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THE

DAILY

Adeboye visits 4 Benue, says he wept over killings of innocent people

Appeal Court okays INEC’s recall process against Sen Melaye

FG denies cancelling Power Purchase Agreements B1

EFCC arraigns First Nation Airline MD over N1.7bn fraud 6

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Excitement as Gov Obiano begins second term today Promises more dividends of democracy Govs, others to grace inauguration FRSC deploys over 500 officials for event The people of Anambra State and the entire Nigeria will today experience an unprecedented flamboyant inauguration as Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano will be sworn-in for a second term in office, having overwhelmingly won the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in the state.

The venue, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka has been decorated to accommodate the high profile personalities that would grace the occasion, even as residents of Awka, the state capital, and other towns in the state on Friday expressed excitement about the inauguration and hoped that Obiano’s second term will bring more democracy dividends to them.

The personalities expected to grace the inaguaration will be drawn within and outside the country. Already, five State Governors have indicated interest to be present among other personalities from different walks of life.

Those in entertainment industry are not left out as Tekno, one of the most sensational artistes on the Nigerian music scene, will perform live.

Continued from page 4

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Excitement as Gov Obiano begins second tenure today Continued from cover

John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

enigmatic crossover artiste, who has never performed in South East Nigeria since he assumed the status of an adored figure in contemporary Nigerian music will have his first home-coming when he performs along Flavour.

The Ebonyi State born singer will be hitting the stage with Anambra-born Flavour in a memorable performance that has been scripted to bring verve and colour to Governor Obiano’s date with history today.

The two superstars are some of the brightest lights of Nigeria’s music industry with huge fan base across Africa and beyond.

Another artiste, Dan Ian of Wrinkars Experience, will also add colour to the inauguration.

Dan Ian is one of the greatest pop singers of the 70s with a string of hit songs that helped Ndigbo to heal from the trauma of the Biafran War. Ian wrote and belted ballads like none other in his time and left a monumental work in his song “Fuel for Love.” He also released other timeless songs like “Money to Burn” which topped the charts for months in its time.

The Ihiala, Anambra Stateborn singer, is widely seen as an artiste that is far ahead of his time as his ‘Fuel for Love’ has remained evergreen, winning new audiences among the younger generation.

The inclusion of Dan Ian among the musicians billed to perform at Obiano’s inauguration is seen as a perfect blend of old and new flavours that will meet the assorted musical tastes of the variegated audience expected at the ceremony.

Ian joins Flavour and Tekno in a show that is scripted to lace up Governor Obiano’s second term inauguration with the bright colours of happier days ahead.

The hallmark of the inauguration is the taking of Oath to commensurate his electoral victory on November 18, 2017.

The former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Chief Tony Oyima, said the electoral victory is not only a confirmation of his achievements in the last four years but

has also placed on his shoulders a historic responsibility.

He said: “The event will mark the beginning of Obiano’s journey towards consolidation of his legacies after an impressive first half.

“The taking of the oath of office and that of allegiance is a mandatory requirement of section 185, subsection 1&2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). As a solemn and divine event, it acts as a contract between him and the people.

The import and seriousness of the ceremony is underscored in the Holy Scripture.

“The Bible in the book of Numbers, Chapter 30 verse 2 states “when a man voweth a vow unto the Lord, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

So before Ndi Anambra, family, friends and well wishers, the governor is expected to renew his pledge made four years ago to “create a socially stable, business-friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in Anambra State”.

According to Onyima, “As the governor prepares to begin his tenure, it is expedient to take a cursory look at some of his achievements.

Development, it has been said, is a continuum and unending. At best it’s incremental. This is why each political leadership grapples with different challenges and priorities.

However, a political leadership that has its eyes on history focuses on projects that have the greatest impact on the lives of the people.

These are what people like former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, calls ‘signature or Iroko projects’. The governor must have had this at the back of his mind when he enunciated his blueprint, comprising four main pillars and about 25 enablers. The administration has no doubt made enormous impact on areas like education, health, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, community development and most importantly security.

The governor has publicly promised to set the pitch of development higher in this second coming. To that extent, the tempo of activities has, since

re-election, been more than an uptick in the positive ring. It is expected that in the intervening days, the deepening of institutions of government will be done to enable the governor to begin to fulfill the many promises he made during the campaigns.

With the unparalled effort in security which triggered uncommon development in almost all the sectors of the economy, the Obiano administration has set about to consolidate not just the gains in governance in the state, but the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party that has gra-

ciously indulged Ndi Anambra with integrated development in the last 12 years.

With a missionary zeal, the governor is expected to take the political message of APGA to other states particularly the South East states. Repositioning the party aside swelling its chances of winning elections will augur for replication of its many achievements and the planting of the APGA philosophy of fraternity in other states.

For a decade and more, the party had dominated politics in Anambra and was within an ace of replicating the magic

in the South East, especially Imo State, when the effort was truncated. Winning Imo State was an effort made possible by the party’s mass appeal.

But no sooner was the victory achieved than it was betrayed by unguided politics.

The quest for personal glory and the erroneous impression that the interest of the people is better served in a bigger party conspired to liquidate the effort at expansion. At great many cost to public good, the party was caused to shrink in size. Its fledgling influence was not only allowed to suffer impiContinued on page 5

L-R: Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor; General manager PENCOM, Mr. Muhammed Umar; and the representative of the speaker House of Representatives, Mr.Pally Iriase, during a public hearing on the pension reforms at the National Assembly in Abuja Photo:Temitope Balogun

Adeboye visits Benue, says he wept over killings of innocent people

ÏÏÏThe

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, visited Benue State on Friday to condole with the people over the deaths recorded during clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

Over 100 people lost their lives this year alone.

Speaking in Makurdi, the capital of the state, when he visited Governor Samuel Ortom, in the company of Folu, his wife, Adeboye said he was moved to tears over the “mindless killings” of people.

Adeboye prayed for the people of the state, saying that the state is very dear to his heart.

He said he did not visit the state before President Muhammadu Buhari so that politicians would not read meaning into his action.

The revered pastor said, “I would have been here earlier but I was praying at home and was instructed by God not to come before the president.

“Benue State is very, very close to my heart, I had felt every pain you people felt and I wept when I saw you weeping.

“But of course no man of God will see a mass burial anywhere and not feel the pains of the people affected. We want these killings to stop. Happily, we know someone who can stop it, “ He is the Almighty God. He does not fail or compromise. He is the God of all. We will continue to call on Him to fight this battle and you can be assured that victory will be certain.”

Responding, Governor Ortom thanked the preacher for the visit. He also lamented the devastating effect of the killings.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

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Appeal Court okays INEC’s recall process against Sen Melaye Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏThe Court of Appeal in Abuja

on Friday gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a clean bill to go ahead with its recall process of Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) in the National Assembly.

The appellate court in a unanimous judgment dismissed all the six grounds of appeal filed by Melaye. Melaye’s appeal had put the recall exercise on hold since last year, in spite of the petition written by Kogi West senatorial district constituents demanding for his recall.

In the judgment delivered by Justice T.O. Awotoye, the appellate court dismissed Melaye’s appeal for lacking in merit as it disclosed no cause of action.

The appellate court, which resolved all the issues in favour of INEC, affirmed the judgment of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who held that Melaye’s suit was “hasty, premature and presumptuous.”

Dissatisfied with the lower court judgment, Melaye had approached the Court of Appeal to set aside the lower court verdict and stop INEC from embarking on the recall process.

Justice Awotoye agreed with the decision of the trial court and added that the court ought to have struck out the suit for not disclosing any cause of action.

On the issue of lack of fair hearing complained of by the embattled senator, the appellate court discountenanced it on the grounds that INEC is neither a tribunal nor a court of law.

The appellate court also held that there is no limitation to the counting of the 90 days for the recall process, as it can be extended.

The Court of Appeal further held that the powers of INEC is a statutory one given by the constitution and not even the court can take away the powers of INEC to

conduct a referendum.

The appellate court also held that “the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a statutory one given by the constitution and not even the court can take away the powers of INEC to conduct a referendum.”

“Such statutory bodies like the INEC should be allowed to exercise their statutory powers without interference by the court.

“The appellant cannot claim that his right of fair hearing was infringed upon. His right to fair hearing has not been violated since INEC as a statutory body is not a tribunal neither is it a court of law.

“The appellant has not disclose any case of action and the suit ought to have been struck out by the trial court for not disclosing any cause of action.”

“I agree with the decision of the trial court. Ordinary, it ought to have struck out the suit for non disclosure of cause of action. This is because where there is no cause of action, the court has no jurisdiction to hear the suit.

“Having resolved all the issues in the appeal against the appellant, I hereby struck out the suit and dismiss the appeal.

Justice T.O. Awotoye further held that the 90 days period provided by the constitution for INEC to commence the process of recall can be extended, since it has not started to run.

Meanwhile, Senator Melaye, who spoke through his lawyer, Nkem Okoro, has vowed to appeal the decision of the Appeal court at the Supreme Court.

The electoral body had sent a letter notifying the lawmaker of a petition for his recall, in accordance with its guidelines for the recall of members of the National Assembly.

To carry out the verification of the petitioners, INEC said it will on July 3, 2017, issue a public notice stating the day(s), time, loca-

L-R: Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, during the reception of the wedding of Idris Ajimobi and Fatima Ganduje, at Agodi Gardens in Oyo state... recently

Those who thought the party could replicate the feat of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) under the leadership of the wily, but indefatigable, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos were disappointed. The party held on to Anambra and made no further progress.

But since Governor Obiano’s re-election, there are signs that the status quo will change. He has shown interest in expanding the reaches of the party. So far, nothing suggests he will act any less than Tinubu in ensuring that APGA takes effective control in the South East and beyond.

He had worked hard to give

the people dividends of democracy by changing the security architecture of the state, reinvented agriculture, attracted enormous investments, sustained development in education, boosted effort in health delivery, reordered infrastructure and delivered development to communities according to their choice, etc.

It is difficult to imagine he will be smug with merely leading a government and a party that cannot make effort to break new grounds in the next four years. It is a mark of his leadership style, which abhors micromanagement of ideas that before and after his re-election,

tion and other details for the verification.

But Senator Melaye rushed to the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to declare the petition presented to INEC illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

In the suit, Melaye sought a declaration that the recall process “is tainted with bad faith, political malice and personal vendetta”, alleging that the petition was signed by “fictitious and none existing persons” in his senatorial district.

He also asked the court to determine whether, by the provisions of Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he can be vividly recalled when the petition was allegedly signed by persons who do not come from his senatorial constituency.

Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba dismissed the suit on the grounds that it was “hasty, premature and

presumptuous.”

The judge also held that no injustice has been done to him by the refusal of INEC and those behind his recall to serve him copies of the petition against him and signatures of registered voters, who endorsed the petition.

Justice Dimgba said the petitioners and INEC were not obligated under the constitution to oblige Melaye or any legislator to be recalled with copies of the documents against him.

Justice Dimgba said: “I do not believe that the petitioners have the duty to serve the plaintiff with a copy of the petition. The duty of the constituents is to write and submit their petition to the electoral body.

“There is no provision in Sections 68 and 69 of the Constitution that provides the scope for the writers of the petition to inform the plaintiff of plans to recall him

or for him to come and clear himself of allegations levelled against him.

“The duty of an aggrieved electorate is to submit a petition backed by appropriate signatures to the electoral body, while the duty of the first defendant (INEC) is well-defined, which is to verify the signatures, and if satisfied that they are genuine and the number meets the constitutional threshold, then it is to proceed to conduct a referendum for the recall of the legislator.”

On Melaye’s argument that he was not availed fair hearing, the judge said: “Fair hearing is not an option in recall process,” as is the case in impeachment process.

“From all that I have said so far, it becomes apparent that these complaints brought before the court are hasty, premature and probably presumptuous,” Justice Dimgba said.

Excitement as Gov Obiano begins second tenure today Continued from page 4

ous decline, but a concerted effort was made to nip what was left of it off the political firmament of the entire South East.

Sadly, past efforts at resuscitating the party could not yield much not so much because APGA could not reinvent its appeal, but there was no conscious effort to expand. The government in Anambra at the time was shy of making further effort at capturing new grounds either because it was enmeshed in leadership tussle with the national executives of the party or there was insufficient funds to drive its programme.

there has been an influx into APGA. As a matter of fact, the 21/21 victory can be said to be possible because not a few persons exerted themselves for him.

And no day has passed since the re-election that people do not take up membership of APGA. The party has become a brand that is sought by all. What remains is its ability to manage well the subtle interests as may exist in various states when offering tickets for elections.

Once that is achieved, APGA will soar higher in the coming election.

To effectively consolidate on the many gains of the adminis-

tration, Governor Obiano having identified his baskets of value offerings should pursue their implementation with an unwavering commitment and tenacious determination. No doubt when fully implemented like the improved security architecture, investments, agriculture, education, health, Umueri Airport City Project, communities-choose-your-projects initiative among others will have transformational impact on the lives of Ndi Anambra and become an enduring legacy of the administration.

When this is done, the governor would have finished strong and well.

6 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

EFCC arraigns First Nation Airline MD over N1.7bn fraud Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned the Managing Director, First Nation Airlines, Mr Kayode Odukoya, over allegation of forgery and theft of N1.7 billion.

The commission had brought Odukoya before Justice Mojisola Dada of

a Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The First Nation Airlines and Bellview Airlines were also named as co-defendants to the suit.

Odukoya, who had earlier failed to appear before the judge on three different times was eventually brought to the court by the EFCC after being detained when he reported at the

EFCC office on March 13.

He was arraigned before Justice Dada on a fourcount charge of N1.7billion theft and forgery of Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Lagos State Government.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Odukoya forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy reg-

istered as No. 33 at page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos, so that the document can be acted upon as genuine.

It added that the forged document was in respect of a property located at No. 29, Oduduwa St., Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The aviation chief was also accused by the EFCC

of using the said forged document and equally gave false information on oath concerning the loss of the Certificate of Occupancy at the Lagos State Land Registry.

The EFCC further stated that on October 7, 2016, Odukoya allegedly stole and dishonestly converted to his own use the sum of N1. 7 billion owned by

Skye Bank contrary to Sections 85, 86(1) 278(1)(b), 285, 361(1),(a) (b), 363 and 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Justice Dada later adjourned the matter till March 26 for ruling on Odukoya’s bail application.

The judge also ordered that the airline boss should be remanded in EFCC custody.

Gov Dickson tasks political class on consensus building ÏÏÏAs the 2019 general elec-

Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (middle); Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu (second right); Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Erabor (right); Secretary to Oba Ewuare II, Mr. Eseosa Erevbanarue (left); and Face of the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, Miss Ifueko Aideyan (second left), during the courtesy visit by the Face of Oba Ewuare II Foundation with the Secretaries to the Oba of Benin and the Benin Traditional Council, to the First Lady, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

tion fast approaches, Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson has cautioned political leaders not to use state resources and authority to the detriment of any group or section of the country.

The Governor also emphasized the need for those occupying positions of public trust not to only focus attention on physical development, but also prioritize what he calls intangible ingredients of democracy, such as transparency and security of lives and property.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Francis Ottah-Agbo, Governor Dickson made the remarks on Thursday, shortly after receiving the Outstand-

Human Trafficking: Mrs Obaseki partners Oba Ewuare II Foundation to curb scourge ÏÏÏThe wife of the Gover-

nor of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has reiterated the need for collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure that the incidence of human trafficking comes to a stop in Edo State.

Receiving the Face of Oba Ewuare II Foundation, and the Secretaries to the Oba of Benin and the Benin Traditional Council at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Mrs Obaseki said she was ready to partner with Oba Ewuare II’ s foundation to boost the fight against human slavery.

The First Lady harped on the need for young girls in Edo State to develop their untapped talent and

skills, instead of leaving the country for greener pastures illegally.

She said the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II’s stance on the issues and the subsequent curse placed on traffickers and others connected to the ugly practice was a welcome development.

She said the move will go a long way in liberating Edo girls that are still in Libya and other countries, and give them the courage to come back home and shun the threats of the traffickers.

She explained that one of her pet projects, the Betsy Obaseki’s After School Club, is an initiative geared to empower young girls and provide them with requisite skills

to become self-reliant.

This, she said, will ensure that the girls do not succumb to the deceitful tactics of traffickers, who give them the impression that life will be better in foreign countries.

She added that the workshops would be held across senatorial districts, where secondary school girls can build capacity in automobile repairs and shoemaking, after school hours.

The First Lady expressed readiness to partner the Oba Ewuare II Foundation in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery, adding that the partnership will positively impact the Edo girl-child.

“It is good to know that you are planning to take

up the most important problem we are currently facing in the state. This initiative will add to efforts to reduce the scourge of modern-day slavery in Edo State. It is such a huge problem that the federal and state governments cannot solve alone,” she added.

Noting that the Oba Ewuare II’s curses on traffickers were pertinent, she said, “All hands must be on deck to solve this problem and it is so gratifying to find out that the Oba is so supportive of the present government.

What the Oba has done is the biggest blow against the perpetrators of human trafficking.

“The Oba’s action will open the eyes of the peo-

ple because when people hear that Oba intervened in this manner, those that were supportive, one way or the other, will now have a rethink and wake up.”

The Face of the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, Miss Ifueko Aideyan, explained that the foundation is focused on rehabilitating and reintegrating trafficked girls into the society.

According to her, this will be done through capacity building in bead making, sculpting and carpentry.

She stated that most of the trafficked girls are between the ages of fourteen and twenty years, hence the need for seminars and awareness programmes for youths.

ing Leadership and Good Governance in Accountability Award from the DAAR Communications in Abuja.

He identified consensus building, accountability and respect for the rule of law, with a view to promoting the common good of the people as the cornerstones of real democratic service.

While underscoring the importance of infrastructural development, Governor Dickson urged the political class to carry their people along in the scheme of things by embracing transparency and accountability.

His words, “Where as it is right (as we most times do) to place emphasis on physical development, that is, the roads, bridges and other facilities, which we call dividends of democracy, there has to be a deliberate effort on the part of political leaders to promote what I may call the intangible, but equally significant ingredients of democracy.

“Paradigms such as transparency and accountability which empower our people to know what we their elected representatives and leaders do in their name and on their behalf.

Issues such as paying priority attention to the security of lives and property as well as promoting consensus building. And making sure that we do not use state resources, power and authority at our disposal to the detriment of anyone or group.”

He expressed gratitude to the DAAR Communications team for the Award, noting that, his administration has, in the last six years, made conscious efforts to promote both tangible and intangible aspects of development in Bayelsa, including accountability.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

News 7

NJC recommends 60 judges for appointment ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, President Muhammadu Buhari, Emir of Kano H.H. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Aliko Dangote and groom, Jamil Abubakar during the wedding of Fatimata Dangote in Kano...on Friday

President Buhari’s politicizing Dapchi abduction –PDP Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) has described as iniquitous, the attempt by President Muhammadu Buhari to use the heartbreaking abduction of innocent schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe state, to score cheap political points.

The party expressed shock that President Buhari could do so right before our grief-stricken parents.

The PDP also said the President’s morbid comparison of the Dapchi incident to similar heartrending abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno state, in 2014, appears pregnant with meaning, especially in the face of pervading speculations and conspiracy theorems that trailed the Dapchi abduction and its associated conflicting reports.

The PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Thursday, said the comments by the President as well as his aloofness to the people in the troubled states, so far visited, have all confirmed that the belated visits were mere afterthoughts orchestrated for political reasons and not out of any genuine concern for the victims.

The party also noted that more disheartening is the attempts by the President to politicize killings in troubled states and particularly the abduction of our innocent Dapchi daughters, right in the presence of their distraught parents.

When the President went to Taraba, he made a morbid comparison of more people being killed in one state than

the other, as if human life is valued in figures. This time, he went on an ill-conceived political ego venture and self-praise with the abduction of our Dapchi daughters.

The PDP agrees no less with Nigerians that this development is worrisome. This is particularly so given the sequence of events that trailed the incident.

Nigerians can recall how the Presidency deployed a team of officials led by the minister of information and culture to Yobe state, ostensibly for a media stunt. What followed was the release of a false rescue report by yet to be ascertained individuals or agency and statements by sponsored groups praising the Presidency for illusionary ‘swift rescue operations’ while the abductors were fleeing

deeper into unknown recesses.

Nigerians need to know; is there a heinous script in which our innocent daughters in Dapchi have become pawns?

Who is behind the initial false rescue report and what point was it meant to serve? Was it designed to promote a political stunt? Moreover, why has the Presidency not taken critical steps to unravel the mystery behind the report and those who scripted it?

These are some of the reasons we urged the National Assembly to institute an independent inquest into the Dapchi abduction and make its findings public.

Furthermore, we still wonder why the parents of the Dapchi girls were not allowed enough opportunity to have direct interaction with the President during the visit to Yobe State.

My country will collapse if Nigeria withdraws its support –Gambian VP Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏVice-President

Fatoumata Tambajang of The Gambia has said that The Gambia would collapse if Nigerian professionals in the country withdraw their services or leave the country.

Tambajang made the remark at a dinner organised for the Nigerian delegation to the 62nd commission on the status of women (CSW) at the Nigeria House, New York.

The vice-president, who was represented by Mamadou Tangara, the ambassa-

dor/permanent representative of The Gambia to the UN, commended Nigeria for its numerous support to her country.

“Gambia is very grateful to Nigeria for its support. If Nigeria withdraws its support, Gambia will collapse,” she said.

“In particular, if the Nigerian professionals in the judiciary withdraw, Gambia’s judiciary will collapse.

With a population of about 30,000, Nigeria has the largest number of foreign nationals living in The Gambia.

Similarly, six of Gambia’s 12 banks are owned by Nigerians.

Emmanuel Ayoola, a Nigerian, was the chief justice of The Gambia from 1983 to 1992 while Emmanuel Fagbenle was the chief justice of the country from 2015 to 2017.

Before then, both had earlier served as justices of the court of appeal of The Gambia.

The majority of the senior professional staff in the ministry of justice, on the other hand, are Nigerian lawyers provided through technical

assistance programme.

In 2017, The Gambia Bar Association had to protest against the newly appointed Nigerian high court judges – Edward Ogar, Mathias Agboola, Simeon Abi and Martins Okoi.

Nigerian professionals, including teachers and doctors, are in the Gambia under the technical aids corps scheme, launched by the Nigerian government to assist other African countries, as a practical demonstration of SouthSouth cooperation.

National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 60 judicial officers for appointment.

In a statement on Friday, Soji Oye, spokesman of the NJC, said the council arrived at the decision at its 85th meeting.

Here is the full list.

O. O Akeredolu, Chief Judge of Ondo state.

Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, Chief Judge of Plateau state.

Danladi Muhammed, Judge High Court Adamawa state.

Fatima Ahmed Tafida, Judge High Court, Adamawa state.

Bulila Ladukiya Ikharo, Judge High Court, Adamawa state.

Bassey Bassey Nkanang, Judge High Court, Akwa Ibom state.

Uwem Freedom Ibritam, Judge High Court, Akwa Ibom state.

Josephine Mbayan Ayua, Judge High Court, Benue state.

Imelda Etope Bassey, Judge High Court, Cross River state.

Obo Awusa Obo, Judge High Court, Cross River state.

Emmanuel Ubua Agianpuye, Judge High Court, Cross River state.

Ideh Blessing Adaoleh, Judge High Court, Delta state.

Edun Ajueyitsi Joshua, Judge High Court, Delta state.

Irobosa O. A. Omotosho, Judge High Court, Edo state.

Aigbona T. Momodu, Judge High Court, Edo state.

Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmed, Judge High Court, Sokoto state.

Isah Muhammed Bargaja, Judge High Court, Sokoto state.

Adamu Muhammed Kafin-Madaki, Judge High Court, Bauchi state.

Joy Lynda Chiama Okibe, Judge High Court, Enugu state.

Veronica Chinyere Ajogwu, Judge High Court, Enugu state.

Esther Nnenna Nkechi Alukwu, Judge High Court, Enugu state.

Musa Kyari Kachalla, Judge High Court, Yobe state.

Karima Bulama Yusuf, Judge High Court, Yobe state.

Emeka Samuel NriEzedi, Judge High Court,

Anambra state.

Obiora Azuka Nwabunike, Judge High Court, Anambra state.

Obiora Azuka Nwabunike, Judge High Court, Anambra state.

Onwosi Uwabunkeonye, Judge High Court, Ebonyi state.

Pinheiro Yetunde Rukayat, Judge High Court, Lagos state.

Ogunjobi Olukayode Ola, Judge High Court, Lagos state.

Soladoye Abiola Oladunni, Judge High Court, Lagos state.

Augusta Uche K. Chuku, Judge High Court, Rivers state.

Ollor Godwin Osaronu, Judge High Court, Rivers state.

Kabiru Umaru, Judge High Court, Zamfara state.

Habibu Mikalilu, Judge High Court, Zamfara state.

Bala Musa, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Jigawa state.

Sa’idu Usman Muhammad, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina state.

Mohammed Lawal Omar, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina state.

Mustapha Sani Saulawa, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Katsina state.

Oniye Adebayo Mas’ud, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara state.

Kasimu Yusuf, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Sokoto state.

Umar Liman Abdullahi Sifawa, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Sokoto state.

Muhammad Shehu Turawa Shinkafi, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Zamfara state.

Kabir Muhammad Hafiz, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Zamfara state.

Muhammad Sani Randale, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Kebbi state.

Usman Abdullahi S. Kudu, Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal, Kebbi state.

Abimbola Ayodeji Olatunji-Daniel, Judge Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo state.

Abdul Ganiyu Tajudeen Muhammad, judge customary court of appeal, Oyo state.

Oyafajo Mikail Afolabi, Judge Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo state.

Legor Torbira Senewo, Judge Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers state.

Onyiri Frank, Judge Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers state.

News

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Appeal Court clears coast for INEC to commence Melaye’s recall process Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÎÎÎ The Court of

Appeal Abuja Division on Friday gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a clean bill to go ahead with its recall process of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly.

The appellate court in a unanimous judgment dismissed all the six ground of appeal filed by Melaye.

Melaye’s appeal had put the recall exercise on hold since last year, notwithstanding the petition written by Kogi West senatorial district constituents demanding for his recall.

In the judgment de-

livered by Justice T.O. Awotoye, the appellant court dismissed Melaye’s appeal for lacking in merit as it disclosed no cause of action.

Meanwhile, Senator Melaye who spoke through his lawyer, Nkem Okoro has vowed to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.

The court which resolved all the issues contained in favour of the Independent National Electoral Commission affirmed the judgment of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, who held that Melaye’s suit was “hasty, premature and presumptuous.”

Dissatisfied with the trial court judgment, Melaye

had approached the Court of Appeal to set it aside and stop the electoral body from embarking on the recall process.

Justice Awotoye agreed with the decision of the trial court and added that the court ought to have struck out the suit for not disclosing any cause of action.

On the issue of lack of fair hearing complained of by the embattled senator, the appellate court discountenanced it on the grounds that INEC is neither a tribunal or a court of law.

The appellate court also held that there is no limitation to the counting of the 90 days for the recall process, as it can be extended.

The court further held that the powers of the In-

dependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a statutory one given by the constitution and not even the court can take away the powers of INEC to conduct a referendum.

The court held “the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a statutory one given by the constitution and not even the court can take away the powers of INEC to conduct a referendum.”

“Such statutory bodies like the INEC should be allowed to exercise their statutory powers without interference by the court.”

“The appellant cannot claim that his right of fair hearing was infringed upon. His right to fair hearing has not been violated

since INEC as a statutory body is not a tribunal neither is it a court of law.”

“The appellant has not disclosed any case of action and the suit ought to have been struck out by the trial court for not disclosing any cause of action.”

“I agree with the decision of the trial court.

Ordinary, it ought to have struck out the suit for non-disclosure of cause of action. This is because where there is no cause of action, the court has no jurisdiction to hear the suit.

“Having resolved all the issues in the appeal against the appellant, I hereby struck out the suit and dismiss the appeal.

Justice T.O. Awotoye further held that the 90 days’ period provided by

the constitution for INEC to commence the process of recall can be extended, since it has not started to run.

The electoral body had sent a letter notifying the lawmaker of a petition for his recall, in accordance with its guidelines for the recall of members of the National Assembly.

To carry out the verification of the petitioners, INEC said it will on July 3, 2017, issue a public notice stating the day(s), time, location and other details for the verification.

Senator Melaye, however, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja asking the court to declare the petition presented to INEC illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Adamawa Lawmaker gives scholarship to over 160 students Tom Garba, Yola

ÎÎÎ As part of

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (second left) his deputy Chief (Mrs.) Titilayo Laoye - Tomori(left), when the the members of the Farm settlement paid him a courtesy visit in the office of the Governor in Osogbo...on Thursday

his 2017 Constituency Project, the lawmaker representing Vere in the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Umaru Yapak, is set to give scholarship to over 160 students in various high institutions cutting across the six political wards he is representing.

Abdullahi who is the chairman House committee on Education said education is top most of priority in his agenda knowing

FCMB investing N1b in Abia youths – Executive Director Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎ The First City Monument Bank, FCMB says, it is partnering with state Governments to ensure that youths in the country are assisted in their entrepreneurial skills where youths that are currently unemployed and had just finished school and have very brilliant business ideas will be supported by their various states.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, on the occasion

of Abia Youth Mega Summit, the Bank Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs. Bukola Smith said “Because of that, SME department of FCMB decided that we are going to partner with the states and Abia state being the first state that decided to pick up this plan and run the scheme, we decided to partner with them to ensure that the youths take part in line with the desires of the government”.

She said that to quantify the level of involvement of FCMB in the project, in

terms of financial support, the financial involvement would be upward to N1 bill, where beneficiaries would receive loans from N3 million to N10 million.

Far more than financial support, FCMB she said, is also bringing in a team to support the training for the youths as well as advice, which she said is a lot more important than the financial component, pointing out that there is a lot the bank is doing to ensure that the young people that are being given some money to set up businesses actually

succeeds.

Mrs. Smith disclosed that the rate of failure of SMEs Nigeria is very high and that FCMB does not want that to happen in Abia.

“We are supporting the advisory services, supporting the know-how, supporting the technology in addition to the finance we are also bringing in here: stating that the involvement of FCMB is in terms of loans and grants at the state level, CBN level and at the bank level.

She said “This is one year that the bank has decided

that the youth have to be empowered to become productive citizens of the country.

“Since the CBN talked about it, we are the only bank that has partnered with any state at this point in time. We are the first bank to start this youth empowerment and this is the beginning of the greater things we are going to be doing”.

She expressed her gratitude as such “We are extremely indebted to the Abia state Governor for his show of commitment towards the youths of Nigeria and allowing us to be part of it.

the fact that the sector has since been declared in a state of emergency by the state government.

According to him he is doing this to rescue and consolidate on what Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow is trying to do in reviving the ailing sector.

The Danburum Verre set aside Saturday, March 17, as a special day and colourful in Karlahi Central Primary to formally launch out his 2017 constituency projects with Youths and Women empowerment, wealth Creation schemes and scholarship awards to hundreds people and less privileged in his constituency.

Yapak, the deputy Chief whip of the House will also commission Alarba Electrification project, Constituency office and empowerment Centre in Fufore LGA of the State.

According to APC stalwart in Fofure , Aliyu Boya said Abdullahi is not only good in empowerment programs, he has many bills and motions being credited to his name and known for his reasonable contributions, giving political whimsical ideas that is stabilizing the House, making it vibrant and active.

Politics

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Sequence of election won’t 2019: Anyone caught matter to you if you are meeting rigging elections in Abia people’s needs –BYA ≥≥10 will be lynched - Orji Uzor

Kalu≥≥ 11

Imo guber: Madumere dares Okorocha, says only God can stop me Stories by Patrick Okohue The battle line in the 2019 Imo State governorship race seem to have been drawn between the Deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere, and his boss, Governor Rochas Okorocha as Madumere has said that no man can stop him from becoming the next governor of the state.

He reassured Imo people that only God can stop him from becoming the next governor of the state.

Madumere who is aiming for the Imo number one seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is facing a stiff challenge from Okorocha’s son-in-law and Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, who the governor insist will succeed him.

He spoke while addressing a section of leaders from the local government areas in the state on Thursday.

He said, “I will pursue my gubernatorial ambition to a logical conclusion. I am in the race to serve Imo people of Imo State.

“I have the requisite leadership qualities and vision to take the state to a greater height.”

Madumere added that he is “a seasoned administrator with many years of experience in private and public sector”, adding that Imo people are highly enlightened and must be carried along

OKOROCHA

MADUMERE

in policy formulation and implementation.

The deputy governor said his betrayal from those he managed and nurtured to lime light in politics was like that of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He, however, vowed that no man born of a woman can stop his ambition.

“I rely not in any man no matter how highly placed. I have taken my destiny

in my hands. I have God and the people of Imo State.

“God has always granted me the grace to carry on.

“I have no regret because it has made me even stronger in my bid to make the difference in changing the tide for the people.

“Any development that does not trickle down to the masses is a misplaced

Wike vows to sign death warrant of any convicted cultist, kidnapper Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that if any person convicted for killing during kidnap or cultism activities in the state, he will not hesitate to sign the death warrant.

And in his bid to improve security in the state, the governor has given his assent to the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law No.8 of 2018.

Wike also signed the Rivers State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) (Amendment) Law No.6 of 2018 and the Rivers State Kidnap (Prohibition) (Amendment) No.2 Law No.7 of 2018.

The three laws were passed by the state House of Assembly, which the governor signed at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Wike said that the laws were necessary to enhance security in the state.

He said that Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps would support other security agencies with intelligence and information to effectively fight crime and make Rivers safer.

The governor said that the Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps cannot work

without the approval of security agencies which would profile all the personnel, noting that anybody who loves Rivers would not do anything to undermine steps that would enhance its security.

He said: “If your hands are clean, you have nothing to fear about the three laws that I have given assent to. By tomorrow, I will appoint the person that will head the Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps.

“All criminals will face the full weight of the law. We will fight crime and ensure that the state is safe for investors,” he said.

He debunked claims by the opposition elements that the state government plans to use the Neighbourhood Watch to arm youths. The governor said that the corps is a replica of what is in existence in Lagos State.

On the Anti-Kidnapping and AntiCultism Laws, Wike said that stiffer penalties had been approved to discourage those who might want to be involved in the offences.

“If you are a cultist and you are caught, it is life imprisonment. If you are a cultist and you kill during cult activities, you will face the death penalty.

9

WIKE “If you are convicted for kidnapping and the Supreme Court affirms your conviction, I will sign the death warrant without looking back,” Wike said.

The Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, who presented the bills, said that the laws provided for stiffer penalties in the interest of the state.

The Speaker, Hon. Ikuinyi Ibani, said that the governor had made a difference through service delivery.

Abia PDP chieftain berates APC-led government over herdsmen killings A member of the Abia State Advisory Council and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu has blamed the killings in some parts of the country on the failure of the APC-led government to adopt proactive measures in ending the herdsmen/farmers clashes.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday at a press conference in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Ukandu advised government to go back to the drawing board and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the clashes.

The former local government chairman kicked against the proposed cattle colony by the Federal Government, pointing out that cattle rearing was purely a private business not a government venture.

He said: “Why should the APC-led government allow herdsmen/farmers clashes to deteriorate, by not going to the root of this matter. For APC not to find ways to nip this crisis in the bud, they are unleashing war on Nigerians.

“In the first place, what is government business in cattle rearing? Does government have business in cattle rearing?

Cattle rearing is a complete private business. It is an economic adventure. It has nothing to do with government.

“See, we should look into the 2014 confab and what they have recommended on this issue. We should look at the issue of grazing reserves for these herdsmen.

I don’t see anybody talking about cattle colony. Because you should ask yourself what is cattle colony? Are you creating colony for who? Is it for cows or Fulanis rearing the cows.

“And who is even going to give land for you to colonize them?

“This issue rose as a result of climate change. The dryness in the Chad Basin, the eastern winds has created a lot of problems in most of the Sahara areas.

It has affected grazing and water for the livestocks. That informs the influx of these herdsmen towards this tropical area.

“So, if government is alive to its responsibility, if they had been proactive, they should know the dryness occasioned by Chad Basin in recent time, and the eastern wind and the happenings in the Sahara areas, they should have found a way of mitigating towards this direction. You see, everything is politicized in Nigeria. No more persuasion. Everything is by force.

“And cattle rearing is a private business. It does not have anything to do with government involvement. Fulani herdsmen also at that time, I don’t see them being violent, even when cattle destroy a farmland, they compensate the owners.

“But this particular type of herdsmen in this contemporary situation, I have not understood this particular spirit going on now in Nigeria, called herdsmen/ farmers’ clash.

“We should begin to look at the remoteness, the immediate cause of what is happening in Nigeria. Is it actually herdsmen clash? What are its connotations? What are the political involvements?

Politics 10 Looking back at the current 8th National Assembly, the legislative arm is credited with a number of motions, as a federal lawmaker, how do you think these motions have impacted on the lives of ordinary Nigerians?

I will like to say that most of the bills passed or motions moved by the current House of Representatives have really impacted on the lives of many Nigerians in many ways. However, the success or impacts they have on people differ based on people’s immediate needs The current House has considered and passed several bills designed to stimulate economic growth and promote competition. This legislation has the potential to engender innovation and efficient allocation of resources, eliminate barriers to entry and restrictive trade practices in our market. It has also recorded a very huge positive impact on the quality of goods and services as well as their prices in the interest of Nigerian consumers. Several bills and resolutions aimed at improving and ease ways of doing business in Nigeria have also been passed.

In order to curb underemployment as well as reduce unemployment in Nigeria, the House introduced a bill on new minimum wage bill to promote the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian workers, especially in the light of current economic realities. It is the common belief of members of the House that democracy must be made to work for all Nigerians including workers who must have the tools with which to pursue happiness while in active service or in retirement.

The current House of Representatives has also introduced sectoral debates. The idea is to get ministers to share their vision for the nation in the current administration and how they intend to achieve them, so that Parliament can hold them accountable on the goals they have set.

In addition to all these and on a personal account, I have moved some motions which included a motion on the issue of money owed the oil marketers by the Federal Government. The reason for this is my belief that if there is availability of petroleum and if the pump price is high, people would still prefer it than when the price is lower but the product is not available.

The NEC of your party, APC has just elongated the tenure of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee of the party by 12 months and this has continued to generate issues among members of the party while some members have even gone to court.

What is your position on this?

I believe in the party hierarchy and it’s decision and if the elongation of the APC NWC was done in good faith and in the interest of the party, so be it. But what is certain is that whether one’s tenure is elongated or not, one will leave the office one day. Very soon, the tenure of the executive will expire.

I also think the party needs to do something quick to address the fallout of the issue before the next general elections.

President Muhammadu Buhari has declined assent to the National Peace Corps bill passed by the National Assembly and most Nigerians are urging the Senate to veto the bill and pass it into law, as a member of the House of Representative, what is your take on this?

The Peace Corps Bill is an act of the National Assembly which requires the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari to become law. However, in this case, that the President has held back his assent on the grounds that its existence would duplicate the functions of similar agencies and more importantly, that the government lacks the funds to fund such a new agency given the present economic realities.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Hon. Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla popularly known as BYA, is the lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency 2 at the House of Representatives. In this interview with ALADE TASMA in Lagos, the lawmaker bares his mind on the relationship between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government, reordering of 2019 election time table by the National Assembly and why empowering his constituents remain his top priority among several other issues.

Sequence of election won’t matter to you if you are meeting people’s needs –BYA Although some Nigerians have been complaining that the Nigeria police force and indeed, other security outfits were not being adequately funded, adding that establishing another one will just create more confusion as far as the issue of funding is concerned.

In my own opinion however, I think each arm of government should be allowed to function independently without any harassment or intimidation from any quarters.

We have three arms of government, the executive, legislative and judiciary and their works must complement one another to ensure smooth running of the government.

And in this particular case, I am going to support any decision taken by my colleagues at the National Assembly.

Secondly, I think the leaders of the legislative and executive arms should come together and harmonise things since the APC, the party in power also controls the majority of the National Assembly members. The issue should not be allowed to generate ripples among Nigerians and make the ruling party a laughing stock to the opposition parties.

The National Assembly’s resolution to rearrange the sequence of 2019 election time table is another issue that has continued to generate heated debate among political commentators; do you think there is need for rearrangement by the parliament after INEC has rolled out the time table for the next general elections?

To me, the timing, sequence or rearrangement of 2019 general elections is inconse-

quential. The most important thing is that if you identify with your people, serve them well and you are popular among them you won’t be bothered about how the election time table is arranged, because you are sure that anytime you call on your people, they will not desert you based on your antecedents and popularity among them which will eventually give you victory at the poll.

Going by the record of confrontations with the executive by the federal lawmakers, most Nigerians believe that National Assembly is sabotaging President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to sanitise the country, as a federal lawmaker, what is your take on this?

I don’t think there has ever been any confrontation between the legislative and the executive arms of government, but people misinterpret every step taken by the legislators. I believe this was blown out of proportion and naturally, we must disagree to agree. The National Assembly is not sabotaging the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to take the country to the Promised Land. We are all working towards the progress and unity of Nigeria.

You are noted to always be holding one empowerment programme or the other for the benefit of the residents of Mushin, your constituents. What is driving this passion?

The truth of the matter is that I believe in taking good care of the people because if you take care of them, God Almighty

The timing, sequence or rearrangement of 2019 general elections is inconsequential. The most important thing is that if you identify with your people, serve them well and you are popular among them you won’t be bothered about how the election time table is arranged, because you are sure .

will also take care of you and your family.

I believe strongly that people should be empowered, teach them how to fish rather than continue to give them fish, teach them how to stand on their own and be self sustained, so that we would not continue to have swollen number of miscreants on the streets. It’s said that an idle mind is a devil workshop. I therefore, make it a top priority as their representatives to ensure they were empowered and remain self sustainable individuals. Another thing the people’s representative also needs to be conscious of is that there is difference between what the people needs and their wants. Most public office holders don’t understand this and that is why some empowerments fail in Nigeria.

Most public office holders do empowerment without necessarily taking into cognizance the immediate needs of the people.

I was born and raised in Mushin, my mother is a Lagosian from Apatira family household, I know and perfectly understand the needs of my constituents in Mushin and that is why my empowerments programmes has always been tailored towards their needs and that is why they love me and always vote for me. I am very close to my constituents because I was born and trained in Mushin, I live in Mushin, I care for Mushin and can sacrifice my life for its progress and the good welfare of its people. I’m an apostle of stomach infrastructure and people’s empowerment for self sustainability. This has however, remained my priority and this has continued to give me joy whenever I look back on self appraisal on how far I have served my people who have continued to vote me into office.

I am happy God has used me to empower many people in Mushin and He is still using me to uplift people in the community. I am happy because this is where I mostly derive joy. The Almighty God put me in this position to uplift people and this is exactly what I am doing and I am going to continue even after I leave office.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

2019: Anyone caught rigging elections in Abia will be lynched - Orji Uzor Kalu

Stories by Patrick Okohue

A former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu has said that any member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), caught rigging in the 2019 Elections will be lynched.

Kalu who made this comment while addressing journalists at his Igbere country home in Abia State shortly after hosting executive committee members of the party, said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had done well in carrying out the ongoing continuous voters’ registration exercise.

He said; “This meeting was to reassess the ongoing voters’ registration exercise. We met with the party leaders

in the 17 local government areas to brief us on how the exercise is going.

“We will take stock and report to the state executive committee of the party.

We will meet again in two months for another review. We are working hard and building the party to be very strong to win election in 2019.

“We are going to give to give PDP a run for their money in Abia State. We will take over Abia. PDP rigging formula will end in 2019. If you rig you will be lynched. “You saw what happened in Anambra State, votes will count here.

“All the result-writing formula of the PDP has ended in Abia State, it is dead on arrival. Votes will count this time. Anybody who tries to rig will be lynched because he is a criminal.”

ORJI UZOR KALU

Nobody can rig 2019 elections, Ekweremadu declares The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has assured that with vigilance of the Nigerian youths, nobody will be able to rig the 2019 general elections.

Receiving the national, zonal and state youth leaders of the PDP in his office, Ekweremadu also assured them that the National Assembly caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not be intimidated from holding the government accountable, just as it would continue to speak the truth in defence of democracy.

In a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu said, “Nobody should be deceived that they will rig elections in 2019. The international community will also be watching; and like the late Sam Mbakwe said, ‘if you

are awake, the rat will never take your fish.’ So if we shine our eyes, nobody will rig us out.”

“I’m sure some of you are now conversant with the misrepresentation of my statement on the floor of the Senate last week where I cautioned against brigandage, impunity and thuggery; and I said as leaders and politicians, we must do the correct thing before we endanger our democracy. That was what I said.

“Never bother about their propaganda. We will continue to speak the truth.

We will continue to defend our democracy and urge our leaders to always do the right thing.

“Sometimes, we may be misunderstood, but we will remain unrelenting. It was the great Nnamdi Azikiwe who said that the best judge of human conduct

is conscience. Keep saying the right thing. The person you are speaking to is hearing you; someday his conscience will prick him and he will do the right thing,” he said.

Ekweremadu added that they would not allow anybody to truncate Nigeria’s democracy because “we believe that your own future is here now. Nobody will take his future in the past and come to continue your own future.”

He warned youths against any form of electoral violence, describing it as “an ill wind that blows no man any good.”

Earlier in his address, the National Youth Leader of the PDP, Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye, said Nigerian youths had suffered so much under the APC-led administration and were ready to support the PDP to return to power.

Agege community adopts Ambode, Obasa, Ogundimu for another term The Agege community on Thursday, 15 March, 2018, rose in unison to endorse Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Hon Oluyinka Ogundimu for another term in office.

The community at a rally in Agege agreed that Ambode should be re-elected to continue in office as governor of Lagos State; Rt. Hon. Obasa should be supported to return as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly; and Honourable Ogundimu should be re-elected as member representing Agege Constituency 2 in the state House of Assembly.

The Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Lagos West Senatorial District, Chief Funsho Ologunde; APC chieftain and member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), Professor Tunde Samuel; Iyaloja General for Lagos State, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo who spoke at the event confirmed that in view of the huge achievements of the Ambode administration particularly in Agege, it becomes imperative for Agege people to endorse not only Ambode, but also Rt. Hon. Obasa and Ogundimu both of whom have been playing supportive roles to Ambode as

AMBODE

OBASA

Speaker and legislator respectively.

“Ambode has turned Lagos to a construction site and Agege community has been one of the major beneficiaries of the current administration in the state. Both Obasa and Ogundimu have been playing the needed supportive roles for the governor. Therefore, for this good work to continue, I urge you all to support our governor, Speaker and Ogundimu for another term in office,” Chief

Ologunde said.

This was re-echoed by Chief (Mrs) Tinubu-Ojo who was represented by Alhaja Toyin Kudus.

The communique confirming the endorsement for the trio signed by prominent people in Agege was later read by former Chairman of the local government who is also a former member of the state House of Assembly, Hon Rotimi Adeshina.

11 Politics Shettima sets up committee to screen NGOs operating in Borno Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, has approved the setting up a high-powered committee to conduct a “thorough and meticulous exercise” on NGOs operating in the state.

Governor Shettima who stated this at an expanded meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Maiduguri, said the decision followed the concerns raised by the Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and many prominent personalities in the state, regarding the operations of these NGOs. The governor charged the committee to, among other things, look into the sources of their funding, profile of their staff, and to determine whether or not they are duly registered by the relevant federal and state authorities.

“To address the concerns expressed by the Theatre Commander and indeed many prominent personalities regarding such an aspect of the operations of the NGOs, I have approved the setting up of a highpowered committee to conduct a thorough and meticulous exercise on the NGOs with specific reference to their areas of operations, sources of funding, profile of their staff, and whether or not they are duly registered by the relevant federal and state authorities.

“In addition, the committee will also determine the relevance and quality of the NGOs, vis-a-vis, the needs and requirements of those they serve or those they purportedly claim to be serving, especially the IDPs. “Furthermore, the committee will look into their modus operandi with a view to finding out whether they are in the state to exploit the security situation and derive benefits from the misery of our people or they are genuinely interested in alleviating the sufferings of our people,” Governor Shettima said.

The governor also said concerted efforts have been made to ensure the return of internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza to their original homes.

“On the issue of the relocation of IDPs to their original houses, especially those from Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza, we have made considerable progress in our determined efforts to ensure that all of them are safely returned,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Shettima had commended the efforts of security forces in the state for inflicting a crushing defeat on the Boko Haram insurgents and irredeemably destroying their infrastructures.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Bindow’s giants strides are grossly underreported, says group Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ The founder and fi-

Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Emuekpere (sixth left), the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Ayerinade Akinwale (fifth left) with other officers of the Command during FOC’s first official visit to NSS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.

Benin monarch charges Okomu oil management on CSR Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏThe

Oba of Benin has charged the management of Okomu Oil Palm Plc on the need to improve on their corporate social responsibility in their host community.

His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin gave the charge when the Chairman of Board of Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode led other Directors of the company on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin in his Palace.

The Benin Monarch said apart from providing jobs for the people, the company should

do more in impacting on the development of the communities around them, and also drew the attention of the management of Okomu Oil Plc to the problems posed by the Libya returnees and called on them to assist in the rehabilitation and engagement of the victims of human trafficking in the state.

The Oba of Benin stressed the need for Okomu Oil to assist Ewuare II Foundation in the task of providing skills and empowerment of youths in the state, pointing out that the Palace would appreciate if Okomu Oil should help curb

rural-urban migration by providing the enabling environment for small scale enterprises to thrive in their host communities.

While congratulating the management of Okomu Oil Plc for the successful inauguration of the second phase of their oil palm plantation, His Royal Majesty, reminded them of the need to make their products available for people to testify to the goodness of it, to attract more patronage.

The Omo N’Oba assured them of a better and cordial relationship between the Palace and the company.

Earlier, the Chair-

man of Board of Directors of Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode said they were in the Palace to inform the Oba of Benin about the inauguration of the second phase of their oil palm plantation, and expressed the company’s commitment to expanding their business in the state.

Mr. Oyebode commended the Omo N’Oba for the support and promised that the company will improve on its corporate social responsibility, support Ewuare II Foundation and move its annual general meeting to Benin to boost trade and commerce.

N5.6b alleged scam: EFCC withdraws charges against ex-Oyo Head of Service, 11 others ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday withdrew the charges against ex-Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke, and 11 others arraigned for alleged N5.6 billion pension scam.

The commission announced its intention of discontinuance with the suit before Justice Laniran Akintola of an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

Others linked with the alleged scam are: Muili Aderemi, Iyabo

Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Musenbiq, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Bosede Johnson, Kareem Rasheed, Olujimi Adebayo and Adewale Kehinde.

The EFCC’s counsel, Simon Ibekwute, informed the court on Friday that the commission wants the case to be discontinued as contained in the notice of discontinuance dated February 6 and filed on February 9.

Ibekwute told the court that not all the parties

involved in the matter had been served and prayed for an adjournment to enable him serve them.

Reacting, counsel to Adeleke, Richard Ogunwole (SAN), urged EFCC’s counsel to ensure that service was done early in order to ascertain the next line of action.

Ogunwole expressed dismay at the case, saying the property of the defendants had been with the EFCC since 2013.

Other defence counsel aligned with the submission of Ogunwole.

Akintola adjourned the

case till May 4 to enable EFCC’s counsel serve notice of discontinuance on the counsel of the defendants.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeleke and 11 others were charged with defrauding the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board to the tune of N5.6 billion.

The defendants were arraigned on a 213-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences as well as fraud and forgery.

nancier of group known as Bindow Media Awareness Network said the developmental giant strides of the Governor of Adamawa state, Senator Jibrilla Bindow, are grossly underreported.

Abdullahi Bako, who formed the organization with the sole aim of going to nooks and crannies of the State to preach the tidings of Bindow’s achievements.

According to him Bindow is a silent achiever that do not praise sings his performances but the organization took it as a mandate to tell the world too much of what the governor is doing and has not been in the news. ‘’ I’m working closely with Governor Bindow and all about him is thinking of how the Masses in the State will be empowered that can generally guarantee a safe society. ‘’Bindow is few among all the leaders I Know that’s is not after embez-

zling the public funds, his efforts is to make sure that Adamawa state is transformed in all phases.’’ DDK said ‘’I tell you if you, if you don’t go close to him you Will never know who is Bindow, this Man is after the unity, peace and economy progress of the state, it’s in this basis that we vow to preach the good ideals he has in leading the state forward,’’ he added He further reiterated that they are working tirelessly for Bindow, to help him govern the state well and to tell him the truth when it’s really important and to draw his attention where public interest is of paramount importance. ‘’We are going to all towns and villages of the State doing this without a kobo of his excellency (Bindow), in fact he does not know how we get the money for all our activities, it is because we believe in his kind of administration, is working hard for the interest of the general Masses.”

Sierra Leone NEC issues new campaign guidelines for Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe National Elector-

al Commission (NEC) of Sierra Leone has released the campaign calendar and guidelines for the March 27 presidential run-off election involving the candidates of main opposition Brig. Julius Maada Bio (rtd) of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Dr. Samura Kamara of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC).

Bio, a former junta leader and Kamara, outgoing Foreign Minister and former Central Bank Governor, were frontrunners in the March 7 first round vote with 43.3% and 42.7% scores respectively.

NEC said the two political parties and their candidates could campaign across the 16 Administrative Districts from 15th to 25th March, with each party granted exclusive permit on specific days in designated Districts to avoid clashes.

Following the inconclusive first round vote, political horse trading and realignment of forces are reportedly going on among the 17 registered political

parties.

As part of preparations for the run-off vote NEC is procuring new ballot papers bearing the photographs of the two candidates as against the previous design with 16 candidates. The Commission is also expected to retrain polling officials and ready the electoral machinery for hitch-free voting.

A snap voter education is also required to reduce the level of invalid votes, which stood at 5.2% in the first round.

The March 7 vote recorded some 84% voter turn-out and the run-off is expected to be even more fiercely contested.

The winner will replace out-going President Ernest Bai Koroma of the APC who has completed his constitutionally allowed two mandates of five years each in a country, where the APC and the SLPP have dominated political power since independence from Britain in 1961.

Meanwhile, from the 24 parliamentary results released Thursday by NEC, the APC has 13 seats, SLPP 10, and the Coalition for Change (C4C) one seat.

FEATURES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

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Don urges AKSG to provide science equipment to secondary schools laboratories Akaiso Iyo (Uyo)

The third annual symposium series of American chemical society (ACS) Nigeria international chemical sciences chapter has ended with an appeal to government of Akwa Ibom state to equip secondary schools laboratories with state of the art science equipment to encourage learning and teaching of science and technology subjects among the students.

A lecturer of chemistry, university of Uyo, Dr Mrs Atim Sunday Johnson made the appeal during the opening ceremony of the event which took place at the prestigious Ibom hotel and golf resort under the distinguished chairmanship of Mr Etido Inyang.

Dr Johnson, who is also the chapter chairman of the association, said the appeal became necessary in order to lay a solid foundation for the students in science and technology subjects which could help them to make a living on completion of school rather than depend on non existent white collar jobs.

She said from the themes of the symposium series right from inception, the society is trying to key into action plan of sustainable development goals as adopted by United Nations assembly in September 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

The key mandate of the association, according to her, is to promote the use of environmentally and socially friendly alternatives and support economic innovation to achieve a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources.

She thanked the state governor for giving approval for the hosting of the program and charged students to shun anti social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices in whatever form and embrace hard work.

Earlier in his welcome address the chairman ACS Nigeria international chemical sciences chapter, Prof Joshua Obaleye thanked Akwa ibom state government for indicating interest to partner and looked forward with enthusiasm to work with them for the growth

of the association, especially when it comes to providing financial assistance to the student members. He listed achievements of the association to include the chem luminary award, travelling grant for students to attend meetings in USA and global innovation imperative grant, to mention but a few.

Obaleye who gave the organizer a pat on the back for her commitment to a successful outing, called on academicians chemists, chemical engineers, educationists and allied professionals to take advantage of the slice in registration fees to register and become member, adding that there is a to benefit for being a member.

The state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel who spoke through the commissioner for science and technology, Prof Nse Essien pledged to partner the association to solve problems of Food security, disease and environmental pollution. As a start, he said government has concluded arrangements to train three students in a research and development laboratory here in Uyo. Another area the governor indicated interest to partner the association is in STEM- science, Technology and Mathematics to help groom future scientists.

The symposium featured lectures on several topical issues to the advantage of students drawn mostly from the University of Uyo and a few from other universities.

The keynote speaker, Mr Augustine Igbuku, corporate affairs manager, SPDC and Prof.

Anthony Okoh of University of Fort Hare, South Africa called on federal and state governments to support the association through provision of employment to graduate members and grants for further studies by the students studying chemistry, especially the indigent but brilliant ones. Governor Emmanuel was commended for his environmental friendly disposition and infrastructural renaissance of his administration.

Akaiso Iyo

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Buhari approves establishment of National Food Security Council Mathew Dadiya

ÏÏÏDays after he an-

Governor Okezie Ikperazu of Abia state inspecting some made in Abia Products by Abia Youths during the Abia Youth Mega Summit in Umuahia....on Thursday

5,000 displaced, 105 houses razed in Ebonyi communal clash Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏ

The resurgence of the protracted land dispute between the people of Inyimagu and Ekpomaka in Ikwo Local Government area of Ebonyi State recently worsened.

Daily Times gathered that in the recent wake of the crisis several persons have lost their lives, over 105 houses torched and over 5000 persons displaced from their homes.

Speaking during a meeting in Ikwo local government area, a leader from Ekpomaka, Elder Stephen Orogwu, who said that the crisis dated back to 1986, alleged that the people of

Inyimagu were bent on exterminating them.

“Before 1986, there were skirmishes between the two villages. At that time, the demarcation of the land in dispute was suspended at Akataka village. And a covenant was made that none of the group should fight again.

Since then, there have been peace in the villages.

However, Akataka Inyimagu attacked Akataka Ekpomaka, abducted and killed many of them.

On 31st January, 2012 Inyimagu stormed a village, abducted eleven people and killed them. They destroyed everything they had, cut down all econom-

ic trees there and left the place desolate.

“The people of Ekpomaka cried to security agents, the former governor of Ebonyi State and leaders of Ikwo. A peace committee was set up headed Eze Dominic Alo. “What heightened the tension this year was when one David Omori who was engaged by a woman in her farm was killed by the people of Inyimagu. Last week, two Ekpomaka people went to their farm attacked by Inyimagu people.

“That evening, they went and started burning houses and killing people.

105 houses were burnt.

There is no one house in Inyimagu that was not torched. In fact, 5000 persons were displaced”, he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Inyimagu, the President of Inyimagu town union, Chukwuma Nwekoyo, who stated that it was the people of Ekpomaka who first attacked one Sunday Nwisuzor in his farm.

According to him, when the report of the death came to him, he made effort to intervene to douse the tension, but regretted that while was trying to quell the crisis some youths took laws into their hands and caused more havoc.

N5.1bn Fraud: EFCC closes case against ex- Jonathan’s aide, Dudafa, others Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏA former Senior Spe-

cial Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, on Domestic Affairs, Warapamo Dudafa, currently facing trial over alleged N5.1 billion fraud, has informed a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos his intention to file a No-Case-Submission.

His counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), yesterday told the court about his client’s intention after the prosecution closed its case.

Counsel to the second defendant in the matter, Mr.

Ige Asemudara in a similar vein, also informed the court of his intention to file similar application.

At the resumed trial of Dudafa and Iwejuo, Joseph Nna, also known as Taiwo Ebenezer and Olugbenga Isaiah, the prosecution represented by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court of his intention to close its case, this was after he has tendered a document which was admitted in evidence.

The prosecution also told the court of its intention to file an amended charge.

Justice Mohammed Idris after listening to both parties adjourned further hearing in the matter till April 25, 2018 for adoption of written addresses.

In the charge, the EFCC alleged that the accused had between June 11, 2013, and June 2015, used different companies to commit the offences.

Some of the companies allegedly used in committing the alleged offences includes Seagate Property Development & Investment Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited

and Pluto Property Limited.

Others are Investment Company Limited and Rotate Interlink Services Limited.

The accused were alleged to have concealed proceeds of a crime in the sum of over N5 billion, contrary to the provisions of the money laundering prohibition act, 2012.

The alleged offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under sections 17(a), 18(c), and 27 (3) (c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.

nounced the intention of the Federal Government to establish a National Food Security Council, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the constitution of the Council’s membership.

The Council, to be chaired by the President, would have as members, the Governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta States and it would be inaugurated on Monday.

Other Members of the Council are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; the Chief of Staff to the President; the National Security Adviser and seven (7) cabinet Ministers.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Friday said that the Ministers to be represented are for Agriculture and Rural Development; Finance; Interior; Industry, Trade and Investment; Water Resources; Environ-

ment; and Budget and National Planning.

The National Food Security Council would also have as Members, the Chief of Defence Staff; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; the Directors-General of the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The broad objectives of the Council would include, developing sustainable solutions to the farmers–herdsmen clashes; Climate Change and Desertification and their impact on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta Fishing Communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling.

The Council would also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria.

INEC discovers illegal registration center in Kwara Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe Independent Na-

tional Electoral Commission (INEC), has uncovered an illegal Voter registration center in Offa, Kwara State.

INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr. Paul Atser made this known in a signed statement with reference number: INEC/ KW/S.245/Vol.vii/348 on Friday and made available to Newsmen in Ilorin.

The statement reads: It has come to the notice of Independent National Electoral Commission Kwara State that some unscrupulous persons are carrying out illegal registration of voters in Offa Local Gov-

ernment area,” Atser said.

According to him, the perpetrators of the illegal registration were using Corel Draw application to change the particulars in a scanned INEC PVC. The Administrative Secretary however said one suspect has been apprehended by the Police and undergoing investigation.

“The general public is advised to be watchful and ensure that they go to only INEC designated registration centers to be captured for the PVC,” Atser added.

He said a list of all designated centers were available at the INEC State office as well as INEC offices in the 16 local government councils.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Moving yellow buses into streets pose danger - Ifako/ Ijaiye residents ÏÏÏWorried

by the apparent danger relocating the Iju Motor Park, and moving the yellow buses into the streets would pose, residents and landlords in Ifako /Ijaiye Local Government on Friday called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, not to press ahead with the plan.

In a statement signed by Ayo Musibau, President, Concerned Citizens of Ifako/ Ijaiye Local Government Area, said the plan by the state government to take over the Iju Garage and push the Yellow buses into Ward C which is mainly residential areas, portends a lot of danger.

Chief Musibau, who is also a landlord and a leading politician, said, they

would resist the move by the local government. “I don’t think the Governor is aware of this impending loom in Iju Garage and in our ward, as we will resist the Local Government’s action. Streets are not motor parks; residential areas are not motor parks either.

“There are so many funny characters in motor parks that supposed not to come closer to residential and living areas. Our youths and other members of the ward will not allow it to happen.”

Also, he said that several letters and messages have been sent to the Governor in respect of this, “and I don’t think he has got knowledge of any. Iju Garage is an ancient park

located in a strategic area and has no alternative size in the area to push the buses to. The buses numbering over one million will definitely become nuisance in residential areas talk less of the activities of the characters that work close to them.

“When the government gave a contract to a company to build modern structures at the Garage, the people of Ifako/ Ijaiye, especially Ward C, the largest ward in the Local Government were happy and full of praises to the state Government and the Local Government, but after creating building structures in the Garage that almost nearing completion, the same

Local Government that is complaining of no money wants, to demolish the structures that is nearing completion.

“The irony of this is that the contractor of the modern structure in the garage has not been paid off and have not been set-

tled. The Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government, moved in tractors to demolish the same structure which they demanded for.

“We therefore appeal to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to with draw all actions already planned at the garage by the Local Government to avoid breach of peace in the area.”

15 News

Govt addressing demands of striking Taraba lecturers - Perm Sec Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo.

ÏÏÏThe

Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Ministry of Education, Mr. Samson Ada has said the state government was seriously looking into the issues that led to the strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University branch with a view to addressing them.

Ada made this known in Jalingo during a programme “Face the Press,” an initiative of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Emmanuel Bello for public servants to engage the media on issues in the state.

He explained that when the new Vice Chancellor came in, he saw the need to introduce new faculties and courses in the University, which led to increase in manpower and rise in the salary bills of the University.

“The University has come to stay and government is committed in making the University one of the best, so very soon the issues will be resolved.

“The bill of quantity in respect to the parameter fencing of the University is ready and soon work on the fence will commence and I want to

appeal to the striking lecturers to exercise patience and understand with us to move the University forward,” he said.

The permanent secretary informed that in a bid to sanitise the educational system of the state, the Ministry of Education recently queried 14 secondary school Principals over their schools’ alleged involvement in examination malpractice conducted by the West African School Examination Council (WAEC).

According to him, the warning and query letters issued to the Principals were part of the disciplinary measures put in place by the ministry to ensure quality educational service to the people of the state.

“Principals are not supposed to leave the school premises while examinations are going on, so that if there are issues they can address them, but from the letters written by WAEC to the schools intimating them of why results of some subjects in their schools were withheld, it was obvious the principals were not on ground during the examination.

“We are going to do a follow up matter to ascertain what exactly happened so as to prevent future occurrence,” he said.

Photography in focus on CNN African Voices Gerald Rambert, ÏÏÏWhile the last rapher, will introduce viewers

Founder, Obasa Foundation, Mr. Damola Adekunle (middle) with some students of Sango Junior Secondary School, Agege, during donation of stationaries to the school.

Bauchi governor signs 2018 Appropriation of N168b into law Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÏÏÏGovernor

Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi state has passed into law the 2018 appropriation bill of N168 billion, with provision for massive rural road construction, covering 1,000 kilometers across the state.

The statement which was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Bauchi by the Press Secretary to the governor, Abubakar Al-Sadique, dated Mrach 14, explained that capital projects took 60 percent of the appropriation while 40 percent is allocated to recurrent expenditure.

The governor who la-

mented that many governments in the country have been making massive allocations to recurrent expenditure which benefits only a fraction of the population, said his administration had to make huge allocation of the appropriation to capital projects for the overall interest of the generality of the citizenry.

The statement further pointed out that the state had already made available its counterpart funds for the construction of the 1,000 kilometers of rural roads to the World Bank for the immediate commencement of the project.

Governor Abubakar while commending the members of the state as-

sembly for a job well done, noted that residents of Bauchi State were lucky to have such representatives that work within the parameters of the law, stressing that the Bauchi House of Assembly has proved their love for the people who voted them into power by ensuring that everything put before it, is treated for the betterment of the people.

“For the second year running in Bauchi state, education takes the highest allocation of 19.22 percent, followed by health with 15.23 percent,” Governor Abubakar said.

He explained that the huge allocations of appropriations made to the education sector have already started

yielding fruits with improvement in the performance of Bauchi state students writing WEAC and NECO, from 03% when the administration came into office in 2015 to 27% in 2017.

“We haven’t reached the target yet. We target the highest in both WEAC and NECO the entire country,” the governor said, but regretted that the administration was not so happy with results coming from the huge investments made in the health sector.

He stressed that completion of all ongoing projects, diversifying the economy through agriculture, tourism and mining are going to be pursued.

edition of talk show programme, CNN African Voices, was dedicated to female fashion icons driving the runways around the globe, this week’s episode will profile photographers who are influencing the continent behind the scenes using their cameras.

According to a statement by the programme sponsors, Globacom, the special guests to be featured on the programme, whose theme is “Through the Lens”, include Gerald Rambert of Mauritius, Omar Victor Diop of Senegal and Adnen Chaouchi of Tunisia.

Viewers can watch the artists tell their inspirational stories on African Voices on CNN at 7 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and at 12.30 a.m., 4.30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Further repeats will also run at 5 a.m. on Monday and at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Mauritian photog-

to the world of deep sea photography. He discloses how his big passion for the fish and the sea led him to spending hours in the water and finally to underwater photography.

He is today the photographer for many magazines.

On the other hand, Senegalese photographer, Omar Victor Diop, is a graduate of the Paris Business School. He worked for several corporate organizations before ditching the corporate world to pursue a career in photography. Viewers will find out how he is blurring the lines between photography and painting.

Lastly, African Voices will parade Tunisian journalist and radio host who CNN said is changing the way news is consumed through mobile journalism. He is expected to talk about how he combines his job as a journalist with TV production.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

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17

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Allow me travel abroad for treatment, Metuh begs court ƗƏƆƓ RƏ ƋƑ è Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, on Wednesday approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with an application seeking approval to travel abroad for medical attention.

He also asked for the release of his International Passport to enable him travel abroad to attend to his health.

The former PDP spokesman, in his application

moved by his counsel, Emeka Etiaba (SAN) prayed the trial Court Judge, Justice Okon Abang to grant him leave to travel abroad on health reasons.

Arguing the application for the release of Metuh’s travel document, his counsel, told the court that the instant application was different from the two previous ones, which the court had refused.

He drew the attention of the court to Exhibit three attached to the application,

which is a letter dated February 14, 2018 addressed to Dr. Raymond Onwuelo by Mr. Andrean T. H. Kessy, a Neurological and Spinal Surgery Consultant in London, stating detailed health status of Metuh.

According to Etiaba, the surgery on Metuh will take about ten days and requires five weeks to heal, and added that, “Even when a defendant, in a trial as this, is due for a routine medical checkup, court ordinarily will grant an application such

as this, but we have gone beyond that to show why the court should grant the application.

“We have asked the prosecution to make available health personnel to evaluate the health status of the first defendant in this matter, to show our sincerity in our application for him to travel abroad on medical grounds”, he told the court.

In his submission, counsel to the second defendant, Destra Investments Limited, allegedly owned by Metuh,

Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN) said the application deals with the exercise of the court’s discretion.

He said the granting of the application by the court will speed up the trial, as Metuh will have no reason to be absent from court for his trial.

The prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, while opposing the application submitted that the defence have failed to place sufficient materials before the court to warrant it exercise it’s discretion on the application.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state(right) leads some cabinet members to inspect model schools under construction in the state Capital, Ibadan

We ‘ll support legislation against illicit drugs Consumption – Delta Speaker M ƊƆ ƖƑ è Asaba

ÎÎÎ

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori has assured of the House’s support on the legislation on the domestication and enactment of laws to assist in the fight against the consumption of illicit drugs, and its substance in the state.

The speaker who made this known to journalist at a symposium for secondary school students with the Theme: “Say no to illicit drugs” organized by the Nigerian Medical Association on National Committee on Narcotics, and substances in col-

laboration with the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Tuesday, explained that the House was ready to partner relevant bodies to amend the existing laws, or exact new ones that would help the state, and Federal Governments in the fight against illicit drugs, and substances with the dangers it possess in the society.

The event held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba attracted students from different schools across the State Medical Personnel, Officials of the Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) among

others.

The speaker emphasized that the effects of the consumption of illicit drugs cannot be over stressed, especially as a known fact that it can lead to mental illness, and destroy the future of “leaders of tomorrow”.

He commended the Nigerian Medical Association for the awareness, and sensitization campaign on the need to shun, and stop illicit drugs, its substances, adding that the House and the State Government were committed to making the youths useful in the society.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Ogh-

enekaro Illolo, called on the students to avoid the temptation of indulging in illicit drugs, and substances, adding that no drug addict can be successful in life.

Also, the Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association National Committee on Narcotics, and its substances Abuse, Dr. Ejiro Iwuoha, noted that in the increasing rate of consumption of narcotics, and illicit drugs across the country as worrisome, disclosing that statistics has shown that about 190, 00 persons die annually due to illicit drugs, while adolescents and youths between 13 and 35 years old are sufficiently af-

fected. she alarmed that there was also an increase in the percentage of females’ indulgent in drug abuse, and called on the state legislature to make relevant laws, including the domestication of the Tobacco Use Act which was signed into Law in 2015.

In his contributions, the Chief Medical Director, FMC Asaba, Dr. Victor Osiatuma said that the consumption of illicit drugs, and substances had ruined many lives, and stressed the need to address the challenges headlong with constant awareness programmes, and commended the NMA for taking the hold step.

News Reps probe disappearance of N54m grant from IAAF

ÏdƑƌƌ ƍ ƏƐ minister, AFN officials 6Ɔ Əƕ RƌƑ Ƒè Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, condemned the disappearance of over N54million from the coffers of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) being grant from the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF).

Passing a motion sponsored by Rep. Duru Douye on the over payment of its annual grant to national federations by the IAAF, the resolved to probe the theft of $150,000 instead of the $15,000 it was entitled to by officials of the AFN. Apart from the investigation, the House resolved to summon the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, officials of the AFN and the Central Bank to explain their roles in the disappearance of the excess grant, steps being taken to recover the missing funds and prevent disciplinary action against the country by the IAAF which is insisting on a refund.

Moving his motion, Rep. Douye said that the international athletics body is threatening to ban Nigeria from international competitions following the alleged disappearance of the $150,000 it paid to the AFN in error.

He said that the country was entitled to receive $15,000 as annual grant to member federations for the year 2017, expressing dismay that the $150,000 has disappeared from the coffers of the AFN. According to him, the image of the country has been tarnished by this episode at the international level, adding that Nigeria risks being banned from international athletics competitions.

“It is ridiculous that in this era of the fight against corruption stance by the Buhari administration and operations of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the country, such colossal sum can be received and spent easily by anyone against statutory laws of the land,” he added.

18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Crime

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Police nab fake SA to FCT Minister over N38m fraud Idu Jude Abuja Police have arrested one suspect, Terhemba Tsuum, 39 for impersonating the special Assistant to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and defrauding unsuspecting public of N38 million.

Parading the suspect, recently, at FCT Police Command, PPRO, Anjuguri Manzah said that upon report of the matter, “the Police launched an investigation, and with the deployment of modern technology, we were able to trace the suspect to Benue State, where he was arrested and brought back to the FCT to face the law”.

The Command Public Relations Officer seized the opportunity to advise FCT residents, and indeed all Nigerians to always “be vigilant and more conscious of people they go into business with. Always verify, even if it means going to the office to check. Do a proper check before parting with your money because money is not easy to come by. Ensure you are dealing with the right persons, especially when it comes to the issues of land.

He assured the residents: “This is a pointer that the FCT Police Command is alive to its responsibilities and will broaden its investigation and ensure that those who are carrying out nefarious activities will be ar-

IGP Ibrahim rested and charged to court to face the wrath of the law”.

In a chat with the media, the suspect confessed to committing the crimes and regretted that he was unaware of the gravity of the offence, even as he also disclosed that he has since refunded almost all the monies to his victims, except about five million naira, including N1.950 million, belonging to one Mimi, who reported the case to the Police for failure to return her money.

According to him, he re-

turned the monies because his mind was “shaking” and he “could not bear it.” The only money that is remaining is this girl’s (Mimi) own, N1.950 million. Another man gave me N1.3 million, but I paid him back only N300, 000.00, with the hope when business improves, I would return their monies.

“It was when I knew I was doing something wrong that I started returning all the monies to them. I have been in Abuja close to five years now, but I had not always been in

this business. I went into the agent business because things were not going well.

“I started using the minister’s name because I thought it is the person people would be convinced, not because I have any contact or any dealing with him. I don’t even know him; he doesn’t even know me.”

On how he was able to convince the people to part with their money, the 39-yearold holder of a Diploma in theatre Arts, disclosed that as an agent, his job was to “connect those who have land to sell with buyers and get five percent.”

He further stated: “I meet them and tell them that I have someone that will help them to get land, so those interested would give me their acknowledgement papers, while some will give me money to get them the acknowledgements from AGIS. “Some, I paid and gave them the acknowledgements, that is why I totalled the whole money and said it is N38 million. Some brought their old acknowledgements, so I minuted on the acknowledgements myself as if I am the minister (FCT), just to convince them, but I did not take them (acknowledgements) to anybody because I don’t have any link with anybody in any of the offices who deals with allocating land.

“Everything I did alone. I don’t have any link with anybody. The total money, when I calculated it was N38 million.

Though I didn’t collect the money at one time, people were giving me the money one after another at different times.

When pressed further to name names of possible collaborators, he said: “what I am telling you, I am not lying.

The condition I am in now it is better I tell the whole truth. I had not been in this business throughout my close to five years’ stay in Abuja, I started it in October, last year, while I met Mimi around December, 2017.

Speaking further on his mode of operation, the suspect said, displaying a list of monies collected: “this paper you are seeing here, nobody paid me a single naira that is listed here. To God who made me, I sat alone and wrote this so that I will use it to convince people to pay me. If I am lying, God should do with me anything He wishes as far as this list is concerned”.

On how he gets land application forms, which he uses in deceiving his victims, he revealed that one Emmanuel ThankGod, a fellow agent in Abuja, whom he claimed he doesn’t know more than his name, collects about two of the forms for him.

Police foil kidnap of business woman in Delta

Thugs disrupt business at Issel-Uku NURTW Secretariat

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

The Police Detectives in Jesse Community, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday foiled the attempt by some kidnap suspects to abduct a popular business woman in the area.

The Police Image maker in the State, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed that the suspects were arrested inside a Restaurant where they had laid siege for the business woman identified as Madam Ejiro Oghenovo.

He said that two of the suspects arrested gave up the ghost after a gun duel with the police on their way to the station,

adding that the victim had in January 2018 been kidnapped and was subsequently released unhurt.

Meanwhile, unidentified gunmen in Warri have killed a 59-year-old tricycle rider identified as Fine boy Tom. He was said to have been killed around Angle Park around Airport road, Warri, and his corpse dumped by roadside on Thursday night.

The Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka confirmed the incident saying that no arrest had been made.

Also, nemesis has caught up with some unrepentant criminals who were exposed by their shoes where they allegedly

Thugs numbering over fifty on Thursday evening disrupted business at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Secretariat in Issele-Uku community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta, following alleged internal differences within the road union.

It was gathered that the thugs were armed with dangerous weapons, and took over the secretariat, clamouring for the forceful reinstatement of their former chairman, who was removed from office last year for alleged mismanagement of fund, and its related act.

Eye witness said the thugs threatened to raze down the

secretariat if the removed chairman identified as Marshal was not reinstated.

Confirming the incident, an official of the union, Mr. Jude Ashioma said that the problem started in the union some years ago during the tenure of the former chairman, Marshal Okwudili, disclosing that the chairman was removed from office for alleged misappropriation of funds, indiscipline and falsification of records and threats to lives of those who strongly opposed his fraudulent leadership.

He however appealed to the state government, and security agents to come to the aid of the union, adding that the thugs chanted war songs including brushing placards.

Meanwhile, a Police Sergeant, Peter Wamba attached to the Kwale Police Division was on Friday early hours shot dead by suspected cultists, while two other officers (names withheld) sustained wounds of various degrees during the attack.

The Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the incident expressed bitterness in the gruesome murder of the Police Officer, disclosing that six persons were arrested in connection with the act.

He warned that the Police will deal rootlessly with those who cause trouble, and induced things, adding that the arrested suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

19 Crime

Police confirm death of suspected armed robber, arrest of 11 others Akam James, Yenagoa Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Friday confirmed the killing of one suspected robber and arrest of eleven others over alleged cases of armed robbery, and cultism, while calling on shop owners to mount CCTV cameras.

According to the police, the death of the Armed robbery suspect and arrest of others was part of security operation to check the onslaught against criminals by the police in the state command was yielding positive results.

Targeted Stop and Search operations on motorists, tricycles and frisk searches on suspected persons were part of the activities.

The spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. AsImin Butswat, in a statement issued in Yenagoa, stated that “ On 14 March 2018, at about 1350 hours, two unknown gunmen armed with a locally made pistol went to Elohim Food Mart, at Swali Road, Yenagoa and robbed one Elo Baribefe `f` of the following items; one Itel Phone, one Infinix Phone, one Vivo Phone and cash sum of #327.000”.

“The CCTV Camera in the premises captured the suspects. Further investigation led to the arrest of three suspects namely; Elayo Youngosi `m` 24 years of oil mill Road, Ovom, Sarah Alex `f` 19years of PDP

Some of the paraded armed robbers

Road, Yenezue-gene and one Collins Nathaniel `m` 25 years who was earlier arrested by Men of Operation Doo-Akpo for cult related offence “Shop owners are advised to mount CCTV cameras in their premises to assist Police in Investigation. The suspects will soon be charged to court.”

“On 14 march 2018, at about 0300 hours, operatives from Operation Doo-Akpo, were alerted on the hideout of criminals who were on the wanted list of Police for several heinous crimes.”

“Consequently, the operatives swung into action and raided Benvis Hotel, at Opolo where the criminals were hiding.

In a bid to escape one of the

I killed two pupils because I did not eat for 2 weeks Alleged The mentally sick man who killed two primary school pupils at St John’s Anglican Primary School, Agodo, Lekan Adebisi, said he carried out the heinous act out of frustration of ‘not eating for two weeks’.

It would be recalled that the suspected mad man on Monday, inflicted machete injury on two four-year-old boys while playing on the school field, which resulted to their deaths.

Adebisi who was arrested by local hunters in the area after about 72-hours from when he committed the crime, was later handed over to the Police, on Wednesday.

The mad man who was not coherent while responding to questions from journalists, said that his inability to feed himself for two weeks, necessitated his action.

Adebisi who claimed to be 28 years old, said he earned his liv-

ing as a lesson teacher and collects N20 per child.

Asked why he killed the innocent pupils, the suspected mad man said, “I did not eat for two weeks and I went out to beg for money. Nobody gave me money.

When I had money, I took care of family members, friends and even outsiders.

“It was due to frustration; it was due to frustration. When hunger gripped me and it became unbearable, I then thought about my life and I concluded and asked myself; what type of life am I living?

“It was a bad life, then I went and took cutlass and I was prepared to face the consequence.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation into the matter.

suspect Job Nathaniel `m` 29 years jump from the roof of the hotel, sustained a fatal injury and later died in the hospital, his cohorts one Wisdom Holly `m` 19 years, one Ovie Solomon `m` 25 years, one Goodnews Blessing `f` 18 years and one Miracle Marcus`f` 20 years were arrested.”

“The suspects led police to their girlfriends house few meters away from the hotel, where police recovered a locally made revolver pistol with one live cartridge. investigation is ongoing.”

“On 15 March, 2018 at about 1300hrs Police at Julius Berger Pin down flagged down a Tricycle with REG No. HKW 704

QC and Searched the occupants namely; one Julius Konyefa ‘m’ 41 years, a native of Aghoro community in Ekeremor LGA, but residing in Azikoro village, one Apuam Ikegima ‘m’ 36years, of Epebu community in Ogbia LGA, but reisiding in Amarata, Yenagoa, one Paul Raphael ‘m’ 36 years of Brass, in Brass LGA, but residing in Azikoro village, Yenagoa, and the Driver of the Tricycle one shuibu Japebu `m` 45 years.”

“A Beretta Pistol without Breech number and magazine and two plastic coca cola bottles wrapped in a black cellophane bag were recovered from the Tricycle. The suspects are undergoing thorough interrogation”.

Court remands man in prison for allegedly killing his Police officers’ wife in Osun A Magistrate Court, sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Thursday ordered that a 41-year-old man, identified as Abiodun Akeem Oladebo be remanded in Ilesa Pcustody for allegedly killing his wife, Mrs. Opeyemi Ojo, who was a police officer.

The alleged murder suspect was said to have perpetrated the act on the 25th of February, 2018 around 5.00 pm in Osogbo.

According to Police Prosecutor, Inspector Tajudeen Mustapha, Oladebo allegedly hit his late wife’s head against the wall severally during a scuffle, which eventually led to the death of the victim.

He argued that the offence committed by the accused was contrary to and punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Volume 11, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

Though Oladebo was represented in court by his defence counsel, Mrs. B. Y Dada, his plea was not taken due to the magnitude of the one-count charge of murder levelled against him.

Subsequently, presiding Magistrate A. O. Ajanaku ruled that the accused be remanded in Ilesa Prison custody, just as she directed that the duplicate of the case file be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

However, she adjourned the case to 9th of May, 2018 for mentioning.

Armed men rob school bursar N3m in Ondo A gang of armed men on Thursday, invaded a public boarding school in Akure, Ondo State capital, St Peter’s Unity Secondary School, along Oyemekun road, carting away about N3 million belonging to the school.

It was gathered that the armed men trailed the school’s bursar, who went to withdraw the money from the bank to the school premises.

According to a source, the robbers who were armed scared the students and staff of the schools during the raid which lasted for about ten minutes.

He said students and workers of the school scampered to safety during the operation.

He explained that the robbers however left with the money before the arrival of the security operatives from the State Police command.

Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Femi Joseph, said the robbers trailed the bursar of the school from the bank to the school premises.

Joseph blamed the bursar for going to the bank for the transaction without police escort.

He said the bursar has been arrested saying the police from the command has begun investigation into the robbery.

“There was no robbery in the school, the robbers only traced the bursar from the bank to the school and disposed him of the money.

“What we learnt was that the hoodlums traced him to the school after he had gone to withdraw a large sum of money without police protection. The money should be close to three million naira.

“He is with us, and he is help-

Ondo State PPRO, Femi Johnson

ing us with investigation. We will quiz him to know whether he knows more than he claims.”

Joseph said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

FG to inaugurate boards of agencies under VP’s Office Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives that all appointed boards chairmen and members of federal agencies and parastatals be inaugurated within a stipulated timeframe, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has announced a date for the inauguration of the boards under the office of the Vice President.

The OSGF stated on Thursday that the Chairmen and Board Members of Agencies under the Office of the Vice President are scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday

at the OSGF’s Conference Hall, Ground Floor, Shehu Shagari Complex.

According to the OSGF, prior to inauguration, Chairmen and Members will be documented at the Conference Hall, between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on Monday, March 19.

“All appointees are expected to present their curriculum vitae and valid means of identification. Further vital information will be transmitted to appointees at the time of documentation.

The agencies are: National Boundary Commission, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and Border Communities Development Agency.

Okowa holds town hall meetings in Bomadi, Ughelli Idu Jude Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The ongoing efforts

by Delta State Government to interface with deltans at the grassroots continued with the town hall meetings in Bomadi and Ughelli, as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged communities seeking to have kings to follow due process and avoid heating up the polity with their agitations.

The Governor who was commended by leaders and stakeholders for even spread of infrastructural projects in the state, reeled out projects executed by his administration in the areas, emphasising that apart from the provision of infrastructure, the wealth creation programmes of his administration have received national and international recognition because of its success stories.

According to him, a lot of youths who were unemployed prior to his emergence as Governor have become entrepreneurs through the wealth creation programmes that are currently, receiving partnership with the United Nations.

He also, urged Deltans to key into the compulsory health insurance scheme of his administration, disclosing that it will save those who are in need of funds when they are ill the trauma of sourcing for funds.

Reacting to agitations for new kings in Bomadi, Governor Okowa urged communities seeking to have kings to follow due process and avoid heating up the polity with their agitations. asserting that “It is a long process to have a King, you must follow due process, it is not achievable through violence,” The governor affirmed that the town hall meetings has afforded him the opportunity to see firsthand the level of development in the state and the challenges facing the various areas, promising to utilise the 2018 and 2019 budgets to tackle the developmental needs facing the people.

On backlog of pensions, the Governor said, “the problem we have with the pension scheme is called, past services, it is a huge amount of money, it runs into over N50 to N60 billion, what we are doing is to make money available on monthly basis, every month, we spend about N1.1 billion on pensions.

Okowa

20 News

$40m scam: Court decides Jonathan’s cousin’s no case submission March, 29 Andrew Orolua, Abuja

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, fixed March 29 to rule on an application seeking to stop the ongoing trial of former president Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Mr. Robert Azibaola and his wife, Stella for alleged $40m fraud.

The Azibaolas with their company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, who are facing a nine-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are praying the court to discharge and acquit them, insisting they have no case to answer.

The defendants said that they have no case over allegation that they received $40million contract from the detained former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, rtd.

In a no case-submission

they filed through their lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), the defendants, maintained that EFCC failed to establish a prima-facie case capable of warranting the trial court to compel them to open their defence to the allegation.

They contended that the anti-graft agency was unable to, by way of credibile evidence, establish a nexus between them and the alleged $40m contract scam.

Besides, they argued that both oral and documentary evidence the EFCC adduced against them, were manifestly unreliable that no reasonable court or tribunal could rely on it to make a conviction.

However, EFCC, through its lawyer, Mr. F. A. Jibo, maintained that the prosecution had established prima facie case against the defendants therefore they have case to answer.

EFCC said it had suc-

cessfully made out a case that would warrant the defendants to be called upon to open their defence to the charge against them.

It argued that the proof of evidence before the court was sufficient to warrant an explanation from the defendants regarding individual roles they played in the alleged $40m contract scam which has been traced to their company ‘One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited.’

After he had listened to both parties, trial court judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba adjourned his ruling on the matter.

It will be recalled that EFCC closed its case against the defendants after it called a total of 10 witnesses that testified in the matter.

One of the charge against the defendants read: “That you Azibaola Robert being the Managing Director / Chief Executive Of-

ficer and a signatory to the Zenith Bank account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Stella Azibaola Robert, being a director and a signatory to the account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited and Amobi Ogum( now at large) on or about 8th September, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to commit an illegal act to wit: money laundering of the sum of $40million transferred to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited with Zenith Bank, Account No. 5070365750 from the account of ONSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria upon a mandate Ref. No. 128/S.5LX/139 purporting to be for the supply of Tactical Communication Kits for Special Services and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Money Launder-

Police formed blockade to stop members of NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN at the Villa junction during a protest in Abuja

Insecurity, rape: NYSC boss pushes for a new deal Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos.

ÎÎÎ

The State Coordinator National Youth Service Corps, Plateau State, Mrs. Olutumilayo Akin-Moses, has tasked security agencies to step up their security mechanism to better protect the country from incessant crisis and harassment faced

by Corps members across the country.

The Coordinator stated this recently in Jos, at a workshop tagged, “2018 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop”.

She said: “insecurity prevents Corps Members from being posted to a State where they would naturally want to serve, to this end, the scheme has also provided Corps Members with the choice of selecting three states of their preferred State of service.

“Even when posted to a State to serve, we still have challenges with some areas within the State regarded as trouble zones, which makes it difficult for a Corp Member to function effectively when deployed.

“Like today, some Corps Members in Bassa Local Government Area of the State, were supposed to join us in this workshop, but the current crisis going on there prevented them from being here with us”, the NYSC boss said.

However, with the theme, “Tackling Emerging Challenges in Youth Corps Administration Through Greater NYSC/Stakeholders Participation”, the workshop also seeks to address the issues of poor handling of Corps Members when posted to places of primary

assignments.

The workshop fingered Rape, Rejection of Corps Members, Poor enumeration, Sexual harassment, Lack of Accommodation and others, as challenges faced by Corps Members while deployed to serve in their place of primary assignments.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Plateau State, Hon. Victor Lapang in his address said government will continue to place high premium in the protection of Corps Members.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Change of Names 21

MRS EZEMBA THERESA

OLUSANYA ABOSEDE OLUWAKEMI

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MATTHEW THERESA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EZEMBA THERESA. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

MY NAME WAS ERRONEOUSLY WRITTEN AS LESHI ABOSEDE OMOBOLANLE INSTEAD OF MY CORRECT NAME WHICH IS OLUSANYA ABOSEDE OLUWAKEMI. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AWOTIDE MOTUNROLA OLUWAYEMISI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS KEHINDE MOTUNROLA OLUWAYEMISI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS KOLADE OLUWABUSAYOMI RACHAEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS BAMIFEWE OLUWABUSAYOMI RACHAEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

ZEBLON EMEKA KENNETH I formerly known and addressed as ZEBLOW NWANOZIE EMEKA KENNETH now wish to be known and addressed as ZEBLON EMEKA KENNETH. I was born on 09/01/1983.

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

ADENEKAN ADEOLA OLWAKEMI

IFEOMA MABEL AGWU

I, formerly known and addressed as AYOLEKE ADEOLU OLUWAKEMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADENEKAN ADEOLA OLWAKEMI. All Documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public should please take note.

JOHN JULIET ONYINYE I formerly known and addressed as JOHN-OSU JULIET ONYINYE now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN JULIET ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLANREWAJU DAMILOLA SAIDAT I formerly known and addressed as RAHEEM SAIDAT DAMILOLA, RAHEEM SAIDAT ASABI and OGUNMOLA DAMILOLA SAIDAT now wish to be known and addressed as OLANREWAJU DAMILOLA SAIDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS KEHINDE MOTUNROLA OLUWAYEMISI

KUDAISI OMOWUNMI AJOKE

WAHEED HASSAN LAWAL

I formerly known and addressed as SULAIMAN OMOWUNMI AJOKE now wish to be known and addressed as KUDAISI OMOWUNMI AJOKE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HASSAN ADEKUNLE LAWAL now wish to be known and addressed as WAHEED HASSAN LAWAL . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

EZEA EUGENIA CHINASA

MRS BAMIFEWE OLUWABUSAYOMI RACHAEL

I formerly known and addressed as Ihuoma Mable Agwu. That my date of birth was wrongly written as 28th /8/1975. Now wish to be known and addressed as Ifeoma Mabel Agwu and my correct date of birth is 28th /8/1977. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

NOSA MARIA

MRS OBASANYA OLUWASEUN AINA Formerly known and addressed as Miss IPINSOKAN OLUWASEUN AINA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OBASANYA OLUWASEUN AINA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL

MRS ALIU LATEEFAT TEMITAYO

EZEABA IRENAEUS CHUKWUMA

AWONIYI ADEKEMI DORCAS

I formerly known and addressed as Ogunkahu Chukwuma Ezeaba now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeaba Irenaeus Chukwuma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note CORRECTION OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADENEKAN LATEEFAT TEMITAYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ALIU LATEEFAT TEMITAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWONIYI ADEKEMI FOLORUNSO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWONIYI ADEKEMI DORCAS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

JOHN RITA ODI

I formerly known and addressed as OSAZUWA MARIA now wish to be known and addressed as NOSA MARIA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as ADESANYA COLA BAYO instead of ADESANYA ADEBAYO DOTUN. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as ADESANYA ADEBAYO DOTUN . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

IKE FELIX CHIJIOKE

MRS ANIH CHIEMEZUE CLEMENT

MRS EDE NKIRUKA GODSTIME

MRS RACHAEL EBERECHUKWU OKEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as EZEA EUGENIA CHIBUZO, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEA EUGENIA CHINASA. My correct date of birth is 20th may 1982 All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as APEH FELIX CHIJIOKE now wish to be known and addressed as IKE FELIX CHIJIOKE. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANIH CLEMENT UCHENNA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIH CHIEMEZUE CLEMENT. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONELE NKIRUKA GODSTIME, now wish to be known and addressed MRS EDE NKIRUKA GODSTIME . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RACHAEL EBERECHUKWU CHINZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RACHAEL EBERECHUKWU OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS DOMBEN VIVIAN ONYINYECHI

MRS ANIABOR JACINTA OBIAGELI

MRS OBUEKWE-BEKA UCHENNA EDITH

MRS OTOMEWO OKE CONSTANCE

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

OGUESIE LAWRENCE OKORIE NYECHUKWUOBI

UGWU CHIDI REGINALD

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAMCHI JACINTA OBIAGELI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIABOR JACINTA OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS ONYEDIKACHI MICHAEL OGBODO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEDIKACHI MICHAEL OKAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEDIKACHI MICHAEL OGBODO . All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUESIE LAWRENCE OKOYE , now wish to be known and addressed as OGUESIE LAWRENCE OKORIE NYECHUKWUOBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONUOHA CHIDI REGINALD , now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU CHIDI REGINALD. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AZUBUIKE SANDRA EDITH UCHENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBUEKWE-BEKA UCHENNA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EMETE OKE CONSTANCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OTOMEWO OKE CONSTANCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS ONUIGBO IFEYINWA CHIKODI

EMEM SAMUEL

MRS ESTHER OCHENNIA OBENOH

NDUBISI CHRISTIAN EBELE

MRS IKE CHIDUBEM LYNDA

MRS ADA ANN EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as EMEM SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as EMEM SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ESTHER OCHENNIA OTU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER OCHENNIA OBENOH. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NDUBISI SUNDAY EBELE, now wish to be known and addressed as NDUBISI CHRISTIAN EBELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZIAKA CHIDUBEM LYNDA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IKE CHIDUBEM LYNDA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADA ANN ANIOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADA ANN EZE. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

EZENWAFOR UCHE

MRS NEBO NKECHI HELEN

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

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AMADI NKECHI HELEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NEBO NKECHI HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS ONAH LILIAN IFUNANYA

MRS OFFUNNAH UGOCHINYERE PEACE

MRS CHIDIUMEH OGOCHUKWU JANE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE LILIAN IFUNANYA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONAH LILIAN IFUNANYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JAMES UGOCHINYERE PEACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OFFUNNAH UGOCHINYERE PEACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

UDEH SILAS OGECHUKWU

OTTOH LOVE

IGWE FELIX CHIDI

I, formerly known and addressed as UDUMO LOVE IBIANG, now wish to be known and addressed as OTTOH LOVE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE FELIX MBAM, now wish to be known and addressed as IGWE FELIX CHIDI. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

OLUOMA JOY CHINENYE IHEKORONYE

NWOGA JOSEPH CHIDIEBERE

I, formerly known and addressed as IHEKORONYE JOY CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUOMA JOY CHINENYE IHEKORONYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOGA CHIDIEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOGA JOSEPH CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as UDEH SILAS ONYEKACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as UDEH SILAS OGECHUKWU. My correct date of birth is 23/2/1992. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MRS ALUM GLORY CHIOMA

OKONKWO EZE LAWRENCE, OKONKWO EZEH LAWRENCE and OKONKWO EZEAGWUNA LAWRENCE refers to be same and one person but now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO EZEH LAWRENCE, All former documents remain valid banks and General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAOGWUGWU GLORY CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALUM GLORY CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

INIOBONG CHINEZE REUBEN

MRS NWANKPU REBECCA NGOZI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS INIOBONG BASSEY IBEKWE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS INIOBONG CHINEZE REUBEN .FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID .

GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I MR NWANKPU JOHN, a native of Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, got married to MRS NWANKPU REBECCA NGOZI. He has been residing with his wife and Children at No. 16 Nkwubor Road Emene Enugu.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name UZOAGU ONYEBUCHI was wrongly written in my Account, but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OZUAGU ONYEBUCHI.. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SAMUAL RITA ODI now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN RITA ODI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

that LUCYNA OBIANUJU UZOANYA,UZOANYA UGWUOKE LUCYNA,UZOANYA LUCYNA UJU and UGWUOKE LUCYNA refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as LUCYNA OBIANUJU UZOANYA. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

BENEDICTA OFUEGBE EPHRAIM I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OFUEGBE BENEDICTA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BENEDICTA OFUEGBE EPHRAIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please

AKINSHOLA MARIAM ABOSEDE I formerly known and addressed as BOSE MARIA AKINSOLA now wish to be known called and addressed as AKINSHOLA MARIAM ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

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

EZEIGBO EMETAUWA. C.

I, formerly known and addressed as EMETAUWA CHRISTIAN EZEIGO, now wish to be known and addressed as EZEIGBO EMETAUWA. C. . All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ASOGWA NWABUOBIKE DENNIS

I, formerly known and addressed as ASOGWA NWABUOBIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ASOGWA NWABUOBIKE DENNIS. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public should please take note.

ONYIA NGOZI JACINTA

MUHAMMED AHMED ISA

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

I, formerly known and addressed as ISA SHEHU MALAM, now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED AHMED ISA. My correct date of birth is 22/02/1988. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNREMI OMOLARA AKEEMAT Formerly known and addressed as AKINBAMI OMOLARA IGINLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNREMI OMOLARA AKEEMAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

MRS EGWUH OLUFUNMI VICTORIA

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNBA OLUFUNMI VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EGWUH OLUFUNMI VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

2019: INEC, NIM organizes , sensitization workshop on voters registration in Anambra ÏÏÏIn continuation of the

ongoing voters registration exercise across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in conjunction with Nigeria intervention Movement (NIM), has organised a one-day sensitisation workshop for persons with Disability (PWD), staffs of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Inter party Advisory Council (IPAC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Women Leaders and State chairmen of all the Political Parties in Anambra.

The workshop is first in the series of activities the Commission drew up to enhance capacities within the Political Parties and other relevant stakeholders towards the 2019 general elections in the state.

The workshop which aimed at educating the electorate between the ages of 18 and above and the political leaders on the continuous voters registration exercise was expected to improve their internal organisational processes and understanding.

Delivering the opening remarks at opening of the workshop and inauguration of NIM Officials in Akwa, the Anambra State Capital the INEC Resident electoral commissioner, in Anambra, Dr Orji Nkwachukwu represented by the Director of information EKI INYANG EFFIONG

I, formerly known and addressed as INYANG EFFIONG EFFIONG now wish to be known and addressed as EKI INYANG EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid and the general public, kindly take note.

and voter education in the State, Mr Leo Ekedife, described the sensitization workshop as indicative of the Commissions’ readiness towards effective and constructive engagement with political party executives, Civil Society Organisation market men and women towards building the institutional capacities of all political parties ahead of 2019 election.

“This sensitisation is therefore an opportunity for Political Party Executives to exchange ideas and learn international best practices in political party governance and operations, the REC said.

Dr. Nkwachukwu urged the political parties to contribute to the strengthening of democracy in the State by implementing lessons learnt at the sensitisation workshop as organized by the duo, INEC and NIM While outlining the objectives of the workshop, the NIM State coordinator, Prince Chris Azor, on his speech, said the workshop was designed to educate the voters and enhance the administrative and organizational processes of the political parties as well as

to enhance their capacities to take interest in the marginalized groups such as women, people living with disabilities, and to promote transparency in the management of the affairs of the political parties Another objective for the sensitisation, he continues was to enhance the capacities of the political parties to address their internal grievance and resolve these grievances without necessarily resulting to the formal court processes and to enhance the capacities of the political parties to comply with the broad electoral legal framework, he added.

In his remark the Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory

ADENIYI ADESHINA ABIODUN Formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI ADESHINA ADELAKIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIYI ADESHINA ABIODUN. That my date of birth is 03 January 1981. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

FOUR WINDS NIGERIA LIMITED Formerly known and addressed as EAGLE BELT NIGERIA LIMITED of 25 Ricca Street, Lagos Island, now wish to be known and addressed as FOUR WINDS NIGERIA LIMITED of 3c Freeman Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS FADARE OMOLADE PAMILERIN

MRS KAFILAT AJOKE ESAN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALADE OMOLADE PAMILERIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FADARE OMOLADE PAMILERIN. All former documents remain valid and the general public, kindly take note.

STRONG TOWER MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL IPETU IJESA

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 Trustees 1. Pastor Eke Oyom Uduma - Chairman 2. Mrs Motilayo Mary Uduma - Secretary 3. Evangelist John Osita Awogu .

Aim and objective To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Formerly known and addressed as MISS KAFILAT AJOKE ADEYEMO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KAFILAT AJOKE ESAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

UZONMA NGOZI PRECIOUS

GIWA MARIAM ABIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as EGWU NGOZIKA PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as UZONMA NGOZI PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid and the general public, kindly take note.

MRS ALANI NORA AMAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as OLANIYAN MARIAM ABIKE now wish to be known and addressed as GIWA MARIAM ABIKE. All former documents remain valid and the general public, kindly take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONKWO NORA AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALANI NORA AMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CORRECTION OF NAME

MRS AINA TIMILEHIN Formerly known and addressed as MAJEKODUNMI TIMILEHIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AINA TIMILEHIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

ADEFOWOPE SULAIMON OYEBADE I, formerly known and addressed as ADEFOWOPE SULAIMON ASKOM, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEFOWOPE SULAIMON OYEBADE. General public should please take note.

My name was wrongly written as AGAMA SUNDAY KELECHUKWU instead of AGAMA SUNDAY KELECHI. That my correct names are AGAMA SUNDAY KELECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public and authorities concerned, kindly take note.

Council (IPAC), Mr Bath.

Igwedibia represented by the state chairman of Hope Democratic Party(HDP, Engr Sam Oregbunam, commended INEC for efforts at enlightened the general public on the importance of voters card and the contribution towards building the capacities of the Political Parties to address their various challenges.

The IPAC Chairman further expressed optimism that the workshop would assist in the strengthen the political parties in the areas of party administration, management and maintenance of party activities.

UNACHUKWU ANDILE CHINEDU Formerly known and addressed as HOYO ANDILE, now wish to be known and addressed as UNACHUKWU ANDILE CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MAGREOLA MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE

Formerly known and addressed as SALAUDEEN MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MAGREOLA MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note MRS OLATUNJI CAROLINE

Formerly known and addressed as OGUNLOWO CAROLINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLATUNJI CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note OMOTOYE IDOWU MODUPE

Formerly known and addressed as OJO IDOWU MODUPE, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOTOYE IDOWU MODUPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Asaba-Ogbeogo family petitions Delta Police Command over alleged Elibujor family Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe Ogbeogo family

in Asaba, Delta State has petitioned the State Police Command over an alleged plot by Elibujor family to cause mayhem in a petition signed by Barr. Justin Igiebor from Ken Mozia (SAN) Chambers, a copy made available to our reporter, the petitioner called on the Police Commissioner Mr. Muhammadu Mustapha to wade into the situation as a matter of urgency to avoid blood bath.

The petitioner noted that the action of Elibujor family may portend wanton destruction of lives, properties if urgent steps are not taken to stop the time bomb.

It added that in 2016, they (Ogbeogo Family) were constrained to write a petition to Asaba incouncil complained an alleged deliberate acts of provocation by the Elibujor family, adding that nothing was done to normalize the situation part of the Statement read: “since no action was taken by the Asaba in-council the Elibujor family al-

leged perfected plans to cause war in Ogbeogo family”.

Meanwhie, the Ogbeogo family on Friday protested the alleged actions of the Elibujor family as it would spark off trouble in the nee if steps are not taken to foil the Elibujor alleged sinister motives.

But Diokpa Ogbeogo during the protest, Goddy Ndah however appealed to the Police and Law enforcement agents to step into the matter before it escalates.

In a swift reactions Elibujor family representative, Engr. Henry Omo said “to put the record straight Elibujor family has four components of which Umuoneka (i.e Ogbeogo) is one adding that all allegations against family were not correct.

He said said the UmuElibujor family comprises four components, OkoOdojwu, Ochaha/Chima, Ogbe-Udala, Umu-Umuoneka, adding that all of the afar mentioned belong to one family, but expressed shock that Ogbeogo family could engage in false allegation.

THE CHRIST CHUCH OF REVIVALIST

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 TRUSTEES 1. Abraham Awolere 2. Awolope Dolapo 3. Kolawole Victoria 4. Isaiah Sunday 5. Taiwo Sunday 6. Igbekoyi Oluwaseun.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary ASEJERE ASSOCIATION OF FISH SELLER AKURE, NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. MR. AKINTOYE CARLOS - DIRECTOR 2. DR. ADEJAYI ADEMUYIWA -CHAIRMAN. 3. MRS. DURU OLAYINKA -SECRETARY 4. MRS.OLOWOFOYE LABAKE -DIRECTOR 5. MRS. AKOLEDOWO BOLA EMILY -DIRECTOR 6. MRS JINADU KAFAYAT -DIRECTOR 7. MRS OLADELE FOLUKE -DIRECTOR 8. MRS OMOBEWAJI MARY -DIRECTOR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote, facilitate and influence the best possible standout of fisheries management across Akure, Info State and Nation at large.

2.To provide the technical and general knowledge necessary for competent fisheries management.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

H

eartland manager, Ramson Madu has come out straight to apologise to his wards for ahis unguided outburst after the top-flight massive loss to Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC. The Naze Millionaires were beaten thoroughly 0-3 by the Olukoya Boys in NPFL matchday 12 clash on Sunday at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Worried by the spate of losses

Madu apologises for NPFL outburst

and poor performances of his wards the gaffer pointedly accused his players of sabotage aimed at getting rid of him from the plum job.

“My players maybe do not want to play for me or the club.

“Some people are penetrating into my team to destroy me, my enemies are penetrating through

my players to destroy me,” said Madu in a fit of anger.

Madu has now recanted the outburst saying that he actually spoke out of anger and frustration losing two straight matches to Lobi Stars and MFM FC. “I have reached out to the players to apologise for a wrongful accusation of sabotage after the

shocking 0 – 3 loss to MFM FC in Lagos on Sunday.

“I did not really mean my outburst to be understood exactly as the words filtered out of my mouth.

“I wanted the harsh words to be a rude challenge or wakeup call on the players perhaps I used the wrong language and platform, too to pass the subtle message.

Page 23

“I was really disappointed and let down by their poor performance especially coming at the heels of another poor showing that saw us lose 0-1 to Lobi Stars at home in Nnewi.

“The manner with which the players collapsed, lost steam and strength in the second half of the clash against MFM FM leading to

two cheap goals was quite worrisome. “As human I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the heat of the moment leading to the several burst of emotions.

“The players, too are sober and apologetic over the incidents having understood exactly where I’m coming from.

“The players’ attitude to training of late is quite reassuring that we will get it right from now onward in the top-flight campaign.

Saturday, March 17 2018

Udoh insists on win in Confederation Cup

MFM won’t fail MC Alger CCL test – Onuwa

R

ecuperating Enyimba captain and forward, Mfon Udoh has insisted that his side will go for outright victory against visiting Benin Republic side, Energie FC in the Caf Confederation Cup. The two-time Africans champions are hosts of the Benin side in Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup first round second leg clash at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The People’s Elephant claimed a 2-0 win against the West African neighbours in the first leg clash at the Stade de l’Amite in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Udoh said his side are experienced and matured enough in the round leather game to take for granted a side beaten with two unreplied goals in a continental competition.

“No, we are not celebrating victory yet or relaxing rather we are working very hard to book qualification to the next stage of the competition.

“Football can be funny at times so you need not take your opponents for granted no matter what the situation is.

“Of course, we went right there at their backyard to beat them with two unreplied goals.

“If we could go out there to beat them 2-0 is it not possible that they could come here to beat us 2-0 or 3-0.

“We have learnt a big lesson from what happened to Akwa United in the hands of Banjul Hawks of Gambia.

“Banjul Hawks beat Akwa United 2-1 right there at their sacred ground, Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo only for the Uyo side to beat the same side 2-0 in Gambia to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

“Banjul Hawks must have relaxed believing that the reverse fixture clash will be a walk-over of a sort.

“We will not want that bitter experience that happened to Banjul Hawks to happen to us.

M

MFM players, celebrating their first goal by Bashiru Monsuru against Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MC Alger) at the ongoing CAF Champions League first round clash at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Super Eagles of Nigeria, jubilating during their World Cup qualifying matches played in Yaunde, Cameroon

FIFA rankings: Eagles still 52nd in the World

S

uper Eagles of Nigeria are still the 52nd best football playing nation in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.

The team also maintained its 7th place in Africa behind Tunisia, Senegal, DR. Congo, Egypt, Morocco and Cameroon.

Whereas, Poland, their opponents in a forthcoming international friendly game moved from

their previous position of 7th to 6th to top former world champions, Spain on superior points.

The Super Eagles did not gain or lose any point in the rankings which leaves them in the same position of 7th in Africa, and 52nd in the world. But the Nigerian team’s position could change drastically if they post some good results against their better rated opponents, Poland and Serbia in two

scheduled tune-up games this month.

There was no major change in the top five rankings on the African continent as Tunisia, Senegal, Congo DR, Egypt and Morocco retained their places.

The Eagles’ World Cup opponents in Group D, Argentina, Croatia and Iceland also maintained their February 2018 rankings of 4th, 15th and 18th respectively.

ountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC striker, Chukwuka Onuwa has assured that his side will not disappoint against the Algerian giants, Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MC Alger) in the on-going Caf Champions League.

The Olukoya Boys are guests of the North African side in Saturday’s Caf Champions League first round second leg clash at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers.

The Church-owned side battled the Algerian side to 2-1 win in the first leg clash on Wednesday, March 07 at the ‘Soccer Temple’, Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Onuwa said his side are better placed at the moment after the first leg clash to further punish the opponents, MC Alger right there at their backyard to win progression to the group stage of the competition.

“There is no cause for alarm going to confront the Algerian side, MC Alger with the hard fought 2-1 advantage.

“We know the task right there before us and we are in a buoyant mood to go there and make Nigerians proud.

“Our target is to progress to the next stage of the competition and we will not allow MC Alger to cut short our dream.

“We want Nigerians to keep praying for us as well as have more confidence in us to deliver the goods.

“Of course, we are not going out there in Algeria to defend the 2-1 advantage rather we will attack the opponents as we are known to be an attacking side.

“We have confidence to go ahead to beat MC Alger right there at their backyard to pocket the group stage ticket.

“MC Alger are good side, we will accord them due respect but will not fail to get the desired result.

“We are not relenting or relaxing rather we are doubling our efforts to ensure we make Nigerians proud.

“We will not stop to earnestly ask for their prayers in the daunting task ahead of us,” said.

The Lagos side will progress to the lucrative group stage of the competition by not conceding defeat to the Algerian side.

MFM FC will depart the nation’s shores on Thursday’s night to Algiers, Algeria for the Caf Champions League clash on Saturday.

24

Saturday, March 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

Southampton appoints Mark Hughes as manager

M

ark Hughes has been announced as the new manager of Southampton, charged with keeping the relegation-threatened Saints in the Premier League.

The former Stoke boss replaces Mauricio Pellegrino who was sacked after only one win in 17 league games.

Southampton currently reside just outside the drop zone, one point away from the bottom three and Hughes will have eight games to keep his new side afloat.

Hughes played 60 times for Southampton and joins the club on a short term deal until the end of the season.

The 57-year-old told the club’s website: ‘It’s a challenge I’m excited by. It’s a great opportunity to come back to a club I know well, and a club I’ve got real affinity with, and I couldn’t turn that down.

‘I bring experience of the Premier League.

‘I understand what it takes in this league to win games.

Bayern had the cat down as one of the options in their Man of the Match poll and it won

Mistry Cat forced referee to stop match

R

eferee Michael Oliver had to briefly stop play in the second-half of the Champions League clash between Besiktas and Bayern Munich after a cat wandered onto the pitch.

The German giants were firmly in control of the contest after Thiago Alcantara and an own goal from Gokhan Gonul put them 7-0 up on aggregate until bizarre scenes unfolded in the 49th minute.

In the far corner of the stadium, a cat somehow evaded security measures and made its way onto the pitch at the Vodafone Arena The cat jumped onto an advertising hoarding before dropping down to the pitch in front of a sold-out stadium.

It then looked around for a while, ran up and

down the byline briefly before leaping back over the boards and into the stands.

Bayern’s social media team continued the joke after the game and had the cat down as one of the options in their Man of the Match poll. Unsurprisingly the cat picked up the award.

The incident provided the Turkish side with some brief respite from a dominant Bayern side.

Jupp Heynckes’ side arrived in Istanbul 5-0 up from the first leg and added to their advantage through Thiago’s composed finish and a messy own goal from Gonul. Vagner Love seized upon a loose ball to pull one back for the hosts but Sandro Wagner inflicted further misery on the Turkish side as he sealed an 8-1 aggregate win late on.

Venus Williams lands in Indian Wells quarter-finals

V

Venus Williams is through to the Indian Wells quarter-finals after beating Anastasija Sevastova

enus Williams defeated Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday as the oldest woman in the draw. The 37-year-old American was coming off a straight-sets vic-

tory over younger sister Serena a night earlier, ending a three-match skid against her sibling.

‘It was a quick turnaround from last night when it feels like, “Hey, this is a final but you’re only in the fourth round”,’ Williams said on

court. Playing under cloudy skies in 80-degree heat, Williams had her hands full with Sevastova, who used drop shots, top spin, lobs and jerked her 10-years-older opponent side to side.

‘There were some points where

she just played and it was too good,’ Williams said. ‘I thought I was in control of the point and winning the point, and she turned it around. It’s just real talent.’ After early losses in her first two tournaments of the year, Williams hasn’t dropped a set at Indian Wells, where she has yet to reach the final in six previous appearances. Awaiting Williams in the quarter-finals is 27th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain, who beat American wild card Danielle Collins 6-2, 6-4. Simona Halep is on track to retain her No 1 world ranking after defeating Wang Qiang of China 7-5, 6-1 in the fourth round.

Halep is the only former Indian Wells winner left in the women’s draw after No 20 Daria Kasatkina upset No 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5.

Wozniacki blew a 3-0 lead in the first set and was on the run most of the match before losing for the second time this year to the 20-yearold Russian.

Prime Minister Theresa May ordered the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats on Wednesday

England fans warned to be extra vigilant in Russia

E

ngland fans have been warned to be extra vigilant amid rising fears for their safety at the World Cup in Russia this summer. Tensions between the UK and Russia increased on Wednesday when Prime Minister Theresa May ordered the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats and confirmed no government ministers or members of the Royal Family will be attending the tournament.

In response to the crisis, the Foreign Office warned Britons visiting Russia of ‘anti-British sentiment or harassment’, while Mrs May said the Government would examine ways of protecting fans travelling to the World Cup. The Football Association always urges fans to follow such advice ahead of major tournaments and that position was echoed yesterday

by Football Supporters’ Federation chief executive Kevin Miles.

‘It’s important fans pay attention to guidance from the Foreign Office,’ he said. England fans were targeted by Russian football hooligans at the Euros in France in 2016 and the Foreign Office issued its latest advice in the wake of the

nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

‘Due to political tensions, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or harassment in Russia,’ the Foreign Office said in a travel advisory.

‘You’re advised to be vigilant, avoid protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.’ The British police have estimated 10,000 to 20,000 British football fans are expected to travel to Russia in the summer, with between 2,000 to 3,000 tickets so far sold for each of the England games.

With Gareth Southgate due to name his squad later today for this month’s friendlies against Holland and Italy, the FA finally issued a public statement on Wednesday on the escalating crisis against a backdrop of calls in some quarters for the England team to boycott the World Cup. The FA will continue to work closely with the UK Government and relevant authorities regarding our participation in this summer’s World Cup and the women’s World Cup qualifier in Russia,’ said the statement from Wembley.

25

Saturday, March 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

West Harm in action

Jamie Carragher

Sky suspends Jamie Carragher until end of season

J

amie Carragher has been suspended by Sky for spitting at a family Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has been suspended by Sky until the end of the football season after he spat at a car.

Carragher was filmed spitting from his car towards a girl in another vehicle after Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League loss at Manchester United on Saturday.

He has apologised over the incident.

The broadcaster says the 40-year-old, a Sky Sports pundit, will “get the help he needs to guarantee something like this never happens again”.

Sky says the decision was made following an internal review, adding: “Before the start of the next season we will sit down with Jamie to discuss whether he is ready to return to his role.”

Following his suspension, Carragher posted on social media to apologise again for a “moment of madness”.

Greater Manchester Police have spoken to the motorist who filmed Carragher spitting towards his car.

Enquiries are continuing but it is understood both Carragher’s actions and the filming of the incident

while driving could be punishable.

What happened?

In the video, Carragher exchanges waves with the other driver before they both wind down their car windows.

The man can then be heard shouting: “Unlucky Jamie, lad. Twoone.”

Carragher, who made 737 appearances for Liverpool and won 38 England caps, reacts by leaning out of his window and spitting towards the car, hitting the man’s daughter, who is sitting in the front passenger seat.

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Carragher said: “It looks awful and I accept that. It’s not something I’ve done before and not something I’ll do again.

“It’s a stain on my character and I have to accept that.”

Andy Hughes, 42, from North Wales has told the Mirror he has received death threats and felt “under siege” after being identified.

He added he wished he had never filmed the incident – and wants Carragher to keep his job at Sky. On Wednesday, Carragher posted on social media: “I’ve made a big mistake and accept full responsibility. I am the only person to blame for this sorry situation, so please leave the family alone.”

No holiday for West Ham in Miami – Arnautovic

W

est Ham United are being put through a tough training regime at their camp in Miami and forward Marko Arnautovic hopes the hard work will help keep the club in the Premier League.

West Ham, dangerously close to the drop zone in 16th, have spent the week training in Florida to prepare for a crucial stretch of matches. With eight games remaining, they still have to play Chelsea, Arsenal, Man-

chester City and Manchester United.

“The training has been tough, and this is not a holiday for us. We came out here to take some sun, of course, but I think this was like preseason as the training was really hard,” Arnautovic told the club’s.

“We are happy for this because we need to work hard and come back and finish the end of the season strongly. Until now, so far, it was not how we wanted it.

West Ham’s encouraging run between December and January helped them climb to 11th but they have slipped back down the table with three consecutive defeats. “We have to work hard, we have to stay together, like we are doing this week, until the end of the season because it’s going to be really hard for us,” added Arnautovic.

“Everybody who wears this badge has to stay together and fight until the

end of the season. I think we’re going to do our best to come out of this.”

West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Burnley in their last match at the London Stadium, a game that saw several pitch invasions and ugly scenes in the stands, including fans taunting the club owners.

Improved security measures will be in place when West Ham return to league action at home to Southampton on March 31.

Bale to get playing time in China – Giggs

T

he China Cup offers Wales midfielder Gareth Bale the perfect opportunity to get some minutes under his belt as he tries to put a run of games together in another season blighted by injury, manager Ryan Giggs has said.

Wales face China in Nanning on March 22 while Uruguay meet Czech Republic the following day. Giggs’s side play again three days later, either

in the final or the third-place playoff.

“All players that go out are preparing for playing both games,” Giggs told British media. “There are players for who it is an ideal trip to get games and minutes under their belt – and it is for Gareth.”

Bale was a substitute in both of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 games against Paris St Germain. The 28-year-

old has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons and he has a fight on his hands to win back his starting spot in the Spanish side.

“I was at the first game (against Paris St Germain) where he came on and did well in the last 20-25 minutes, and there’s a case with a lot players where they need games,” said Giggs, who took over as Wales boss in January.

Bale

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We would certainly want to avoid Atletico Madrid – Wenger

A

rsene Wenger says Arsenal would rather not face Atletico Madrid in the quarter final of the Europa League Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he would prefer to avoid a Europa League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid after beating AC Milan in the last 16. England striker Danny Welbeck scored twice – either side of a long-range strike from Granit Xhaka – as the Gunners won the second leg 3-1.

Hakan Calhanoglu had opened the scoring for Milan, but the Italian side fell to a 5-1 aggregate defeat.

“We would certainly want to avoid Atletico Madrid,” said Wenger.

The draw for the quarter-finals – which features teams from eight countries – will take place on Friday at 12:00 GMT. This was Arsenal’s third win in a week after their first-leg victory in Milan and Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League defeat of Watford.

Prior to victory at the San Siro, the Gunners had lost four successive games in all competitions.

“It’s much better. We needed that to recover from our results,” Wenger said.

“It shows how the team has

responded. We had a difficult game but in the end we won it. If we have the results and the way to play football, the crowds will be behind us.” Victory means Arsenal will play in a first European quarterfinal since 2010, when they were knocked out of the Champions League 6-3 on aggregate by Barcelona. “We needed it. It was about getting the job done tonight and being professional,” said midfielder Jack Wilshere, who returns to the England squad for the forthcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.

“We didn’t start well but it woke us up. They got a good goal early on and made us work for it.”

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are favourites to win the Europa League after Borussia Dortmund – previously tipped for the title – lost 2-1 on aggregate to Austrian side RB Salzburg.

“We are happy to be through to the next round and we will see who we get,” Wilshere added.

“When we looked at the draw before, AC Milan was probably not one of the teams we fancied but we showed we can play against the top teams in Europe.”

Arsenal Coach foreseeing danger ahead if his team meet Atletico Madrid

Haas calls time on career

Metul Ozil of Arsenal in action in one of their encounters on the field

Arsenal pummels AC Milan, break 8-year jinx as Musa powers CSKA Moscow into quater-final

A

rsenal progressed into the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time since 2010 by putting an end to consequent 7 years of defeat at Europe’s most elitist football summit at the round of 16 stage, the only downside this time around is that Arsenal are in the quarter-finals of the less glamorous Europa Cup. The Gunners went into the game with a 2-0 away goal in San Siro and continued their winning streak after their last Premier League lost to Manchester City.

It was on a night Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa inspired his club CSKA Moscow to overturn a 1-0 first leg lost at home to Lyon as they sent the French side out of the Europa League with a 3-2 win to qualify on away goal aggregate of 3-3. Musa had powered home the visitor’s second of the night in the 60th minutes. AC Milan who were trailing by 0-2 defeat at home a forth night ago, pulled themselves back into the tie when Hakan Calhannoglu broke the deadlock in the 35th minutes and what seems to be on the road to an epic comeback became nightmarish for the Italian giants.

Arsene Wenger’s men responded through Danny Welbeck who score from the spot after a chal-

F

ormer world number two Tommy Haas officially announced his retirement from tennis at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Thursday, ending a career that spanned more than two decades.

The 39-year-old German, a tournament director at the event, announced his decision in an emotional speech shortly after his close friend Roger Federer’s quarter-final victory over South Korea’s Chung Hyeon. “I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades,” Haas said to an appreciative crowd that included retired greats Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.

“The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories. It also taught me a lot about what it means to face challenges, battle back, and overcome them.

“To my parents, family, wife and children, thank you for all the love and support that you gave me over the years. And, to the fans, thank you for cheering me on throughout my career.”

lenge from Ricardo Rodriguez inside the box in the 39th minute.

Granit Xhaka fire power was too hot for Milan keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma who could only palm the ball inside his own net in the 71 minute while Welbeck completed his brace in the 86th minute to ensure the Gunners bidded Gennaro Gattuso and his men a farewell from the Europa League.

Federer sends Hyeon packing

S

Tommy Haas

RESULTS Lokomotiv Moscow 1- 5 Atketico Madrid Atletico Bilbao 1- Marseille Dynamo Kyiv 0- 2 Lazio Viktoria Plzen 2-1 Sporting CP

outh Korean Chung Hyeon managed to hang around against Roger Federer a little longer this time around, but only just, as the Swiss maestro advanced to the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open 7-5 6-1 on Thursday. Chung’s fairytale run at the Australian Open in January came to a crashing halt when he retired with foot blisters while trailing Federer 6-1 5-2 in their semi-final.

Federer, who won his 20th grand slam title with his victory at Melbourne Park, was ruthless with his 21-year-old opponent once again on Thursday and took his unbeaten run this year to 16 matches, equalling his record from 12 years ago.

Chung said he had enjoyed

going toe-to-toe with Federer in a tight first set.

“I was down one break, and I’m just trying to stay calm and I’m just trying to learn from Roger,” the Korean told the ATP’s official website.

“And I come back, five-all, and he played good. I’m really happy to play against Roger.” Federer will next meet Borna Coric, who defeated world number nine Kevin Anderson 2-6 6-4 7-6(3).

The 21-year-old Croatian had initially looked out-gunned by the big-serving South African, who had won all three of their previous meetings without dropping a set.

After weathering an onslaught of huge serves in the first set, however, Coric was able to force longer rallies in the second and third, where his speed and accuracy al-

lowed him to control points.

“I didn’t start very well. He was hitting the ball very big, and I just couldn’t find my rhythm on the ball,” Coric said. “I started going more for the serve. And then I broke him earlier in the second set, which was really helpful. “In the third, again, I knew it’s one break, it’s two or three points that are going to decide, and that’s what happened.”

The match appeared all but over in the third when a frustrated Coric double faulted to hand Anderson a break for a 4-2 lead but the world number 49 broke straight back and went on to force a tie-breaker.

Anderson was ragged thereafter and Coric pumped his fist in triumph after the seventh seed sent a forehand long to hand the Croatian the biggest win of his career.

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Football stars that may not feature in world cup:

Neymar, Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, others

With just 88 days until the big kick-off, anticipation is mounting ahead of the World Cup in Russia. But for some players currently out injured, that ticking clock to the tournament represents a fraught race to get back to full fitness in time to make their nation’s squad. We take a look at some of the players who need to regain their fitness in order to make the greatest tournament.

NEYMAR Brazil - fractured metatarsal How did it happen? Neymar went down in a heap during Paris SaintGermain’s 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Marseille on February 25, suffering a hairline fracture to his fifth metatarsal and a sprained ankle.

The Brazilian star returned home at the beginning of this month and underwent surgery in Belo Horizonte before beginning a process of rehabilitation that has seen him use a wheelchair.

The recovery is being overseen by Brazil and PSG physiotherapist Rafael Martini, who has worked with Neymar since he started his career at Santos.

PSG said following his operation that they would re-evaluate the situation in mid-April and see whether he can return to training.

In the meantime, Neymar has posted Instagram footage of himself working on upper body strength in the gym while wearing a protective boot.

What has been the impact? The main impact for PSG is that they exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid.

Without Neymar in the team, they were unable to turn around a 3-1 first leg deficit in their last-16 tie with the defending champions, losing 2-1 at the Parc des Princes last week.

They have won all four domestic matches in his absence.

What are they saying? Brazilian coach Tite said: ‘Neymar’s father said the primary concern is the athlete’s health. It is the same thing all us think. Health comes first.

‘You don’t pay for winning like that - whether it’s the World Cup, whether it’s the Brazilian national team.

‘Paying the price with someone’s health or rushing someone’s recovery, we don’t do that.’

Will he make it? There does remain some doubt because this is expected to be a three-month layoff but Neymar himself is in a positive mindset, as shown by his social media posts.

He may not return for the end of the French season but should just about make the World Cup assuming he doesn’t suffer any further setbacks and proved his fitness in Brazil’s warm-up matches.

As their star turn, the entire nation of Brazil will be praying for his recovery in time.

HARRY KANE England - ankle ligament damage How did it happen? Kane injured his right ankle in a collision with Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic during Tottenham’s 4-1 win at the Vitality Stadium last Sunday.

Both the striker and the goalkeeper were going for the ball when Kane’s leg got caught underneath Begovic. Kane wanted to continue initially, but was eventually forced to hobble off.

He left the stadium on crutches and scans once the swelling had subsided revealed ankle ligament damage that will keep him out until April.

This was welcome news for both

Ï Ə ƖƈƋô ƍƆ Ƈ Ɠƈ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ z ƏƋƗ Ƒƍ ƌƆ ƈƋ ƈ ƾƠơƿ ƓƆƏƆ ƓƏƆƅƊƆƗ Ɠ Ɔ Neymar suffered an injury during their quarter-final against Colombia

Ï Ə ƖƈƋƈ Ɛ Ə MƆƕƌ Ə ƈ Ɠ ƆƆƋƅ ƈƏ ƇƐƆƏ ƑƇƇƆƏƈ ƇƏ ƅƐƑƏƆƗ ƌƆƐ Ɛ Ə Ƌ

Filipe Luis, (right) played impressively for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

club and country though Kane, who has scored 39 goals this season, will need to regain full sharpness in time for the World Cup. What has been the impact? None so far because Tottenham haven’t played since he suffered the injury.

However, there’s no question his absence will severely impact on their hopes of securing a top-four place in the Premier League and winning the FA Cup. Kane will also miss England’s upcoming friendlies against Holland in Amsterdam on March 23 and Italy at Wembley on March 27, though he’s a certain starter in Gareth Southgate’s team if fit.

What are they saying? Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘He is very positive. He was positive after the game. His character is always optimistic and he is focused

on trying to recover as soon as possible.

‘It is no excuse now that Harry is out for a few weeks that we are not going to have the same mentality and try and win the games.

‘Of course, we are going to miss Harry because it is obvious he is one of the best. But we are calm and relaxed because we have enough quality to play and win games.’

Will he make it? Yes, Kane should be back fit - and hopefully firing to lead England’s challenge at the World Cup. The signs are that Kane will be back towards the end of April but the whole nation will be hoping he doesn’t suffer any more injury setbacks before the World Cup. MANUEL NEUER Germany - metatarsal fracture

How did it happen? Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Neuer has broken his foot three times in the past 12 months and it has taken surgery and plenty of rehabilitation to get it back up to strength.

It first started nearly a year ago when he picked up an injury in Bayern’s defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Neuer was back in the Bayern side at the very start of the season, playing in three Bundesliga and one Champions League match, before suffering another metatarsal problem.

Bayern said at the time that Neuer, who had clearly been rushed back, ‘sustained a repeat hairline fracture of the metatarsal in his left foot’ and this time required surgery.

Initially, Neuer was meant to return to action in January but this has

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Saturday, March 17, 2018

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Football stars that may not feature in World Cup:

Will he make it? It will be touch and go as to whether we see Sigurdsson in an Everton shirt before the end of the season.

Despite Allardyce’s optimism, if it does take eight weeks for the player to return to full fitness, he may as well focus solely on the World Cup. The good news for Iceland is that their star man should be back in time for the big kick-off in Russia, which will doubtless come as a massive relief.

Filipe Luis is carried off with a fractured fibula during Atletico Madrid’s game with Lokomotiv

been continuously put back, with the keeper even going on holiday to Thailand to aid his rehab.

Now with two months until Joachim Low names his Germany squad for the World Cup, Neuer, who hasn’t played for Bayern since September 16 and hasn’t played for Germany since October 2016, really does face a fitness race.

What has been the impact? Initially, his absence seemed to throw Bayern off their stride a little. When they lost 3-0 at PSG in the Champions League back in September, it meant the end for coach Carlo Ancelotti.

But Jupp Heynckes has restored them to their best form and with Sven Ulreich deputising in goal, Bayern have swept aside all-comers on the domestic front and they’re into

the quarter-finals of the Champions League too.

They have conceded just 18 goals all season in the Bundesliga, where they presently enjoy a 20-point advantage at the top, they’re into the semi-finals of the German Cup, and they just thrashed Besiktas 8-1 over two legs in Europe.

What are they saying? Neuer told Sky Sport Bundesliga this week: ‘I know things are coming along very well, but of course there’s still time until I’ll be at full strength.

‘I can’t say right now exactly how long that’s going to be. I’m currently at around 80 per cent of my body weight at five km/h on the treadmill and that’s going up all the time.

‘I expect to be walking at up to 90 per cent without any problems next week, and then be up to 100 per

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has missed most of the season with a metatarsal fracture

cent the week after, then I’ll slowly start running. My walking profile is pretty good, and I’m not feeling any pain.

‘I’m pretty confident I’ll be playing again in the second half of the season.’

Will he make it? All expectations are that Neuer will be back fit again before the end of the season but the question for both Low and Heynckes is whether he can simply be thrown straight into the thick of the action.

Following such a disrupted season, Neuer could well be short of full match sharpness and given Bayern face important Champions League matches, it could be something of a risk.

The good news is they have pretty much wrapped up the league title, so Neuer could play in the dead rubbers once they’ve sealed the crown.

But Low may need some more convincing - although Neuer is one of the best keepers in the world, he hasn’t played international football in so long that it would represent a gamble to start him at the World Cup. What has been the impact? Aside from raising Allardyce’s blood pressure slightly, nothing so far because Everton haven’t played since the weekend.

However, the injury does come as a blow with the Toffees hoping to end an up-and-down season on a high note.

Sigurdsson had certainly shown better form since Allardyce replaced Ronald Koeman in late November, with five goals since then. He has also created more goalscoring opportunities than any of his teammates.

But the impact on Iceland as they head to their first ever World Cup would be catastrophic if Sigurdsson doesn’t make it.

He is the country’s star player and integral to their chances of repeating their brilliant run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016.

The entire nation will be desperate to see him fully fit and in form ready for the trip to Russia in June, where they’ll play Argentina, Croatia

Kane celebrates scoring for England in their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia at Wembley

and Nigeria in a tricky group.

Sigurdsson will be integral to Iceland’s hopes in a tough World Cup group this summer Sigurdsson will be integral to Iceland’s hopes in a tough World Cup group this summer What are they saying? Everton boss Allardyce: ‘You cannot predict a length of injury in its entirety because you have people who heal quicker. Obviously Gylfi’s recovery time could be shorter than we might expect.

‘Medics and specialists give a conservative view and you try to beat that and try to get Gylfi back as soon as you can.

‘Gylfi’s motivation is obviously to get back playing for us and playing for Iceland in the World Cup.’

JUAN CUADRADO Colombia - groin injury How did it happen? Colombian winger Cuadrado had been struggling with the groin issue for some time and underwent surgery in Munich at the end of January.

Juventus have said he will be sidelined well into April at the very least and that leaves him potentially facing a fitness race for the World Cup, where Colombia will play Poland, Japan and Senegal in the group.

His last outing for Juventus was against Roma back on December 23, but that followed a couple of other minor injury niggles.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman faces an anxious wait to see whether Cuadrado, capped 69 times for his country, makes it back into the Juve team before the end of the campaign and, if so, how effective he is.

Given that Cuadrado makes up a pretty formidable forward trio with James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao for the national side, his absence would be keenly felt.

JUAN CUADRADO Colombia - groin injury How did it happen? Colombian winger Cuadrado had been struggling with the groin issue for some time and underwent surgery in Munich at the end of January.

Juventus have said he will be sidelined well into April at the very least and that leaves him potentially facing a fitness race for the World Cup, where Colombia will play Poland, Japan and Senegal in the

Neuer in his hospital bed after suffering the metatarsal fracture earlier this season

Saturday March 17, 2018

EXTRATIME

29

Football stars that may not feature in world cup:

Neymar went down in agony during PSG’s match with Marseille at the end of last month

will be after the international break, in 20 days or in a month we’ll see.’

Will he make it? It remains uncertain whether Juventus will see Cuadrado again before the end of the season. The nature of the injury means it is tricky to predict a comeback with any accuracy, as Allegri said.

With Juventus in fine form without him and with a succession of highly-important matches still to play, Cuadrado may well find it difficult to force his way back into a winning side to build his match fitness for the World Cup. But as long as he gains some game time, you can expect him to be part of the Colombia squad for the World Cup, where they’ll hope he has a similar impact to the one he made in 2014.

Gylfi Sigurdsson of Everton and Iceland suffered a knee problem during the Brighton game

FILIPE LUIS Brazil - fractured fibula How did it happen? The Brazilian left back suffered the injury during Atletico Madrid’s 5-1 win over Lokomotiv Moscow in the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

He departed the pitch on a stretched after taking a blow to the calf that left him writhing in pain on the turf at the Lokomotiv Stadium.

Filipe Luis was making a lastditch tackle on Lokomotiv forward Eder, who swung through with his shot and kicked the Atletico man

rather than the ball.

Scans after the match revealed that he has suffered a fractured fibula and is there likely to be out for some time, putting his World Cup hopes in severe jeopardy.

What has been the impact?

His absence will doubtless have an impact on Atletico’s pursuit of Europa League success, with the Spanish side one of the favourites to go all the way.

They look pretty certain to finish in the Champions League places in La Liga, where they retain an outside chance of bridging the eightpoint gap to leaders Barcelona.

But missing the World Cup will come as a bitter blow for Filipe Luis, who missed out on the Brazil squad back in 2014 having been placed on the standby list.

What are they saying? Atletico statement on his injury: ‘Once in Madrid, Filipe Luis underwent radiological tests to understand the severity of the injury in his left leg.

‘The medical staff can confirm the Brazilian left back has fractured his left fibula.’ Will he make it? It doesn’t look too good, with Filipe Luis set to spend several weeks on the sidelines as his fibula heals. He’s almost certain to miss the remainder of Atletico’s season.

However, Brazil have remarkable strength in depth, so he may not be missed too much at the finals.

The left back will almost certainly miss the remainder of the season and maybe the World Cup

group.

His last outing for Juventus was against Roma back on December 23, but that followed a couple of other minor injury niggles.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman faces an anxious wait to see whether Cuadrado, capped 69 times for his country, makes it back into the

Juve team before the end of the campaign and, if so, how effective he is.

Given that Cuadrado makes up a pretty formidable forward trio with James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao for the national side, his absence would be keenly felt.

What has been the impact? Ju-

Juan Cuadrado has not played for Juventus since before Christmas due to a groin injury

ventus coach Massimiliano Allegri refused to draft in an emergency replacement for Cuadrado, who has four goals and five assists this season, during the January transfer window. And, in fairness, they haven’t felt his absence too keenly as they chase a Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League Treble before the end of the season. Indeed, they have won every single league match since Cuadrado suffered his injury, enabling them to catch and then overtake Napoli to take a fourpoint lead in the race for the Scudetto.

During his absence, they also overcame Atalanta to make the final of the Cup and beat Tottenham 4-3 over two legs in the last-16 of the Champions League.

What are they saying? Allegri talking earlier this month: ‘It’s an inflammation, these things can go away in two days, they can last three months or they can last six months. We hope not.

‘That is the reality of the situation. It’s normal that right now Cuadrado isn’t available, but if you ask me ‘is Cuadrado’s season over?’

‘Hopefully not, but right now Cuadrado isn’t available, then if he

Kane damaged his ankle ligaments in a collision with the Bournemouth keeper Asmir Begovic

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EXTRATIME

All set for police, journalists novelty Match

P

opular cleric in Lagos and Assistant Commissioner of Police Area M, Idimu, ACP Austines Akika may likely be the two captains to lead the players in a novelty match between the police and journalists in Lagos.

Daily Times gathered from police sources that ACP Akika whose command will be hosting the match which will take place on Saturday 17th March, 2018, at the Police Primary School at Goodluck Jonathan Estate in Idimu is the chief host and captain of the police team. Prophet Joshua was unanimously adopted by the journalists to be their captain once he is available for the match.

It was gathered that two cups were donated for the match, one for the match winners and the other for the runners with some amount of money attached. It was not very certain if the man of God will be available because of his tight schedule. However, the coordinators said that an invitation has been sent to him to that effect.

The police and journalists match was organised as a way of building a cordial relationship and synergizing against crime and its attendant effect on the youths in Lagos. Daily Times reports that the Lagos State Commissioner of the Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other stakeholders will be in attendance. It was also gathered that the youths across the state have been mobilised in line with the objectives of the match.

The coordinator of the journalists, Mr. Oludairo Daniel while expressing the readiness of the media houses, explained the motives behind the football match. Mr. Daniel said that the match will enhance the synergy the relationship between the police and the journalists towards the fight against various crimes in the state.

He said that the match will be used to remind the youths that all eyes are on them and they should discontinue from committing crimes.

We won’t disappoint against Etoile – Bala P

lateau United forward, Reuben Bala has said his side will not disappoint against visiting Tunisian giants, Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the Caf Champions League.

The Tin City side are hosts of the North African side in Sunday’s Caf Champions League first round second leg clash at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The Jos Elephants were beaten 2-4 by the Red &

White in the first leg clash at the 28,000 seats Stade Olympique de Sousse.

Bala said his side have learnt a lot about the visitors after the first leg clash in Sousse and cannot afford to exit from the Africa’s first tier club competition.

“We will certainly get the vital two unreplied goals or more to qualify for the group stage of the competition.

“We cannot afford to go out of the Caf Champions

League at this early stage of the competition.

“The spirit among us is quite high and we are roaring to go to deliver the goods.

“After the first leg clash against Etoile du Sahel in Sousse we are more acquainted and knowledgeable of their strengths and weaknesses we will capitalise on those strengths and weaknesses.

“The experience we gar-

nered from the first leg will greatly help us to unsettle the visitors, Etoile.

“We are certainly going to play better than we did in the first leg in Sousse,” said Bala to frontpixs.com.

Bala assured that the new venue in Kano will not affect negatively its team’s fortune in the game.

“I do not think the Kano venue for the clash will have any negative effect on the outcome of the match.

“We are brothers and I’m sure we will get massive crowd to the stadium to support our course.

“We will be right at home in Kano and I’m confident we will get the job perfectly done,” said the Tin City side lanky marksman.

The Nigerian champions will progress to the next stage of the competition with two unreplied goals against the visiting side, Etoile du Sahel.

Barnes extends stay at Turf Moor B

Ashley Barnes

urnley striker Ashley Barnes has signed a new contract that will extend his stay at Turf Moor to 2021, the Premier League club said in a statement.

Barnes, whose existing deal was due to expire at the end of the next campaign, joins defenders Stephen Ward, James Tarkowski and Kevin Long as well as goalkeeper Nick Pope in pledging their futures to the seventhplaced since the start of the season.

“I think I am playing some of my best football, but I’ve still got a

lot to come,” Barnes, who has scored six goals in 29 league appearances for Burnley this season, told the club’s website (www. b u r n l ey fo ot b a l l c l u b . com). “The club is only going in one direction and that’s up and I’m privileged to be part of it. Come the end of season who knows where we’ll be and if we can still be where we are now that would be huge credit to all the lads.”

Burnley face bottom side West Bromwich Albion in their next league outing on March 31.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

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Business & Economy B1

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4 easy ways to put more money in your pocket Page B7

Other firms can now provide meters to power consumers Page B8 – NERC

FG denies cancelling Power Purchase Agreements

Ïd ƕ 0ƈ ƅƆ Lƈ ƈ ƐƏƕ Ɛ ƈ Ɛ Əƕ Ɛ ^^ Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Contrary to media reports that the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed by the Federal Government with Project Developers in the power sector has been cancelled, the Federal Government on Friday said it has not cancelled the agreements, describing the media report as

unfounded.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who stated this, said that the Federal Government has not cancelled the PPAs as wrongly reported by the media.

According to Adeosun, it must be emphasised that the role of negotiating with Project Developers and signing

PPAs is domiciled with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc and not the Federal Ministry of Finance.

However, as the primary obligor of all forms of guarantees issued by all governments of the federation and their agencies, the Federal Ministry of Finance through the Debt Management Office,

Saturday March17 2018

must estimate the size of obligation that it is willing and able to accommodate in relation to the Power Sector.

She said: “The Ministry is required to evaluate the country’s repayment capacity for current and contingent debt obligations as part of its Debt Sustainability Analysis (“DSA”), which is a key re-

L-R: Mr. Kelechi Dozie – MD/CEO, I-One-C, Mr. Obeahon Ohiwerei,GMD/CEO Keystone bank Limited, Barr Bisi Adegbuyi, Post Master General, NIPOST, at the launch of KeyServe-NIPOST Agency Banking-A financial inclusion partnership in Lagos...

quirement for sound Public Debt Management practice.

These liabilities have wider implications for the country’s debt and overall fiscal position in the medium to long-term.

“Guarantees constitute a contingent liability and it is important to note that increasingly, for a number of Power Purchase Agreements being signed in the Power Sector, in recent times, the Federal Government is required to provide and sign a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) as well as a Put Call Option Agreement (PCOA). Guarantees by themselves do not constitute a risk.

“However, where guarantees are expected to be the primary means of ensuring ongoing contractual payments, they constitute a huge risk to the fiscal sustainability of the Federal Government. Guarantees are issued to provide extra comfort between contractual counterparties and should be issued based on the existence of steady/regular cashflows that underpin the contracts.

“Besides, a sovereign default has the consequent effect of increasing Nigeria’s credit risk and cost of borrowing in the International Capital Markets (ICM).

“It would be recalled that the Federal Government had recently and successfully raised Eurobonds of US$5.5 billion in the ICM at favourable yields.

These proceeds are being invested in the much needed infrastructure (Road, Rail, CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

Sterling Bank takes financial literacy to Imo, hosts 42 Lagos schools ÏGƆ ƗƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ Ƈƈ ƅƈ Ƌ ƋƈƐƆƏ ƅƕ ƎƑƈƖ ƅ ƐƆ Ɛ Ƈ Ə ƐƑƗƆ Ɛ ƈ G

Adesola Afolabi Sterling Bank Plc yesterday took its financial inclusion drive to the next level with the training of over 20,000 secondary school students nationwide to mark the 2018 edition of the Financial Literacy Day. The lender also staged a quiz competition among students from 42 schools in Lagos with winners going home with attractive prizes.

The Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Designate,

Mr. Abubakar Suleiman led other Executive and senior Management team for the exercise as he taught students of Owerri Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri to the delight of both students and teachers of the school. He also gave out various gift items including. This is in in line with its enriching lives proposition and renewed commitment to promoting financial literacy among students.

Abubakar Suleiman taught the students the key fundamentals of financial literacy and re-enforcing

the need to encourage savings culture among the youths.

He noted that the Financial Literacy Day, which is also in line with the lender’s “One Education” initiative, would further consolidate the strategic focus of the Bank on education and commitment to youth empowerment and development.

Mr Suleiman explained the Bank took the decision to expand the coverage beyond the scope assigned to it by the CBN to reach out to more students and teach

them how to make informed and effective financial decisions from a young age.

This, according to him, would enable them to understand the basic elements of financial management, adding that the Bank had used the opportunity of this year’s programme to impart useful knowledge, discipline and patriotism to the younger generation.

He noted that Sterling Bank had remained consistent in providing adequate support for child education by providing materials that

could be of help to them in their educational pursuits.

Meanwhile, in his address of welcome at the quiz competition in Lagos, Mr. Grama Narasimhan, Executive Director, of Sterling Bank in charge of retail and consumer marketing, encouraged the participating pupils and students to take the competition seriously.

He added that the competition is not just designed for them to win prizes but to ensure sustainable CONTINUES ON PAGE B2

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

FG denies cancelling Power Purchase Agreements

Adeosun CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Power, etc). A default would therefore, have a detrimental effect on the development of the country.”

The minister said that it was in view of the above that the Federal Ministry of Finance initiated an inter-ministerial meeting with all representatives from the Debt Management Office, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works & Housing, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and Bureau of Public Enterprises where the following decisions were reached with regards to Independent Power Plants requiring PCOAs which was communicat-

ed to NBET on the 26th of July, 2017: Adeosun further stated that the Federal Government would bear Foreign exchange rate risk and make termination payments in Dollars.

She said: “NBET is required to work within a contingent liability exposure limit of US$10 billion (US$5bn for PCOAs and US$5bn for NIPPs). It is expected that NBET would negotiate with project developers to ensure that Nigerians are getting the best

quality of service within costs aligned to global standards. The Federal Ministry of Finance is focused on achieving market sustainability in the long-term and requires that NBET has a comprehensive plan to manage these exposures to avoid a drawdown on the PRGs. “It is imperative that the Federal Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and NBET must ensure that meters are rolled out to

improve billing accuracy and also improve DISCO collections in order to increase cashflows to the power sector value chain.

“If the market cannot pay for power distributed, the situation will remain unsustainable.

“It is unhealthy for the Federal Government of Nigeria to build an entire sector based on Sovereign Guarantees without simultaneously addressing key challenges inhibiting financial sustainability across the

value chain.

“It should also be noted that no Multilateral Agency would continue to issue guarantees where it is clear that the requirement for steady cashflows within the sector to meet regular payment obligations does not exist.”

The Minister of Finance stressed that the Federal Government was very willing to accept investments that are accretive in value to the Nigerian economy on a holistic base.

Diamond Bank marches to end Endometriosis Adesola Afolabi With over 100, 000 Nigerian women suffering from Endometriosis every year and a general - but sorely harmful - lack of awareness for the condition, there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and #PressforProgress in the awareness and treatment of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a widespread uncomfortable disease affecting tens of thousands of girls and women in Nigeria and a sweeping lack of awareness by both sufferers and health care providers delay diagnosis.

It is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of a uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes

and the tissue lining the pelvi The lack of awareness of this disease is often due to a normalization of symptoms and it was to this end that Diamond Bank took to the streets.

Last weekend, as part of its activities for its #BankOnHer campaign, Diamond Bank’s expression of Women’s History Month, carried this mandate in Lagos by walking Five Kilometers from City Mall, Lagos to Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, sharing information on the condition.

The Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank, Chioma Afe said the walk became necessary in order to raise awareness for the condition. She went on to further say that Diamond Bank will always support women as this is the 5th year the bank is organiz-

Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director/Chief Executive Designate, Sterling Bank Plc; Mr. Ubong Isong, Regional Business Executive, Sterling Bank Plc and Miss Ken Vevessa, Senior Prefect, Owerri Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri at the 2018 Financial Literacy Day celebration in Owerri ...yesterday

Sterling Bank takes financial literacy to Imo, hosts 42 Lagos schools CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

understanding of financial literacy so that they will be able to make independent financial decisions.

He said the financial literacy programme was initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to expose young people in primary and secondary schools to the principles of financial management thereby empowering them to make sound financial decisions.

In the same vein, Mr. Yemi Odubiyi, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the bank noted that the level of illiteracy in the society is still very high. “We are investing in education in bid to give back to the society.

“The underpinning philosophy behind this investment is the need to transform our society and people.

We believe quality education can transform individu-

als by contributing to their problem solving and social skills which will ultimately benefit the society at large.

It is our believe that investment in people, especially young people, enriching their lives and they will in turn enrich the society.”

The bank organised the quiz competition to test the understanding of students who had been exposed to teachings in financial liter-

acy through financial clubs covering more than 80,000 children spread across the country.

Out of about 42 schools that participated in the competition, Glorious Redeemers School, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State won the star prize of N750,000 followed

by Taqua Private School, first runner up, which won N500,000 and Lekki Muslim School, the second runner

up which went home with N250,000.

The bank also gave N20,000 each to about 15 students (who answered questions correctly) from other schools who came as observers of the programme and N20,000 to two teachers who answered questions correctly.

Also, the lender used the occasion to launch Uzaali, a self-paced learning plat-

form designed to provide children with codes to learn computer programming in a fun and interactive environment.

Some of the features of the new platform are enhancement of ability of the children to be creative, critical, become problem solver and learn while having fun following step-by-step tutorials and practice with visual editors and exercises.

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Kenya: Homes, businesses to benefit from solar microgrid project Stories by Simon Ugwu Solar energy solutions provider, Renewvia Energy, is helping underserved communities and businesses in rural Kenya access the energy they need to improve their lives and bolster their economy.

The US -backed con-

tractor, Renewvia, conducted a year-long solar microgrid feasibility study in 2017, talking to all stakeholders and community members at length about their needs and concerns.

“Conducting solar feasibility studies at this level provided our company specific and

unique insight otherwise unobtainable in any commercial manner,” said Trey Jarrard, CEO of Renewvia.

“The knowledge from the effort will allow for a scalable offgrid power solution for multitudes of Kenyan communities without requiring large up-

front purchases and ongoing power asset management associated with individual solar kits,”Jarrard added.

In January, the company began construction of three sites in the East African country and plans to complete an additional ten sites this year.

4000 homes beneficiaries from Lake Victoria to Indian Ocean Through this project, Renewvia seeks to connect around 4,000 homes and businesses in 2018.

The sites are in multiple counties from Lake Victoria all the way to the Indian Ocean.

The renewable company has partnered with both the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s (USTDA) Power Africa initiative and community and government agencies in Kenya to drive the scheme.

Pam Onyanyo, director of SubSaharan Africa for Renewvia, applauded the role of the USTDA. “The contribution from the USTDA at the onset of this development effort was critical and we are thankful for this partnership.

It expedited the development of a financeable investment-grade product that will yield returns for both Kenyans and U.S. solar product manufacturers.”

L-R, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, representing the Vice President; Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud, Former Director, FBN Holdings Plc; Chidi Anya, Director, FBN Holdings Plc; UK EKE, MFR, GMD, FBN Holdings Plc; Mallam Bello Maccido, Chairman FBNQuest Merchant Bank; and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President, Council of Nigeria Stock Exchange at the Corporate Governance Rating System Certification Ceremony 2018, held at the Civic Center, Lagos.

Civil group wants nationalisation of power sector A Civil Society Organisation under the Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE) has advocated the need for the Federal government to nationalize the nation’s power sector in order to make it work.

Its National Coordinator, Chinedu Bosah, also urged the government to invest massively in the sector and introduce open and transparent management that will require that workers and the general public through their elected representatives forestall corrupt practices.

Bosah, who spoke in Lagos recently expressed disgust over the frequent power collapse, shows that the country’s power infrastructure is still not in order despite investing over $20billion in the power sector since 2003. ‘’This investment has not yielded more than 4000MW, which explains why the sector is neck deep into corruption,’’ he added.

According to him, the epileptic power supply in the country has made life unbearable for Nigerians, while businesses are closing shops or relocating out of Nigeria. ‘’This development no doubt has brought about massive job losses, affected the productivity of many Nigerians and has even worsened the rate of poverty. The private sector companies and their cronies in government have failed. ‘’It is crystal clear that the private power companies have failed despite the hundreds of billions of bailout given to them by the Federal government in the last three years.

“The power companies failed more fundamentally because they lack the capital, capacity and the interest to meet the electricity needs of Nigerians.’’

Meanwhile, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Plc has reiterated its plans to commence prosecution of illegal con-

nection of energy customers within its network.

Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, who at a forum on how the company could improve its service delivery.

He lamented that there had been a high rate of energy theft and non-payment of bills by customers within its network.

He condemned the act while saying that the essence of the customer forum was to inform the customers about the company’s service as well as the huge amount loss to energy theft.

Fadebiyi warned all customers to desist from energy theft, adding that the company would not hesitate to prosecute and jail those caught in the act.

He added that the forum was designed to enlighten customers on the negative implication of energy theft while listening to their problems and complaints.

“People go to our substations and vandalize cables, damage transformers, looking for transformer oil. In some cases, those illiterate ones think there is mercury in the transformer and destroy it, and we are losing a lot of money.

“Apart from vandals, we have meters being bypassed. When you look at all these losses, the cost is enormous. “`We lose millions of naira monthly to vandalism and theft of our equipment.

He added that the forum also aimed at getting customers’ view on strategic solutions to the problems.

“It has also come to our notice that some people have been illegally connecting to our energy.

“It is on this note that EKEDC is warning all those engaging in energy theft to desist from doing so. Whoever is caught doing so would be prosecuted and jailed,’’ he said.

NERC to enforce new metering regulations from April The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will on April 3, 2018, commence the enforcement of its recently unveiled Meter Asset Provider Regulations, 2018, a policy that seeks to bridge the widening metering gap in the electricity supply industry.

It was gathered that the country’s metering gap had increased to about 4.74 million, as power consumers welcomed the new policy, describing it as a panacea for meter unavailability. NERC through the introduction of the new regulation has brought another class of operators into the power sector called Meter Asset Providers and means that power distribution companies no longer have the sole responsibility of providing meters to electricity consumers.

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Big cats - predators under threat

Simon Ugwu

The plan to annually celebrate the World Wildlife Day was conceived during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in December, 1983 as a means to raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora as well asto recognize the importance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in ensuring that international trade of Wild Flora and Fauna does not threaten the survival of species.

This was stated by the Ag. Director General Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Joseph Onoja Ph.D in Lagos “The theme of World Wildlife Day 2018 ‘Big cats predators under threat’is a step further from last year’s theme ‘‘Listen to the Young Voices’ as a way to ensure the realisation of CITES objective in the 182 member states of the United Nations, on the need to urgently rise to the demands of conserving all form of wildlife especially the big predators - who are now globally threatened - with their condition in Nigeria even more dire”, he said.

“With reference to the 2016’sWorld Environment

He called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to create an operational synergy between associated government and non-government stakeholders.

Day,Amina Mohammed, who until her recent UN’s appointment was the Minister of Environment said, “The status of wildlife in the country leaves much to be desired, as the rate of depletion of the population of animals like the elephants, leopards, giraffes and crocodiles amongst others is frightening. Today I know that if somebody says, what is really the status, or figures for wildlife in Nigeria? I am not sure I can tell you as the Minister of Environment. And if I am going to say something, it is probably 10 years old in terms of its information and data.”

It almost two years since Amina Mohammed promised that the government would develop the capacity to know what the baseline was, what animal was where, which was endangered, what needed to be done to protect those animals and to increase their population in Nigeria.

“For long, Nigeria has rested on an erroneous notion that our wild animals were plentiful and not un-

der any threat of extinction, however, following the recent publication of the IUCN red list of globally threatened species which revealed that 148 animals and 146 plant species found in Nigeria were threatened at various degrees including some species near extinction, we hope it is not too late to right the wrongs.

Out of the very large landmass that Nigeria boasts of, we have only seven National Parks. there is the need to invest in our National Parks to see clear prioritization of our biodiversity and wildlife heritage by the governments at all level in Nigeria”, he stressed.

“Human activities like hunting, grazing, land deforestation, mining, infrastructural construction, aerodromes, power lines, and related activities have destroyed our wildlife flora and fauna than natural factors like climate change and fire occurrences by over 40% in the last 25 years. Another adjoining factor is that occupants of host communities earmarked as protected

areas see their surrounding areas as traditional hunting grounds”, he added.

“We must take a cue from smaller countries like Gabon with 13 well-managed national parks, Egypt with 25 national parks and Kenya with 23 national parks only aside game reserves, wildlife sanctuary and other forms of protected areas in countries like Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Madagascar.

“Sadly, fewer than 50 lions remain in Nigeria while the globalvalue of illegal wildlife trade is soaring beyond 50 – 150 billion USD per year, conversely, less than 7,100 cheetahs remain in the wild, globally. These and many more statistics of the state of wildlife suggest that the time for urgent action is now”, he said.

He called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to create an operational synergy between associated government and non-government stakeholders.

“On the other hand, the government must undertake the following; Strengthen the National Park Service to enhance their capacity for wildlife conservation and protection.

Increase awareness and education on the intrinsic value of wildlife to the society.

Swift and clear penalties to illegal poachers and hunters to mitigate further illegal harvesting of wildlife.

Infrastructural development plans to incorporate the wildlife protection/survival programme through effective Environmental & Social Impact Assessment”, he pointed out.

“Finally, monitoring and data compilation must complement environmental education and awareness; the fiercest of wild animals cannot protect itself from those out to poach or illegally traffic them, it’s up to you and me, together we can restore Nigeria’s wildlife heritage and give a voice to the younger ones”,

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World Cup: NCAC mobilises 3 million-man for Super Eagles Simon Ugwu The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) says it is mobilising three million-man support across the globe for the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Ru The Director-General of the Council, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

“We will soon open the window on a website, so that if you are supporting Super Eagles, you will key into it.

“You will be asked one or two questions – Who was the Super Eagles’ captain in 1972? ; Who was the team’s goal keeper in that year? – or other questions.

“If you answer correctly, you will then get a muffler and other cultural gift items from NCAC. “Also, on the days the Super Eagles will be playing their matches, all supporters will wear various traditional attires and hold the country’s national flags,’’ Runsewe said.

The NCAC boss said the trend was common across football nations of the world and Nigeria would not be an exemption.

“We will start it here in NCAC, we will go round the world, and yes we must build a cultural support for the supper eagles,’’ he said.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup

will be hosted in Russia between June 14 and July 15 with Nigeria alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in Group D. Speaking on the economy, Runsewe underscored the need for the country to sustain its diversification agenda

to move the nation away from mono-oil economy.

He said the arts, tourism, culture and entertainment sector was a low hanging fruit that should be explored to replace oil in generating revenue for the country.

“We must think outside the

box and not oil all the time; some day, this oil will dry up, but arts and culture will never dry up.

“I was at the Brazilian Embassy sometimes ago and somebody was requesting for Pele’s painting in millions of dollar.

“Why should somebody not ask for the painting of Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Okala, Jay-Jay Okocha or Christian Chukwu?

“These are things we are working towards to happen in the arts and culture sector,’’ Runsewe said.

Over 30 checkpoints affecting tourism growth in Badagry- LG boss

No fewer than 30 multiple checkpoints on the Mile Two/ Badagry Expressway have con-

tinued to affect the growth of tourism in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

The Chairman, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Onilude, said disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday. He spoke on the sideline of the Badagry Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum held at Hunwaji Apartment, Badagry.

He said that the checkpoints were being manned by officers and men of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Customs Service , the NDLEA, Port health, FRSC, and Man o’War Nigeria.

“Tourism is a gold mine to any country and Badagry is blessed with so many monuments. “So, we are determined to transform the entire Badagry corridors to a regional economic hub in Africa.

“For tourism industry to thrive, we must ensure that our environments are clean and friendly to visitors just as security is also extremely important in this aspect. “The numerous checkpoints on the expressway have a relative impediment on travel time and discourage tourists from coming to Badagry.

“We must enhance our security without discouraging legitimate travel to Badagry so the numerous checkpoints on the road must be reduced,” he said.

Onilude said the stakeholders’ forum was organised to find ways to improve tourism in the ancient city and to generate revenue for the local government.

“Tourism is our biggest asset in Badagry and we are commit-

ted to making the sector vibrant so we are marketing our tourism potential at the global stage. “The state government is transforming Badagry to a preferred tourism destination and our administration is working hard to compliment its efforts,” he said.

He urged the public to cooperate with the local government so as to make the ancient city a better place. The chairman of the Badagry Tourism Committee, Mr Babatunde Ajose, had earlier given the assurance that the committee was determined to improve tourism in the ancient city. He urged investors to tap into the tourism potentials of the area by investing into sector in Badagry.

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Tours & Travels

Expert: What Nigeria needs to develop tourism Simon Ugwu with Agency report An Aviation and Tourism Expert, Ikechi Uko, says that Nigerian tourism sector cannot develop faster without a viable National Carrier with capacity to control the country’s market.

Uko, who is also the organiser of the popular Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, made this assertion in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that while some countries used aviation to develop tourism, others were able to grow their aviation industries with the tourism potentials available to them.

According to him, if you already have an airline, you start a holiday companies that go with the airline to be able to fill up your seats.

He said: “Those holiday companies help you fill your aircraft with passengers because tourism rides on the wings of airlines as most travellers today go by air.

“You cannot run a tourism industry without the air access; it is very difficult because both aviation and tourism depend on each other to succeed.

“In Nigeria, Uwvie because we don’t have a national carrier, there are just airlines that are taking people to their destinations.

“Nigeria is a big outbound market because of the absence of the national carrier that supposed to drive the

market.

“We need our own national carrier that would bring people to Nigeria and market our tourism.

“So, some countries would start with an airline and tourism will follow while some who already have airline would develop their tourism to drive the airline.

Uko disclosed that Emirates Airlines used aviation to promote tourism in Dubai; Kenya Airways market Kenya tourism, while South African Airways market South African tourism.

He added that Ethiopian Airlines was currently marketing Ethiopian tourism through its Holiday Company

even though the country was not a popular destination at the moment.

The expert said that Nigeria had the best opportunity for emerging tourism brand like nice meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibition with huge for experience.

He said that the huge tour-

ism potential in Nigeria include the Nollywood and the Calabar Carnival, adding that people needed to come into the country to see those things.

According to him, Calabar carnival is the biggest street party in Africa and one of the leading ones in the world, while Nigerian churches are

OlumoRock

Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe ‘has moved on’ after Mugabe’s televised challenge

Mnangagwa

Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Friday said Zimbabwe “has moved on’’ when responding to claims by former President Robert Mugabe that his ascendancy to power is illegal.

Speaking for the first time in a television interview on Thursday night since his resignation in November 2017, Mugabe said Mnangagwa came to power via a coup and that he was willing to discuss with him to resolve the matter

“I don’t hate Emmerson.

I brought him into government. I would want to work with him but he must be proper,” Mugabe said in the interview aired by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

“And if it is to correct that illegality that he would want me to discuss with him, I’m willing. We must undo this disgrace which we have imposed on ourselves,” Mugabe said.

In response, Mnangagwa said Mugabe was free to express his opinion like any other citizen.

The president said in a

statement that the government continued to honour its obligations towards the former president’s welfare and benefits. Mugabe has previously said the state was not giving him his full benefits.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe had moved on and was focusing on preparations for free and fair elections set for mid-year. “This is a key step in the immense task at hand, which is to lift our people from the effects of years of severe economic regression and international isolation,” said Mnangagwa.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

4 Easy ways to put more money in your pocket Irrespective of good intentions, mental tics and trip wires often undermine one’s efforts to save more, reemphasising that one’s brain and wallet aren’t always on speaking terms.

Behavioural finance economists have shown that ones you spend less, you would better manage your money, Of course, that’s old news.

What’s new: a report out this month from Common Cents, a financial research lab at Duke University, with findings from 38 projects and experiments — one of the largest applications of behavioural economics of its kind — that help identify ways to counteract those unhelpful impulses and improve your financial health.

Forbes.com in a recent report on how to manage your resources better noted that “The key is to figure out ways to make doing the right thing with your money easier,” says Common Cents cofounder and head of research Wendy de la Rosa. “Or, if you can’t make it easier, give yourself extra motivation to act.”

Your brain and your wallet aren’t always on speaking terms. Despite good intentions, mental tics and trip wires often undermine efforts to save more, spend less and better manage your money, a large and growing body of research by behavioural finance economists shows.

Of course, that’s old news.

What’s new: a report out this month from Common Cents, a financial research lab at Duke University, with findings from 38 projects and experiments — one of the largest applications of behavioural economics of its kind — that help identify ways to counteract those unhelpful impulses and improve your financial health.

“The key is to figure out ways to make doing the right thing with your money easier,” says Common Cents cofounder and head of research Wendy de la Rosa. “Or, if you can’t make it easier, give yourself extra motivation to act.”

Although Common Cents works primarily with financial services firms to create tools and apps that help low- and moderate-income families, the insights can be adapted to benefit people of any age or income.

The following four hacks were recommended by de la Rosa and co-founder Kristen Berman as especially suited to your money, to nudge you into acting in your own financial best interest.

Use Natural Milestones as Motivation Have a significant birthday coming up? If you’ll soon turn, say, 55, 60 or 65, you can use the red-letter date as a catalyst to tackle financial tasks you may have been putting off, such as updating your will, reviewing your retirement plan with an adviser or shopping for longterm care insurance.

In an experiment with Silvernest, a company that matches older homeowners who want extra income with potential renters, Common Cents built on earlier research showing that people are more prone to engage in life-altering behavior as they approach a new decade. To attract homeowners to Silvernest’s service, researchers designed two Facebook ads. One read, “You’re getting older. Are you ready for retirement?

House sharing can help.” The other ad began instead with a reference to a specific birthday — saying for example, “You’re 64 turning 65.”

Out of some 75,000 homeowners who saw the ads, more than twice as many clicked on the age-specific one, which drew an overall response rate more than five times the norm for Facebook. The conclusion, says Berman, “When you call out a pivotal age, even if it doesn’t end in a zero, people feel the need to make meaningful changes in their lives.”

How to hack it: In the months and weeks before a

milestone birthday, make a short list of specific financial tasks you want to be actively working to accomplish by that age. Behavioral economists call this pre-commitment.

“People are much more likely to make decisions and plans for their future selves,” says Berman. “Your future self almost seems like another person, one who is removed from today’s temptations and will make perfect life choices.”

Then, put the action plan on your calendar for the week or so before your birthday as a reminder and nudge yourself again a couple of days before, and on, the actual day. “When you finally hit the milestone birthday, you’ll have an action plan in place, a commitment to do it and the motivation to follow through,” Berman says.

Make a taxing commitment In a recent survey of more than 5,000 adults by GoBankingRates, older taxpayers were the most likely to say they planned to save their tax refund. But how do you ensure you’ll actually do it?

As with committing in advance to steps you’ll take before a milestone birthday, pledging to save your refund before you get your check increases the chances that you’ll follow through.

Minimize your regrets Like the old Frank Sinatra song, when it comes to regrets, consumers have a few. Among

the most common: eating out.

Analyzing more than 30,000 transactions on the financial management app Qapital, Common Cents found that users were 70% more likely to regret spending on purchases at restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food joints than other outlays. Similarly, a survey last year by the professional resources website Hloom found 52% of boomers and 62% of Gen Xers felt they wasted too much money on eating out — the top answer by a landslide.

How best to cut back?

Standard advice suggests budgeting a set amount per week or month for eating out.

But the jury is still out on whether that works in real life.

To find out, Common Cents researchers surveyed more than 1,400 consumers, asking them to rate budgeting as a technique to curb restaurant spending, along with other methods including limiting the number of times you go to a restaurant (say, twice a week or only on weekends); the places where you can dine or the amount you allow yourself to spend on a single meal.

How to hack it: The winning strategy was to limit the number of times you eat out — in the test case, to twice a week. Consumers rated their chances of success 24% higher with this approach versus weekly budgeting and thought they’d save, on average, 64% more money a month.

Leverage mental math When you think about money — your income or your monthly bills, for example — chances are you visualize whole, round numbers. You may pay $1,064.56 a month for your mortgage and average $237 monthly for utilities, but in your mind, that’s about $1,100 and $250, respectively.

Taking advantage of a natural tendency to round amounts to what de la Rosa calls “psychologically pleasing numbers” can help you pay off debt faster or boost savings.

“You’re already thinking of the amounts that way, so you can apply those additional dollars to loan payments or shift them to savings without feeling like you’re paying extra,” she says.

That’s what Common Cents found in an experiment with the lending platform EarnUp, which syncs mortgage and other debt payments to when you get paid at work. Users were sent one of two emails touting a technique to retire their debt sooner and save on interest. The difference was in the framing — one email asked users if they wanted to pay a little extra on their mortgage, the other asked if they wanted to round up their payments to the nearest $50.

Even though the amounts involved were the same, framing the request as a “round up” boosted the number of borrowers who chose to pay more by 35%. Their estimated savings: $8,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

Business Features

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, March 17, 2018

Other firms can now provide meters to power consumers – NERC

By Simon Ugwu In the past power distribution companies had the sole responsibility to provide meters to consumers but the table has turned.

The DISCOs no longer have the sole responsibility of providing meters to electricity consumers anymore, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission declared on this week.

According to NERC, a new regulation, unveiled has now introduced another class of operators in the power sector called Meter Asset Providers.

The Commissioner, Legal, Licensing, and Compliance, NERC, Dafe Akpeneye, said MAPs would now take up the duty of providing meters to customers, among other functions.

Akpeneye, who spoke at the 25th Monthly Power Sector Meeting, said the commission saw the nonavailability of meters as a very serious concern and met with consumers, DisCos, financiers and other stakeholders across the industry in order to solve the problem.

He said, “We all arrived at the same answer that we have to do something different. We can no longer leave this very important obligation to the distribution companies alone; other players have to come into this space. So, we went about creating the NERC Meter Asset Provider Regulation, 2018. What does this seek to do differently?

“In the past, we left it as a sole responsibility of the DisCos in their performance agreement that they are to meter customers. It’s been over four years since privatisation and customers are still complaining.

So, to solve this problem, we are creating a new class in the industry called Meter Asset Providers.”

He added, “MAPs will be independent people who will be approved by NERC but contracted by the Discos to bridge the metering gap. In doing this, there will

Meters

Fashola be various options available to customers.

“Electricity consumers will now have the option of self-financing. Those who

don’t want this will be able to obtain meters from MAPs and there will be a metering service charge spread over a period of 10 years.”

Akpeneye said the regulation would attract over N200m worth of investments into the sector through meter production, adding that local content requirement was captured in the law.

He stated, “MAPs do not only have the responsibility to provide meters, but they also have the responsibility to ensure that those meters are maintained and replaced within 48 hours if anything goes wrong with a meter. This regulation will not only address the issue of metering, but we estimate that it will attract an investment of over N200m in the next three years in the industry and will create jobs.

“We’ve introduced local content requirement into

the regulation and with its commencement, it is estimated that at least 30 percent of all meters deployed must be procured from local manufacturers and assemblers. As the regulation progresses, the need to use local providers will be increased in line with the NERC local content regulation.”

Commenting on the regulation, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, explained that the government had to settle a meter contract problem that lasted for 14 years before it could actualise the Meter Asset Provider Regulation, 2018.

He stated, “The next thing to do is to implement the regulation and that will require the cooperation of all stakeholders in the value chain.

The government decided to pursue an out-of-court settlement on a meter contract that was awarded since 2003, which was held up in court until 2017.”

Life&

TIMES Saturday, March 17, 2018

Ini Dima-Okojie: On a mission to change face of Nollywood L2, 3

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

I’ll like to see more platforms, channels available to showcase works thespians put in – Ini Dima-Okojie Ini Dima-Okojie is a Nollywood actress and TV host who began her career in 2014. The fast-rising actress, who quit her job as an investment banker in her best foot forward, fashion-wise as she is known for her versatile, chic, and sometimes adventurous style. In this chat MUTIAT ALLI, the talented actress who pays attention to details at all times led us into her acting world, fashion, challenges, and ideal man amongst others.

Enjoy‌ What inspired you to go into acting?

I have always been intrigued by the art of acting; the fact that I get to assume a character totally different from who I am, acting affords me the opportunity

the courage to quit investing banking in 2013 and enrolling at New York Film Academy. That set the tone for my journey and everything that I am today.

reality for a brief period is quite a kick. Acting is an interesting art I tell you. northern character challenged me, it made me push And what was your parent reaction on your desire to go into acting?

I was initially very worried about telling my parents

my mum and she said that she would support me.

My dad was also quite supportive, even though he was a bit skeptical. I later quit my job and went to the New York Film Academy to study. I came back to Nigeria in 2014 and that was how this journey began.

Education background?

I attended Air Force Primary School and Air Force Comprehensive School for my elementary and postelementary education respectively. I later went to Covenant University where I studied international relations. Upon graduation, I became an investment banker. I have always been good with numbers and

bold choices but still with a subtle delivery. It also had with it lessons on culture, a different belief and a peek into the mind(s) of what happens on the other side of the divide and how as different as we are, when we come together and blur the lines on the symphony in Unity. Playing Teniola Bhadmus on

beauty of it

encountered?

One of my biggest challenges was breaking in to share what I had and put all of the knowledge

there for a while.

ready to work, and here I was faced with seemingly

and myself as an actor you never stop learning, told and I got a chance to do what I love doing, alongside some of my colleagues and friends in the industry.

On a personal level, I like to stretch myself whether it is learning a new skill, language, and acquiring

When I did get an opportunity to work no matter how big or small the platform; I threw my entire being into it, I was ready and I was ready to be even more ready. As an actor in this industry and as a challenges from available platforms for content to distribution, however that resilient Nigerian spirit,

Life&

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

‘My mother is the greatest influence in my life’ Who or what do you consider as the greatest

Interview L3

Society circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Quincy Herbals Detox Tea headlines Oscars Award

On billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote’s daughter, Fatima The joy of every parent is to share in their joy whenever it is time for them to exchange marriage vows.

As they look at the beautiful woman and handsome dude before them in their lovely wedding attire, they on how lucky they are to have been blessed with wonderful kids.

No doubt, this is what best describe Nigerian business tycoon, Aliko had the pre-wedding dinner of his daughter, Fatima and her pilot fi-

At the Oscar, prestigious goody bags were given out to A-listers.

They received £100,000 dollar worth of treats, including holidays, jewellery and skincare products. In the bags were things like Edible jewellery from chocolatines, underarm sweet patches from Dandi Patch, a 12-night Tanzania trip for 2 from international expeditions, a 7 day Hawail trip at Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu, a week long spa retreat at Golden

and follide stimulant, organic, vegan and small-batch delicacies Lollipops, 10 piece inception of beauty make up set, M. Y. O cosmetic clutch,

ancé, Jamil Abubakar in Kaduna over the weekend.

Their wedding took

place in Kano on Friday, March 16 and it promises to continue in Lagos on March 24.

Between Gov Ayodele Fayose and Babafemi Ojudu

Quincy Ayodele

These are happy times for Mrs. Quincy Ayodele, the founder of Quincy Herbal Slimmers. This is because her herbal slimming products are doing so well in the global market. Over the last few days, the company, Quincy Herbal Slimmers made headline news in many U.S papers and magazines, especially in Hollywood, because one of its products Quincy Herbals Detox Tea was featured in the luxury gift bags for the just held Oscars. FOX NEWS reported that some A-listers like Meryl Streep, Damzel Washington, Woody Harelson, Octavia Spencer, just to mention a few had the Quincy Detox tea and enjoyed its

Fatima and Jamil

Qumere anti-aging skincare, Paiva Aloe Cleanser and mask and Quincy Herbals Detox tea, to mention a few of the products.

Many newspapers and magazines ran the story. Mirror had the headline: ie bags: See the $100,000 gifts this According to Mirror of UK the boxes contain an exciting array of extravagant holidays, posh cosmetics, Spa gets. Cosmopolitan Magazine also ran the story. Fox news did too, so also USA Today and even FORBES magazines.

Hayley Cuccinello, a Forbes Staff, in an article titled Inside The £100,000 Oscars Gifts Bag Of 2018, wrote: only a select few will set to take home the Gold at the 90th Academy Awards on Sunday, but the losers will not got home empty-handed. For the past 16 years, Distributive Assets has rewarded Oscar nominees with a lavish assortment of freebies, ranging from vibrators to all-inclusive vacations to diamond jewelry.

The Everyone Wins Nominee Gift Bags are sent to all 25 nominees in the acting and directing categories in the week leading up to the Oscars ceremony. The event took place on March 4th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Ayo Fayose and Babafemi Ojudu

Saying the battle between the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose and opposition on who become the next number one citizen of the Fountain of Knowledge state, Ekiti have started is like stating the obvious.

While governor Fayose is busy campaigning for his deputy to take up the mantle of power to continue his community service and commitment to humanity so also Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a Nigerian journalist turned politician is also busy strategizing on how to take the power back from People Democratic Party after his party All Progressive Congress lost it to them during the 2015 general election.

Few days ago, the governor took

the Babafemi is risking jail term if he continues to mount billboard without paying the necessary dues to the authority.

Trust Ojudu, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters who is battle ready, he replied the self acclaimed Oshokomole of Yorubaland immediately asking if that was how he his unrealistic 2019 presidential ambition.

Ojudu had thrown his hat into the Ekiti governorship race under the banner of the APC in an elaborate declaration that recorded a large number of loyalists at the Ekiti State capital city, Ado, on March 9, 2018.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Society circle L5

Isaac Oguntoye

Fatima Ganduje, Idris Ajimobi’s Youth tips Abdulquadri Olubaji for public office Ibadan wedding -

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Our dream for Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone –Wilson Wu

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Money man, Jide Omokore basks in old glory

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Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Lami Phillips comes into her own alongside Tiwa Savage in hot new visuals for “So Amazing”

Ojaja Talent hunt announces audition date

Afro Soul Diva and First Lady of Alterplate Records, Lami Phillips has released the stunning visuals to her latest single “So Amazing” featuring Mavins first lady Tiwa Savage.

The song, which has a message bursting with energy and optimism, is currently enjoying heavy rotation on radio and online following publicised

joining

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife

of

record label last month.

Featuring the visual directing skills of Clarence Peters, the video displays Lami Phillips in a way she has seldom been seen before, crackling with joy and confidence as she addresses the world with her message of victory: nobody gonna get to woman I can fly, higher

Lami Philips and Tiwa Savage

than the limits in my mind.”

Tiwa Savage adds her usual sultriness to the visuals, creating a delightful contrast beand her sexy, laid back appeal. While Lami projects a message about overcoming the odds in her path and experiencing transformation, incorporating

a surprisingly good rap of an artiste who is at the top of her game and does not allow other fluence her view of herself.

The team credited with putting the visuals together includes Clarence Peters, Bimpe Onakoya, Tiannahsplacempire, and Debolainc.

Odunsi the engine out with ‘In the Morning’

Organisers of the second edition of Ojaja II Talent Hunt show have announced dates for the auditions of this competition.

According to a statement from the organisers, while sale of forms commences March 12 and runs till April 5, auditions come up in Lagos at Silver Cafe Lounge, Ozone Cinema, Yaba from April 9 to 10. In Ibadan, it will hold at Mauve 21 from 12 to 14, while the Ilorin and Akure auditions come up at Princess Luxury Hotel from April 16 to 17.

For Ekiti and Ondo states, interested participants will be auditioned

from April 19 to 21 while April 23 to 25 will be for Oshogbo and Ile Ife residents at Plan B Lounge, Opposite Ife Grand Resort will be the venue for Ile-Ife. talent hunt which will be featuring top music artistes and producers, Director of the project, Olasoji Olatunde noted that contestants stand a chance to go home with a star prize of one year recording and promotion in Nigeria and London, cash prize, scholarship to a music school as well as loads of other freebies.

According to Prince Babajide Fadairo, CEO House of Oduduwa (the the hunt is further proof

commitment to youth development and empowerment.

He further revealed that the hunt will span across seven Yoruba speaking states of the Federation, UK and the United States of America.

Powered by His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, the event is packaged by Nuff Jamz Entertainment run by Olasoji with support from Ms Fehintolu Odejide, the CEO of Black Music Initiatives.

Activities open with a carnival April 30 and runs till May 5 while the grand Ife Grand Resort And Leisure, Ile-Ife.

Nollywood actress, Mary Uranta loses dad tress Mary Uranta was recently thrown into a state of gloom.

The actress who just lost her father made this known on Sunday, March 11 via her Facebook page. The late Albert Magnus Uranta died at 76 and was a clergy before his death.

Odunsi

Afro-fusion artist Odunsi the Engine has proved that he is a rising star and a force to be reckoned with. “In The Morning” released with Universal Music Group, is a mix of rhythmic bounce and RnB/ Dancehall following his

Produced by DOZ, In The Morning hints on relationship strains and trust issues. He sings “I really want to contemplate, but this is what I have to say to you, girl you better watch your ways, because you

know in the morning, be looking for me in the morning”.

The brilliant fusion of RnB and Dancehall tells sic. It is a tune that suits your mood especially this holiday season.

“God saw him getting tired, and a cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around him and whispered “Come To Me” with tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him slowly fade away.

Although we loved him

Mary Uranta

put to rest. God broke our hearts just to prove to us He only takes the best.

Rest in the bosom of God him stay. A golden heart of Abraham daddy, till we stopped beating, a warrior meet to part no more”.

Since the news broke, many of her fans and colleagues have been posting comments on her page sympathising with her.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

BBN 2018: Who leaves Big Brother House tomorrow?

L7

Black Panther star, Sope Aluko joins Marvel’s venom

...as Tobi, Alex, Lolu, Miracle, Cee-C, Anto, Bambam and Teddy A up for eviction

Nigerian-born actress Sope Aluko lion Dollar grossing phenomenon, Black Panther has inked a deal to join Spiderman spinoff starring Tom Harer, Shaman in Black Panther, joins cinematic universe.

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A trained dramatic actress, prior to Black Panther, Sope Aluko who was raised in the United Kingdom and speaks four languages including her native Yoruba had appeared in major studio movies like Pitch Perfect 2 and

Sope

Sope Aluko will also be seen on She has also scored recurring roles ner Sam Rockwell and Golden Globe winner, Taraji P. Henson in the true - life drama, The Best of Enemies com-

Cross-section of housemates for possible eviction tomorrow

Eight housemates are up for possible eviction, following the dissoluRic-hassani

Big Brother. The housemates up for

the Big Brother house seem to have come at her detriment because fellow housemate Anto, deemed her profuse wailing as immature and wor-

Simi takes the stage on Sunday Live show

include Anto, Cee C, Lolu, Bambam, However all the nominated housemates except Bambam and Cee C received two nominations each during Immediate past Head of House (HoH), Bambam, turned out to be the least popular housemate after she received the highest number of votes with Lolu, Tobi, Alex and Nina all nominating her.

Controversial housemate Cee C, received the second highest number pleased with her recent accusations towards Tobi

He said; “I nominated Cee C because she made unfair accusations towards Tobi”.

“I nominated Alex because she might not be mature enough to handle the N25 million after last night,” Anto said. the house was the twist in the nomination process.

Big Brother, known for twisting and changing the principle of the game, time in BBNaija “Double Wahala.”

Simi

“chance card” that will reveal either options.

The result of the nominations saw more than three third of the housemates closer to losing the grand prize. vealed that she was immune from nominations making herself and Rico -

taken the eviction of her love interweek.

is all set to perform at the ongoing Big song is one of the songs off her album The leading Nigerian singer will serIn the visuals, Simi confesses her unshow with her incredible voice; she is expected to dish out hits from her repertoire of great singles off her sophomore album Simi would join the list of some other Nigerian artistes who had performed at the BBN house including Praiz, Dr. Sid and YCee.

would love him so much that without him

Filmworks, shows the singer in her great elements.

Relationship L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Reignite the lost spark in your relationship

talk to each other.

infatuated by each other:

to woo each other and surprise each other, at

yourself. How would you care for your appearance if