘If there’s one player who’s capable of everything it’s him because of his determination and his talent.’

Chris Eubank Jr promises to ‘knock George Groves out cold’ C

hris Eubank Jr warned George Groves ‘he doesn’t realise the danger he is in’ as the two fighters came face-to-face for the final time before their much-anticipated showdown.

Eubank was expected to give up almost a stone in weight when the two meet in the ring on fight night. But at Friday’s weigh-in, the 28-year-old came in at 11st 13lbs 9oz, with Groves tipping the scales at 11st 13lbs 2oz.

The super-middleweight rivals exchanged words during a tense face-off in front of packed crowd, with Eubank vowing afterwards to knock his opponent ‘out cold’.

‘I told him he’s not ready, I can see it in his eyes... he doesn’t want to be here,’ he

said. ‘I want this more than anything I’ve ever wanted... he doesn’t realise the danger he’s in.’

Groves, the underdog with the bookmakers for Saturday’s clash, responded: ‘I’m excited, I made weight, I’m ready to go.’

He added: ‘I’m in the prime of my career, fighting better than ever.’

The Saint, 29, looked far more gaunt than his opponent on Friday having had to cut down to the 12st limit. Eubank, meanwhile, is a natural middleweight who had to put on weight for this fight. He is set to be the far smaller man when they meet again in the ring.

The two British fighters meet at the Manchester Arena on Saturday in a World Boxing Super Series semi-final and one of

the most hotly-anticipated fights of the year.

As well as a place in the final of the money-spinning final, Groves’ WBA supermiddleweight strap will be on the line when they collide this weekend.

Eubank heads into the fight as a slight bookies favourite, but Groves this week goaded his opponent by suggesting he would beat both Junior and his former fighting father.

‘I haven’t seen that much of him but I’m sure I would have beaten him,’ Groves said about Eubank Snr. ‘He has enough losses on his record (five) and I don’t fall for his bull****.

‘Back then his gimmicks annoyed some of his opponents, who fought him with

their emotions. I keep mine out of the ring so I wouldn’t have made that mistake. Probably he wasn’t much of a trainer so maybe he wouldn’t have survived in this era.’

Despite taking a backseat for much of the build-up to this weekend’s fight, Senior has come in for criticism for comments he made on social media.

The 51-year-old was labelled ‘classless’

by Groves and a ‘disgrace’ by Tyson Fury after suggesting Saturday’s referee must protect the Saint from his son’s ferocious punching.

On an enticing undercard of Saturday’s semi-final, Tommy Langford defends his British middleweight title against Jack Arnfield and Ryan Walsh faces Isaac Lowe for the British featherweight scrap.

Brazil names World Cup squad

B

Philippe Coutinho (left) completes the front three as Brazil are expected to play 4-3-3 in June

razil manager Tite has named his starting line-up for the World Cup in Russia in June.

Speaking on Friday, the 56-year-old revealed there was no place for Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino or Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva in the first XI but they are in the 15 players he has selected.

‘The 11 who will start are Alisson; Marcelo, Miranda, Marquinhos, Daniel Alves; Paulinho, Renato Augusto and Casemiro, Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus,’ Tite said in an interview with UOL Esportes.

The other two players that have been chosen for his squad so far are Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Chelsea’s Willian.

With just eight places remaining on the plane to Russia, several players will be looking to impress over the next four months.

In the Premier League, City’s shot-stopper Ederson is yet to make the squad as well as wing back Danilo while Chelsea’s out-of-favour David Luiz and Tottenham’s January signing Lucas Moura have also missed out for now.

Juventus’ Douglas Costa, Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis and Bayern Munich’s Rafinha will also be looking to stake their claim for a place in the squad.

Brazil became the first team to qualify for the World Cup back in March and topped South American qualification.

Tite’s side will be in search of their sixth World Cup and after Switzerland they will face Costa Rica and Serbia in the group stages.

More squad information might become clear when Brazil play Russia and Germany in friendly matches in March.

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email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08038099089 Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

Saturday, February 17, 2018

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Nigeria floats $2.5 bn dual Eurobonds Page B2

Buhari, Emir Sanusi to lead discussion at Lagos-Kano economy Page B5

10 top swallow foods eaten and enjoyed by Nigerians Page B6

We need private sector for infrastructure development – NDDC MD The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, says the Commission has embraced the PublicPrivate Partnership, PPP, option to galvanise the infrastructure delivery drive in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ekere, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Engr. (Dr) Samuel Adjogbe, remarked that the NDDC was urgently seeking ways to stimulate industrial growth in the Niger Delta region, noting that it was adopting the PPP option in the execution of a Niger Delta Regional Power Pool Project.

He remarked that the power project was one of the critical areas where private sector participation was required to encourage investors to set up industries in the Niger Delta, lamenting that the high cost of power in the region was increasing the operational cost of industries and thus serving as a disincentive.

According to the NDDC boss, there was need to make a deliberate effort to set up projects that can boost power and attract investors to the region. He said: “We have identified industrial

The Executive Director Projects, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Engr.(Dr) Samuel Adjogbe, (right) watches as the Acting Director-General the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Engr. Chidi Izuwah Snr, (left) signs the visitor’s register during a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

parks in different parts of the region and we intend to support them with the power project.”

Ekere said that the NDDC was partnering with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN and the Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM, to help provide employment for the youths.

He added that the Commission was working towards establishing of Nigeria’s first and grandest enterprise innovation and growth hub in the Niger Delta.

“We are also working on setting up the Niger Delta Development Bank to ensure sustainable development beyond oil,” the MD said.

He declared: “We are determined to create more jobs to fight

unemployment. We want to fight poverty, we want to fight restiveness and this is one way we can use to ensure that militancy is eradicated in the Niger Delta.

“We need an attitudinal change in the Niger Delta. We have agitated long enough. We now need to harness our energies for development efforts.”

He said that internet penetra-

tion in the Niger Delta was another area of focus for the Commission, in its efforts to link the entire region with fibre optics.

He stated that the leadership of the Commission recently visited São Tomé and Principe to discuss with the country’s Prime Minister on the possibility of benefiting from their own excess Internet capacity.

OPEC Secretary General in Nigeria to address players at Abuja summit

By Idu Jude, Abuja The Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, will be lead-

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

ing other global oil and gas industry leaders to participate in the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS).

This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, at a world press conference in Abuja today.

The minister said the summit, which is patterned after the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), which holds in Houston, Texas, is designed to attract new investments and showcase the latest technologies that could be adopted for the upstream, midstream and

downstream sectors to ensure cost management in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He said the maiden edition of the NIPS which is scheduled to hold from 18th to 22nd February, 2018, would provide a veritable platform for the international oil companies and other relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on ways to move the Nigerian petroleum sector forward.

Kachikwu noted that Nigeria was endowed with a lot of requisite skill sets that contributed enormously to the actualization of the Egina Floating Production and Storage Offloading

(FPSO) facility which, according to him, is the largest FPSO ever installed in Nigeria, adding that the FPSO would contribute its quota to national daily production.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari was pleased with the new feats being achieved in the petroleum sector, noting that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was expected to declare the summit open next Monday 19th February, 2018.

The Minister informed that the NIPS would attract participants from OPEC member countries and other international stakeholders across the

globe.

He said the summit, which would be an annual event, was being held at the instance of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the collaboration of all the Departments and Agencies under it.

Giving an update on the proposed refinery upgrade, Dr. Kachikwu informed that efforts were on to finalize on the private sector financiers for the three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, assuring that by 2019, Nigeria would become a net exporter of petroleum products.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

L-R: Debbie Irabor, Head, Wealth Management, FBNQuest Merchant Bank; Bunmi Aboderin, Executive Director, Punch Nigeria Limited and Babajide Fetuga, Head, Business Development, FBNQuest Trustees at the FBNQuest Trustees Leading Conversations event: “Beyond VAIDS”, which took place in Lagos ...recently.

Nigeria floats $2.5 bn dual Eurobonds Stories by Simon Ugwu The Federal Government has floated 2.5 billion dollars aggregate Eurobonds under its Global Medium Term Note Programme.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) stated in its website that the bonds comprised 1.25 billion dollars 12-year series and 1.25 billion dollars 20-year series.

The 12-year series has interest rate of 7.14 per cent, while the 20-year series has 7.69 per cent interest rate which will be

repaid on maturity.

The offering according to DMO is expected to close on or about February 23 subject to the satisfaction of various customary closing conditions.

Adding that the offering had attracted significant interest from leading global institutional investors with a peak order of over 11.5 billion dollars.

Ms Patience Oniha, the Director General of DMO, said the successful pricing of the fifth Eurobond had conferred on Nigeria the status of issuer of

Eurobonds with a strong and diverse investor base.

“This time Nigeria has priced a new 12-year bond at a yield of 7.14 per cent and a 20-year bond at a yield of 7.69 per cent, both of which are consistent in price with our existing portfolio.

“I am particularly pleased that the issuance will enable us to refinance a portion of our existing domestic debt portfolio with external debt at considerably lower cost.

“Also, the impact of the process has already led to a reduc-

tion in the cost of domestic borrowing, and so a double benefit for the cost of our broader debt portfolio.

“Lower domestic rates will also benefit corporate borrowers,” she said.

Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance, said the proceeds of the issuance would be used to re-finance domestic debt.

The notes represent Nigeria’s fifth Eurobond issuance, following issuances in 2011, 2013 and two in 2017.

Reverse petrol sharing formula to avert imminent scarcity, IPMAN urges NNPC The Ejigbo Satelitte Depot of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the NNPC to reverse its petroleum distribution sharing formula to avert looming fuel scarcity in Lagos.

Ayo Alanamu, the Chairman of the depot, made the appeal in an interview in Lagos on Thursday against the backdrop of ongoing poor fuel distribution to stations.

Alanamu said that the ongoing long queues and poor fuel distribution to filling stations were caused by the reduction in distribution sharing formula to IPMAN members.

“Fuel scarcity within Lagos metropolis is imminent if NNPC

fails to reverse to our agreed formula as IPMAN members plan to stage a protest that would disrupt the operations of the depot.

Alanamu said that the NNPC had reverted the initial petroleum distributions sharing formula among marketers which gave IPMAN 60 per cent, MOMAN 20 and NNPC retails 20 to IPMAN 30, MOMAN 20 and NNPC retails 50.

According to him, IPMAN with over 2,500 members cannot be sharing 13 trucks between its members, while an NNPC retail outlet that only has 25-stations gets over 100 trucks.

“We urged NNPC to follow the agreement we had on 60 per cent for IPMAN, 20 per cent for MOMAN and 20 per cent for NNPC retails.

“ The arrangement is unfair, unjust, provocative and contrary to what existed at the depot petroleum sharing formula arrangement,” he said.

Alanamu, however said that if the imposed sharing formula was not reversed, IPMAN members would not hesitate to embark on strike that could disrupt the depot operations.

He said that no IPMAN member would buy petrol at N 165 per litre and sell at regulated price of N145 per litre, adding that strike by his marketers was inevitable if the practice continued.

According to him, fuel scarcity is beginning to resurface in most filling stations in Lagos due to the inability of IPMAN members to get the product from depots in

western zone depots.

“This has also contributed to the scarcity of petrol and the long queues of trucks awaiting loading at the depots.

“IPMAN marketers hardly load 13 trucks from the depots due to changing in product distribution sharing formula. “ We were loading in the range of 50 trucks daily before it was reduced to 13 trucks.

“That is not enough for marketers to distribute to their customers.

“NNPC should ensure effective supply of product to marketers within the western zone to beefup storage and loading capacity to at least one million trucks on daily basis.

Gov. Aregbesola releases N1bn for pension payment Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has approved the release of N1 billion for the payment of contributory pension to retired civil servants in the state.

Dr Festus Oyebade, the state Head of Service, made this known on Friday in Osogbo at a meeting of the Forum of Head of Service/Permanent Secretaries, Coordinating Directors, Director-General, General Managers and Executive Secretaries.

Oyebade said additional N200 million was also released for the payment of gratuity to the pensioners. The Head of Service stated that the governor was committed to the welfare of all retired and serving Public Servants, hence the approval of the funds. He said the economic resources of the state needs to be improved upon for the government to be able to carry out its constitutional duties. He said that all hands must be on deck to improve the state internally generated revenue for the benefit of all. Oyebade commended the governor for the gesture and expressed optimism that more funds would be released to take care of the backlog of pension and gratuity of retired civil servants in the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Why EFCC invited me- Enugu APC Chairman

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

The Enugu State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ben Nwoye, Thursday night gave insight into his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, even as he accused the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on judicial reform, Juliet Ibekaku, of masterminding a frivolous petition against him.

Daily Times report that Nwoye appeared on Thursday at the EFCC Enugu zonal office and was grilled between the hours of 10 am and 6.45 pm over a petition written by two faceless women.

While the drama lasted, State officials and members of the party kept vigil within the EFCC office in solidarity.

In an interview with journalists, the Enugu APC boss, said his invitation “bordered on a petition by some faceless individuals accusing him of diverting the sum of N20.4m.

The chairman, who looked unperturbed, blamed his ordeal on Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku, a special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on justice reform.

Nwoye accused Ibekaku of working in collaboration with Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama to blackmail him out of office.

He narrated his story thus: “what happened today is a struggle for democracy and in struggle for democracy it is usually tough to truly understand who are the real soldiers; these women and men that are here today, they are the real soldiers, because they stood for what they believe in, they stood for their right, they stood for truth, they stood for justice, they stood for fairness and they stood for equity.

Alphonsus Nweze, Awka The managing partner of Ichi Dien, a firm of chartered accountants and the Second Deputy President of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mine and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) Chief Kevin Obieri, has said lack of structure, both physical and human, nepotism and premordial sentiments have been the major causes of fraud and corruption in the country.

Speaking to newsmen in Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial nerve centre, Obieri said there is no enough qualified accountants and the few that exists Magu, Acting EFCC chairman

B3

News

Why we have fraud, corruption in Nigeria – ICAN Chief have no adequate training and retraining on current trends of crime.

He said to avoid fraud that has pervaded both private and public sector,Obieri said that applying international best practices which must be in line with the International Reporting Council Standards in accounting system must be followed so as to reassure investors that their investments would be protected.

He said everybody all over the world is grappling with fraud and corruption but how each country is tackling the menace with training and retraining of qualified personnel matters.

Speaking on the plan by the Onitsha District and Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) , Obieri who is the chairman of the N100million Fund-raising Committee for the building of ICAN House said the project will bring ICAN closer to the people in Onitsha.

The launching which will be presided by the national Presi-

dent of ICAN who will b arriving Awka, the State capital on February,27, 2018, where he will pay country all on Governor Willie Obiano.

The Chairman of the District and Society, Kenneth Nzeagwu, called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State who is also a Fellow of ICAN to throw his weight behind the project.

He said the project will provide opportunity for young people in Anambra State to take ICAN and improve themselves, emphasizing “ICAN in you makes the difference”.

Stressing the importance of chartered accountants , the chairman said most businessmen in this part of the world do not have records, rather they run one man show but with a chartered accountant this can be improved.

He said the President will have an evening with the members of Onitsha Chambers of commerce on 27th of February and the fund raising proper at Sharon House on February 28.

World Bank releases $486m to boost electricity in Nigeria

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The World Bank has approved an International Development Association (IDA) Credit and an IDA Scale Up Facility Credit in the sum of $486 million equivalent for rehabilitation and upgrading of electricity transmission substations and lines in Nigeria.

The investments under the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project, is aimed at increasing the power transfer capacity of the transmission network and enable distribution companies supply consumers with additional power.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud, said in a statement on Thursday by the Senior Communications Officer, Nigeria, Olufunke Olufon, that together with other investments and policy measures, the project would contribute to ensuring adequate and reliable electricity supply that is necessary for Nigeria’s continued economic development.

Benmessaoud said that it would also support private sector participation, capacity development and better governance in Transmission Company of Nigeria and sector institutions.

“The Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project will help address key bottlenecks in the transmission network and improve access to affordable and reliable electricity

service to citizens,” he added.

The Bank, quoted the Minister for Power, Works and Housing. Babatunde Fashola, as saying, “the Federal Government is committed to addressing the challenges in the public-owned transmission network and the

financing being provided by the World Bank under the Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project power sector underlines this commitment. The Federal Government anticipates that private sector financing in the privately-owned segments of the value-chain

will complement the government’s efforts in bringing better quality service to citizens.”

This project is part of the Power Sector Recovery Program (PSRP) by the Federal Government, which is a comprehensive package of policy, legal, regulatory,

operational and financial interventions that will restore the financial viability of power sector. The measures that will be implemented through 2021 are aimed at improving transparency and service delivery and reestablishing investor confidence in the sector.

Ag. Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Jude Monye, paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai (left)over the death of his father, Alhaji Yusuf Burutai, at his residence in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja... yesterday.

B7

Tourism B4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Obasanjo inaugurates Bayelsa diagnostic centre Stories by Simon Ugwu

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, commended Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa for embarking on projects that would improve the overall development of the state and the people.

Obasanjo gave the commendation while inaugurating newly built Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre.

This will chek medical tourism in Nigeria as those who would have travelled overseas for medical care can be attended to here in the Centre.

He said the centre was built according to international standard and would assist in improving health

Obasanjo

Gov Obaseki accelerates work on over 90km of roads

Reconstruction and rehabilitation work on over 90 Kilometres of roads across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State are nearing completion in the state’s resolve to deliver the projects before the raining season sets Commissioner for Infrastructure in the state, Engr. Osahon Abraham Amiolemen, who disclosed this on Friday after an inspection tour of some of the roads in Benin City, assured that the roads would be ready for use as promised by the government.

Amiolemen assured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led

administration was committed to completing all ongoing road projects within the stipulated time as the contractors handling the projects have been duly mobilised. “We are using the dry season to work on the roads, the contractors are doing a good job and are ready to deliver the projects within the stipulated time.

The drains are well laid and the quality of the drains is commendable,” he said.

He explained that the rehabilitation/construction of different roads stretching over 150 km spread across the state would commence before the middle of the year, and

stressed that “all bad roads will be fixed in phases.” The Commissioner noted that the dualisation of the popular TV Road measuring 2.3km and the reconstruction of Lucky Way (3km long) both in Benin City would be completed before the middle of the year. He said that construction of Irhirhi-Aroobga-Obazagbon-Obagienevbosa-Oghehghe road spurs to Enogie palace and Ogbekpen Community in Edo South; Ekpoma-Uhumudumu road in Edo Central; and AgbedeAnwain road, Uzzeba-Ukpoji road and Okuokphellagbe road in Edo North Senatorial Districts.

Obaseki

care delivery to the people. He added that “20 years ago when I came to Bayelsa for campaign, there was no space to gather people, but today, there is great difference. “Yes, for full development to take place in Bayelsa, there must be accessibility in terms of transportation, communication and health care delivery. “I must tell you, for six hours I am here, I have seen something to convince me that Bayelsa is already in transformation stage. “The health facility here is second to none.”

Earlier, Gov. Dickson said the diagnostic centre was part of his promises to the people of Bayelsa.

Dickson reiterated

his administration’s readiness to continue to work to uplift the healthcare delivery in the state. He said the uncompleted 500-bed hospital initiated by previous administration would be given a face lift in the next fiscal year. “We will complete the project before the end of my tenure,’’ he assured.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitulah Etebu, said the centre was capable of taking care of the diagnostic needs of people in the state.

He added that “the diagnostic centre would handle screening of blood, radiology and the result transmitted electronically to international partners in America.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

B5Tourism

Lagos to inaugurate first-ever tourism calendar, says Commissioner Simon Ugwu The Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Steve Ayorinde, says the state has concluded plans to inaugurate its first ever tourism calendar.

Ayorinde said this at the 2018 Tourism Innovation and Development Advantage (TIDA) held in Lagos on Thursday.

The TIDA conference is an initiative of Skyview Communications with the theme: “Impact of Tourism Development on The Nigerian Economy”.

Ayorinde said the tourism calendar would showcase various tourism activities planned for the year.

“This is the first of its kind; the calendar will show plans, venues and dates of festivals, carnivals and conferences.

“It will also provide guides on how tourists, visitors and the public can enjoy such events,”he said.

The commissioner said the idea behind the calendar was borne out of the need to encourage the development of tourism potential of the nation.

“There is a lot we can do if we get a lot of mappings and communications right.

“Nigeria is a home of tourism and entertainment, but we are not ready for the business aspect of it, which includes availability of hotels in tourist locations.

“This is a harsh reality.’’

Also, Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Ogun Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, said tourism had been relegated to the background in the country.

“Tourism right now is nothing to write home about but in five to 10 years’ time, it will be celebrated and sought after.

“Tourism is the future of the Nigerian economy and if better harnessed, it will generate more rev-

enue,” he said.

Oladipo also said that the African Drum Festival would be holding in April in Ogun.

According to him, the drum is very essential in every stage of our lives, and at every occasion or festival the sound of the drum is heard.

“To celebrate this heritage, we came up with the Annual African Drum Festival in Ogun,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Yemisi Shyllon, a tourism expert in his speech urged the Federal Government to create a national policy on tourism for the country.

“One of the major challenges of tourism in Nigeria is that we do not have publicity for cultural activities like other developed countries.

“A national policy on tourism needs to be published, followed, adhered to and made available for everyone by the Federal Government.

“Tourism is sustainable and we need to focus on it, especially, with our high population of youth,’’ he said.

Shyllon said that there were problems relating to acceptance, love and respect for ourselves as Nigerians.

Without all these in place, citizens would be wasting their time on domestic tourism, he said.

“We must respect and love our culture without this we can not promote or transform the tourism sector.

“If we do not know anything about our culture and we talk about tourism, we will be wasting our time.

“We cannot develop tourism with foreign culture, countries that developed their tourism sectors had it done with their cultures,” he siad Also, Mr Hakeem Adenekan, the Chief Executive Officer of Commstrat Associates Ltd., said the media had an important role to play in the promotion of tourism in the country.

“We are yet to take tourism to the next level; there is the need for more exposition of tourist sites in Nigeria to the world.

“We have yet to see a television station fully dedicated to tourism.

“Without the media, whatever a nation has is in the dark.

“We need to focus on the positive side of Nigeria, package and project ourselves by using media to promote our tourist sites.”

Mr Wale Akinboboye, the Chairman of LA Champagne Tropicana Beach Resort, said; “Nigeria is

the greatest country in the world in terms of tourism with different types of tourism.’’

“We have religious tourism which the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Camp symbolizes.

“The Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti is the only warm spring in the world.

“All the other ones are glaciers. Nigeria also has agricultural tourism, heritage tourism, and sports tourism

among others,” he said.

Akinboboye urged the Federal Government to create a separate Ministry of Tourism and Culture Mr Efetobor Awanah, a tour operator, unveiled the virtual tourism equipment to conference delegates.

He said that it was a new tool used to promote tourism all over the world.

“Virtual reality is not just limited to video games, it is the new tool used to promote tourism all over the world,” Awanah said.

The Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Head of OECD Global Forum on Exchange of Information, Ms. Monica Bhatia and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, William Babatunde Fowler, during the PCT Conference organised by the the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund and United Nations in New York ...on Thursday

Buhari, Emir Sanusi, others to lead discussions at Lagos-Kano Economic Summit Simon Ugwu President Muhammadu Buhari is among dignitaries listed to discuss the strategic importance of collaboration among key institutions to national development at the first Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit.

The summit, which is scheduled to hold at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe, Lagos State between February 28 and March 1, 2018, is to focus on thematic areas such as security, governance, ease of doing business, agriculture, tourism, internally generated revenue, education and infrastructure in key areas of power, transportation and urban waste management.

Aside President Buhari, other lead discussants at the summit are the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi; Oba of Lagos, HRH Rilwan Akiolu; former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega; and development expert, Prof. Pat

Utomi, among others Addressing a joint press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the summit and Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Akinyemi Ashade, said the summit was specially designed to create awareness on the investment climate and policy thrust of both Lagos and Kano State Governments, as well as create a platform for dialogue for potential investors, with the overall objectives of national development.

Ashade said the summit will also offer opportunity to share emerging investment ideas with the target audience and engage both states’ unutilised and under-utilised resources toward efficiency and prosperity.

According to Ashade: “Globally, inter-state and regional partnerships are fast becoming benchmarks and leading practices for economic growth and development. Equipped with this knowledge, the Govern-

ments of Lagos and Kano States, under the visionary and able leadership of their Excellences, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje respectively, decided to take a leading role towards maximizing the unique comparative and competitive economic and investment opportunities of both States.”

Giving reasons for the summit, Ashade said it was common knowledge that both states share peculiar history and pedigree in demography, economic viability and leading roles within each of their respective geopolitical regions.

He said: “We both have the highest population and cosmopolitan spread in Nigeria, while I make bold to say that, the performances of the two States in areas of economic reforms, improved their business environments and contributed significantly in boosting Nigeria’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Global Ranking from 169 to 145 for the year 2018 as measured in 2017.

“This Summit, the first of its kind in sub-saharan Africa, signals the first phase in the journey towards a long-lasting partnership between the two States and promises to help boost economic development and foster national unity amongst others. Hence, the choice of the theme “States Partnership as a tool for Sustainable Economic Development” for the Summit.”

Ashade also disclosed that adequate measures have been firmed up to ensure that the summit is not another talk show, hence the decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two states during the summit, designed to seal and sustain the partnership.

He said: “The Governments of Lagos and Kano States are optimistic on the outcomes of this Summit in terms of Sustainable National Development and hope that the ensuing collaboration will offer a constructive case study for other States of the Federation to emulate by looking in-

wards and developing blueprints for their own inter-states collaborations that will propel them towards achieving economic sufficiency.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Technical Committee for the summit from Kano State, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, Lagos and Kano States had a lot of similarities and differences, and that the summit was designed to bring both to the fore with the overall objectives of learning from each to foster mutually beneficial positives.

Usman, a former Minister of National Planning, said there have been instances in the past when Kano had understudied Lagos in areas such as governance and internally generated revenue, and that the summit would focus on such areas with the aim of playing them up for the people’s benefits.

The summit, which will be periodic, can be registered for at www. lagoskanosummit.org, while other members of the public can follow discussions through the social media handles.

Tourism B6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Nigeria Tourism: Appeal to tourists Stories by Simon Ugwu

Nigeria tourism offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying.

Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated but friendly attitude of many in the Nigerian population.

However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw, undeveloped state, they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich visitors in quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and experiences.

The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities and in some parts of the country, acute

conditions of underdevelopment and poverty can be seen which many potential Nigeria bound tourist may not like to be confronted with.

These are impediments to tourism, which the new administration has been tackling since assumption of office. Investors, both foreign and local, are therefore called upon to come and invest in the abundant tourism potentials in the country.

The richness and diversity of Nigeria’s tourism resources coupled with economic liberalisation policies will provide investment opportunities in various areas as follows: Heritage/Cultural Tourism Resources Development of slave trade relics Establishment of museums and preservation of monuments Eco-tourism, including Wildlife Tourism Resources Development of hiking trails and Jeep tracks in the national parks Development of picnic and camping sites at strategic locations within the trail circuit system in the national parks

Building of tourist lodges Building of reception centres at Natural/ Physical Attractions Provision of cable bus system to take tourist through the very rugged but scenic terrain of the mountains especially in Kanyang, Obudu and Mambilla Plateau Construction of lodge cabins for expedition tourist and rangers.

Establishment of hotels and resorts near waterfalls, springs, caves and temperate climate areas such as Obudu, jos and Mambila Plateau.

Beach Tourism potentials Establishment of boating and sport fishing facilities Development of water transportation Provision of educational facilities for water skiing and swimming Establishment of holiday resorts along the coasts.

Development of Amusement parks, entertainment facilities and shopping services Development of arts and crafts which constitute symbol of the people’s cultural values and love for nature.

10 top swallow foods eaten and enjoyed by Nigerians A popular traditional food in Nigeria is Swallow.

It is so described because rather than chewing it, you have to swallow. So, Swallow is a Nigerian food eaten with different kinds of soup. To truly enjoy swallow, you should use your hands to eat it. Swallow in Nigeria is a term used to describe starchy foods that are made into a paste and swallowed along with Nigerian soups.

Swallows are usually made from grains, cereals, starchy roots and vegetables. They are mainly in the form of pastes or dumplings and are gotten from staples such as yam, plantain, cocoyam, millet, sorghum cassava and maize. It us called swallow because of the way it is eaten.

Some swallows are eaten in some particular parts of the country while some are generally eaten by every tribe. Like Starch, is eaten by people from Edo and Delta regions of the country. It is made from cassava and the orange colour is derived from the palm oil used to tint the puree while stirring it on heat. It is popularly eaten with the native Banga soup.

Semolina is produced by milling semolina grains into powder and this powder or flour is used to prepare the Semolina fufu which is eaten with the various Nigerian soup recipes.

Eba: Garri which is used to make Eba is made from grated cassava. Eba is rich in carbohydrates and it comes in two colours-yellow and white.

While the yellow one is popular among the Igbos, the white one is eaten by everyone even though it is indigenous to the Yorubas. It can be eaten with any soup of your choice.

Amala: Àmàlà is a made out of yam or cassava flour.

Yams are peeled, sliced, cleaned, dried and then blended into a flour, also called elubo.

This elubo is used to make Amala. It healthy because it contains fewer carbohydrates and more proteins.

Pounded Yam: Pounded yam also know as Iyan is made by boiling several yams and pounding it. This has discouraged many Nigerians from preparing the cuisine.

Luckily, there is now a machine for pounding yam.

Akpu (Fufu): Fufu is very rich in carbohydrate. It has very low cholesterol content and it is made from cassava.

Tuwo Shinkafa : Another common swallow in northern Nigeria is tuwo shinkafa. Whenever you hear tuwo shinkafa, you should expect to also hear miyan kuka too, they go very well together It mostly eaten in Northern Nigeria and made from rice flour and usually served with Miyan Kuka soup.

Wheat: As the name implies, Wheat is made from whole grain wheat.

It is proteinous and rich in fibres.

Semolina: If you do not want to prepare Eba, then the best alternative is Semolina.

Semovita: Semovita is a very easy Nigerian swallow to prepare, thus it is a good substitute for pounded yam and amala, which are more difficult to cook.

Its particles are coarse, making it a more textured swallow similar to Eba, but without the slight vinegar/ sour taste. Because of its high energy content, it is beneficial to individuals trying to gain weight.

Starch Swallow: Starch, is eaten by people from Edo and Delta regions of the country. It is made from cassava and the orange colour is derived from the palm oil used to tint the puree while stirring it on heat.

It is popularly eaten with the native Banga soup.

Plantain Fufu: Plantain is one of the good carbs you can eat and get away with. Not only is it a good source of energy and starch, it also aids bowel movement. It has lots of minerals and it is a good source of vitamins.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Business Feature B7

Lumos unveils Solar Energy system for SMEs Simon Ugwu Lumos Nigeria said its innovative mobile solar energy device is best suited to provide electricity to meet the basic energy needs of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in Nigeria, where epileptic power supply has been the bane of small business development.

Olufemi Ashipa, Vice President, Marketing, Lumos Nigeria, said during the SME Fair recently held in Lagos that the Lumos Solar Power device is a product required by all as it can reliably power the basic things in the home, office, kiosk, small supermarket, poultry farm, clinic, etc.

He stated: “The basic SME is disturbed by two major things, lack of funding and lack of electricity.

Among other things, we are offering a lasting solution to the problem of electricity to the Nigerian SMEs with our product.

And what we are providing is a solution to that problem; our special offer is that if you subscribe to our system, you get two months on your payment for free. It is a very affordable service, the base fee is N26,000 and N4,500 subscription per month, rather than paying N300,000 or more in a single transaction. We have made it easier for people to be able to afford it through a monthly subscription for the next five years.”

Ashipa said that after the full payment has been completed, the device then belongs to the user. He added that Lumos system has 100 percent warranty for 5years, as long as the device is not misused, adding that customer care is accessible at any time.

“A close study with a group of SMEs using Lumos solar system shows that 72 percent had their turnover increased 100 percent, another 50 percent said they have made more savings on energy.

The beauty of this device is that it doesn’t give low current or fluctuation, it gives you clean and steady energy, at the exact same rate and no appliance gets burnt. You can use airtime to keep the device working as long as you are using MTN network by using your airtime to subscribe.

The duration of the solar is relative to how it is used and what is used for,” Ashipa asserted.

In a related developewm-

trn, French renewable energy producer, Voltalia has obtained permits for the development of two hydropower plants with a capacity of 9.8MW and 7.2MW, respectively in Morocco.

This was revealed during a Photovoltaica congress of renewable energies in Marrakech.

Delivered by the Moroccan Ministry for Energy, the permits relate to two hydropower plant projects that will be located in the Middle-Atlas region.

According to the renewable energy firm, these permits follow positive technical approvals delivered by the National Bureau for Electricity and Drinking Water regarding the connection of the plants to the national grid.

“These permits come as a recognition of the extensive work done over the past three years by our Moroccan team,” declares Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia.

The concerned water basin agencies have also given a green light, taking into account the quality of the projects presented by Voltalia.

The electricity produced will be sold under longterm private Power Purchase Agreements, which are currently under negotiation with corporate clients.

“They confirm Voltalia’s capacity to position itself as a first class partner for the electricity provision of its clients, at a competitive price,” adds Yoni Ammar, CEO of Voltalia Morocco.

Last month, another French company, VINCI Construction, was awarded a $346 million contract to build a pumped storage hydroelectric plant, near Agadir.

These hydropower projects forms part of Morocco’s ambitious objective aiming to source 52% of its installed capacity from renewable energy by 2030.

The North African country is faced with an increasing energy consumption of roughly 6% per year and an energy dependence rate of around 95% Also talikhng about power, the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed a 30MW power supply con-

tract with Turkish Company, Karpower. The contract according to the authorities is a mutual agreement that will last for two years, reports Foroyaa.

The Minister of Energy, Fafa Sanyang, said the agreement is a milestone drive for government to provide reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply to the people of the Gambia for sustainable economic growth and development.

The minister noted that for over 52 years since the Gambia gained independence, the energy sector continues to be a major challenge prompting the government to recognise the urgency to transform

and modernise the energy sector.

Sanyang said the signing of the contract is a short-term plan to improve capacity on the energy sector roadmap.

The objective, he said is for NAWEC to rehabilitate, repair and maintain the implementation of on-going projects that will eliminate the energy constraints.

The Managing Director of NAWEC Baba Fatajo, said the contract with Karpower will formalise the commencement of work for the installation of the 30MW rental plan for injection into the power grid as a short term measure.

Fatajo said the chal-

lenge that NAWEC faces include lack of adequate resources for the required investment in the energy sector, generating huge losses as a result; that such contracts will help the utility to improve in service delivery.

Mehmet Katmer from Karpower said the navigable energy supply will be used for the energy supply and this will arrive Banjul in three weeks.

Katmer stated that together with their local partner, NAWEC should start to supply power in seven weeks, adding that Karpower is confident to fulfil by supplying as agreed and provide a successful energy supply.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 17, 2018

Life&

TIMES Saturday, February 17, 2018

Gideon Okeke: Actors are guided by story L not money earned P

2

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Music is a great deal for me –Gideon Okeke Talented and handsome entertainer, Gideon Okeke is one of The multi-faceted hottie (Actor, presenter and model) plans to spread

What role are you playing the movie, Cross Road?

I am playing the role of Omotimi Jomo who is one

Omotimi Jomo sounds Bayelsa, how easy or tough is it for you playing the role?

Do you think at the end of the day the movie will tell the typical Bayelsa stories in the positive light knowing that the state is known for cases that militancy amongst others?

What extra touch are you bringing to this one knowing that you have played other robbery roles?

Working with RMD how was it for you?

stage or the normal movie?

What attracted you to the script? script because of other characters involved?

Are you sure?

Do you agree with the saying that there is a parallel line between those who studied Theatre of the craft?

Despite your tight schedules, how then do you unwind?

You are a good singer too, is there a next step for you in terms of singing? my personal r

&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Aramide drops first 2018 single ‘Magic’

Known for her incredible style of music, stage delivery and choice of words, Afrosoul singer,

Gist L3

Saidi Balogun, Patience Ozokwor and Harrysong for Independent Awards The Independent Newspapers Limited awards ceremony is set to take place

on a better note with the single for the year titled, The sultry singer took to her social media to announce the song which was recorded in Jos,

In keeping with its avowed commitment to promoting the common good and rewarding excellence in the society, the Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Daily

mastered by Olaitan Dada

Arthur

boasts of live Guitar infusions with Augsurg Habila on the acoustic Guitar and Preach Zagi

Governor and Political Icon of Outstanding

album due for release

DStv celebrates Hollywood’s finest with iconic movies on M-net Movies Oscars Pop-Up channel

movies are lined up to

man, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr, will be available for Available for viewOrdinary

People

opportunity to watch starring Al Pacino, at

at 7pm, The Colour of

Revenant are As Good as it -

of

the

Year

-

-

the

Outstanding Telecommunications Company of the Year goes to

awards is the fact that entertainers and those who dazzle on the silver screen and dominate the

in

Rasak Okoya was not left out, Waziri and he has been nominated for Life Achievement Award, while Wale Babalakin, Chairman, Grassroots Governor of the Year, while the Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year Outstanding Aviation Terminal goes to Otunba Titilayo Tomori Governor

Aminu

Patience Ozokwor emerged Actor and Actress nominees of the Year These three outstanding entertainers and personalities have all expressed their joy at the

With ‘Sade’, the world will further know me –Gabriel Afolayan

-

Rings: The Return of

of

and would be decorated as The Governor of the Year on Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, was nominated as the Bridge Builder

Talented Nollywood actor/singer, Gabriel Afolayan is excited featuring on the new upcoming animation

The same day, The Artist will be on at

Legislator

weathering the storm of the factional Chairman of the Peoples killer herdsmen in his state named the Party Leader of the

Governor

at -

While speaking to The Daily Times, Afolayan disclosed that with this platform he is further sure that the world will know and reckon with The

coming

movie

has

a

Nigerian animated movie to feature an all Nigerian cast with a musical of a dog, known as Big Joe, who can be likened to an animal with

viewers will have the

Patience

Okowa,

Asides other governors billed to attend, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos and Nyesom Wike of Rivers as the Outstanding Legislator

Aramide

Ahead of the Oscars next month and in the spirit of celebrating movie industry talents, cars Pop-Up Channel nel not only showcases movies, but some of the biggest talents to have ever been nominated or won the coveted Academy

Ifeanyi

It equally features stellar cast

that includes Ngozi Nwosu, Biodun Aleja, Jude Or Judith Audu, Kate Adepegba, Deji Adenuga, Omowunmi Dada,

However, speaking on the difference between regular movie and animation, Afolayan said: Going through the vocal exercise was one of those things I cherish the most because it felt like I have done it befo excited about it and I thank God that I was able to position myself where Gabriel Afolayan

Society circle L4 Isaac Oguntoye

Three major club shutdown... el, with happenings in Ogba axis of mainland of Lagos State, you can attest to the fact that there are three major clubs within the area that used to be the converging points for the upwardly mobile and fun seekers

a

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Who is after Femi Otedola’s family?

well-structured

facilities was also shut without prior notice. Before anyone could say Jack Robbisson, the building had been rent-

fast food joint. High Level was owned House of Representatives memis Troy Lounge, owned ber, James Faleke, who by creative content provider, Sola Fajobi which battle to become Kogi was shut down early last State Governor. The year. Many had thought place was closed acthe roving socialite will cording to information be relocating the club to due to mismanagement. a bigger space but the The third on the list is reverse was the case Uptown Lounge owned as the club disappeared by Nigezie boss, Femi into oblivion. Just few Aderibigbe. months after, High Lev-

Where is Kemi Nelson?

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola is a Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur philanthropist, and chairman of Forte Oil Plc, an importer of petroleum products.

Aside being listed among the top billionaires in the world by Forbes, Otedola is a down to earth Nigerian businessman. But one thing they say in life is that as you grow in riches and your wealth attracts top guns in the business arena so do your enemies multiply. This is what best described what rumour mongers have been spreading about Nana, the half-caste wife of billionaire oil magnate.

Nana Otedola, the Managing Director, Garment Care, who is blessed with adorable children,

Kemi Nelson

Frontline society woman, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, the South West Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) has been silent for too long unlike the ever-radiant socialite who is always on ground when it comes to major gigs in Lagos State.

Some said the society woman who is popularly known as Yeye Sewa opted for a low-key lifestyle due to her position at the federal level. It was said that her role as the Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is

taking most of her time that she hardly has time to socialise. The gregarious woman who is married to Mr. Adeyemi Nelson, a retired director of Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, is expected to start rolling her sleeves as the 2019 general election approach. The Lagos State University gradugree in Business Administration played a major role during the 2015 presidential campaign do the same come 2019 general election.

alleged extra marital affairs. In the allegation, the embattled former HiTV boss was said to wife in their UK abode some time ago. But the funny part is that Nana who loves her husband dearly was said have been contemplating divorce.

One thing that will strike you about this virtuous woman is that she always strikes a balance in her businesses and maintains a social life while satisfying the needs of her children, work, family and home. So, the question on the lips of many is, where on earth will she have the time to engage in extra marital affair?

Ifeayin Ubah set to complete Catholic Church in hometown Nnewi-born Billionaire, Ifeayin Ubah is a known philanthropist who has been contributing immensely well to the growth and development of the community that made him. His role in the nation building cannot be over emphasised as a Nigerian business mogul, politician and entrepreneur.

The CEO of Capital Oil is not relenting on his kind gesture especially when it comes to his community where he hails from. Information has it that the oil magnet has just built a stateof-the-heart Catholic Church in his hometown and the cathedral will Easter this year.

Ifeanyi Ubah

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Society circle L5

Isaac Oguntoye

Gospel singer, Bunmi Bamidele debuts with ‘This Year’ Saying that Nigerian praise and worship songs are the most refreshing songs in the society today is like stating the obvious.

They are songs of hope, love and thanksgiving to God. And musically, this year has been amazing with new and exciting releases from Nigerian gospel artistes, making impact locally and globally. The new embodiment of talent who is using her God- given talent for glorious work of God is Bunmi Bamidele.

Bunmi is a fast rising Gospel/Inspirational artiste with a breath-taking voice.

She is a worship leader with years of experience.

At the moment, Bunmi is ready to take the bull by the horn as she debuts is a prayer of goodwill, wishing you success and

Bunmi Bamidele

produced by Nigerian foremost producer, Mene Jazz.

Elumelu’s love for skill acquisition The Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, is known for his ready to help lifestyle. Call him a solution provider, foundation has become a light of hope for every youth who can take the bull by the horn when it comes to following their dreams. Becoming a successful entrepreneur require some mentorship and capital intensive.

So, what the ever-busy and advocate of united Africa economy does is helping the youths achieve their dreams.

Aside coming up with schemes that will enable them have access to fund, Mr. Tony Elumelu is a good teacher ery prospective entrepreneurs. This uniqueness has endeared him to many world leaders. Recently, Tony Elumelu pointed out on the side-lines of the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that organisations must come together to provide solutions to key challenges negatively impacting African economies, especially with regards to power supply and infrastruc-

Tony Elumelu

to grapple with. He seized the opportunity to commend organisations that have ering 10,000 African youths such as the International Red Cross Society, which according to him, has helped to create more opportunities for more Africans to

issues that the economies have had programmes.

Bishop Tom Samson defends luxury lifestyle Oluwo, Oba AbdulRasheed’s at Iyana-Iyesi, Ota, Ogun State, boasts of a thousand chalets, hospital, vocational training centre, under construction, college of edution in 2011. He also has a 5,000 seater auditorium, fully furnished male and female hostels.

Meanwhile, many have condemned his opulent lifestyle while some are of the opinion that he wealth.

However, the man of God has taken his time to tell those who care to listen that God has richly “The controversy now is that why should a man of God use good scripture that condemns that. Are we now saying that good things are for the agents of Satan? Bible Bishop Tom Samson says God created all things in this The General Overseer of Christ Roy- world. Every good thing you see, al Family International Church, Bishop God created it. Bible says all these Tom Samson, is one of the revered pas- good things God created, He has tors whose taste for exotic cars attracts controversy here and there. The suc- those who are criticizing me want cess story of Bishop Tom Samson has to be mediocre, to be poor, I am left many pondering over the secret.

Today, he has a Royal City reportedly Samson, my God says He giveth worth about N4 billion. His 1000 acres the power to get wealth.”

take on herdsmen

Paramount Ruler and King of Iwo land, Osun State, Nigeria, HIM Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi has tackled the Federal Government of Nitle roaming is barbaric and should be abolished at once as it does conform to modernisation and 21st century development of any country.

Oba AbdulRasheed made this statement during a meeting with stakeholders at his palace focusing on solutions to herdsmen incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians. He said no government that wants to move forward will place in the world where government acquires land on behalf of herdsmen for the purpose of cattle grazing.

He added that the herdsmen can either rent, lease or buy lands for pen/ byre construction to house their cattle “The herdsmen got it wrong due to lack of education towards animal farming in the 21st century. The alterhay storage. This will help restrict the is a controlled area. That is how it is

Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi

never see herdsmen grazing cattle in Europe.” Oluwo said.

“The herdsmen can even purchase hays to feed the cows can be purchased from the farmers thereby establishing and sustaining a peaceful He added.

Oba AbdulRasheed however advised the Federal Government that the solution to Fulani herdsmen/farmers recurring clash is proper orientation and education on modernized animal farming and not acquiring hectares of land on behalf of herdsmen as grazing zone across the federation.

Opinion L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Joey Akan

How Nigerian Hip-hop is fusing with dance music to stay alive As traditional Hip-hop continues to dwindle on the African continent, top musicians continue to bend its rules in creating a new fusion sound that is deeply African,

numerous responses from artistes who were touched by fusion Hip-hop offers numerous different subgenres,

has internalized many of the structural facets of Afro-pop

mainstream local rappers infusing their personal rap characteristics and elements into traditional African

most prominent pillar, enlisted the help of pop music, and

numerous adaptation of singles by rappers, to conquer

section of Hip-hop merged with pop music completely?

has become so mainstream that it cannot be ignored, or

to listening to Hip-hop, only with more melody and no Another artist who has found success in creating

the sounds that are blowing are different, and if you really

Hip-hop records, much of what he does is inspired by

mutant creations?

fanbases, grown their bottom lines, and increased their Quite possibly, the largest indication of a shift in the

As traditional Hip-hop continues to dwindle on the African continent, top musicians continue to bend its rules in creating a new fusion sound that is deeply fusion styles that Hip-hop music offers, more people are

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

How I lost my Omoge to my Padi back in the day. day.

I really did like her much already, then I started

L7

L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Reasons to love a gray sofa