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Continuous stay of Mahmoud as NBA boss raises dust

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ÏÏÏ Controversy is now trailing

the status of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) as some stakeholders are now ques-

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WAPCO

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Continued on page 7

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 343

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

GAINERS AS AT April 13, 2017 STANBIC

tioning the propriety of his continuous stay in office, following a recent court judgment.

The Daily Times recalls that Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on March 30, 2017, nullified the 2014 and 2015 constitutions of the NBA under which Mahmoud was elected as

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LOSERS AS AT April 13, 2017 1.93%

FO

44.65

44.00

-1.46%

UACN

14.96

14.90

-0.40%

Recovered $43.4m, 27,800 pounds, N23.2m:

We’ll speak soon -EFCC

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ÏÏÏ Strong indications emerged Sun-

day night that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would this week make a pronouncement on the actual owner and the details of Continued on page 6

NNPC, Shell, ENI 12 take FID on OPL 245 despite court’s ruling

Four banks invested N1.9tr in bonds, T-bills in 2016 –CBN 6

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Mobil, NIPCO settle N90bn deal, name changes to 11Plc 6

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Kumuyi tasks Nigerians not to give up, live in peace with one another Esther Taiwo

ÏÏÏ The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has tasked Nigerians not to give up hope even as some have resorted to committing suicide due to the economic hardship in the country. He admonished them to keep hope alive stressing that things will soon turn out positively.

The cleric made this call on Sunday while fielding

questions from journalists at the end of ministry’s four day Easter retreat at the Deeper Life Conference Centre along Lagos-Ibadan expressway with the theme ‘Conquering with the Crucified King.’

He said that the importance of the Easter “is to remember Christ, what he has done for us through the heavenly father sent Who sent Him to die for us. Not only did He die but He was buried and He rose again on the third day which is

on a Sunday like this, so we are celebrating His resurrection, that’s why we are celebrating the dominion we have through the risen reigning Christ,” he said.

Pastor Kumuyi also urged Nigerians to live at peace with each other because if there is no peace, nothing much can be done adding that every section of the society should embrace peace in order to move forward.

On his word for Nigerians in the face of economic downturn in the country, he

said: “We should not give up, some people are taking their lives but they don’t need to do so because it is darkness before the dawn and when the light breaks in, darkness vanishes.

Hence how will people who have taken their lives enjoy the blessing of God when it finally comes.

“Every one of us will soon enjoy so there is need for us to continue to hope in the Lord because things will soon turn around positively.”

Earlier in his homily to the congregation, Kumuyi said the first priority for a real child of God is deliverance from sin saying once sin does not have dominion in the life of a Christian, then he would be able to withstand and overcome life’s challenges.

The General Superintendent also warned Christians who live double lives to desist from it because their sins will expose them after their death, saying that such would prevent

them from having dominion in life and making it to heaven at last.

“We have seen Christian brothers who we fellowship with together and they claim to be husbands of one wife but when they die, different women show up with their children and claim that the brother was their husband. Some others after death, cult groups would come to claim their bodies because they were part of them while alive,” he lamented.

Ayade moves primary health workers to agency, to pay them March, April salaries Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state has finally approved the movement of staff in the Primary Health system from the Unified Local Government Scheme to the CrossRiver State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) and ordered the agency to pay March and April salaries.

The approval was made after Ayade has signed a memo from the agency following the completion of a month-long screening exercise which marked the last hurdle for the state to achieve the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy of the federal government making it one

of the first in the country.

When contacted, the director general of the CRSPHCDA, Dr. Betta Edu, said that this “reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare for Cross River people as the administration and management of the primary health system which serves as an entry point into the Cross-River health system has now been streamlined and made more effective.”

This also qualifies the state to access the USD1.5 million available to it from the USD500 million World Bank grant for the revitalization of the Primary Health System and will position the state to achieve Universal Health Coverage by the end of 2020 she said.

40 Nigerian festival managers trained under MoU with British Council -Minister

ÏÏÏ The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said 40 Nigerian festival managers have been trained by the British Council on the management of festivals for economic gains, under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ministry and the Council.

The Minister made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, on a courtesy visit to his office.

“The MoU we signed with the British Council in Edinburgh last year has started yielding some fruits. In February, we had the first training of forty Festival Managers in collaboration with the British Council. This

is the first time that we are having this kind of collaboration between the British Council and the Ministry.

“These Festival Managers, on the successful completion of their training, have been assured that they will also be attached to various festivals all over the world where they will understudy the technical, financial and management aspects of festivals because we look at our culture and heritage as another area where we can diversify the economy,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said Nigeria has commenced discussion with Britain on how the country can learn from the British experience in combating the piracy of intellectual property in order to adequately monetize the creative industry in Nigeria.

L-R: Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie; Actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo; Actress/Senior Special Assistant, on Entertainment to Kogi State Governor, Mercy Johnson Okojie and another actress, Ebube Nwagbo, at the flag off of the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour in Awka ... at the weekend.

Recession: Cleric urges the rich to help the less privilege Andrew Orolua

ÏÏÏ The

Most Eminence, Baba Aladura, Dr. Larazus Onyeleonu, of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) worldwide, has urged Nigerians to accommodate and love one another irrespective of tribe and social class.

In his Good Friday’s massage, Baba Aladura Onyeleonu also tasked the rich to help the less privileged to overcome the challenges of this time.

He said that as children of God, we should extend love to our country, Nigeria, and be patriotic and sup-

portive of our government in the fight against corruption. It is also essential, he added, that “all of us should shun acts that undermine the development of our nation and make our best contributions toward the rebuilding of our nation.”

Onyeleonu further enjoined “Christians to pray that God will intervene in the affairs of our country, put us out of this recession and resolve the unrest in various parts of the country.

“We should also fervently pray for Christians who are being persecuted and killed in various countries of the world and remember those in different countries who

are experiencing war and natural disaster for comfort and protection,” he said.

Onyeleonu stated that Good Friday was the climax of Lenten season journey and it commensurate the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary where He willingly laid down His life in great sacrifice to ransom our souls and save us from eternal damnation.

He said that in this great sacrifice God demonstrated His great love for man.

In his sermon during the Easter Sunday Service the Chairman of Abuja Province Eternal Sacred Order Cherubim Seraphim (ESOCS), Special Senior

Apostle Idika Kalu Uma enjoined members to rededicate their lives to God because Jesus has set man free.

He said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a great victory over sins and death. It also means that believers who died in the Lord Jesus will resurrect at the appointed times.

Uma also said that Easter Sunday is important to Christians because it marks the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Therefore, we celebrate the victory granted us by the Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered dead, all principalities and demons.

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Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè ƍƏƈƋ ơƣè ƾƠơƣ

Recovered $43.4m, 27,800 pounds, N23.2m: We’ll speak soon -EFCC Continued from page 1 $43.4 million, 27,800 and N23.2 million recovered from an apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Operatives of the EFCC had on Wednesday found the staggering cash hidden inside the Osborne Towers.

The development was sequel to a tip-off by the whistle blowers who reportedly alerted the agency about the strange discovery at the Ikoyi home.

But a top ranking official has

confided in The Daily Times that the commission would soon disclose the actual owners of the humongous cash that was kept in a private home.

The source, who sought anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, stated that ongoing investigation on the recovered amount is almost concluded, saying that the details of the discovery would be made public this week.

He said: “The commission is about to complete investigation

on the recovered cash. I can also tell you that the operatives and top officials of the agency are in Lagos over matter.

“The operatives and the top officials are tiding up all the loose ends on certain issues. They are also trying to ensure that necessary details are not muddled up while trying to unravel the actual owners of the cash and the circumstances leading to the discovery of the money.

“Don’t forget that we have approached the court and secured

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interim forfeiture on the cash.

The commission will soon tell Nigerians what actually happened on the matter. I believe that certain pronouncement on the issue will be made known this week.”

Controversy has continued to trail the actual owner of the about N13 billion cash as various parties have reportedly laid claim to the money.

The Director General of the NIA, Ayodele Oke, was said to have claimed that the money belonged to his agency.

But the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has faulted the NIA’s claim, saying that the claim was false and insisted that the action was designed by the ruling APC -led Federal Government to cover-up on the grounds that the money belongs to Rivers State.

Wike also alleged that his immediate predecessor and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, kept the money in the said Ikoyi home.

Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, Wike alleged that, “If you recollect in 2015, we said that gas turbines built by former Governor Peter Odili were sold to Sahara Energy, business partners of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at $319 million.

“That money was used to sponsor the APC for the 2015 general elections. From the date of sale of the gas turbines to May 29, 2015, the money depleted from $319 million to $204,000. What was stashed at the Ikoyi residence was part of that fund. All the stories that the money belongs to the NIA are

fake”.

But Amaechi has denied the allegation, saying that the apartment and the money did not belong to him.

Amaechi further challenged Wike to proceed to court and present any evidence that could prove his ownership of the funds.

Speaking through his spokesman, Mr. David Iyofor, Amaechi described Wike’s claims as “malicious, frivolous and another failed attempt to divert attention from the mess he has created in Rivers State.”

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has taken his campaign for the Federal Government to release the $43 million dollars found in a luxury apartment in Ikoyi to the church, urging Christians in Rivers State to aggressively pray to God on the matter.

Speaking during an Easter Church Service at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Rumuepirikom, Gov. Wike said that the church had a responsibility to pray that God would touch the Federal Government to return the money to the coffers of Rivers State, because, according to him, the money belonged to Rivers State Government.

“We need the prayer of the Church because there is nothing that prayer cannot do. Pray that God should touch the Government of Nigeria, so that they will return the money to us. What we are interested in is for the money to come back to us.”

Continued on page 7

Four banks invested N1.9tr in bonds, T-bills in 2016 –CBN Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ

Four key Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in Nigeria invested a whopping N1.9 trillion in bonds and Treasury bills in the financial year ended, 2016.

According to the Financial Stability Report of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the DMBs are Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and Guaranty Trust Bank.

During the financial year under review, the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Debt Management Office (DMO), continued to mop up liquidity in a move to support the nation’s budget and curb inflation rate.

The commercial banks’ investment in the two major securities that include Treasury Bills (TBills) and bonds jerked up significantly in 2016, explaining why for instance, GTBank’s investment in securities gained 34 per

cent to N528 billion from N393.6 billion in 2015 while Zenith Bank’s investment in securities dropped by 6.4 per cent to N199 billion from N213 billion in 2015.

With strong and liquid balance sheet with continued growth led by loans and securities portfolio, Zenith Bank’s investment in T-Bills rose by 47.48 per cent to N557.4 billion from N377.9 billion recorded in 2015.

Access Bank investment’s in Securities gained 23 per cent to N229 in the year under review as against N186 billion in prior year.

Access bank, last year, had strong market position in foreign exchange and government securities trade, with the lead market share in the foreign interbank and fixed income market.

In addition, United Bank for Africa investment’s in securities closed 2016 at N970 billion, an increase of about 13 per cent from

N856.87 billion in 2015.

In the review period, Federal Government’s Bonds offered for sale (new issues and re-openings) was N645 billion, representing an increase of 9.32 per cent above the N590 billion offered in the first half of 2016.

The CBN said public subscription and sales decreased to N941.90 billion and N499.20 billion, at end-December 2016, from N1.18 trillion and N529.50 billion, at end-June 2016, respectively.

According to the CBN: “The decrease in subscription and sales were attributed to the liquidity constraints in the banking system which led to reduced patronage of Federal government bonds by banks despite the strong appeal of fixed income assets and the impressive yield on Federal government bonds.

“The price of in the banking system which led to reduced patronage of Federal Bonds at the secondary market declined

as a result of reduced transactions and demand, as well as increased banking system liquidity constraints and other macroeconomic uncertainties.”

The CBN, in its Financial Stability Report, explained further that the upward review of the interest rate to 14 per cent in the second half of 2016, and the sustained open market operations activities by the Bank which further reduced market liquidity, contributed to increased yield on federal government bonds in the secondary market.

On Treasury Bills, the report

by CBN said the T-Bills of 91-, 182- and 364-day tenors totaling N2.1 trillion were issued and allotted during the second half of 2016. This represented a decrease of 14.61 per cent, when compared with N2.5 trillion recorded as at June 2016.

The report explained that total subscription was lower at N3.62 trillion, depicting a decrease of

28.41 per cent, when compared with N5.1 trillion recorded in the first half of 2016.

CBN noted that the decrease in T-Bills issued, allotted and subscribed was attributed to the tight liquidity in the banking system precipitated by the sustained mop-up by the CBN, provisioning of funds by banks for the special foreign exchange interventions for Forwards transactions at the foreign exchange market.

“The holding structure of investments in T-Bills in the review period indicated that banks took up N887.14 billion, representing 42.28 per cent of the total T-Bills issued, as against N1.7 trillion, representing 71.05 per cent of T-Bills issued in the preceding period. Mandate and internal customers, and CBN take-up accounted for N1.07 trillion and N135.59 billion, respectively compared with N683.38 billion, and N28.00 billion in the first half of 2016.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

7 News

Continuous stay of Mahmoud as NBA boss raises dust

Continued from page 1

the NBA boss.

The judge’s verdict was sequel to a suit filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Supo Ojo. It is instructive to note that Justice Tsoho also voided the 2015 amended Constitution of the NBA for non-compliance with mandatory provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and also voided all actions howsoever described taken under the said constitution, amongst other reliefs.

The NBA has however filed an appeal against the judgment at the Court of Appeal in Abuja and a stay of execution of the verdict.

But The Daily Times exclusively gathered that the development is causing disquiet in the association.

The ongoing controversy has also prompted one the prominent leaders of the Bar, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to write to the Registered Trustees of

the NBA, warning them of the grave consequences of Justice Tsoho’s judgment.

According to Awomolo, it is inappropriate for the leaders of the Bar to seat on the fence in view of the weighty pronouncement of Justice Tsoho on the image of the NBA. Awomolo further decried a situation where the registration of the amended constitution of the NBA could be left unregistered where SANs had led the elected Bar officials, saying that the development is unthinkable and shameful.

In his letter to the trustees of the NBA, Awomolo said: “I write respectfully to invite your attention to the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, delivered on Friday, March 30, 2017.

“The implication of this judgment is so grave that it will appear as if we have been drawn back to 1992 when the bar association went into crisis that nearly terminated its existence.

“I recall that Chief F.R.A. Williams, SAN (of blessed memory), Alhaji Abudullahi Ibrahim, SAN, CON, Chief Tony Mogboh SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and Alhaji Muritala Aminu, OFR rose to support me and the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the 44 branches of the NBA to bring us a body corporate. Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, SAN was elected as President at the 1998 August Conference held here in Abuja.

“It is very sad to note that the trustees inadvertently, have left the association to the hands of successive elected leaders, some of whom by omission or commission lost sense of history and abdicated their responsibilities.

“It is unthinkable that an elementary thing like the registration of the amended constitution of the association can be left unregistered where Senior Advocates of Nigeria had led the elected Bar officials.

“It is my humble view that your leadership of the association as Registered Trustees is now called upon to put right the Bar association, failing which one can foresee the emergence of Regional Bar Associations and Law Societies.

“The arguments put into public domain by elected officers of the Bar association are very unfortunate.

No legal argument or unauthorised appeal can save the failure, negligence and responsibilities of the management of the Bar. This is not the time for sophistry of the law and legal technicality to elongate the tenure of the present officials.

Their desire to secure or save their tenure at the detriment of the association is sad, selfish and should be condemned by all of us.

“I wish to request that a meeting of the Board of Trustees be held very urgently to save the Bar from disintegration and put to rest fractionalization encouraged by the immediate

Recovered $43.4m, 27,800 pounds, N23.2m: We’ll speak soon -EFCC

Continued from page 6

The governor stated that contrary to the “false propaganda being peddled by the embattled Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, he has not declared war on the Federal Government, but the Rivers State Government was simply requesting the return of funds belonging to the state.”

Governor Wike continued: “I cannot declare war on the Federal Government. Anybody bringing Buhari’s name, should leave Buhari and face his own problems. The issue is who kept the money at the Ikoyi Residence. The money was kept there by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.”

He emphasised: “No amount of blackmail, no amount of distraction will stop us from getting our money,” alleging that between 70 and 80 per cent of the APC campaigns in 2015 were sponsored using funds sourced by the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation.

Speaking further, the Rivers State Governor said that the idea of the alleged selective war of corruption would not help development in the country and wondered why security intelligence allegedly worked on opponents of the Federal Government, but that when “glaring corruption issues pop up like the Ikoyi case, where Billions of Dollars belonging to Rivers State have been found, the war on corruption is suspended and diversionary tactics adopted.”

In a related development, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that looters of public funds are now burying money in their backyards, cemeteries and in deep forests.

The minister also stated that the whistle-blower policy has led to recovery of looted funds, saying that it is remarkable that the policy is an effective tool in the war against corruption Mohammed stated this in a statement made available on Sunday by his spokesman, Mr. Segun Adeyemi.

The minister also commended Nigerians for their

enthusiasm on the whistleblower policy. He added that their commitment have helped the government to tackle corruption through the useful leads which they made available to appropriate government agencies.

The minister said, “Since we launched the whistleblower policy, we have received immeasurable support from Nigerians. Yes, there is monetary reward for any information that leads to recovery of looted funds, but from what we have seen, most of the Nigerians who have come forward with useful leads were driven by patriotism rather than reward.

“Nigerians, fired by a fervid resolve to help banish corruption from their country, have daily inundated the offices of the appropriate government agencies with valuable information.

We have been told how looters have resorted to burying stolen funds in their backyards, in deep forests and even in burial grounds.

“Thanks to whistle-blowers, it is now clear that a rapacious few have pillaged the nation’s wealth through a vicious orgy of

corrupt practices. Thanks to the useful information provided by Nigerians, it is now obvious that more funds are in the possession of looters than are available to government at all levels to meets its obligations, including paying workers’ salaries, providing social amenities, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the security of lives and property”.

The minister also stated looters have continued to run helter-skelter, saying that many of them are even abandoning their loots at unusual places, including airports.

He further informed Nigerians that the federal government would not abandon the whistle-blower policy, saying that the policy would be rejigged to make it more effective as a tool for fighting corruption.

According to the minister, the recovered looted funds are safe, adding that as soon as the necessary reconciliation process and the ongoing litigations in some of the cases are concluded, the government will give a full account of the funds to Nigerians.

leadership of the association.

“We think our labour to save the association should not be allowed to waste on the altar of negligence and irresponsible leadership,” Awomolo added.

The senior advocate also addressed the letter to Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, (SAN), Chief Anthony Mogboh, (SAN), Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), Chief (Mrs) Prsicilia (Kuye), Alhaji Murtala Aminu, Registered Trustees of the NBA. But a cross section of lawyers interviewed over Justice Tsoho’s judgment on the status of the NBA president, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) have expressed divergent views on the matter.

Some lawyers said that it is hasty to ask Mahmoud to step aside, as an appeal has been filed against the judgment, insisting he should remain in office to avoid a situation that will create more problems for the association.

Pius Efulue and Richard Sekidika, both Abuja based legal practitioners, said that the blame for none registration of amended constitution of the NBA with the Corporate Affairs Commission should not be solely laid on the current leadership but all past leaders of NBA. But Sam Abi, another legal practitioner based in Abuja, said that the current leadership headed by Mahmoud, under whose tenure the court made the far reaching pronouncement, should resign as mark of respect for members of the association.

He was surprised like Awomolo that since March when the judgment was delivered, all the personalities concerned have been going

about their businesses as if nothing has happened.

Also, some Senior Advocates of Nigeria who were polled and who did not want their names in print, said it is an embarrassment to the association that the current President is still occupying that exalted position. They argued that the honourable thing for the President to do now is to resign to pave way for a fresh election into key positions of the lawyers’ umbrella body.

The senior lawyers who spoke exclusively to The Daily Times on Thursday said until that is done, the association may yet witness another crisis like it happened in 1992.

One of them said: “You journalists you know the truth but you fail to write it. Even the association is no longer criticising the government. What we hear every day is that we should support and encourage it even in the face of wrong acts. We need to be serious as lawyers and lead by example. Judgments of court, no matter how bad they may be, are meant to be obeyed. If we don’t obey court’s order, we have no moral ground to blame government when it does the same. Let him leave when the ovation is loudest”.

Arguing differently, however, another senior lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), had this to say: “Well, I am not aware of any nullification of the constitution by a Federal High Court, Abuja. The law is sacrosanct that a court cannot make an order to a party that is not before it.

The NBA President was never joined in the suit, the current president was never a party. I don’t think the judgment has any implications most people are attributing to it”.

IGP orders dismantling of illegal revenue roadblocks

ÏÏÏ The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the removal of all illegal road blocks by unlawful revenue collectors across the country.

A statement issued by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja on Sunday, said that the Special X-Squad Teams of the Force had been deployed to begin the exercise on April 17.

Moshood said that the exercise would remove obstructions on public highways and roads mounted by unlawful revenue and tax

collectors, NURTW among others.

Moshood said the XSquad Teams deployed were under strict instructions to also arrest, investigate and prosecute any person or group of persons found committing this illegal act. ” It is unlawful and contrary to the laws for any individual, or group under any name to take laws into their hands and block any Road or highway under the guise of collection of Revenue/Tax,” he said.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Gunmen kidnap monarch in Ondo, demand N15m ransom ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏ

Oba Joel Sunday Daodu, the Oniyani of Iyani Akoko in Akoko area of Ondo state, has been kidnapped by unknown armed men.

Oba Daodu was kidnapped along Ose/Oba Akoko axis of Ikare-Owo road while returning from an official function outside the outskirts of the local community.

A source who confirmed the news to journalists on

Sunday in Akure said the local monarch was immediately whiskered away by the hoodlums.

The source added that Oba Daoudu was kidnapped at the same spot where the former Regent of Akungba Akoko was

abducted in 2015.

Several sources said prominent people in the society mostly traditional rulers had narrowly escaped kidnapping on the road several time from the road.

Daily Times gathered

that the gunmen have demanded for the sum of 15 Million naira from the family of the monarch before he would be release.

Femi Joseph, the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO) in Ondo State in

the State confirmed the kidnapped case in an interview in Akure.

Mr. Joseph said efforts are on by the police intelligence unit to rescue the kidnapped local monarch from the den of his abductors.

C’River local government elections may not on June 17 Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ The Cross River state

local governments elections slated for June 17, 2017 by the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) may not hold as scheduled. Some of the reasons put forward amongst others were lack of resources (Money) and internal party wrangling.

The three major parties, People Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Party (APC) and Labour Party (LP) have not been able to set the ball rolling. There are confusions in virtually all the parties as they have not been able to conduct primary or produce candidates for the elections.

Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, it was gathered was keen on conducting the elections as he was comfortable with transition committees after Late Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam thrown out a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop the Governor from appointing caretaker committees. It was gathered that Justice Itam had ruled that the present leadership of the 18 local government areas headed by the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) were already acting in that capacity.

The CROSIEC Chairman, Mike Ushie had announced the elections timetable a few days before the judgment with the APC alleging that it was in fear of the ruling which it was sure will come out in their favor.

But, recent happenings

suggests that the elections may be postponed with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) cancelling the sales of intent and nomination forms with a prospective contestant complaining that; after turning us around, making us spend money for consultation and other things, we were told the Governor has ordered a stop to the selling of intent and nomination forms that elections will not hold at the date announced.

On the CROSIEC timetable, two activities were supposed to be ongoing; the submission of the particulars and details of the aspirants and tour of the state to sensitize traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders. “But no party has submitted anything and none has even published any guidelines for primaries neither have anybody purchased a form from CROSIEC to the best of my knowledge” a staff of the Commission who pleaded for anonymity stated.

The APC too is yet to publish guidelines as well as the Labor Party with a visit to their offices revealing little or no action taken place as aspirants lurk around.

Government sources said the Governor was not keen on conducting the elections as the state is facing financial challenges with the wage bill was currently put at 5.1 billion naira. It is also said that Governor Ayade’s fears was that the opposition parties may control some vital grounds which may work against him in 2019 as he seeks a second tenure.

Some participants at the Jos Carnival, Mountaineering Competition, carrying one their colleagues who slumped during the competition in Jos… on Sunday.

Man chains wife to generator in Ogun, arrested by police Oguntade Ismaila

ÏÏÏ A 37 years old man, Ifeanyi Ajaero, has been arrested by the police in Ishagamu police divisional headquarters of Ogun state for tying his 28yrs old wife, Obiageli Ajaero, to a generator for two days after she has been seriously battered.

The incident happened at Ewooluwo in Shagamu local government area of the state. The suspect, who

is a member of the already disbanded merchant navy, used an hand cuff to chain his wife who has become so weak as a result of serious beating from the husband.

The people in the neighborhood who had been witnessing frequent battering of the wife by the suspect informed the police of the latest happening consequent upon which the DPO Shagamu, Superintendent of Police (SP) Aduroja Mo-

ses led his men to the scene, rescued the victim and got the suspect arrested.

On interrogation, he admitted the crime, but claimed that his action is for self-defense.

However, according to the Ogun State Police Public Relation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Oyeyemi Abimbola, the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu who reportedly described the action of the suspect as

the height of wickedness, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the anti human trafficking and child labour unit of the State Investigation and Intelligence Department (SIID) for further investigation and prosecution.

He said that the state police boss has warned residents of the state that the command will not tolerate any act of domestic violence, no matter who is involved.

Tambuwal commends Sokoto Assembly for passing Right to Education law ÏÏÏ Governor Aminu Wa-

ziri Tambuwal has commended the Sokoto State House of Assembly for passing the Right to Education law which seeks to provide free and compulsory basic education to all children in the state.

In a statement issued Sunday in Sokoto by his

spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Governor said the lawmakers deserve special praise considering the diligent manner they committed themselves to the passage of the important legislation.

“This is a key intervention in our effort to expand access to education in our

dear state. The decision to pass this law has given us the necessary legal framework to push forward our policy of the state of emergency we declared in the sector over a year ago.

“We commend especially members of the Assembly’s committee on education who showed enough

zeal and determination to convince their colleagues to pass the bill at a record time.

“As the first state in Nigeria to make education justiciable right, we hope to implement the provisions of the law to the latter. For us, the work on realising our objectives

for the education sector has only just begun. We seek the support and cooperation of members of the public and all stakeholders, local and international, to enable us provide quality and accessible education to our children,” the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

He said the working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state is worthy of emulation from all and sundry, adding that the same zeal would be extended to ensure smooth passage of other executive bills currently before the lawmakers.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

s

Obaseki signs CDA bill into Law, presents copy to Oba of Benin Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, signed into law, a bill to prohibit forceful and illegal occupation of landed property by community Development in Edo. The governor immediately presented a copy to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, in his palace.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that Oba Ewuare, it was, who initiated the move to scrap activities of Community Development Association (CDA) in the state.

The Oba in his coronation speech, decried the nefarious activities of the association, which had affected land acquisition and development by citizens and investors in the state.

Presenting the copy of the new law to the Oba, Obaseki said the signing of the bill into law was historic for his administration.

He said the implementation of the law would make the state to become more investor -friendly and would bring about speedy development of the state.

He said “My administration believes that the way to sustainable development is to unleash and nurture our productive energy and that of investors.

“Investment will not thrive in a lawless environment, it is a thing of pride that we signed this bill into law,” he said.

The governor commended the Oba for his support in making the law a success.

He said “our state has witnessed an aberration, our land tenure system before and during the colonial era was rated as the best, but it has been turned around by some nefarious activities of CDAs. “It was therefore a thing of joy during your coronation that you will undertake the task to pull down the. CDA structure” he said.

Obaseki called for the support of the chief judge of the state and security agencies towards the implementation of the law.

He said that a task force chaired by a

Gov. Obaseki

retired Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, had been constituted to drive the enforcement of the law and supervise all matters related to it.

He noted that the state government was not unaware that the law would displace many of the youths that were involved in the CDAs activities, adding that government was ready to empower them.

The governor urged the public to be familiar with the provisions of the law, saying that `ignorance of the law is no excuse.”

Welcoming the governor and his entourage to the palace, Oba Ewuare said the new law signified a major milestone

in the present administration and that of his reign.

He commended the governor and the Edo House of Assembly for their swiftness in the passage of the bill into law.

He said that the prompt consideration given to the bill showed that the governor was ready to do a lot more for the state.

He said” I want to say that today is historical and I am personally overwhelmed.

I was really upset with the activities of CDA in the state.

“I saw the need to tackle the issue of CDA as their actions became destructive. The governor bought into the idea and decided to draft a bill to criminalise their activities.

“I want to commend the governor for this step taken as many people expressed doubts about his willingness to work with the palace but he has dispelled such fears,” he said.

The Oba also assured of rehabilitation and empowerment for the youths who were members of the CDAs. Earlier, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Justin Okonoboh, presented the bill to the governor for his assent at the government house.

Okonoboh said the new law was not all about prohibiting CDA’s activities in the state but also prohibited forceful entering into people’s landed property.

He said “the CDA Law also protects widows’ rights to their husbands’ property”. (NAN)

Nasarawa tasks youths on productive activities The Nasarawa State government has called on youths in the state to engage in meaningful and productive activities to enable them to contribute their quota to national development.

The deputy governor of the state, Mr Silas Agara, made the call in Garaku while opening a two-day youth summit organised by Mada Youth Movement, Garaku chapter, Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by Mr Dandaura Tsetse, his Special Assistant, Agara advised youths to engage themselves in meaningful ventures and shun social vices that

could destroy their future.

The deputy governor urged the youths and other Nigerians to continue to contribute their quota to the development of the country.

He said that the cornerstone of successful living were serious hard work, dedication, strength of character and the fear of God. He, therefore, advised youths in the state to embrace education so as to become productive and useful citizens.

“Imbibe the fear of God, be humble, disciplined and respectful, and remain

focused in your academics as well as other endeavours, which are basic requirements for a successful life,” he added.

He also appealed to Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations for the overall development of the country.

Earlier, Mr Obadiah Audi, the association’s chairman, said that the summit was organised in order to promote unity and peace among Mada youths and other ethnic nationalities.

“It has also provided an avenue for the youths, my people and others to interact,

9

APC, strong, united in Oyo, says spokesman The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State says it remains a united and progressive platform through which the state will be developed.

Mr Olawale Sadare, APC Director of Publicity and Strategy in the state, said in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan that the party was not enmeshed in crisis as being speculated.

“Insinuation that all is not well with the state chapter of the APC is a figment of the imagination of some mischief makers who would wish that the party became scattered for their selfish benefits only.

“As much as we would have desired to see the opposition in other political parties as formidable enough to play the role expected of them, their camps are becoming more vulnerable to emptiness.

“This is simply because more discerning people are realising that the APC could deliver the goods regardless of the odds.

“The daily influx of influential members of the opposition into our great party is a pointer to the fact that APC is waxing stronger in the state,” he said.

He said that the “near confusion’’ experienced by the party in the build-up to the suspended local government council election was expected of a party to beat.

The ensuing agitations and healthy politicking within it, he said, should not be misconstrued for unrest or crisis of confidence.

According to him, the recent composition and inauguration of a Council of Elders of the party became necessary to further strengthen the mobilisation and crisis management machinery of the party at the grassroots.

“The council, though not a creation of the APC constitution, is purely an advisory body which was the initiative of both the governor and the Chief Akin Oke-led State Executive Committee.

“The council is not meant to replace the party executive committee at any level as being rumoured in some quarters, ’’ he said. (NAN)

to exchange positive ideas and pleasantries for the overall development of the state and the country at large.

“I also want to use this medium to call on my fellow youths and Nigerians to embrace western education and different skills acquisition programmes in order to be self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit featured paper presentations where resource persons enjoined the youths to pursue education with all seriousness so as to excel in life.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17 . 2017

2019: APC vows to take power from PDP in Ebonyi The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi State chapter, has said that the party will take over power in the state after the 2019 general elections.

Mr Eze Nwachukwu, APC state chairman, said that the days of misrule and maladministration by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state were numbered.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abakaliki in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, the party has strategised and repositioned its various organs to ensure the success of the party in Ebonyi in 2019.

“The people are disenchanted, discontented and confused with the misrule and maladministration orchestrated by the PDP-led government under Gov. Dave Umahi.

“APC is set and well repositioned to end the ignoble rule of the PDP government and we are just waiting on the lounge for 2019, ” Nwachukwu said.

He said that the number of registered members of the party and a horde of others defecting from the ruling party was an indication of the rejection of PDP and all that it stands for.

“The number of registered members of APC in the state is

Contributory Pension Scheme,

Umahi

Elechi

so intimidating that if elections were to be held this year (2017), that APC members alone can vote out the ruling party.

“Also the number of defections including heavy weight politicians from the ruling PDP to APC is an indication that PDP has collapsed like a pack of cards in the state and we are just waiting to take over in 2019,” he added.

Nwachukwu who faulted what he called the anti-workers

posturing of the Umahi administration, regretted that workers in Ebonyi civil service were being treated like slaves and sub-humans.

He said that workers had been denied promotion, annual leave allowance, regular training and retraining for capacity development since the inception of the administration.

Nwachukwu accused the government of alleged illegal pension deductions in the guise of

APC chieftain seeks overhaul of EFCC prosecutors in anti-corruption crusade A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Olabode Towoju, has called for a total overhaul of the list of prosecutors in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), if the government must win its anti-corruption crusade.

Towoju who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that it was necessary that the EFCC carried out a self cleansing of its legal department in view of the recent losses of high profile corruption cases in courts.

He called on the EFCC to do its work with diligence by providing incontrovertible facts in marshaling their arguments in courts since the court often relied on the evidence before it.

He chided the lawyers handling cases for the EFCC for losing serially, adding that it appeared most of them were not ready for the cases before proceeding to court.

Towoju said that any EFCC prosecutor seen not to be ready to handle his case diligently should be shown the way out.

“The prosecutors at the EFCC should always ensure that their evidence in court is quite over-

whelming so that the commission will not be seen as being incapacitated.”

The APC chieftain said that prosecutors working for the EFCC should get their acts together and do self cleansing, adding that losing high profile corruption cases would not be in the interest of the country.

Towoju called on the Nigeria Bar Association to call its members to order not to jeopardise the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He said that it would be in the interest of the association to support the fight against corruption, adding that selfless sacrifice was needed at this time to bring the nation on a sound footing.

Towoju equally called on the judiciary to embark on self cleansing by engaging judges that were fearless and rooted in the fear of God in handling corruption cases.

According to him, all hands must be on deck to fight the hydra headed monster that is plaguing the country.

He commended Buhari for his unrelenting effort to ensure that the country was rid of corruption and other issues that were stagnating the country.

non- payment of pensions and gratuities to retired workers, among others.

“We are speaking with facts and have not wrongly accused the governor; hence we are challenging his Excellency to disprove these accusations.

“The government has reneged in fulfilling the social contract it entered into with the people and therefore has no business remaining in power.

“APC is waiting on the lounge to take over the rein of political power in 2019,” he said.

He commended Chief Martin Elechi, the immediate past governor of the state for defecting to the opposition APC, saying that the entrance of the former governor would further boost the electoral fortunes of the party.

“The entrance of the former governor who is one of the foremost founding fathers of Ebonyi into the APC is a commendable action.

“Elechi is a consummate politician and technocrat, respected both within and outside the shores of Nigeria and his coming into the party is both symbolic and significant.

“His defecting from his former party into the APC demonstrates his progressive mindedness, selfless and patriotic lifestyle as well as his overall love for the state,” Nwachukwu added.

Benue Assembly confirms new sole administrators for 23 councils Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of the Directors, General Services and Administration, DGSAs of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state as Sole Administrators.

The confirmation followed a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijohor and read by the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange.

The Assembly confirmed the list without debate after a motion moved by the member representing Katsina-Ala East Constituency, Mr. Ianna Jato Jato said the appointment was in line with the law as amended in Section 21 of the constitution which states that tenures of sole administrators should not exceed six months.

“It further states that if after the six months, local government elections were not conducted, new sole administrators would be appointed again pending the conduct of the elections,’’ he said. (NAN)

Oyo issues appointment letters to 54 council caretaker chairmen The Oyo State government on Wednesday presented appointment letters to caretaker chairmen of 54 local government councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The letters were presented by Mr Bimbo Kolade, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, at the House of Chiefs, Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the letters were issued to 27 caretaker chairmen of local governments and 27 caretaker chairmen of the newly created LCDAs. NAN also reports that four local governments in Oyo Zone and Oriire Local Government Area as well as the six newly created LCDAs in both areas were exempted due to an ongoing litigation.

Two of the nominees, Mudasiru Agbaje for Irepo Local Government Council and Adeleke Taiwo for Asabari LCDA in Saki did not scale through the screening process at the Assembly.

Similarly, Mr Akeem Aransi, the Caretaker Chairman of Lagelu West LCDA, was removed hours before the swear-

ing-in ceremony and replaced with Mr Abiodun Oladeji.

Oladeji, it was learnt, would undergo the screening process.

Kolade said that the appointment letters issued to the chairmen would serve as an instrument of office.

He stated that the Assembly cleared 55 out of the 57 nominees sent to it while the governor inaugurated 54 caretaker chairmen.

Kolade said that the governor has sent new nominees for Irepo Local Government, Asabari LCDA and Lagelu West LCDA to the Assembly for screening.

“The House of Assembly did not compel us to issue letters to 54 caretaker chairmen. The governor sent 57 names to the Assembly and they approved 55.

“The governor changed the screened nominee for Lagelu West LCDA. The names of the new nominee and the earlier rejected two have been re-forwarded to the Assembly for screening.

“The governor conducted swearing -in for 54 caretaker chairmen and that is the government’s position,” he said.

The commissioner urged the chairmen to see the appoint-

ment as a call to service, particularly at a period of economic recession.

He said that the local governments and LCDAs were perceived as being the same, adding that none was superior to the other.

“All the chairmen should collect the new map of Oyo State from the Surveyor-General’s office and the gazette establishing the new LCDAs from the Ministry of Justice,’’ he said.

Dr Morohunkola Thomas, Executive Assistant to the governor on Political Matters, and Dr Isiaka Kolawole, Special Adviser on Economic Matters , both urged the chairmen to live up to expectation.

They both enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the governor in their respective councils.

Mr Niyi Adeagbo, who spoke on behalf of the caretaker chairmen, expressed gratitude to the governor for the privilege and opportunity given to them.

Adeagbo, who is the caretaker Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government Council, promised that they would all perform their duties to the best of their ability.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17 . 2017

Ganduje pledges to ensure independence for state anti-graft agency Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has pledged to ensure the independence of the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.

Ganduje made the promise when he hosted some visiting journalists in Kano.

“We have instituted an anticorruption bureau which is working very well. We made it independent. In fact, one of our commissioners has lost his job along with other three permanent secretaries and some directors after being indicted by the anti-graft body,’’ he said.

The governor said the state government would continue to ensure that the anti-graft agency remained independent so as to enable it discharge its duties without interference.

He commended the anti-graft commission for discharging its responsibilities as expected, promising to give it all the necessary support and cooperation to ensure effective service delivery.

He said the agency had a synergy with EFCC and ICPC in the area of training of its staff, pointing out that the EFCC recently chose Kano to launch the anti-corruption day.

Peace in PDP, Nigeria is prerequisite for growth —Ayade Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade has said that peace within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria in general remains a prerequisite for the growth and development of the country.

Ayade said this on Wednesday when the National Chairman of the PDP, Sen. Ali Modu-Sheriff paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Calabar.

According to Ayade, there is no ideological difference between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) or belonging to one faction of the party or the other.

“What Nigerians need now is peace and unity, there is indeed no ideological difference, whether you are in PDP, APC or you belong to one faction of the party or the other.

“If truly you put people above your person, you must allow peace to reign by recognising the challenges of the society.

“The challenges of the society have created in itself a structure that allows us to resolve conflicts and move ahead as a country,’’ he said.

The governor thanked the National Chairman for embarking on the peace mission across the

Ayade country, adding that it was important to unite all factions into one umbrella.

Earlier, Modu-Sheriff said that he was in the state to visit the governor with a view to uniting all factions and moving the party ahead.

According to him, he has paid similar visit to Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states with the sole purpose of uniting all factions of the party.

“As a great party, we need to work in unity and peace so that

Ekweremadu calls for extension of whistle blower policy to arms proliferation The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the Federal Government to extend its whistle-blower policy in the anti-corruption war to the proliferation of arms.

Ekweremadu made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr Uche Anichukwu in Abuja on Wednesday.

Anichukwu said Ekweremadu made the call when a delegation of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Abuja.

He said the right to life remained the single most important human right, saying that unless such illicit arms were mopped up, the mass killings and destruction would continue.

The Deputy President of the Senate, however, stressed the need for respect of human rights in the implementation of whistle-blower policy in the war against corruption and proliferation of arms.

He decried the level of killings in the country, saying that the

11 Politics

Sen. Ekweremadu Senate was worried about the situation.

“We just considered the report of the Senate Committee that investigated conflicts in many parts of Nigeria, especially the killings in Southern Kaduna.

“We asked the committee to go back and do more work, because the matter is such a very serious one.

“I also made it clear that as we have addressed money laundering and corruption with the whistle blower policy, it is time to bring that to bear on arms proliferation in the country.

“People keep arms all over

the place and some people know where they are.

“It is time that those who know where these arms are should be able to blow the whistle on them,’’ he said.

He said this would enable the security agencies to go after them and ensure that they were seized and destroyed.

Ekweremadu commended human rights community, especially HURIWA, for consistently standing up for the rights of Nigerians, adding that they were at the heart of democracy.

He urged stakeholders to take all legitimate steps to preserve the rights of citizens as well as uphold the constitution and rule of law.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, had commended the Senate for deepening Nigeria’s democracy and defending the Principle of Separation of Powers.

Onwubiko said the recent amendment to the Electoral Act, approving electronic voting was a cardinal move that would en-

Sen. Modu-Sheriff we can win the 2019 general elections.’’

He commended Ayade for his infrastructural development in the state, adding that he was the party’s best performing governor.

“If I am asked who the best performing governor of the party is, I will simply say that it is Gov. Ayade.

“I am very proud that Ayade is not only a digital governor, but also the number one governor in terms of performance.

“With what you are doing now, 2019 will be an easy ride for you. There will be no challenge and no vacancy in Cross River.’’

He also lauded the governor for appointing a Northerner, Mr Musa Maigoro, as his Special Adviser on Non-Indigene Affairs.

Modu-Sheriff later visited the state PDP secretariat where he urged the leadership to unite all factions in the state with a view to building the party to greater heights. (NAN)

Oyo committed to conduct of council poll–Ojo The Chief of Staff to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Dr Gbade Ojo, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to the conduct of local council election in the state.

Ojo, who declared open a twoday retreat for commissioners and staff of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) in Ibadan, said government was sincere in its commitment to conducting the council poll.

“Government is determined to conduct a credible council election. That is the reason it constituted OYSIEC and appointed commissioners as part of its readiness for the conduct of council election.

“Between 2011 and 2015, government did not constitute OYSIEC nor appointed commissioners because it was not ready.

“But now an electoral body has been put in place, it shows commitment to conducting the election,’’ he said.

Ojo further urged the commissioners and other staff to ensure the credibility of the electoral process, saying it was their responsibility to conduct a poll that would be acceptable to all.

He admonished the electoral body to comply with the local gov-

ernment laws of Oyo State that guides the conduct of council election.

Ojo also advised OYSIEC staff to familiarise themselves with the LCDAs boundaries in order to ascertain the number of councillors to be produced in the new wards to be created.

He called on the commission to make a representation to the governor soonest on the creation of the additional wards for proper documentation.

Ojo, however, cautioned the staff of the commission against collecting gratification from politicians, urging them to maintain their integrity.

In his opening remarks, Mr Jide Ajeigbe, the Chairman of OYSIEC, said the retreat would give the staff opportunity to get updated information on the electoral process.

Ajeigbe commended the state government for the retreat, saying this would boost capacity building.

Dr Aremu Fakolade, one of the resource persons at the retreat and Head of Special Education, University of Ibadan, said the retreat would enhance the job of the commission in conducting the poll.

News 12

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Abuja airport runway ready today, says FAAN boss Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ The Managing Director and

Chief Executive Officer of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has assured that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja runway will be ready today, Monday, two days before the re-opening date of the runway for air traffic.

Dunoma, who disclosed this to

newsmen in Abuja shortly after inspecting the runway, said the airport will be ready but will allow the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to certify it with the remaining two days.

“We will be ready by Monday the April 17 but we are leaving the remaining two days for Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), because they have to certify the airport, that what we have done is in accordance with their stan-

dards. If they do that, we will bring in the traffic. But if they do not, we have the opportunity of making corrections with the two days we have saved”.

On the reopening of the runway on April 19, Dunoma said: “No doubt about that, we will open it as scheduled. Just as I have said, we have been working with NCAA throughout the period, they have been making corrections. But for formality, we need to

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Mobil, NIPCO settle N90bn deal, name changes to 11Plc

ÏÏÏ Following a successful N90 billion acquisition deal between Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON) and NIPCO Plc, the Group Managing Director Of NIPCO Plc, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy, has disclosed that Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON) is set to change its name to 11Plc. Mr. Venkatapathy, who revealed this to stock brokers on Thursday while celebrating the successful completion of the N90 billion deal, expressed gratitude to the stockbroking community, and the capital market for a swift and seamless transaction.

He said: “I am delighted to be here with my Executive Management on this historic occasion of closing gong to the event which is our first public appearance on the Nigerian Stock Exchange after the recent attainment of majority shareholding in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc by NIPCO Plc offers veritable opportunity to share thoughts with the nation’s bourse on the milestone.

“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the support and cooperation of the NSE on the

acquisition process and the eventual approval to proceed with the exercise and the eventual approval of the deal.”

Venkatapathy also assured the NSE and other regulatory agencies that the expected due diligence will be implemented to the letter in all of the company’s transactions in the market and further spur investors’ confidence in the new management of the company.

“The acquisition which marks our avowed resilience of the Nigerian economy will no doubt enhance the continuous growth and expansion of our retail footprint in Nigeria as well as increase value and confidence to investors.”

Speaking further, he said: “The Group is confident that investors will benefit greatly from the deal as improved performance of the company as an integrated oil firm remains our priority objective”.

“As an efficient oil marketing company, NIPCO acquisition of MOBIL majority shares would bring economy of scale to the firm, benefit Nigerians and grow the economy.

check and make sure that all the necessary corrections meet the requirement of the civil aviation authority.”

According to the FAAN boss, the critical items of work are 100% except two items, the markings and the cleaning adding that other critical item which was not works but the inspection by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Dunoma stated that the NCAA

“We would be adding new businesses and works towards increasing the production of its lubes which has remained a cherished brand in the lubricant market.

“To all discerning investors, the deal is a big welcome to a new dawn and new era that will usher in stability, prosperity, sustainability and growth in the downstream sector in particular and the industry in general.

“The deal will definitely make the NIPCO Group bigger not only due to the acquisition but also the additional new business lines to be introduced to make the company one of the most proficient and best run outfit in the industry.

“The Group’s overall goal is to increase Mobil presence and efficiency across the nooks and crannies of the country and expand its retail footprint to a minimum of 300 at the earliest and make it a vibrant one.

It is pertinent to mention that in the landmark agreement signed with ExxonMobil, NIPCO will continue to use the Mobil brand and also continue to market Mobil lubricants.

will certify that the repairs that had been carried out was satisfactory and will then give the go ahead to bring in traffic to Abuja.

“Asphalt work is 100%, markings have reached almost 70%, the airfield lighting system has reached 80%,”said Dunoma He explained that there was additional work which has nothing to do with repairs but will be put in order with the windows provided by the airport closure adding that the levelling of all the airfield lightings’ locations and all the installations and flash with the ground surface were being carried out.

Concerning the calibration of Navigational Aids: Dunoma said: “We have not tampered with the Navaids. We just worked on the runway. What we tampered with is the airfield lightings and the airfield lightings are being returned to the same position.

The runway does not need calibration. All we need to check is to make sure there is 100 per cent illumination. Calibration is done periodically. When the time come for calibration, the appropriate authority will calibrate the Instrument Landing System (ILS).”

Dunoma said facilities at the terminal building were being improved upon by repairing the bad ones, adding: “We are improving on all the services there and repairing all the items that are bad”.

NNPC, Shell, ENI take FID on OPL 245 despite court’s ruling

ÏÏÏj ƈ ơƿƄ ƗƆ Ƌ ƄƆƇ ƏƆ Ɔ Ɨ _ƾ ƾƠơƣ OpeOluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏ Despite pending court case

on the $1.1 billion Malabu oil deal, ENI and Shell are proceeding to Final Investment Decision on a field in the Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245, The Daily Times has learnt.

Both ENI and Shell have been charged with corrupt practices on the bloc.

The Daily Times gathered that both international oil companies are about to take FID on the Zabazaba field, the bigger of the twin Zabazaba-Etan fields, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

It is worthy of note that NNPC which is also prosecuting a case against the majors will sign the deal with them before the end of the second quarter 2017.

The invoice for the development of Zabazaba, located in 2,000 metre water depth, The Daily Times gathered, is $13.5 billion. The project will produce 560 million barrels of oil for the next 15 years of the contract.

Last check shows that the Fed-

eral Government is yet to withdraw from the Malabu case, raising questions why NNPC should go ahead with the planned FID OPL 245.

The new development has sprung up high profiled international legal interest, involving lawyers in three countries.

Our sources, who pleaded anonymity, told The Daily Times that the three parties did not take to reference the present court case on the bloc.

As a matter of suspicion, Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of the National Content Development Monitoring Board NCDMB (an agency that ensures that incountry capacity is taken care of in any oil and gas project), has reportedly given the readiness of NCDMB, to carry out a national content approval for the Zabazaba field development.

Our correspondent also leant the new project has moved from technical bid tenders to commercial tenders.

NNPC officials too are reportedly preparing for the takeoff of the new project.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Time for salary and pension harmonization

O

ne of the remarkable differences between governance in the advanced economies and the underdeveloped countries of Africa is that while the former pays strict attention to laws, the latter brazenly violates them. Specifically, laws are to ensure equity, fairness and justice, which are the hallmark of human civilization.

It is, therefore, heartwarming to note that while receiving executives of the Association of Contributory Pensioners of Nigeria in his office, the Minister of Labour and productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, expressed readiness of the federal government to abide by the country’s laws, especially as they affect the wellbeing of workers and pensioners. He said: “The Constitution is clear in Section 173[3] on how pension should be administered. It is to be reviewed every five years or upon an increment in salary. A review was done in 2011 on minimum wage and once that is touched, it should automatically affect the pension”.

It is pertinent to recall that as a former governor of Anambra State, Ngige not only paid pensioners alongside the state workers, but went on to harmonize the disparity between their incomes.

Conversely, when the current minimum wage became effective in 2011, his successors never showed any passionate commitment to welfare of pensioners as this reflected in their indifference to harmonization of pension in spite of several verification exercises.

In Anambra, permanent secretaries who retired before May 2011 when the current minimum wage came into force are still paid only N30, 000.00, while those that retired later receive N450, 000.00. Similarly, Directors receive less than N80, 00.00, while their counterparts are paid N120, 000.00.

This huge disparity has affected the welfare of many pensioners, as they are

Publisher/Editor in Chief

unable to purchase the necessary drugs and medications for their ailments.

Fact is that the Federal Government has little influence to compel recalcitrant state governors to implement the envisaged new Minimum Wage and harmonization of pensions. Recall that in his inaugural speech, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed revulsion at those governors who hijack the monthly statutory allocations to local government councils.

The importance of harmonizing pension cannot be over-emphasised.

The liberalisation of the down-stream sector of petroleum industry led to rise in prices of petrol and kerosene respectively. Consequently, the inflation caused by the increase is affecting consumers concerning supply and demand.

Observers are of the view that the government’s policy on energy was inevitable in order to shore up the country’s dwindling foreign reserves.

Though the organised labour called for strike to protest the new price regime, it was not lost on the federal government as it expressed readiness for negotiation to inject palliative measures to cushion the severe impact of the phenomenal rise in the prices of petroleum products.

It is in this regard that it constituted and inaugurated a ‘Joint Committee’ with organised labour to come up with a new minimum wage.

The expectation from public servants in the three tiers of government is to be paid a reasonable new wage, even as pensioners are expecting income harmonization.

It is, therefore, imperative that the long -awaited recommendation of the Joint Committee be implemented in order to save millions of workers and pensioners from increasing poverty and destitution. We believe and hope that in spite of the recession, the Federal Government would at the end of the day give Nigerians reason to smile.

Ag. Head, Operations Sunny Chikwe 08023335777

Editor, Daily Sam Nzeh 08050220692

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Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (m), inspecting some of the constituency projects facilitated by him in Kwara Central Senatorial District, Ilorin… at the weekend.

Representative of the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Lawal Alao (r); with other Air Officers, during the Church Service to mark the 53rd Anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja… on Sunday.

Monsignor Livinus Ukah

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Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (l); Adamawa State Governor, Muhammadu Bindow (2nd l), inspect a road named after Vice President and President Muhammadu Buhari in Adamawa… recently.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

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Human beings are complex so we must learn to manage them.

We can use our uniqueness to confront a world that builds walls instead of bridges

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Pope John Paul II

The end result of godliness is glory (and greatness); and the end result of lawlessness is condemnation and destruction

Christianity is called to offer a genuine ‘DNA’ for a universal humanity; a Trinitarian vision and life that can animate a civilisation of love.

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Governor Ambode’s template on PSP Operators and corruption

L

Sunday Alade

agos State, the centre of excellence, may experience health hazard if Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his machinery of government could go ahead with their plan to relieve the private waste collectors or waste disposal contractors [that are addressed as PSP Operators in Lagos State] of their duties.

All plans have been concluded by the government to bring in foreign investors thereby sending the 350 PSP Operators in partnership with LAWMA packing in July, 2017.

Let it not be forgotten in a hurry the Yoruba and Hausa adage that says: “OBA MEWA IGBA MEWA” and “SARKI GOMA ZAMONI GOMA” literally means ten kings with different policies which also translates into whoever governs when the citizens enjoy will never be forgotten and likewise who governs to cause hardship to the citizens would not be forgotten, too.

It would be recalled that LAWMA ,the agency of government is responsible for the collection and disposal of Municipal, Industrial and tenements’ wastes in Lagos State.

Edict No. 55 of 1977 created the Refuse Disposal Board which later metamorphosed to LAWMA in 1992.

The Environmental Sanitation Law of 2000 empowers LAWMA to provide commercial services to the State and Local Governments.

In 2007 another law was reenacted to reestablish LAWMA to provide general waste management to State and Local Governments.

Generally, the overall goal of Waste Management in Lagos State is to effectively collect, sort, transport, store and dispose wastes generated by all populous groups, commercial, industrial and socially responsible manner using the most economically sustainable means available hence, the partnership with private sector called PSP Operators that have been playing an increasingly significant role in Waste Management till date.

It would be recalled, also, that these PSP Operators have been in partnership with LAWMA since 1999 during the administration of the then Lagos State, Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Interestingly, over one thousand people showed interest in the Waste Management Business before it was pruned down to about 350 PSP Operators that actually met the requirements of the State Government standard or conditionality, as at the moment many of them are still wallowing in the oceans of debts in order to maintain the standard of having compactor trucks and befitting offices. Because they all started with hiring of trucks, tippers and even trailers with no office as a reference point.

Supposing those that scaled through the huddles of screening are not hard working, definitely,

they would have been shown the way out before now.

The then Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola [SAN], never compromised with excuses for not doing the right thing at the right time hence, he initiated annual Awards to the most hardworking PSP operators as a form of encouragement.

It would be recalled again, that since the participation and collaboration of these dynamic PSP Operators, every one of them has been striving very hard to get the Award, too; in spite of the bad roads that contributed to wear and tear of the trucks, inadequate dump and land filled sites that caused damages to their vehicles and this also, compelled drivers to stay on queue for days waiting to discharge their waste thereby slowing down the pace of work with no clear cut solution till date yet the job must move on.

All over the world governments are getting reinvented for the sake of concretizing the democratic imperative. This imperative, of course, goes beyond the electoral necessity of procedurally voting a group of people into government on the contrary the ethical import of democracy demands that those so voted into power use their constitutional authority to ensure that the citizens trust in their governing capability that is translated into definite plans of action that are transformative in socioeconomic terms.

Let it not be forgotten in a hurry that the association of these PSP Operators supported the government in power particularly during their electioneering campaign and generally sensitized their households to massively vote these groups of people into government.

And the only way to pay this association back is to send its members packing without due consideration

of their workforce and the effect on their families at large. Let it not be forgotten also, that one good turn they say deserves another. They actually deserve a preferential treatment in all ramifications.

The Governor should be advised not to stain or destroy the template his predecessors from 2nd Republic have built over the years of which he supposed to build on, particularly, for posterity and legacy.

Instead of a strong fixation on foreign investors, the Local investors [PSP] should be encouraged, too.

The idea of empowering the National Road Union Workers and its counterpart with 5000 brand new buses though on lease to own basis in the name of withdrawing yellow buses called ‘Danfo’ from the Lagos Roads is highly commendable but the question is what would be the likely empowerment for the 350 PSP Operators to be disengaged from their duties other than using veto power of hiring and firing?

Should it not be a case of what is good the goose is good for the gander?

This cannot be the hallmark of an executive with the fire of reforms.

However, the approach adopted by Governor Ambode in going ahead with 80% domestic for foreign investors, 20% for local investors and subjecting the indigent households to pay yearly for service “rendered” leaves much to be desired.

Since there was no proper consultation and no opportunities to engage alternative view points; just a unilateral announcement which has elicited an expected response, it then means that the Governor is in a bid to satisfying his friends and political empire all in the name of adding value to the clean environment of Lagos State.

Let us imagine a bridge that is built to connect all the resources

to keep Lagos clean which purpose is also to create job opportunities.

This bridge only succeeds in identifying the already known challenges peculiar to these refuse collectors and thus fails to help them.

The foreign investors by the name VISION SCAPE were given red carpet treatment as against local investors [PSP] for instance; LAWMA’s corporate offices at Mushin, Ojodu, Oshodi, Simpson etc were taken from LAWMA by the Government and gave to a foreign company [VISION SCAPE] whereas the local investors [PSP] were compelled to borrow money from banks to build their offices/ garages.

This clearly shows that this Government has a deep seated hatred for these PSP operators. The idea of Government wanting to pay for waste service by the use of weigh bridge is a clear indication that there is no proper guide for the Government on this issue because this system was used before but it was characterized by fraud as the corruption of the first order.

Also, the idea of “Public Utility Levy” whereby the people will pay a yearly refuse disposal fee as against the current practice of bi monthly billing will be a huge burden on the citizens because a sizeable number of Lagosians are salary earners. What can we say of Mr. Martins Adeyinka Badejo of 121, Ogba Road, Ikeja, Ifako – Ijaye, Lagos; who is the Chief Executive Officer of MUREWA INTEGRATED AND IDEAL COMPANY and the current Personal Assistance to an Honourable Commissioner in Alausa using his position as a civil servant and the aforementioned private company to milk LAWMA? The question that arises from this; is it in the civil service commission rules and regulations that a serving government official could run a private company while still in service let alone using same to amass ill gotten wealth from the government he claims to be serving and still be qualified for gratuities and pension at his retirement age?

Allied to this fact, this man and others whose names are not mentioned here should be the right guests of EFCC if the corruption must be fought to a standstill. The government is continuity, the structure and institution he met when ascending the mantle of leadership should be maintained. However, any PSP operator that is found wanting on his/her job should be sanctioned but not to “push them to commercial” thereby rendering them useless.

Since the Government has given the following responsibilities to VISION SCAPE: [1] Recycling of wastes generated plant [2] Building landfill sites [3] Marine waste [4] Building transfer loading stations [5] Building material recovery facilities [6] Drainage clearing and [7] Street sweeping.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

15 Opinion

Buhari, deaths and rumours of death

S

Jude Ndukwe

ince the travel of President Muhammadu Buhari to the UK for medical reasons, the nation has been rife with the rumoured death of the president. In fact, there is a picture in the cyberspace showing the president to be relaxing and watching TV over there in the UK. While some, for whatever reason, had celebrated the rumoured death, some others have given knocks to such people for rejoicing over the rumoured demise of another. Thankfully, our president is alive, or, so we are made to believe. Only time will tell, and in a short while, too.

Then comes the issues of actual death where the Air Force under the command of General Buhari (rtd), as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, bombed an IDP camp in Rann, Borno State, and it was mischievously termed a “mistake”.

One wonders what manner of mistake could that be when this same military had told us in the past that they had refrained from attacking Boko Haram camps because the terrorists were using women and children as human shield.

It is even more disheartening to hear from one of the survivors, Abdulwahab Adam, that the

fighter jet dropped the bombs thrice.

That incident committed by an arm of the military under Buhari’s watch should have elicited enough empathy from Buhari to compel him to visit the camp himself, commiserate with those who lost loved ones and give them his assurances on a number of issues bedeviling the IDPs. But Buhari seems to have also lost his own sense of humanity!

Having stolen their foods and medicines, the only way the IDPs could get compensated by government was to get bombed. Thrice!

Beyond rumours, deaths in the IDP camps are real. Although official figures tended, to reduce the number of casualties, the chairman of Kala Balge Local Government Area, where the incident occurred, Babagana Malarima, revealed that a whopping 234 persons were killed in the “mistaken” expedition.

It was for this reason that I became apprehensive when it was announced that Nigeria would be sending a contingent of military personnel to The Gambia to help oust that country’s erstwhile dictator, Yahya Jammeh.

My apprehension came from the fact that our military might end up bombing Ghana by mistake instead of Gambia. Such a mistake would have had very fatal consequences for Nigeria. Thankfully, Jammeh relinquished power without a jet being

flown or a bullet being shot.

On Friday, 20th January, 2017, our security agents also went berserk in Port Harcourt in an attempt to repress pro-Biafra supporters on a peaceful rally in support of Donald J. Trump on the occasion of his inauguration as the 45th president of the United States.

On that day, it was reported that 11 or more pro-Biafra peaceful demonstrators lost their lives to the raging bullets of Nigeria Police. This is surely the umpteenth time such most unfortunate incident would be happening without provocation under Buhari’s watch.

Some have blamed the demonstrators for holding the rally in Port Harcourt instead of a state in the south east? Question is, is there any law that forbids any Nigerian from exercising his/her rights and expressing him/herself peacefully anywhere in Nigeria?

When Nigerians are supposed to be alarmed at the murderous clampdown of peaceful demonstrators by state agents but choose to blame the victims of state-organised-carnage, then we know we have lost our humanity. Is it then a surprise that some Nigerians rejoiced at the rumoured death of Buhari?

It is even more ironical that while the police were allegedly mowing down pro-Biafra supporters of Trump in Port Harcourt, antiFayose demonstrators were at the

same time receiving royal treatment from our security agencies in Abuja.

What a nation!

My take is this, Buhari must not die. Dying now would be a cheap escape for Buhari from disgrace that comes with crass ineptitude, gross incompetence, brazen tribalism, humongous and asinine official stealing of our commonwealth and from the IDPs, double standard in the acclaimed war against corruption, barefaced persecution of political opponents, religious bigotry, economic hardship, extra-judicial killings, massacres of fellow citizens by his tribesmen, the Fulani herdsmen, and others too numerous to mention.

Buhari has to live to cringe in shame for all these. It would be a painful thing if he dies now. How can he lead us thus far, and escape through the backdoor? He brought this upon us and he has to be alive to be haunted by the wailing blood of the innocent ones he failed to protect.

Finally, Buhari and his marabouts, must not be astonished at the seeming joy gripping Nigerians at his rumoured death. How the people react to a man’s demise is totally dependent on how the man treated his people while alive and in power.

The Holy Bible says “The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die” (Proverbs 11:10 NLT).

Nigeria should approach Trump from a position of strength

D SKC Ogbonnia

onald John Trump is finally the president of the United States of America. Expectedly, there is palpable tension around the world.

Americans themselves have remained apprehensive. Countries in the East and the West are gripped by fervent fear. Even those in Africa are not left behind, all quivering as if they have never encountered an American horror movie before. Nigeria, however, must not expose itself to the flitting phobia.

Actually, Nigeria may as well gain more under Donald Trump than under any other American president before him.

The American president, remember, has begun his reign on a gratuitous promise of radical nationalism.

The implication is that Trump may finally dump Nigeria’s oil for good and, of course, care less about our internal affairs. Moreover, America’s relationships with foreign countries, according to Trump, will be on mutually beneficial terms. These, to most, portend a troubling future for NigeriaUS relations.

Predicting Donald Trump, an enigma, has never been a cake walk.

Though the man is well known, everything about him is largely unknown.

It may also interest you to know

that I have been a Republican for three decades. Although I vigorously campaigned against Trump, the dissent did not stop me from penning a series of articles perfectly predicting his victory, including one with the title, “Why the Weird Trump Can Win”.

Of course, campaigning against the Republican, contrary to my gut instincts and conservative values, was a difficult decision. But any attempt to stop Trump was worth the effort.

His labile character remains a threat to world peace. More relatively, his fiercest venoms were directed towards the people of colour and developing nations, Nigeria included.

Now that he is president, here is a strikingly different perspective rooted on the genius of the old saying: every disappointment is a blessing. To that end, the Trump’s doctrine might turn out to be the right tonic for Nigeria after all.

His style notwithstanding, the New Yorker believes that many nations are not doing their part to sustain global peace and stability. Donald Trump is of the opinion, and rightly so, that every country must demonstrate a true sense of independence by maximising the resources within its local environment for the good of its people.

Such concerns have every merit. In fact, one would think that Donald has Nigeria in mind in his idea of impeni-

tent nations.

Mr. Trump also sees anything foreign as a bad omen for America, the nation of immigrants. Even the US NATO allies, the Pope, and the Queen have suddenly become suspects.

Now, under immense pressure to turn his quixotic world view into a reality, Trump is desirous to make any weak country the ultimate fall guy. His recent verbal salvo on Boko Haram is a preview. But Nigeria should not fall into the open trap.

Instead, here is the silver lining in the Trump horizon. Being a cavalier personality, who acts and talks anyhow, it is not difficult to grasp his open disdain for weak leaders, as well as beggarly nations. But the rationale is not exclusive. However, unlike other presidents before him, Trump is only being Trump to vouchsafe the obvious.

It is incumbent upon Nigeria, therefore, to present and demonstrate a can-do outlook moving forward.

For instance, rather than grappling to visit the new American leader, as in the past, the first logical bold step would be to turn a blind eye to Mr. Trump—for now. Of course, there is the need to still maintain cordial relationships with the United States through the standard diplomatic missions, but it has become imperative to discard the type of master-servant mentality.

Further, at the opportune time, Nigeria has to be proactive and demand to renegotiate relations with the United States purely from a position of strength. The requisite strengths to compel Trump to see mutual benefits are not difficult to fathom.

Start with the latent truth that Nigeria is the African “super power”, whatever that means. Combine it with the fact that the seventh largest country in the world is not only the most powerful black nation on earth but also one endowed with overflowing resources well envied worldwide.

Finally, demonstrate the If strategically presented, America will crave for Nigeria, instead of the other way round.

The name of the game is a new Nigerian independence. It entails maximising the abundant resources within our local environment for the public good, and promoting local goods.

Frankly, Trump’s xenophobic doctrine might have finally provided Nigeria a unique opportunity to critically look inward. The African nation has endured fifty six years of passive diplomatic relation with the United States but has nothing to show besides a façade of petty aids. The next four years under Trump will only be a pint in the ocean.

SKC Ogbonnia writes from Houston, Texas.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

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L-R: Chairman of the event, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Acting President Yemi Osinbajo; the Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, and Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, during the National Dialogue on Corruption at the State House Conference Centre, State House, Abuja

N1.4bn Fraud: Appeal Court okays jail term against Ex-NBA boss’ younger brother

Tony Amokeodo, Abuja

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, has dismissed an appeal filed by a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly and former Caretaker Chairman, Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of the state, Gabriel Daudu, asking the appellate court to set aside his conviction on N1.4billion fraud by the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

Gabriel Daudu is said to be the younger brother of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Daudu before the Federal High Court in Lokoja on a 208 -count charge of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.

Lawyer to the EFCC, Mr Wahab Shittu, had argued the matter and urged the court to convict Daudu accordingly.

Justice Iyang Ekwo later found Daudu guilty on 77 out of the 208-count charge and sentenced him to 154 years imprisonment.

In his judgment on the matter, Justice Ekwo held that the EFCC had

proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt and therefore sentenced Daudu to two years on each of the 77 counts to run concurrently.

Dissatisfied with his conviction,

Daudu approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja for redress, asking the appellate court to set aside his conviction.

But in a unanimous decision, the

Appeal Court upheld the judgment of the lower. The appellate court also dismissed Daudu’s appeal on the grounds that the application was unmeritorious and lacked merit.

2015 Polls: EFCC indicts 202 INEC workers for alleged fraud The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 202 of its members of staff who were indicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly receiving part of the N23billion bribe money ahead of the 2015 elections would know their fate this week The INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of the South-South, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

She added that the final report of an administrative panel set up by the commission to review the indictment of the personnel by the EFCC would be considered by the commission at its meeting this week.

According to her, the 202 INEC personnel, whose names appeared on the EFCC’s report, were drawn from 14 states.

She further disclosed that the 29 mem-

bers of staff of the commission were indicted and recommended for disciplinary action by the Administrative Panel’s report on the December 20, 2016 rerun election in Rivers State led by Prof. Okechukwu Ibeano.

She added that the cases involving the indicted members of staff were before the commission’s disciplinary committee.

Agbamuche-Mbu also stated that the commission had fulfilled its promise to overhaul its office in Rivers State.

She stated the reorganisation affected the administrative secretary, all heads of department, deputy directors, and assistant directors as well as all the 23 electoral officers in charge of the commission’s local government offices.

Agbamuche-Mbu said that all the affected members of staff would be redeployed out of Rivers State immediately.

Agbamuche-Mbu added that five more

RECs would be leaving the commission by March 4, 2017 (on Saturday) in addition to the 28 that had already left after completing their tenure.

She listed those leaving the commission in March to include “Prof. Jacob Jatau (FCT), Mr. Segun Agbaje (Ondo), Mr. Austin Okojie (Bayelsa), Baba Abba Yusuf (Adamawa) and Mr. Nasir Ayilara (Niger).”

Investigation further revealed that three RECs are billed to leave the commission after serving out their tenure in July.

A top source in the commission listed those exiting the commission in July to include Aniedi Ikoiwak (Rivers), Baritor Kpagih (Delta) and Habu Zarma Hinna (Taraba).

With the departure of the three RECs in July, INEC would be left with a REC, Abdulahi Kaigama of Kaduna State, if no REC had been appointed for other 36 states.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Times Against Corruption 19

Fayose paid Ozekhome from his share of Dasuki’s loot – EFCC

Fayose

Tony Amokeodo, Abuja

Ozekhome

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Justice Abdulaziz Anka of the Federal High Court in Lagos not to give Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) access to his account in Guaranty Trust Bank which has a balance of N75m.

The EFCC further informed the court that the said N75million which was paid

to Ozekhome as legal fee by Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, was part of the N2.26billion arms procurement fund, which was allegedly looted by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

The EFCC also claimed to have traced N1.22bn out of the N2.26bn Dasuki loot to Fayose.

According to the EFCC, Dasuki routed the money to Fayose through a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu

The Senate has promised to provide necessary support needed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to stamp out corruption in Nigeria.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, made this pledge during the 2017 budget defence by the EFCC on Wednesday.

Utazi, who commended the anti-graft agency for doing a great job in combating economic and financial crimes said, the Senate is committed to building a strong EFCC by appropriating adequate funds for its activities under the current financial year with a view to boost the anti-corruption war of the present administration.

Senator Utazi said, “ We want to build a strong institution so that anybody who wants to work against it will not succeed.

The Senate is committed in doing that”.

He also expressed support for the EFCC in establishing Radio and Television Stations towards achieving one of its core mandates in enlightening the Nigerian people on the dangers of corruption.

The Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, had during the budget defence, presented a budget proposal of N17.23billion for 2017.

The budget represents an 8.5% decrease to the N18.89billion budgeted for the Commission in 2016.

Magu gave a breakdown of the budget thus: Capital Expenditure - Seven Billion, Seventy Four Million, Two Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eight Naira (N7,074,223,708.00); Personnel Expenditure - Seven Billion, One Hundred and Twenty Seven Million, Three Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty Four Naira (N7,127,316,354.00); and Overhead Expenditure -Three Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Eight Naira (N3,000,713,298.00).

Magu further presented an addendum of N2.43billion which entailed the contract agreement between Messrs Julius Bergers Plc and the EFCC not captured in the initial submission to the Committee.

The EFCC boss acknowledged the tremendous support given to the Commis-

Obanikoro.

The EFCC disclosed this in a counteraffidavit it filed in opposition against an application by Ozekhome. The senior advocate is asking the court to unfreeze of his account.

Ozekhome’s GTB account, having a balance of N75million had since February 7, 2017, been frozen by the EFCC, following the order of Justice Anka.

But Ozekhome had approached the court, asking it to note that the EFCC

misrepresented facts to obtain the freezing order. He further urged the court to lift the freezing order.

Ozekhome had contended that the action of the EFCC was unconstitutional, arguing that the action had no legal justification.

He added that the development was a gross violation of sections 36, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But the EFCC had in a counter affidavit deposed to by one of its prosecutors, Idris Mohammed, urged the court to take judicial notice of the fact that though it had earlier secured an interim order from Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos to freeze Fayose’s account, the governor, through Ozekhome, went before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti to obtain an order to unfreeze the account.

According to the EFCC, despite the fact that Fayose was aware that it had immediately appealed Justice Taiwo’s ruling, the governor still went ahead to dissipate part of the contentious funds and payed the said N75million to Ozekhome who helped him to secure Justice Taiwo’s unfreezing order.

The EFCC added that Ozekhome ought to have “reasonably known that the N75m was transferred to him” from Fayose’s account, which the EFCC claimed was used to retain proceeds of crime and alleged kickbacks from some contractors in Ekiti State.

The EFCC urged Justice Anka not to unfreeze Ozekhome’s account.

Justice Anka later adjourned the case till March 7, 2017 for further hearing in the case.

Anti-graft war: We’ll ensure adequate funding over 2017 Budget, Senate tells EFCC

Magu (left) during the budget defence before the senators

sion in 2016, especially in the area of mobilization for completion of the EFCC Headquarters and appealed for increase in the budgetary allocation to enable the Commission function effectively in the 2017 fiscal year.

At the session were Monsurat Sunmonu, Chairman, Senate Committee on

Foreign Affairs; Sani Mustapha Mohammed, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption; Dino Melaye, Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT and Sabo Mohammed, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.

Magu was accompanied to the session by management staff of the EFCC.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

21 Public Notice

Disarm herdsmen, Primate urges FG ÎÎÎ

Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate, Church of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has called on the Federal Government to disarm herdsmen reduce the affliction of the rural people.

Okoh made the call at Cathedral Church of Advent during the Easter Service on Sunday in Abuja.

The cleric said that disarming the herdsmen

should not a big deal, since the nation has capable Army forces.

He expressed bitterness that the issue of the new generation herdsmen had become a problem as they have tormented many communities and forced local people to vacate their farmland.

“I call on the government to disarm the new generation of herdsmen.

We appeal to those who

have been elected to pay attention to this matter because the people are under affliction “We have a standing army and it is no big deal for them to disarm these people. It is a minor operation and we have capable standing army that can do that job.

“Why we watch our citizens shedding tears and innocent blood while the herdsmen enjoy it, it is

better they are disarmed.

“It is really tormenting many communities and if there is any problem at all in this country now, it is this problem.

Okoh noted that the torments have made it more difficult for villagers to farm because these herdsmen had affected the local agricultural development.

“As long as issues affecting people like this are not treated and whatever

MRS. EUNICE OLABISI OSUNKUNLE

MRS AGOHA CHIZOTA DORIS

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ALIA CHIZOBA DORIS t now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGOHA CHIZOTA DORIS. General public should take note

This is to confirm that I, OFILI AWELE NMADU is the same person answering OFILI FRANK AWELE, now wish to be known and addressed as OFILI FRANK AWELE NMADU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS LAWAL SHAKIRAT ROMOKE

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eunice Olabisi Ayegboyin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Eunice Olabisi Osunkunle.

General public should take note OSENI RUKAYAT MOJISOLA BADMUS

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

ISHAQ SALISU

I, formerly known and addressed as BADMUS RUKAYAT MOJISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OSENI RUKAYAT MOJISOLA BADMUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

My name is Efremfon Godwin Akpan. The date of birth innocently used in error before was 16th Feb 1986.

My correct date of birth is 16th Feb, 1983. This notice is for the entire public.

ASEMUTA JOY OSALUMHENSE

Formerly, known and addressed as Asemuta Joy Osas, now wish to be known and addressed as Asemuta Joy Osalumhense. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

ODUNFA GLORIA TITILAYO I, formerly known and addressed as AJULO GLORIA TITILAYO, Now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNFA GLORIA TITILAYO All former documents remain valid general public take note.

Formerly ISYAKU SALISU now ISHAQ SALISU. Former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LATEEF MOBOLAJI SHAKIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LAWAL SHAKIRAT ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

MRS. JANET OZIOFU IBRAHIM

Formerly Miss Janet Oziofu Iduoiza. Now Mrs. Janet Oziofu Ibrahim.

Former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ADEYINKA ABIDEMI REBECCA

ADEBAYO OLUSHADE ABIODUN

Formerly known and addressed as ROTIMI ABIDEMI REBECCA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEYINKA ABIDEMI REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please rake note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as AFOLABI OLUSHADE ABIODUN LOIS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEBAYO OLUSHADE ABIODUN. All document bearing my former names remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to confirm that I am the same person bearing ADEYEMI SILAS ADEWALE and ADEGBOYEGA SILAS ADEWALE. Henceforth I wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEYEMI SILAS ADEWALE. All document bearing the above mentioned names remains mine and valid. General public take note.

MRS. STELLA IBE KALU

MRS WILLIAMSON IHUOMA EUCHERIA

JOY DAGOGO-JACK

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. STELLA AZUNNA UMEH , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. STELLA IBE KALU. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

GLOBAL NETWORK FOR KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. SADIQ ABUBAKAR JIKTAR 2. AGUNLOYE BENEDICT OLALEKAN 3. BALA OSMAN MOHAMMED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENCOURAGE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE AND ITS TRANSFER, AND TO CELEBRATE INNOVATION AMONG THE YOUTHS OF SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED ORAEKEYI UCHE 08035987541 THE VOICE OF TRUTH AND MIRACLE DELIVERANCE MINISTRY.

I , formerly known and addressed MISS. ADIELE IHUOMA EUCHERIA NOW wish to be known and addressed as MRS WILLIAMSON IHUOMA EUCHERIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly called and addressed as JOY ELEYE DATUBO. Now wish to be called and addressed as JOY DAGOGO-JACK. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

LAND OF SOLUTION EVANGELICAL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY. The general public Is Hereby Notify That the Above Named Has Applied to Corporate Affairs for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 Of 1990 .

Trustees: (1) Lawal Yahaya Oluwasesan Nasheem (2) Akintunde Anthony Oluwagbemiga (3) Habib Rahman Babatunde.

Aims And Objectives: (1)To share God’s love and teachings through ministering and service to God and mankind.

(2) A place to enrich the mind and soul and for agents of change in the community through prayer and God’s anointing and winning of souls for the lord jesus christ.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

they should learn to overcome every situation in life like Jesus Christ did.

“We can overcome. Even the present set back whether you call it recession or herdsmen challenge or medical challenge.

“We can overcome if we are united; if people are made to have a sense of belonging; if we forge ahead together; we can overcome any difficulty coming from anywhere,’’ Okoh said.

In his remark, Rev. William Okoye, General Overseer, All Christian Fellowship Mission (ACFM), also explained that with the resurrection, Jesus Christ had paid the price for the sins of His people.

OLUFUNKE OLABISI OGEYE DIBU-OJERINDE

MRS. OMOYELE KHADIJAT TEMITOPE

Formerly called Olufunke Olabisi Ogeye Now called OLUFUNKE OLABISI OGEYE DIBU-OJERINDE .

Former documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS YUSUF KADIJAT TEMITOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMOYELE KHADIJAT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

KASHAF ORGANIZATION FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF. The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Trustees: 1.Apostle Emmanuel Nguhwar -General Overseer.

2.Anthonia Uzoma Nkatu.

3.Nkem Okere -General secretary.

4. Ifeanyi Kenneth.

5.Easther Chinedu.

6.Oluwatoyin Otenaike.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABDUL RAIMI CHITOU SANNI - President 2. IMAM IDRIS IBRAHIM - Secretary 3. LAOUDJO FATIOU. - Treasurer 4. ALHAJI BARRISTER ORISADARE LAWAL JIBOLA ESQ 5. Ustaz ADENLE ABDULHAKEEM AKANNI 6. Alhaji WASIU ADESINA TAIWO 7. Sheikh DARE FAROUQ ATANDA 8. ALHAJI ADEOTAN TAJUDEEN ATANDA AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To give humanitarian Service ( an NGO) the approved name is .

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm That I, ONYINYECHI NELLY UGORJI and ONYINYECHI UGORJI refer to the same and one person but now wish to be known and addressed as, ONYINYECHI NELLY UGORJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

This is to confirm That I, VERONICA THOMPSON SAM and VERONICA CHINASA ELEKWACHI refer to the same and one person, now wish to be known and addressed as, VERONICA THOMPSON SAM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. GRACE IHUOMA SUNDAY .A. EME

MRS. MADUBA ADANNA CHRISTIANA

I formerly called and addressed as MISS GRACE NWAKERENDU .I. EDWARD now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. GRACE IHUOMA SUNDAY .A. EME All former documents remain valid.

The general public please take note.

CHIZOBA BRIGHT ONU

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. UKEOMA ADANNA CHRISTIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. MADUBA ADANNA CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

XXX

I formerly called and addressed as MISS CHIZOBA SCHOLAR OKORIE. Now wish to be called and addressed as CHIZOBA BRIGHT ONU. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IBEAKANMA OZIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OKEREKE OZIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. OLUCHUKWU FAITH OKEKE

MRS. VICTORIA REKIAT AMOS

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. Oluchukwu Faith Ezeokafor, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. Oluchukwu Faith Okeke. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. SULE VICTORIA REKIATE (NEE SULE), now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. VICTORIA REKIAT AMOS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

signed:secretary.

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 No.1 of 1990.

Aims & Objectives: 1. To preach & promote the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls for the Kingdom of God.

reason is not known, it will be difficult for people because for instance the local agricultural development has been affected.

“The local people can no longer go to the farm easily and in this country it is the local farmers who farm, who produce the large quantity of food we consume in the cities.

“The herdsmen have taken over. They are afraid to go to the farm. If this problem is not solved, where is progress? Where is prosperity? Where is peace?

Talking about Easter, Okoh advised that no matter the difficulties that Nigerians were faced with,

ADDED VALUE ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for incorporation under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. OROLOSAMA PETER AMACHREE - PRESIDENT 2. MR. BRAIDE IPALIBO - SECRETARY 3. MR. GEORGE ONENGIYE-OFORI - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO CREATE AWARENESS FOR EXISTING OPPORTUNITIES AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES THEREBY ADDING VALUE TO THE PEOPLE

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

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

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

Signed: General secretary.)

Signed Secretary

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Clerics task Nigerians on peaceful co-existence, forgiveness ÎÎÎ The Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Most Rev. Samuel Uche, has urged political and religious leaders in Nigeria to teach their followers the virtues of peaceful coexistence, love and mutual cooperation.

Uche made the appeal while addressing newsmen at Methodist Church of The Trinity, Tinubu Lagos as Christians marked Easter Sunday.

He said that meaningful

development could only be achieved when the people live in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and harmonious relationship, irrespective of religious and political differences.

“All hands must be on deck to build again a virile nation, where love and harmony, forgiveness and peace, equity and prosperity will reign supreme.

“I prophesy today that very soon, our country’s shoulders will be raised high among the comity of

nations.

“All Nigerians, irrespective of religion, should pray for the resurrection of what our nation has lost, ” he said.

The cleric urged Nigerians to remain patient in the face of the political and religious intolerance, insecurity and economic hardship because Jesus will make them triumph over all of them.

Also, the Primate, First African Church Mission, Most Revd. Sunday Matilu-

kuro, in a message, urged Nigerians not to despair in the face of the current challenges facing the country.

He said that Nigerians should not relent in praying for peace and development of the nation and for those in authority.

“Christ is the prince of peace; it is only peace that can sustain us, peace would bring growth and development to Nigeria.

“Unless we work in tandem with those in au-

thority, we will continue to suffer; we should pray for those in authority that Almighty God will give them the wisdom to lead us aright.

“We can only experience peace if our leaders lead us according to God’s will and direction,” Matilukuro said.

The cleric also called on Christians to use the period of Easter to strengthen their relationship with God by showing love to mankind.

He said that love was the greatest mark of commitment to the service of God as Christ demonstrated his love on the cross of Calvary, where He laid down His life to save the world.

The Primate urged national leaders to exhibit sacrifice and love for Nigerians in the discharge of their duties.

He said Nigeria had the potential and capability to attain true greatness as a nation, given the nation’s enormous endowments.

Miss North East secures release of 4 prison inmates in Yola ÎÎÎ The 2016/2017 reign-

ing Miss North East, Miss Blessing Peter Akor on Saturday facilitated the release of four prison inmates serving jail terms in Jimeta Prison of Adamawa state.

Queen Blessing, during a visit to the office in Jimeta -Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State said the gesture was spurred by their predicament and the need to contribute her amount towards jail decongestion.

Showing the inmates that they are still remembered by the society in their pains at the correction faL-R: Secretary of Evangelism Discipleship, Rt. Rev. Edoka Amuta; Prelate, His Eminence (Dr.) Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche and Bishop of the Trinity, Rt. Rev. Olapade Babalola, briefing media after the Easter Church Service, at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Trinity Church Council, in Lagos… on Sunday.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Cross River uncovers 734 teachers with fake certificates

Edem Edem, Calabar

ÎÎÎ

Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (CRSUBEB) has uncovered 734 teachers with fake National Certificate of Education (NCE) and degree certificates in the state.

SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Stephen Odey, disclosed this in Calabar, when he addressed some of the affected teachers and other stakeholders on the outcome of the teachers’ verification exercise conducted by the board from January 18th, 2016 to March 14th, 2017.

“At the end of the exercise, I can inform you that we discovered over 734 teachers with fake NCE and degree certificates and over 230 teachers with referred grade II (TC II) certificates.

We have sent letters to the various institutions in-

volved and we have their replies” he said. Dr Odey said Governor Ben Ayade has directed him to take any measure against those involved but not to sack them.

“So, we are not going to dismiss them even though they have committed fraud, but, we are going to step them down and allow them on humanitarian grounds, to go back to school and remedy their situations. We do not want to take away food from their tables. We are granting them amnesty because we are brothers and sisters” he said.

The Chairman also noted that the verification exercise was also to correct the irregularities in payment of salaries that teachers have suffered in the past.

“SUBEB has officially taken over payment of teachers’ salaries, we have worked out modalities were there

will be regular payment of salaries” he emphasised.

He said the Governor was disturbed about the rot in the basic education system, but had given the board the go-ahead to sanitise the system at all cost.

He further advised the affected teachers and others to seek admission for further studies through sandwich programmes and write his office for approval. He said by so doing, they could update their knowledge for the benefits of the pupils and the overall interest of the state. The Board Chairman promised that any teacher that corrected his or her situation would be reinstated to his or her former position. Warning teachers against truancy, Dr Odey said that SUBEB will in the near future install digital monitoring devices to monitor teachers’

activities while in school.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Eyo-Nsa Itam, commended the board for its efforts to sanitize the basic education sector. “Since you assumed office, this present board had taken several steps to put the basic education in proper perspective.”

“You have done many things aimed at ensuring the welfare of teachers in the state, we commend you, even though this exercise has its positive and negative parts, we are fully in support of you. I advise our teachers to take advantage of this exercise and return to school through legal means to better their lives,’’ he said.

He called on affected teachers, with genuine complaints, to lodge same with the State chapter of the NUT.

cility, she added that a portion of the detainees spent around three to five years in prison for their powerlessness to pay as meager as low as N2,000 and urged members of the public, particularly the rich to extend their hands of support to the prison in freeing such inmates.

“We are not stopping here, we would continue to support freeing inmates who are ready to make a change and positively contribute to the development of the society”, She said.

Ondo: Ilaje monarch raises alarm over religious extremism in community ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÎÎÎ

Oba Micah Olaseni Ajijo, the Ogeloyinbo and Spiritual Majesty of Holy Apostolic Church Ayetoro Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, has raised alarm over the growing case of religious extremism in the community.

Ayetoro in Ilaje Local Government is the only community in Ondo State with a theocratic form of government.

Daily Times gathers that the community with a single church “Holy Apostolic” is also under the sole authority of the monarch, Oba Ajijo who was installed on the 17th of August 2015.

Oba Ajijo, spoke with journalists, on Sunday, following an unending religious crisis that has rocked the seventy year old coastal community since he became the king.

He alleged that one prophet Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi has been fanning

violence and insurgency through different strange doctrines brought to the community.

The monarch accused Ojagbohunmi of leading some youngsters on a pretence of “prayer warriors” to destroy private and public properties in the community.

Oba Ajijo expressed surprised on why Ojagbohunmi would also declare himself as ‘Baba Alakoso and General Overseer’ of the Holy Apostles Church.

He disclosed that the position was alien to the custom, traditions and religion of the community since its inception in April 14, 1943.

The Monarch, however, said since Prophet Ojagbohunmi is also one of his subjects, he is ready to accommodate him with his followers despite their atrocities.

“I am ready to do this all for the sake of peace not minding all the atrocities that he and his followers have committed against me and the community.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

23 News

Corruption, recession will soon become history –CAN President ÎÎÎ The President, Chris-

tian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has assured Nigerians that the power of resurrection of Jesus Christ would not only end corruption but would also bring the economic downturn to a standstill.

Ayokunke said this in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, on Sunday in Abuja.

The CAN president, who gave this assurance in his Easter Message to the nation, prayed God to bring to end the economic hardship facing the country.

“I wish all Nigerians a happy Easter in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is a season of hope, joy and restoration.

“The Lord that rolled away the stone from the mouth of the tomb to put the enemy to shame will roll away all causes of economic hardship from our

nation.

“Corruption will be a thing of the past as earthquake came to help in removing all hindrances to the resurrection of Christ for a glorious dawn to emerge.

“The God of heaven will divinely intervene to bail our nation out of economic downturn in the name of Jesus.”

Ayokunle expressed optimism that the future of the country would be characterised by abundance,

joy and celebrations.

“As the resurrection morning brought a day of joy and laughter back to the disciples, the future years shall be full of abundance in Nigeria.

“It will bring back our joy and celebration in our streets in the name of Jesus.

“Our challenges of today will become the ladder to our testimonies tomorrow in the name of Jesus.

“It is well with you, our

leaders at all levels of government and our nation in the name of Jesus Christ,’’ he said.

He therefore admonished Nigerians to sustain praying for the country and her leaders as they confront the challenges facing the populace.

Mr. Daniel Kadzai, the National President, Youth Wing of CAN, also urged youths to be drivers of peace and nation building instead of being accomplice of massive looting

and corruption.

He also called on the church to be agents of change so as to help transform the nation from its present predicament to a better living condition for all.

“Nigeria cannot arise until the church decides to arise and take her original responsibility of soul winning, than too much emphasis on money, questionable miracles and dirty fight over positions.

Poisonous cassava: NAFDAC to sensitise farmers, food outlets operators in Kogi, Ondo

ÎÎÎ The National Agency

Miss North East, Blessing Peter Akor (r), felicitating with the released prison inmates that completed jail terms in Jimeta Prison, Adamawa State… at the weekend.

Inflation: Expert says FG will meet 15.74 target

ÎÎÎ An economist, Prof.

Uche Uwaleke, has expressed optimism that the Federal Government would meet its target of 15.74 inflation rate as contained in the 2017 budget.

Uwaleke, the Head of Banking and Finance, Nasarawa State University, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the government could meet this target if there was absence of any serious shock to the economy either from oil price or output.

He also expressed optimism that in the coming months Nigeria’s inflation rate would trend further downwards in the wake of favourable developments in the international oil

market.

The don said: “The drop in headline inflation from 17.78 per cent in February to 17.26 per cent in March is a welcome development.

“Given the importdependent nature of the economy, the appreciation of the Naira in recent times came as no surprise due to the CBN’s sustained intervention.

“The CBN’s sustained intervention in the forex market is moderating inflationary pressure from pass-through effect of high exchange rates.

“It was also expected that the high food and nonfood prices recorded in the corresponding period of 2016 provided a base effect on the inflation rate for March 2017.

“Be that as it may, the key driving factors; name-

ly electricity, fuel, housing and transportation services remain.

“This is understandable though as these challenges are fundamentally structural and will take some time to address.”

NAN recalls that a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed the country’s inflation rate dropped by 0.52 per cent in March to close at 17.26 per cent.

According to the report, the declined rate is the second recorded in two months with the first drop of 0.94 per cent which closed at 17.78 being witnessed in February. ”It represents the effects of stabilising prices in already high food and nonfood prices as well as favourable base effects over 2016 prices.

for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says arrangements are on to sensitise farmers in Kogi and Ondo on how to handle food chain from the farms to consumers’ table.

The NAFDAC Director, Special Duties, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said operators of fast food outlets in both states would also be trained.

NAN reports that the sensitisation is coming on the heels of the death of nine people after consuming “amala’’ meal made from poisonous cassava flour.

The incident occurred in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi state in November, 2016.

Jimoh explained that NAFDAC had carried out investigation into the incident with a view to address-

ing the problem.

He added that some people also consumed poisonous beans in some places.

Jimoh said the agency had taken statistics of farmers and operators of all food outlets in both states that would participate in a workshop to be organised by the agency.

According to him, they will be trained on how to handle critical aspects of food chain from the farms to consumers’ table.

“We shall train farmers on the best practices and the correct way of applying fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals for storage of their harvests.

“We will also teach farmers how to dry their produce because they often spread them on the express way where such are exposed to contamination and it is hazardous to the health of members of the public.

Fun-seekers troop to Badagry beach, resort to celebrate Easter ÎÎÎ Fun-seekers on Sun-

day trooped to the Suntan Beach and the Whispering Palms Resort, both in Badagry, to celebrate Easter with their loved ones.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the Suntan Beach reports that it was a bee-hive of activities, as people from various parts of the country came around with their friends and family members.

Mr Olaitan Akinsanya told NAN at the beach that the Easter break was a time to spend quality time with his family.

“I have been looking forward to this period for me spend time with my family.

“This is my first time of

coming to the beach and I must confess, it is a serene and cool place,” he said.

Mr Joshua Akande, a student, said the Easter period was a time for him to take a break and relax.

“I looked forward to the break to get a deserved rest from all the stress of school.

“The beach is a perfect place for me to relax, chill and have fun all at the same time,” he said.

Mrs Senami Asham, a soft drink seller, said her business had been profitable since the beginning of the day.

“So far, I have made a lot of money through patronage by customers and I’m sure I will still make

more money because more people will still come,” she told NAN on Sunday afternoon.

NAN reports that many people were also seen at the Whispering Palm Resort, Iworo, Badagry, having fun.

Mr Deji Femi-Pearce, chairman of the resort attributed the large turnout to the various activities the resort had to offer.

“We have different packages for the different people that come here for Easter and the prices are cheaper compared to what you have in Lagos and other states.

“The serene environment of this place and its safety makes people to always come here despite the distance,” he said.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Interview

s

How we nurture entrepreneurs at incubator centre -Dr. Momah

In this interview with the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Lagos, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Julie Momah, she bares her mind to FEMI GANIYU about her agency’s activities and other national issues. Excerpts

Dr. Momah

How long have you been managing the Technology Incubation Centre, TIC? For over 13 years, I’ve been the Centre Manager for Benin and Zonal Coordinator, South-South of the centre. I was at the Benin Centre before assuming office as the Lagos Centre Manager and the Zonal Coordinator, South –West. Here, in the Lagos TIC, the experience has been wonderful because, I see Lagos as a land of opportunity; and I turn every challenge to opportunities.

TIC Lagos happens to be the pioneer centre under the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). TIC Lagos needs to be the centre of excellence where the other and intending operators of incubation need to come and learn; and because of that, we have put many structures in place.

What are the structures you

have put in place?

We make sure that our incubation management system is revolutionized to meet the needs of our entrepreneurs and by doing that, we initiated programs like, desk officers being attached to each of the entrepreneurs.

The idea is to help in close monitoring of each of the entrepreneurs in the area of their challenges, intervention and outcomes; and each of the desk officers in turn reports this in their weekly report, so, that by the second week, we are able to proffer solutions you know and by the third week, the centre manager together with the team visit to make sure that there is compliance you know, based on their challenge; based on the standard operating practice, based on the production process, based on the cleanliness, we try to make sure that we monitor all these.

In other words, you adhere strictly to total quality management?

When we discovered that each of the entrepreneurs have different challenges, such as, challenges of accounting, many of them don’t know how to keep their books, many don’t keep records, the account department see to it that they have a template, that their expenses are not more than their income, the accounts department also visits regularly(weekly) to make sure that there is adherence to it, if we also have ICT when we discovered that entrepreneurs have issues with not having a website, business cards, not having anything that has to do with all that, we come in.

The world is now a global village, so, you are keeping pace with modern way of doing business?

Yes, because the world is a global village, we need to make them to be ICT responsive; so, areas where they are still using monologue and analogue systems, we upgrade them to digital system with the help of the ICT to make sure they are in tune with what is going on. So, they too do monitoring weekly to make sure they learn how things are being done.

For example, if they open a website for them, they have to update it regularly upload information, this makes them accessible to the world and beyond doing indigenous marketing, the world has n own opened to digital marketing, online marketing, social media marketing, you know, all those other opportunities that you can use to make your products more visible we link them to it.

How has it been working for you?

Oh! It has been working for us.

We have got so many things, which ordinarily, you would not get when you go one-on-one. Like the issue of NAFDAC and that’s from the commercial department, they received issues that their products were not able to enter major supermarkets because the product do not have NAFDAC’s certifications, and because the products are not registered, supermarkets are not able to take the products.

NAFDAC has their own challenges too, as, for example, the process of getting registrations takes a long time to materialize?

NAFDAC has been easy for us, we

have collaborated with that agency that many entrepreneurs have challenges with, and by collaborating and visiting them, we now have a better deal, we’ve got 50% reduction in d NAFDAC’s fee.

NAFDAC will now come to our centre, to certify our units. Our units have now been accredited as having good Standard Operating Practices, S.O.P. We have over 40 people who are about to get NAFDAC’s registration number. So, that is the power of incubation coming together to work; and then, we are already doing what we call incubation without borders.

What about Standard Organisation of Nigeria?

I was coming to that. We have been able to create standard for SON. Some of the products are results of R&D, which SON does not have standard for yet so we created standards for them.

The DG Standards Organisation of Nigeria was also here, the world’s Standards day was celebrated here last year identifying with us. Also, SON comes here for quarterly checks free of charge which ordinarily should be paid for, but because they are here in incubation, it’s free.

And that’s our mandate, every state where we have entrepreneurs; we want to create a level playing ground reducing the risks of doing business and also training the trainers. We also work hand in Hand with Nigerian Export Promotion Council. it’s a network which the power of TIC can attract so having known the mandate of these agencies, we also help them to fulfill their mandate here. So, many people have benefited from the export promotion window of having fairs (trade fairs) outside the country; and it has gone there, sponsored by export promotion council to Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, many countries, even as far as America, to showcase our proudly Nigerian products.

What is your Corporate Social Responsibility like?

We offer free trainings for startups; we also go to the radio to create awareness about what we do. We take attachments from secondary schools; we also take people from universities. Because apart from what you learn in school, you now need to come here to learn the practicality of doing the job and that is the beauty.

There’s a lot of technological gap in this part of the globe, what is your role in bridging this gap?

Talking about the technology gap, we are talking about the triple helix formula. By Triple Helix Formula: you’re talking about the government, the industry and the private sector. We are also working on bringing the gown to town. The universities are very critical in the knowledge, so what we do is we bring the universities around us to the industry.

So, there’s synchronization among you?

Oh yes, we also collaborate universities on a very powerful level.

Even the Vice Chancellors know incubation like water. What we do is we find out: what are the challenges of the industry, we meet them, and they have a department of research and innovation, so they are able to provide a better solution.

We also work with them so that students that have their final year projects relevant to industries; that is projects that can give them jobs, projects that can make them CEOs. So, instead of doing research that will just be gathering dust, you are doing research that PZ needs, you are doing research that someone needs and will be willing to pay for.

We also have a lab and the equipment are available.

We work with the state government (Lagos) and have seen our value. So, every year, we celebrate industrialization week. The state government gives awards to industries (SMEs) that have done well, the state government gives them awards.

How how do you combine the home front, because this is a question we always ask women of your status and we’ve received varied responses and opinions?

The Key point for everything whether family, business or career is passion. Once you have passion for what you’re doing, everything will key like a Chesnutt. Your home is like a business too that you must not fail. If you see your business like a business that must not fail, you’ll put the basic structures in place. The same thing with your job as a career; it is also a business, the business part of it is that it must not fail. And for me as a person, I never take no as an answer; by the grace of God, there’s nothing like impossibility in my dictionary.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Features

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Buhari’s economic growth recovery plan: Will it work this time?

The inauguration last Wednesday, by President Muhammadu Buhari of his government’s new vision- Economic Growth Recovery Plan- to starve off the ongoing recession and indeed rejig the economy, has, expectedly, been receiving kudos and knocks by Nigerians, in this report by Femi Ganiyu Desperate to take Nigeria out of the current economic crisis facing it, President Muhammadu Buhari, has, last Wednesday, April 5th, 2017, inaugurated in Abuja, Federal Capital, an economic vision, in line with the Change Mantra of his All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration.

Tagged: ‘Economic Recovery and Growth Plan’, ERGP, the President has said that the new economic vision was a pedestal that would galvanise growth and development of the national economy and take it out of self-inflicted wounds over the years.

A brainchild of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, under Senator Udoma Udoma, the Minister’s watch the new development has much to cheer, going by the assemblage of members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly and 36 state governors, who graced the occasion, and, especially the firm resolve of these people, who decide Nigerians’ fate to make it work.

Indeed, part of the highlights of the government’s growth initiative, included, a strong desire to generate 7 per cent growth rate by 2020; optimization of local content through empowering local investors to push the economy through value addition; reduction of inflation by 19 per cent to a single digit, boost power sector that has remained an embarrassment to the nation; as well as reverse Nigeria’s import dependency and rather make it a net exporter of agricultural and petroleum products among other objectives.

According to Buhari, who is still recuperating from his week-long medical trip to the United Kingdom, government was desirous of improving the highly decimated Gross Domestic Product, GDP, between now and 2020, so as to jumpstart employment; reduce poverty and other economic deficits across the country.

Buhari has said on that historic occasion;” We are committed to delivering on three key areas: - that is, improving security, tackling

Buhari

corruption and revitalizing the economy.”

He adds that, “I want to assure all Nigerians that we are approaching the solution to our economic challenges with the same will and commitment we have demonstrated in the fight against corruption and in the fight against terrorism and militancy.”

According to him,” We are determined to change Nigeria from an import dependent to a producing nation.”

For the Minister of National Planning, Senator Udoma, whose ministry is midwifing the pro-

Udoma

gramme, the policy seeks to restore growth, invest in the people and build a globally competitive economy.

Udoma added that the EGRP would reinvigorate the economy in the next four years, pointing out that the Presidency has put in place mechanism to ensure it succeeds.

Indeed, against the backdrop of decay in all the economic sectors, such as education, health, roads, power, records of crippling fuel crisis, banking challenges, poor environment, among others, close watchers of events, including academicians have expressed

divergent view on the programme.

While some have described it as encouraging, others have given the government some hard knocks saying that it is not yet Uhuru for the economy, despite the move by the government to reverse the ugly trend, According to Chief Livinus Okwara, a Lagos- based businessman, the recovery plan was capable of revitalizing the nation’s ailing economy.

Okwara, who is also a computer expert, apart from the growth recovery path that the government of toeing, there are other

“I want to assure all Nigerians that we are approaching the solution to our economic challenges with the same will and commitment we have demonstrated in the fight against corruption and in the fight against terrorism and militancy.”

intervention programme, such as N5000 stipends for the vulnerable people, N2 billion agricultural programmes being powered by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to be delivered to states for the youth and existing farmers to engage in agriculture.

He said that by enunciating the programme to end our dependency on importation, particularly fuel and other essential goods, the government would surely succeed and give Nigerians something to cheer in the long run.

Also, a finance expert, Mr. Olutoyi Adeleke said that every effort by the government to rebuild the ailing economy was welcome.

He said that government policy has always been to promote the welfare of the people, adding that the new economic recovery programme was not different.

Adeleke, however canvassed for proper implementation of the programme by the government and the relevant agencies to enhance its sustainability.

But, a university don, Professor Timothy Asobele, advised the Federal Government to revive Ajaokuta Steel Complex, make it functional as a panacea to reviving the economy.

Asobele, who is the Head, Department of European Languages, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, regretted that the capitalist world was deliberately halting Ajaokuta’s development.

He said President Buhari must brace up to the challenge of resuscitating the steel complex and others in the country for us to achieve greater technological development.

Professor also hinged all other development variables on the sector, arguing that it was significant that our technological advancement is pursued by the government.

According to him, the “Western World would not want Nigeria to develop technologically, and that is why they are sabotaging the steel complex from growing in the country.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017ww

27 Features

Uproar as judge sentences youth to death for stealing android phone God’s Covenant Snr Tope Abiodun, a 23-yearold youth from Kabba, Kogi state, was last week sentenced to death by hanging by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for stealing an android LG phone valued at N87, 000.

Following the judgment, concerned Nigerians in Abuja immediately launched an appeal to authorities to intervene in the judgment which they said, was taken out of contest, considering the circumstances that led the young man to engage in the theft.

A report shared by one Don Capello wondered why this should happen in a country where politicians that looted billions of Naira meant to give Nigerian youths a learning and a future and keep them from stealing are out there roaming the streets in freedom and even celebrated by the society A close source from the prison who spoke in confidence lamented the fate of the poor and vulnerable masses.

“Tope speaks Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages fluently; he has been held in prison for four years and the young man has shown remorse and repentance.

This is a lad that will assist visitors with their luggage down to cells of those they came to visit in Kuje prison.

“He is a good boy and we cannot allow him to be hanged like that, for God’s sake. I am appealing to wellmeaning Nigerians, clergies alike to come to his aid.”

The Daily Times gathered that Abiodun, whose father had died of impoverished condition before he was born was managing life with his ageing mother.

“Tope Abiodun committed this crime when he was 18 years old, he told me the pressure to feed with his younger siblings pushed him to do it.

Probably he did that as an ignorant young boy out of the normal juvenile delinquency stage of vulnerable

Tope Abiodun

Idris

youths of today,” the source said.

It would be recalled that

a man who abducted and raped a 12-year-old boy identified as Aminu was sen-

tenced to a mere one month behind bars and ordered to pay a paltry N30,000 fine in Kontagora area of Niger state.

The victim died in the hospital after he was allegedly abused sexually by Abubakar, a tea seller in Ngwayanma area in the same Kontagora area of the state.

Abubakar, also known as Maishai reportedly abducted Aminu from his parents’ home sometime in March and held him hostage in his apartment until a neighbour noticed and raised the alarm and alerted the boy’s parents which led to the ar-

“Tope speaks Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages fluently; he has been held in prison for four years and the young man has shown remorse and repentance.

This is a lad that will assist visitors with their luggage down to cells of those they came to visit in Kuje prison.

“He is a good boy and we cannot allow him to be hanged like that, for God’s sake.

I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians, clergies alike to come to his aid.”

rest of Abubkar. The victim died in hospital while police were questioning the accused person who initially denied the crime, but later confessed he had sex with Aminu several times before the boy took ill.

A group known as #HelpTope in Abuja is using the social media and every available medium to implore lawyers, NGOs and well meaning Nigerians to intervene and take the matter to the Appeal Court for the love of humanity and save the young soul from being wasted away.

It is a paradox indeed that in one country, a man who raped a minor who died as a result was jailed for one month and fined N30,000, while a youth who stole one android phone probably to put food on the table for his siblings and aged mother was is sentenced to die by hanging!

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

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Oliseh Narrowly Escapes Dortmund Blast F

ormer Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday Oliseh narrowly escaped the scene of the blast which rocked the bus of Borrussia Dortmund few hours before their UEFA Champions League game against Monaco.

Oliseh who played for Dortmund during his playing days is a regular at the stadium during key games especially UEFA Champions League game, where he acts as one of the Technical Study Group the UEFA Champions League.

Yesterday was no different for the Fortuna Sittard coach as

Musa Not For Trabzonspor

L

eicester City star Ahmed Musa will not join Super Eagles star Eddy Onazi in Turkey this summer amid speculations linking him with a move to ambitious Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor.

Onazi has attempted to convince the former CSKA Moscow star to join him in Trabzonspor, with a loan move being mooted.

However, a top source close to the Foxes number seven has dismissed the reports, insisting there has not been any official approach from Trabzonspor. ‘’As far as we are aware, it is not true Trabzonspor have approached Musa or his representative,’’ the source said. The 24-year-old Musa committed his future to Leicester City for four seasons when he penned a deal last summer.

ABS searching for reinforcements

A

BS FC head coach, Henry Makinwa has revealed that he will be looking to bolster his squad in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) transfer window.

The newly-promoted club have made a strong start to the current campaign and currently sit in ninth place on the NPFL log.

Makinwa is satisfied with his side’s solid start to the first half of the season but believes reinforcements are required if the new boys are to avoid losing steam during the business end of the campaign.

“I have made my feelings about transfers known to the management of the club,” Makinwa told supersport.com.

“I did that about three to four weeks ago and hopefully, I get a reply soon.

“The team needs to be fortified,” he said.

ABS FC have impressed many with their expansive and attractive brand of football this season and many have linked the side’s entertaining and effective style to the coaching philosophy of Makinwa.

ABS FC have amassed 25 out of a possible 54 points in the NPFL this season.

he was due to be at the Signal Iduna Park for the game, and was according to a statement from him 200 metres away from the scene of the blast. “Thank God! I Was just 200 meters from the Dortmund stadium when D bombs struck Dortmund team Bus! Really Scary day but grateful to be safe!”, he posted on his official Twitter handle.

The game was moved to later today following the blast, which left Dortmund defender Marc Batra injured, with some reports claiming he underwent surgery to remove debris from his arm picked up from the blast.

The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Obiano is God’s gift to Anambra, says Group

AT 4

Oba airport land crisis: OkpunoAboji are part owners- Aboji PG AT 2 Why Obiano decided to reconstruct Oraukwu/Nimo road –SSG

Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Missionary Diocese, Right Rev. Samuel Ezeofor (middle) with his wife and other priest at the dedication of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Atani, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State…recently

Obiano again assures on security Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

Anambra

T E A M

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has assured that he would continue to provide security to the people of the state in so far he remained the Governor of the state.

Governor Obiano spoke recently in Awka, the state capital when he declared open the First Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State chapter Media Summit held at Women Development Centre.

The Governor said he would continue to protect the lives and the property of the people to ensure that the state remained the first choice investment destination for economic and commercial development.

Obiano said he was sure that

the summit held in the state and a lot of the participants agreed to come because of the security in the state.

Enumerating his achievements in the last three years, Obiano said he has not yet finished with the massive development of the state, saying that in the next few weeks, the state capital to Amansea would be lit with street light.

He said Awka will soon get 24-hour Filling Station and Chicken Republic that will operate for 24 hours.

He said his administration has attracted N5.7 billion dollars investment in the last three years, noting that he wants to develop strong institutions in the state, not strong personalities.

In his remarks, National Presi-

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

dent of NUJ, Mr. Waheed Odusile, lauded the Governor for his avowed commitment to develop his state, an indication that he loves the people of the state.

He charged Anambrarians to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by the prompt payment of their taxes.

The NUJ president restated that the welfare of journalists was paramount because it would bring smiles to their faces, urging the Governor to implement the journalists’ salary structure in public sector in the state owned media institutions, including the weighing allowance.

The state chairman of NUJ, Mr. Emma Ifesinachi, said the summit could not have come at a better time than now when Governorship election was almost around the corner.

He said the issue discussed would not be limited to journalism but issues that affect the state and

the country in general.

In his keynote address, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary to Anambra State Government, urged journalists to be fierce defenders of the truth by remaining steadfast to the ethics of the profession.

Decrying the negative impact of social media due to absence of regulation, which allowed them excessive freedom, in his paper, Chairman of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, said newspapers must create sustainability structure instead of depending on corporate advertisement.

He said “so media organisations have to evolve or die even as consumption of content today has also evolved”.

Anosike said journalists are social crusaders, soldiers without guns, who face attacks from segments, asking them to beat their chests for their contributions and that is why journalism is still a solid stand.

ÏÏÏ The Secretary to Anambra State Government, SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, has disclosed the state government’s plan towards flaggingoff the construction of about five kilometer Oraukwu-Nimo road, as part of efforts to create more access roads among various communities in the state.

Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, who disclosed this recently at his home town, Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area, during the commissioning ceremony of a newly rented and furnished office of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Oraukwu Ward, by a Tactical Committee of Idemili North Local Government chapter of APGA, said Governor Willie Obiano had already authorised the during the forthcoming November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in the state which Obiano is seeking his second tenure mandate.

Earlier, the leader of Idemili North APGA Tactical Committee and member of APGA Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Ifeanyi Udokwu, had identified the current recession in the country as the worst so far in the history of recession in Nigeria, but expressed satisfaction that for Obiano to have managed it with expertise was enough to fetch him second tenure.

Also speaking, National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, commended Chief Ogonna Olisa, a business mogul and APGA stakeholder, for accepting to host all APGA members in his compound, adding, “APGA will march its opponents word for word during the election, with each polling unit having a separate executive members”.

Chief Olisa, the chief host, in his statement, noted that Gov. Obiano should go home and sleep because his second tenure victory is guaranteed with the current strength of APGA in the state.

The Anambra Times 2

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Hired thugs sack landlords, injure 3 ÏÏÏ Armed men numbering about

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Reciprocate Obiano’s commitment to security, market leader urges Anambrarians Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

The President-General of Amalgamated Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, has urged the people of the state in particular and Ndigbo in general to appreciate the effort of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to make Anambra the safest state in the country by supporting his government.

Chief Ezenwankwo spoke last Tuesday when members of the state Task Force on Security led by Matthew Uyana, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police came to his office at Modebe Avenue, Onitsha.

He said people should realise that it is only when there is security that we can play on good roads and that is why the people should support the effort of the Governor to sustain this security in the state.

The AMATA President-General said he started using escort when his vice was kidnapped for 40 days and ransom paid on three times before he was set free and the kidnappers told him that they were go-

ing for him but they missed him by whiskers at DMGS Round About.

He said he liked the way they started by coming to them who are at the grassroot, saying that the vigilantes in the market were doing well and if there is time they make mistake, they will collectively resolve it since there is no human institution that is beyond any mistake.

Ewepudike, as he is fondly called, said the issue of re-registration which the Committee said will cost each vigilance group N25, 000, was not necessary because that will amount to re-registration, stating that there is not vigilance group operating in any market in the state that has not been registered with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.

“I advise that you should be very careful. There should be no injustice. Any alleged injustice should be carefully investigated and proved.

We checkmate the excesses of these boys. We will assist your committee within our own capacity,” he said.

In his response, Uyanna said some of them joined the committee because of the commitment of the

Governor on security of lives and property in the state.

He noted Ndigbo were known for commercialism and so the best and only thing anybody or government can do for them was to provide security to protect their lives and property.

Uyanna said the strength of criminals is that they are faceless but immediately they were unmasked, they will go underground and that is the reason they decided to go to the grassroot.

He said the Committee, 17 in number, were made up of people who have background in security matters either as retired Police officers, armed forces or vigilance operatives.

The chairman said the committee among other things will create central data bank for all the vigilance groups operating in the state to streamline their activities.

He said the Committee was set up by the Chairman of the Anambra State Vigilante Services, retired Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, in consultation with the state Government.

Philanthropist builds worship centre in Ogidi Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me.”

This words of our Lord Jesus Christ, comes immediately to mind, as one reflects on the giant philanthropic steps of Sir Samuel Obi Anyanwutaku, also known as Omeokachie Ogidi, who single-handedly built a modern imposing Church for the Anglican Communion in Uru-Umuanugwo village of Ogidi in Idemili North

of Anambra State.

The edifice, which stands heads over other buildings in the whole of the village, marks the zenith of the benevolence that characterises the life of this man who is a businessman of repute and the sole importer of Kiwi polish in Nigeria.

The church, Saint Andrew’s Anglican will be made a parish on April 18, 2017 courtesy of the same man, by Right Reverend (Dr.) Owen Nwokolo, the Bishop on the Niger, who also shall equally per-

form the dedication of the church.

An elated Sir Anyanwutaku said that this is “my way of saying a very big thank you to my God for touching my life and that of my family. Not that I have not been showing appreciation, but I strongly believe that by putting this edifice up for the worship of God, a lot of people will be blessed

by God. Indeed, the number of people to benefit from here would surpass the number of people I would physically help with cash.

30 and believed to be hired thugs last weekend demolished ten houses, removed land beacons, sacked the landlords and injured three of them at City Gate community, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The incident which came to the landlords as a shock happened in the morning of the fateful day when some of them were busy developing their respective property purchased from City Gate Company in 2014.

But quickly reacting to the attack, one of the victims, Comrade Damian Ogudike, said they bought the plots from City Gate owners in 2014 and commenced building of their houses, perimeter fencing and others since then without any trouble until last weekend when armed men numbering about 30 stormed the place and caused monumental damages to their property.

“You can see that about ten bungalows have been demolished by the invading thugs, the demarcation beacons uprooted and perimeter fences also demolished. When they came, we had to run for our dear

lives and their intention was to kill at least one of us so that we will not near the land again. We have lodged the matter at 3-3 Police Station and the police came to the scene and collected the tools of the invaders which are now with them”.

“They told us that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in-charge of the station, Mr. Indynar Apev, was not on seat when we asked of him,” Ogudike said.

Continuing, Ogudike, who is an Onitsha based rights activist, said: “We urge the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Sam Okaula, to investigate this matter as we learnt that one of us who is a land agent sent armed men and re-plotted the land for re-sale.

“Consequently, we sent two of us to him to know the offence we committed that caused this action and he told them that we better abandon the land or we will be killed on the process”.

As the response did not go down well with the landlords most of who are retirees, they met with the Nkwelle- Ezunaka community and City Gate who advised them to take legal action.

Oba airport land crisis: OkpunoAboji are part owners- Aboji PG ÏÏÏ The

people of Aboji village in Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have insisted that they are part owners of the controversial Oba Aiport land.

The chairman of Umu Aboji village, Nze Dozie Nweke, told newsmen in Oba last Tuesday, that contrary to the claims by some mischievous people in the community that they were not part owners, there are abundant documentary and historical evidence to show that they were part owners of the Oba Airport land.

The Anambra State Government some years ago acquired a land in Oba for the construction of an airport but the Stat Government had a change of mind and moved the airport site to Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government of the state.

However, the State Government said it would use the land for industrial purposes but 20 percent of the land would be ceded to land owners.

But Nweke said some elements in the community in 2015 in a letter to the Surveyor-General of the state, signed by one Mrs. Ebele Ejikeme, claimed that Okpuno Aboji does not own a land at the airport land.

Nweke, who said the claim was not only false, misleading but mischievous, maintained that the entire Aboji village does not have land at the airprot but

Okpuno Aboji, which is a quarter in Aboji village were bonafide co-owners of the Oba Airport.

Nweke said his own quarter does not have land at the airport but he in his capacity as the chairman of the Aboji village has to stand to ensure that they get their right.

He said that contrary to the document signed by one Mrs. Ejikeme that five villages owned airport land, there are seven villages which owned airport land, which Okpuno-Aboji was included. The seven villages which owned the airport land were Umuogali, Ezele, Aboji, Ogbenwe Abime, Isu Umuededim and Urueze.

Nweke contended that in the original map of the airport, Okpuno Aboji was adequately represented in the map and they have their own deed of the land.

He said: “In spite of all these overwhelming evidence, they want to remove Okpuno Aboji from the Airport map. We were part of the land from the beginning, why is it now that they want us out?”

Lamenting that the crisis at the Airport land has claimed lives, had people’s cars and houses vandalised and damaged, Nweke urged Police to be careful of indiscriminate arrest, saying that they have been petition and counter-petitions all over the places over the land.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

The Anambra Times 3

Obiano has shown capacity to provide good governance –APGA chieftain Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Nnamdi, Oduenyi, has said that Governor Willie Obiano has in the last three years shown that he can offer good governance to the people of the state.

Oduenyi, who spoke recently in Awka, described as “impressive” the performance of Governor Obiano in the last three years he been in office as gover-

nor of the state.

Oduenyi said Obiano has shown that he has the capacity to provide good governance to the people of the state, given his performance on security, agriculture, welfare of workers and provision of infrastructure generally.

He said: “Obiano’s achievements are something to write home about. He has made very impressive achievements in the last three years. Night life has returned to Anambra State especially Onitsha. Kidnapping and violent robbery are no more

heard of in the state. For us traders, we can now do our businesses unmolested by these hoodlums as used to be before now. Our customers from different parts of the country and African countries stopped coming because of crime. Obiano’s magic has addressed all that”.

Oduenyi said apart from different roads the Governor was constructing in the state, he donated N20 million each to 181 communities in the state to develop any pressing project in the communities.

“In my town, we have started

building civic centre with the money and the Governor has promised that any community who finished its own will access another N20 million, bringing the total amount to N40 million each community. Remember, he has also given N10 million each to 161 markets in the state. Remember, this man pays workers and pensioners salaries as and when due,” said Oduenyi.

He then advised those who are grandstanding to vie for the office of Anambra State Governor on November 18, 2017 to drop the idea until Obiano finishes his

second tenure.

The APGA chieftain also stressed the need for Anambra people to stick with APGA in the coming election, saying that the party has demonstrated utmost good faith to the people of Anambra State since Mr. Peter Obi became governor till date.

He said other ethnic groups in the country have their own political parties, stressing that PDP which prides itself as a national party is being ravaged by internal crisis, while APC has failed in every ramification in their promises.

Odekpe indigenes protest renaming of Naval Base Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ Weeks after the Nigerian Navy

Odekpe indigenes protesting renaming of Naval Base in the community...recently

Declare state of emergency on sports, Rojenny tells Obiano Philip Balepo, Onitsha

ÏÏÏThe Managing Director of Rojenny Sports, Oba, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has called on Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to declare a state of emergency on the sports sector in the state.

Ezeonwuka made the call when he addressed the leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State at the stadium in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area last Tuesday.

He said sports administrators in the state had failed the youths because of their inability to conceptualise and implement programmes that are amenable to sporting excellence.

The ace sports facility investor said the N10 billion Rojenny complex was underutilised because such activities as inter house sports,

school sports, state sports festival and other organised games were no more.

“I am calling on Governor Obiano to declare state of emergency on sports and sports development In Anambra State.

“I declare my lack of confidence in those that are in charge of sports management and administration in Anambra State and hereby call for their sack and replacement with vibrant, creative, proactive and talented people.

“The youths of Anambra State have been exposed to unbearable neglect, the sins of our various commissioners against them are unforgivable.

“Those that could have given this country gold at the world stage and made our state proud have been denied the opportunity to develop their potentials by our sports man-

ager.

“Anambra has huge potentials to give the world the best in Athletics, Soccer, Boxing and Tennis but because school sports is dead, sports festival is non-existent, these potentials have died in them.

“I call on the youths to forgive the governor because he has the youths at heart but his lieutenants in the battle field are weak and have not much to offer.

“I exonerate the governor but I want him to give Anambra his first eleven in sports sector because those that have been there for these three years have failed.

“Anybody who sees these over N10 billion sports facilities lie idle and is not moved is an enemy of sports and youths. I invested in sports because I wanted to develop the youths and help government manage them”, he added.

commissioned her base in Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, peace has really became relative as the indigenes have been feeling bitter that the Navy has rechristened their town to bear Onitsha.

Youths and even adults recently carried placards with aggressive looks, demanding reason the base is called Naval Outpost Onitsha; that Odekpe is not even in any of the two local governments that make up Onitsha and when the Navy first came, the issue of Onitsha never ever came into view before and after “we gave them our land,” the Chairman of Odekpe Land Management Committee, Mr. Anite Chukwuma, echoed while speaking with our correspondent.

However, the Navy, through the Commanding Officer, Captain Mohammed Dahiru, took time to explain what and why the name.

“In the Navy, whenever we settle in a place, we have a ship as the outpost.

The Naval Outpost is the ship, our symbol, our trade tool, while here is known as the Naval Base, Odekpe.

We know where Onitsha is and where Odekpe is situated.

“The Navy all over the world is a peace-loving organisation. We cherish our landlords and maintain a very cordial relationship with them.

On this issue, we took time to explain the technicalities to the King and his cabinet. It is really worrisome that the youths were not carried along”, the commanding officer explained further.

When approached, the Okakwu of Odekpe, Eze E. C. Onyia, said they have reached out to the appropriate quarters, hoping for an amicable resolution.

He gave The Anambra Times two separate letters written by the Odekpe Council of Chiefs and the Council of Ogbaru Traditional Rulers respectively, all addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff, on the issue.

Some of the youths from Odekpe felt satisfied with the explanation from Navy Commanding Officer, Captain Mohammed Dahiru. But the Chairman of the youths, Augustine Amaluwa Okei, said that they should have been carried along abi initio, rather than pitching them against the Navy.

N18 was stolen by Exco, ex-UPJA treasurer insists Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

former secretary of Uba Plank and Joist Association (UPJA), Sir Linus C. Uba, has insisted that the leadership of the association stole over N18 million belonging to the association.

Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, E.B Obi, Uba said the chairman of the association, Anthony Chiloni, during their last general meeting in 2016 refused some of them who opposed him to talk, rather appointed his cronies who made contributions.

He also restated that Chiloni was banking the association’s money in his own private account

and withdrew anytime he wanted to pay into the association’s accou nt.

The Presiding Senior Magistrate, Mrs. Chioma Amulukwe, however adjourned the matter to April, 24, 2017, for defence’s continuation of their cross-examination.

The prosecuting Police Officer, Crescent Ogbu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), will also produce more witnesses at the next sitting.

The five market leaders UPJA arraigned for stealing the association’s money were Chiloni, Ajaegbo Godwin, Odera Nwosu, Anadumaka Chukwuma and Rapuluchukwu Okafor.

The Anambra Times 4

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Police nab 2 suspected robbers with four guns

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Obiano is God’s gift to Anambra, says Group

Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ The Sisters’ Fellowship In-

ternational has described the emergence of Governor Willie Obiano as divine manipulation geared towards intervening in the deplorable condition of the people by giving them reasons to live, especially in the present economic recession.

This was disclosed during the 30th anniversary of the Sisters’ Fellowship International held at their headquarters, Nkpor, Anambra State recently.

The group which was formed 30 years ago is a non-denominational ministry of only women, cut across the country and beyond.

The Founder and the International President of the Group, Rev. (Mrs.) Nches Iredu, revealed

that God had in the past three years used Governor Obiano to alleviate the sufferings of the people, especially the indigent.

Rev. Iredu observed that the Gov. Obiano had transformed the status of the state and returned it to a glorious height, different from what the state was known in the past as a den of crime and criminality.

The Founder affirmed that the Governor’s achievement on security had adjudged the state, the safest in the country, with huge resource opportunities and influx of investors, making the state the first choice investment destination and hub for industrialisation and commercial activities The International President noted that Anambra State today stands tall among its contemporaries in education, health, agriculture, most importantly the

prompt payment of salary at a point where some states owed accumulation of salaries to their workers.

Earlier in his reaction, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said that his administrative blueprints were formed by his wealth of experience gathered during his early days’ career in lofty positions.

Chief Obiano restated the vision and mission of his administration to make the state first choice investment destination and a hub for industrialisation and commercial activities, as well as to create a socially stable, business friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in the state.

The Governor disclosed that in the past three years, his administration had attracted $5.6 billion

through his administrative blueprints, especially in agriculture, saying the state had continued exporting vegetables and tubers of yam to Europe which in turn would add to the internally generated revenue of the state.

The state Governor recalled that his success in restoring security was due to his investment in training and retraining of the police and security personnel in the state, vis-a-vis provision of highly digitalised vehicles to clamp down criminals as well as their command and control centers.

He revealed that his target was to make the state financial sufficient to carter for its needs irrespective of federal allocation, adding that he would continue endlessly to further increase the state internally generated revenue from its N1.4 billion mostly to N2.2 billion.

ÏÏÏ The Police in Anambra State recently nabbed two suspected armed robbers when they were fished out of a commuter bus during a ‘stop and search’ at Building Material market along the Enugu -Onitsha Expressway in Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Police on the surveillance at the place had flagged the bus the duo were travelling with along with other passengers when on a closer scrutiny, they discovered the arms.

The suspects were believed to be among the hoodlums terrorising motorists and passengers plying the Expressway.

Sources said when the passengers were being searched in turns, the two suspected armed robbers who concealed their locally made pistols in their pockets became apprehensive and wanted to run when they were noticed by the eagle eyes of the policemen and they were promptly arrested.

They were immediately taken to Ogidi police station while other passengers were asked to continue with their journey.

The Ogidi Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Hassan Musa, in reaction said: “We urge the road users to always bear with us and have patience with the police when we demand to search the vehicles they are travelling with because our duty is to save their lives and properties.

“The two armed robbers with the four guns may have the aim to rob the passengers even with their other gang members who might be waiting for them somewhere else”.

He then urged people to always cooperate with the police on duty because they are on the road for their safety.

The DPO said the robbers have been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu for further investigation.

Community petitions IGP, Obiano over rights abuse ÏÏÏ The Inspector-General of Po-

lice (IGP), Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the National Human Rights Commission have been urged to rise and halt further gross abuse of fundamental human rights of the people and leaders of Otoko village in Isuanaoma, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Making the call at the weekend while handing over a petition to the IGP to newsmen in his office, counsel to the village, Humphrey Udechukwu, specifically asked the IGP to stop all forms of harassment and intimidation and arrests by his men at the instance of one Festus Onyeagolu,

a Ghana based businessman, who had allegedly swore to use his resources to bring Otoko people and their leaders to their knees, so that he would take their land, Ilodigwe land.

The legal practitioner also asked Governo Obiano to save his clients by prevailing on his Special Adviser on Security, Chief Chikaodili Anara, who is allegedly being used by Onyeagolu to use his vigilance operatives to intimidate and harass the villagers.

He said in one occasion, they allegedly brought vigilance operatives who shot indiscriminately scaring people away from their village, only for them to collect the bullet shells and took them to police to allege that it was his cli-

ents that did the shoot-out, hence the arrests and detention of his clients.

Udechukwu lamented that because the Police from Force Headquarters, Abuja were heavily compromised by Festus Onyeagolu, his brothers Paulinus, Anthony and others, they would throw respect to Court to the dog.

Consequently, they have been arresting his clients, said the lawyer, indiscriminately in a matter that was pending in a court, saying that an Ihiala High Court in Anambra State has ordered the police to allow the status quo to remain, yet they to go about arresting and detaining his clients.

He said that as at last Friday,

April 7, 2017, one of his clients was still being detained at Force Headquarters, Abuja on trump up charges for more than two weeks without allowing him to be taken on bail.

One of the leaders who was being hunted for arrest, Nnamdi Oduenyi, said that efforts have been made in the past, including a peace meeting the Police authority asked the former Commissioner of Police in the State, B.A. Karma, now Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (IG) Zone 9, Umuahia to look into the matter but Onyeagolu walked out of Karma, saying he would not abide by the decisions of Karma.

But Udechukwu said that On-

yeagolu and his cohorts rather have been written spurious petitions to Force Headquarters, Abuja, which in turn came down to the village and arrested his clients, charged them at Abuja and at the same time came down to the village to press similar charges against his clients.

“Sir, we hereby urge you to use your good offices to discontinue any further arrest and also direct the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command or AIG zone 9, Umuahia, to look into the matter and allow the court to finish the matter, whereas the matter is subjudice. In alternative, call Mr. Festu Onyeagolu and his cohorts to order”.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Dangote Flour Mills returns to profitability, posts N12bn profit Page B2

Equities rebounds as investors transact 1.2bn shares Page B4

APCON vows to resist LASAA’s illegality Page B6

Arik Air owes creditors N375bn – AMCON The Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Mr Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), said the embattled airline was indebted to its trade and finance creditors to the tune of N375 billion.

Opasanya made the disclosure in an affidavit filed in support of the airline’s receivership by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), before Justice Muhammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

A copy of the document filed

on April 11 was made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.

AMCON had on Feb. 9 taken over Arik Air as a result of its huge debt profile and thereafter appointed Capt. Roy Ilegbodu to manage the airline under the receivership of Opasanya.

In the affidavit, Opasanya said the Federal Government underestimated the rot at the airline before the takeover, which according to him was mind-bog-

gling.

“In the course of the receivership, AMCON has received diverse claims from financial institutions, service providers, suppliers, airport and aviation authorities, insurance providers, governmental agencies, employees, pilots and many others in excess of N300 billion, allegedly owed by the former management, “As a matter of fact, the salaries of the expatriate and local

staff of Arik Air were unpaid since October 2016 and July 2016 respectively”, he said.

Opasanya explained that while N300 billion was owed on one hand to numerous local and international creditors, 31 million was owed to the Lufthansa Technik Group and $6.5 million to aviation authorities in the West Coast of Africa.

The receiver manager listed some other debts owed by Arik Air to include Insurance Policy

Omotola Oyebanjo, Team Lead, Communications and Media, Union Bank, Tampiri Irimagha Akemu, MD Sesema PR and Organizer of the award, Ogochukwu Ekezie- Ekaidem, Head Corporate Affairs & Communications Union Bank and Abiola Akinyemi, Project Manager, Corporate Communications Awards during the Best Rebranding Category Award presentation to the Bank

Increase SMEs allocation to $100,000, MAN tells CBN

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun branch has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase the special window allocated to SMEs in the country from 20,000 US dollars to100, 000 US dollars quarterly.

Mr Wale Adegbite, MAN,

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Ogun State Branch who made this call on Wednesday in Ota, Ogun, stated that such a decision would effectively help the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to import raw materials and boost the economy.

Recall that Acting Director, Corporate Communication Department of the CBN, Mr Isaac Okoroafor, on Monday in Abuja, announced that the apex bank had opened a special window of $20,000 quarterly for SMEs to enable them import eligible finished and semi-finished items into the country.

Okoroafor however noted that

the apex bank’s special intervention became necessary after finding out many SMEs were being crowded out of the foreign exchange market (Forex).

Adegbite pointed out that the new special window by the CBN is not sufficient for the SMEs to import eligible finished and semi-finished items into the country.

He stressed; “The new special windows just introduced for the SMEs by the Apex Bank was too nominal and small for them to import goods into the country as expected by the apex bank.”

He insisted that the upward

Monday, April 17, 2017

review of the special intervention by the CBN would stimulate activities of SMEs which would further generate employment opportunities for the teaming population.

Adegbite maintained that the need for the CBN to open another special window for manufacturers to enable them operate optimally since the $60,000 incentive has been discontinued.

“The SMEs and manufacturers form the bedrock of any nation since they play vital roles in economic development as well as creating jobs for the people,” Adegbite emphasised.

(N418. 89 million), National Pension Commission (N4. 59 billion) and Zenith and Access Banks (N28.347 billion).

He said it also included Amadeus Marketing Nigeria (N632. 49 million), Marriot and Best Western Hotels (N3. 8 million), undocumented bank loan (N2 billion) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (N11. 21 billion).

Others are Export Development Canada ($53.43 million), Sky Enterprises LLC ($30 million), FAAN ($942.14 million) World Fuel Services Inc ($26.55 million) and loan from Prince Arthur Ezenwa ($2.5 million).

Opasanya said the airline owed the United States Internal Revenue Service and the United States Customs $987,170 and $311,888 respectively.

FG allots N1.2bn in April savings bond sales The Federal Government on Wednesday allotted N1.2 billion in its April, 2019 and 2020 savings bond sales, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said.

According to the allotment results derived from its website, N419.33 million was allotted at 12.79 per cent with 841 successful subscriptions, to mature in April 2019.

It stated that N868.69 million was allotted at 13.79 per cent with 957 successful subscriptions, to mature in April 2020.

The savings bond issuance is expected to help finance the nation’s budget deficit.

The bond issuance is part of the Federal Government programme targeted at the lower income earners to encourage savings and also earn more income (interest), compared to their savings accounts with banks.

The bonds are debt securities (liabilities) of the Federal Government backed by its ‘full faith and credit’.

Interests are to be paid at regular periods and principal repaid at maturity.

The bonds have a tenor of between two to three years and a minimum size of investment of N5,000 and maximum of N50 million.

The bond is aimed at deepening national savings culture, diversifying funding sources for the government and providing opportunity to all citizens, irrespective of income level to contribute to national development.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

jƏ ƅ Əƍ Əƈ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ ƍ ǀƠƠ ƅ ƌƍ ƕ ƈ ƇƏƈƅ Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) was on the list of Africa’s top 500 companies recently released by The Africa Report (February 2017 issue), a leading news magazine publication owned by Paris-based media group, Jeune Afrique.

The list is compiled annually with each company listed assessed based on total turnover as well as net profits. Despite the recent economic challenges in the country, Transcorp has continued to focus on improving lives and transforming Nigeria as they join the list of Africa’s stellar performers.

According to Transcorp Plc. President/CEO, Emmanuel Nnorom, the recognition is most welcomed and has become proof that it is possible to be financially profitable when you focus on the best interest of the country and the people. Nnorom also noted that Transcorp has been recognized as one of Africa’s top 500 companies despite the fact that its investments are currently situated in Nigeria only.

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Mastercard provides operational support for African startups Ƈ Ƌ Ƅƈ ƗƆ Ƌ Master card has extended applications for its next start path Global 2017 class, an initiative to support African startups who are reshaping the future of commerce.

The company in a statement made available to DailyTimes on Wednesday said the applications will be extended till April 23, 2017 and is open to startups from Africa and across the world who are rethinking banking and payments and have raised a sig-

nificant seed or Series A round of investment.

The company said “Focus is being placed on Africa to ensure the continent is well represented, with startups from all corners of Africa encouraged to submit their application.”

During a six-month virtual programme, Start Path will provide startups with the operational support, mentorship, and investment they need to develop the next generation of commerce solutions and grow their operations.

Selected companies who meet

the criteria of; Solution live in market; Established and experienced team; Targeting sizeable market opportunity; Demonstrable advantage over competitors; and Seed or Series A investment recently secured, will further benefit from the knowledge of a global network of Mastercard experts, access to Mastercard customers and partners including global corporate brands spanning banking, retail, tech and telecoms, and the ability to innovate on top of Mastercard solutions.

Dangote Flour Mills returns to profitability, posts N12bn profit Dangote Flour Mills has posted a profit before tax of N11.82 billion for its financial year ended December 31, 2016. According to the results released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company has returned to profitability after four years of losses.

Review of the results indicated that the group’s operating profit went up to N16 billion compared to a loss of N8.6 billion posted at the preceding year. Profit after tax went up to N10.6 billion in contrast to a loss of N12.5 billion in 2015.

Revenue went up by 120 percent from N48 billion to N105 billion, while gross profit in-

creased by 556.8 percent to N29 billion compared to N4 billion in 2016. Capital market analysts described the company’s performance as heartwarming given that the company had recorded losses in the past.

Dangote Flour Mills consist of Dangote Flour, Dangote Pasta, and Dangote Noodles. It was sold to Tiger Branded Consumer Goods, but later reacquired and re-positioned for good results.

Having reacquired the flour mills, the new board of directors and management started a restructuring process.

Speaking on the repositioning, the chairman, Dangote Flour Mills, Ighodalo Asue, said,

“We bought back Dangote Flour Mill from Tiger Branded Consumer Goods and by this move, it means we have a stronger, better, sophisticated and more focused Dangote Flour Mills.

“Since the takeover, we have taken a lot of steps to reposition the company through expansion to drive growth. We are also using this medium to restate our commitment to increasing our shareholders.”

The group chief executive officer, Dangote Flour Mills, Thabo Mabe, attributed the return to profitability to several strategies adopted by the company to increase market share and create value for shareholders.

“Fintech startups around the world are designing a digital future,” said Amy Neale, Vice President, Mastercard Start Path.

“They’re bringing a different approach to enhance customer choice and experience across the industry. Our work with these startups helps connect new technology with reliable, secure financial networks and processes to create an even more rewarding and seamless commerce experience.”

Since 2014, the Start Path team has received interest from 5,000

startups, and has worked with 100 companies across 24 countries.

Through the first four classes, 20 percent of the participants have worked with Mastercard in commercial engagements or pilots.

Mastercard is collaborating with DigiSEq, an IoT payment device enabler, to connect DigiSEq device manufacturer customers with Mastercard tokenization services and enable payments on wearables.

Kasisto, the company that created the conversational KAI Banking AI platform, is currently piloting a bot for banks for Mastercard employees that allows consumers to transact, manage finances, receive contextual offers and learn about benefits via messaging platforms.

Union Bank wins best rebranding category award Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has emerged winner in the Best Rebranding category in the maiden edition of the Corporate Communications Awards (CCA).

The Corporate Communications Awards, the first of its kind in Nigeria, is aimed at celebrating outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s Corporate Communications industry. The event was held in Lagos.

Union Bank emerged winner via nominations by corporate communication professionals, public voting as well as deliberations by members of the Advisory Board which comprised of experts in the media, corporate communication and the academia.

The Head of Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem,

who led the rebranding exercise for Union Bank said: “To be recognized by the Corporate Communications Awards for the rebranding of the bank is a fantastic validation of the hard work that went into the development and execution of our new identity. Our brand identity is a critical piece of Union Bank’s overall transformation and our goal was to depict a more contemporary and energetic institution while maintaining our authenticity and key elements of the brand heritage”.

“This year, Union Bank is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a theme to ‘Celebrate, Impact, Lead’ and the bank’s award winning identity gives us even more reasons to celebrate while reflecting our proposition to make banking simpler and smarter for our customers”, she stated further.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni Due to the delay in the passage of the 2017 federal budget, the issuance of a green bond by the federal government this month may have to wait till whenever that is done, the environment minister said on Wednesday.

A green bond is like any other regular bond but with one key difference:

B3 Money Market

How 2017 budget delay hinders green bond sale the money raised by the issuer are earmarked towards financing `green’ projects, i.e. assets or business activities that are environment-friendly. Such projects could be in the areas of renewable energy, clean transportation and sustainable water management.

The government had planned to launch the 20 billion naira ($65.55 million) bond in April to fund projects to reduce carbon emissions and develop renewable energy.

Announcing the plans in February, the environment ministry said the programme was aimed at

widening Nigeria’s funding options and diversify the OPEC member’s oil-dependent economy, which is the largest in Africa.

“All is set for its formal launch but the budget has to be passed first before the issuance,” Ibrahim Usman Jibril,

the minister of state for environment, told reporters in the capital, Abuja, following a cabinet meeting.

The budget, which was first presented to lawmakers by President Muhammadu Buhari in December must be agreed by parliament before it

can be signed into law by the president.

Lawmakers have resolved to pass the 2017 budget more swiftly than last year when wrangling between parliament and the presidency delayed the spending plan being passed in to law for months.

Naira steady 410/$1 at parallel market

Analysts forecast 17.1% inflation rate for March

An Economic Intelligence Group at Access Bank Plc has predicted 17.1 per cent inflation rate for March attributable to slower increases in the food and non-food divisions.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will on April 15, 2017 release the inflation rate for the month of March 2017. The Bureau had announced 17.78 per cent inflation rate for February 2017.

They noted that fur-

ther decline would be the second consecutive month that the pace of annual inflation slowed after increasing for fifteen straight months.

They explained that, “The expected decline in the pace of inflation in March reflects a favourable base effect from the previous year which offsets slightly higher food prices seen in March.

“According to an independent survey, the highest price increases in the

food index were recorded in the Fish, Vegetables, and Bread and Cereals groups.

“The currency appreciation in the parallel market witnessed in March (13 per cent month-on-month) should also serve to dampen inflationary pressures.

Thus the Core Inflation Index is expected to extend its downward trend.”

The Economic Intelligence Group noted that probable market impact points include yields in

the fixed income market might likely remain elevated in line with stillhigh inflation rate.

The report said, “Yields in the fixed income market are likely to remain elevated in line with stillhigh inflation rate. This will continue to induce asset reallocation from equities, there-by further encouraging bearish stock market. However, this may over time create entry opportunities in the equities market.

Banks to contribute 5% PAT to boost Agro/SMEs As part of continued effort in diversifying Nigerian economy into non oil sectors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to remit five per cent of their profit after tax (PAT) for investment in the Agricultural/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme.

Director/Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Mr. Kelvin Amugo, gave this directive in a circular is-

sued to all banks titled: “Guidelines for the Operations of the Agricultural/ Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS)”.

He stated: The Bankers Committee at its 331st meeting held on February 9, 2017 approved the AgriBusiness/Small and Medium Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) to support the federal government’s efforts at promoting agricultural business/ Small and Medium Enterprises

(SME) as a vehicle for sustainable economic development and employment generation.

“All deposit money banks (DMBs) pursuant thereof, are hereby required to set aside and remit to the designated account domiciled in the CBN, five per cent of their annual profit after tax (PAT) for equity investment in permissible activities as stipulated in the scheme guidelines. Each bank is also required to

nominate a representative to the Project Review Committee, which shall have the responsibility for recommending investment of the funds in eligible enterprises.”

According to the guidelines of the scheme, each bank is supposed to transfer the five per cent of its PAT to the CBN and warehoused in an account opened for the scheme, within 10 working days after the annual general meeting of the bank.

The Nigerian currency, the naira on Wednesday closed at 410 to a dollar, the same rate it traded the previous day, which indicated a drop of five points from 405 it exchanged on the first trading day of the week at the parallel market.

This was contrary to the widely expected new closing rate for the local currency, as forex traders believed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) improved dollar supply will prop up the local currency.

The CBN had on Monday auctioned $100m in forwards to be settled between one week and 30 days’ time, as against 60day contracts it had written previously, shortening the settlement period on forward contracts to inject liquidity.

Also, at the official forex market, nothing seems changed as the naira closed at 306.10 per dollar on Wednesday, the same rate it sold on Tuesday.

But the naira weakened yesterday against Euro and Pound, closing at 435 and 510.50 against 432 and 501 sold on Tuesday, respectively.

On the interbank market yesterday, the naira stood at 315.00 to the dollar, closing at 392.30 per pound and 334.62 to the Euro.

However, the central bank had on Monday opened a special foreign exchange window for the Small and Medium Enterprises, and on Wednesday made spot sales totaling $100 million to interested Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through its newly opened Special Window for small scale importers.

The move was said to enable the SMEs use the funds for the importation of critical and eligible fin-

ished and semi-finished goods.

The CBN also released its results of 7 – 30 days forwards wholesale of $100 million, even as authorised dealers subscribed fully to the $100 million offered by the CBN at the forex auction in the interbank wholesale window on Monday.

CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, made this known to newsmen that the new window for SMEs provides small scale importers an avenue to source forex to boost their respective businesses through the importation of eligible finished and semifinished items.

He added that no SME will be allowed to transact more than $20,000 per quarter.

Some authoritative sources at the CBN have also hinted that in an attempt to boost forex supply, the CBN will soon begin spot forex auction sales, and also open a special window for investors to trade freely for certain eligible transactions, particularly dividends and investment remittances .

There have been concerns raised over the ability of the apex bank to sustain the current rate of liquidity in the market.

Some experts have, however, pointed out that going by the current level of reserves, the accretion from oil revenues and the subdued level of demand, the CBN has the capacity to sustain supply even if it has to keep doing so for the next three months.

Mr. Okorafor, explained that the apex bank’s special intervention was necessitated by its findings that a large number of the SMEs were being crowded out of the forex space by large firms.

Capital Market B4 Afolabi Adesola The lead indicators of the Nigerian equities market recorded a rebound of 0.07 percent on Wednesday.

Investors moved 247.7 million shares worth N1.2 billion, a decline of 38 and 37 percent respectively when compared to previous sessions transactions of N402.7 million units of shares worth N1.9 billion.

The All Share Index however added 18.65 points to Tuesday’s closing figure and closed the Wednesday at 25,496.71 points.

Market Capitalisation added N6 billion and closed the day at N8.822 trillion, while the year-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Equities rebounds as investors transact 1.2bn shares to-date loss moderated to -5.15 percent.

Trans Nationwide Express Plc led 18 gainers with 4.60 percent growth in share price that closed at 91 kobo, Fidson Healthcare Pharmaceuticals followed with a growth of 4.30 percent to close at 97 kobo per share, while Transcorp added 4.11 percent to close at 76 kobo per share.

AIICO Insurance was next with a 3.77 percent growth to

close at 55 kobo per share, while FBN Holdings added 3.24 percent to close at N3.19 per share.

On the other hand, Unilever was topmost on the losers table (17), with a decline of 5 percent to close at N33.25 per share. Lafarge WAPCO decreased 4.99 percent to close at N45.13 per share, while Ashaka Cement shed 4.95 percent to close at N9.03 per share. NAHCO fell 4.86 percent to close at N2.35,

and Jaiz Bank was fifth on the losers table with a depreciation of 4.55 percent to close at N1.05 per share.

Top three traded stocks for the day were Fidelity Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Access Bank. They traded 97.6 million, 36.1 million and 40.2 million units of shares respectively. The shares were valued at 97.5 million, N40.2 million and N110.4 million each.

Publish paid unclaimed dividend data, shareholders tell SEC, Registrars Bonny Amadi A cross section of Shareholders across Nigeria have urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and registrars operating in the country to publish data of how N40 billion unclaimed divided was paid in one year.

Speaking under the aegis of standard Association of shareholders Association of Nigeria, the shareholders urged the capital market apex regulator, to trigger the clause of corporate governance and full disclosure, to make public , how N40 billion unclaimed dividend was paid in one year, the current state of unclaimed dividend and who

and who received what amount.

Mr Godwin Anono, chairman, Standard Shareholders Association of Nigeria who spoke to Daily Times via a telephone said that the need for the SEC to publish or cause to publish the unclaimed dividend data has been heightened by uncertainty in the retail shareholders community, occasioned by reported market related fraud in recent time.

Anono said that the trend is heightened by the long period for competition of –e-dividend mandate which he said takes minimum of 30 days, barely the period required for maturity of

Federal Government’s 90 days Treasury Bills (T-Bills), indicating that the money which could have attracted interest for the owners, may be yielding huge revenue for the current custodians.

He expressed concern on why e-dividend electronic mandate form will take three months to complete the entire process, when the process of registration is electronic, exposing default in the entire process.” When you complete the e-dividend mandate form, they will send it back to the registrar which takes a period of 30 days.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls that the progres-

sive shareholders Association of Nigeria had earlier urged the SEC in connivance with the Registrars and Registrars, release data covering the payment of N40 billion unclaimed dividend funds in one year.

Mr. Okezie Boniface, Chairman of the group told Daily Time that publication of such data of paid unclaimed dividend, may reveal more fraud in the market through the unclaimed dividend funds, out of which N40 billion was paid out in 2016.

SEC’s head corporate communications, Mr. Naif Abdul in a telephone interview told Daily Times Nigeria

that the capital market apex is not charged with payment of dividends and that Registrars, through the Nigerian Interbank Settlement services (NIBSS) effect electronic dividend payments and therefore SEC should not be asked to release the [payment data.

He said “payments are not made by SEC, electronic dividends are made by Registrars through NIBSS” He added that the commission recently mandated its inspectors to authenticate payments claims made by Registrars, and on completion of their duty, the commission will make public its findings.

Ashaka Cement records reduced profit before tax Bonny Amadi, Afolabi Adesola Ashaka Cement has recorded a reduction in profit before tax (PBT), for the period ended December 31, 2016, ostensibly occasioned by foreign exchange volatility and macroeconomic headwinds. Ashaka cement is undergoing a voluntary delisting process from the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The company’s audited financial statement published by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) reported that combination of factors including a 25 percent reduction in finance income to N873million, a 112 percent increase in finance cost, coupled with a marginal reduction in revenue of N17.35bn, slowed PBT to N2.7 billion, indicating 17 percent drop.

The company trimmed operating expenses by 51 percent in 2016 to N2.5bn, However, a 44 percent increase in tax expenses contributed to a lower profit after tax posted in the period under review.

Profit for the period fell by 27 percent to N2.0bn from N2.8bn recorded in 2015. The company’s earnings per share thus fell to 90 kobo from 123 kobo earned for the same period of 2015.

The company had said neither it nor any shareholders were benefiting from the continued listing, as shareholders are not getting any exit opportunity and their investments have been locked up with difficult to dispose.

Dangote to release Q1 results in 2weeks, commences closed period Afolabi Adesola Dangote Cement Plc has announced the commencement of a closed period in respect of its first quarter results (Q1), starting from the 12th of April till one day after the release of its unaudited Quarter 1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2017.

Dangote Cement said the results are expected to be released to the public on or before April 28 2017, after which trading period of its shares will be resumed. uring the closed period, the company expects that Directors, Senior Managers and other interested parties that may at any time possess sensitive information that may materially affect the price of the company’s securities are not expected to trade its shares.

29,000

22,000

21-Jan 24-Jan 27-Jan 30-Jan 02-Feb 05-Feb 08-Feb 11-Feb 14-Feb 17-Feb 20-Feb 23-Feb 26-Feb 01-Mar 04-Mar 07-Mar 10-Mar 13-Mar 16-Mar 19-Mar 22-Mar 25-Mar 28-Mar 31-Mar 03-Apr 06-Apr 09-Apr 12-Apr

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17 , 2017

NSE All Share Index Naira Value (m)

28,000

23,000

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B5

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27,000 60,000

26,000

25,000 40,000

24,000 20,000

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Brands & Marketing B6 Stories by Godwin Anyebe The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has vowed to resist the illegality of the Lagos State Advertisement Signage Agency, (LASAA) which in recent times attempted to usurp some of the statutory functions of APCON, in the areas of regulating communication contents in outdoor advertisement structures and signages. APCON Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Bello Garba Kankarofi has said.

Kankarofi who made this known during a media chart with journalists recently in Lagos discolsed that the belligerent and aggressive posturing by the new headship of LASAA, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi was informed by his poor understanding and knowledge of APCON laws and regulations.

The APCON registrar, lamented the latest outbursts and impunity by LASAA boss whom he

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

APCON vows to resist LASAA’s illegality said has been holding his present position in deliberate contravention and abeyance of the Nigerian constitution setting up APCON. Specifically, Kankarofi disclosed that under Part IV privileges of Registered persons and Offences by Unregistered Persons (Advertising Practitioners (Registration etc) Act C Cap 7 LFN 1990 (Act Cap A7 LFN 2004 states that: sub-titled (Appointment not to be held by unregistered person:- “subject to the provisions of this Act, no person, not being registered in accordance with this act, shall be entitled to hold any appointment in the public service of the federation or of a state in any public or private establishment, body

or institution, if the holding of such appointment involves the performance by him in Nigeria of any act pertaining to the profession for gain”.

In other words, the managing Director of LASAA, being an unregistered advertising professional as stated by this Act is unqualified to head the agency as he occupies the public office for gain by virtue of being a public servant with salaries and emoluments. And according to the APCON Registrar some other members of Sanusi’s management team equally runs foul of the law because they are not APCON certified.

He further disclosed that, previous helmsmen at LASAA had always registered and complied

with APCON rules upon assumption of office but wondered why the current chief executive officer of LASAA has remained adamant and recalcitrant in obeying the laws of the land despite claiming to be a lawyer and a journalist. He stated that APCON has written several letters to Sanusi to register with the council as the constitution dictates but that he has ignored this advice.

“APCON never had issues with past chief executive officers of LASAA. From the inception of the agency by Makanjuola Alabi, to Hon. Tunji Bello and George Noah, the immediate predecessor of the current managing director, they have always complied with APCON laws by

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Sesan Sobowale quits Guinness Nigeria

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L-R: Felix Awogu, General Manager, Supersport West Africa; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria and Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, M-net West Africa during the Media Roundtable last week in Lagos.

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Outdoor advertising body appoints Utomi, Akande patrons Following series of hiccups occasioned by unbending regulations of the out of home businesses across Nigeria, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria- OAAN, has appointed Professor Patrick Okedinachi Utomi and Dr, Onikepo Akande as patrons.

This appointment may be as a result of some numerous challenges confronting the practice of outdoor advertising business in Nigeria, and the association believes that these prominent Nigerians will be able to resolve some of these grey areas.

According to statement issued by OAAN recently in Lagos, there is a paramount need to seek out respectable individuals who have influence in the society and the government to be the voice of Association.

being registered upon assumption of office. We have written several letters to Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi to register but he has refused”. His said.

He stated that what the council has just initiated in Lagos State has long being in operation in other states of the federation and yet none of the agencies in charge of outdoor advertising businesses in the states have objected nor resisted. He however counseled Mobolaji Sanusi to go and study the APCON laws and desist from his hallucinatory postures.

Attempts to get the LASAA Managing Director, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi to react to APCON’s allegations proved abortive as he was said not to be available.

The OAAN President, Babatunde Adedoyin reiterated that to actual this desire, “we considered a somewhat geo-political spread, selecting people of great repute.”

This gave rise to appointing as a patron, Chief Akande, a foremost Industrialist, and the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The reason according the OAAN President, “is not only that she occupies a pivotal role in the seat of commerce in Lagos State, but she is perceived to have good will nationwide, having been a twotime Minister of Industry of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Another choice of a patron was Utomi, a one-time Presidential aspirant, a Political Economist who is very vast in socioeconomic issues and a veritable

tool for advocacy. He is expected to intervene for OAAN in Lagos State, the East and with the Federal government.

“We are looking to secure a Northern Representative as another Patron and have written to the Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. His reply is still being awaited, Adedoyin said.

Dufil donates lab equipment to Mainland Senior High School Lagos As part of its efforts towards educational development, especially Science Education in Nigeria, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Noodles, has once again contributed its quota to the growth of science education in Lagos State by donating full science laboratory equipment to Mainland Senior High School,

Jibowu, Lagos State.

The donation of the complete set of laboratory equipment which took place at the school premises recently in Lagos and was witnessed by the Onisabe of IgbobiSabe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, Students, Parents, Teachers, Media and the members of the Community.

While presenting the equipment to the school on behalf of Dufil Prima Foods Plc., the Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, explained that the donation was part of Dufil Prima Foods’ corporate social responsibility initiative tailored towards education and community development.

According to him, this CSR gesture of the company to Mainland Senior High is to complement the effort of the government in

One of the longest-serving directors at Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale has resigned his appointment from the company, Daily Times has learnt.

Sobowale, who left the brewery giant 2 weeks ago, was until his resignation, a Guinness Nigeria’s Corporate Relations Director.

He joined the company in April 2005 and his departure has brought a 12 year stint with Guinness to an end.

Prior to his departure, Sobowale was touted as one of Nigeria’s directors in line to be appointed the managing director/ chief executive officer, but his exit may have finally nail the coffin on the speculation.

It was gathered that his exit from Guinness was mutually agreed.

He joined Guinness as company secretary in 2005, and rose through the ranks to become the corporate relations director.

Investigations reveal that the former director at Guinness Nigeria is currently holidaying outside the country; hence his mobile lines were inaccessible.

On his next move, sources said that Sobowale is planning to unveil his consulting firm after his return to the country, rather than goes into another employment.

Sobowale qualified as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and was admitted to the Bar in December 1990.

He has over 18 years of commercial legal experience in Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms including G. M. Ibru & Co., Udo-Udoma & Bello-Osagie and the Law Union.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

B7 AgriBusiness

FAO calls for investments to arrest crisis in Lake Chad Basin

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has called for critical investments in agriculture and climate change relief to address the crisis in Africa’s strife-torn Lake Chad Basin, where hunger, poverty and a lack of rural development prevail.

The Director-General of FAO, José da Silva, stated this in Rome following his visit to some of the worst affected areas in Chad and northeastern Nigeria from April 5 to April 7.

Da Silva said the crisis was both humanitarian and ecological adding agriculture cannot be an “afterthought”.

The FAO Director-General regretted that hunger, poverty and a lack of rural development prevailed in the crisis-hit region.

“This is not only a humanitar-

ian crisis, but it is also an ecological one.

“This conflict cannot be solved only with arms. This is a war against hunger and poverty in the rural areas of the Lake Chad Basin.

“Peace is a prerequisite to resolve the crisis in the region, but this is not enough.

“Agriculture, including livestock and fisheries, can no longer be an afterthought.

“It is what produces food and what sustains the livelihoods of about 90 per cent of the region’s population,” the Director-General said.

He underscored that the crisis was rooted in decades of neglect, lack of rural development and the impact of climate change, and the only way to ensure a lasting solution is to address these including

through investments in sustainable agriculture.

“Some seven million people risk suffering from severe hunger in

the Lake Chad Basin, which incor- are facing famine. porates parts of Cameroon, Chad, “While fighting and violence Niger and north-eastern Nigeria. have caused much of the suffer“In the latter, some 50,000 people ing, the impact of environmental degradation and climate change, including repeated droughts, is exacerbating the situation,” he said.

He noted that since 1963, Lake Chad had lost some 90 per cent of its water mass with devastating consequences on food security and the livelihoods of people depending on fishing and irrigation-based agricultural activities.

“Furthermore, while Lake Chad has been shrinking, the population has been growing, including millions displaced from conflict areas.”

The Director-General called for food assistance and long-term investment production in the region.

FADAMA programme pledges assistance for Anambra farmers The Anambra State FADAMA Coordination Office has promised to assist farmers in the state in their plans to achieve bumper harvests, as the new farming season begins.

Mr Chucks Egbue, the state FADAMA 111 Programme Manager, made the promise while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Awka.

“We give out pest control substances, improved seedlings of various kinds and fertilisers to farmers at low cost, so as to help them do well this farming season.

“One thing they can be sure of is that whatever we give to them is original and unadulterated, unlike what they may get from the open market, where anything goes,” he said.

Meanwhile, some farmers in the state have expressed optimism of having bumper harvests this season.

One of the farmers, Mr Innocent Nwobu, said that he had started tilling his farmland, in preparation for crop planting, as the rainy season began.

“Already, I have engaged workers to begin

crop planting later in the week.

“With the early arrival of the rainy season this year, food scarcity will soon become a thing of the past,’’ he said.

On his part, Mr Romanus Igwebuike, expressed the hope that natural and man-made disasters would not thwart the farmers’ efforts to achieve bumper harvest this season.

“The menace of flood, erosion and herdsmen, if reduced to the barest minimum, will do us good; and that will benefit everybody,” he said.

Agro-business: College trains, empowers 7,500 entrepreneurs The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) has trained and empowered no fewer than 7,500 categories of entrepreneurs on profitable agro-business ventures from September 2008 till date.

Dr Samson Odedina, the provost of the institution, disclosed these to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Akure.

Odedina said that the college was able to achieve this feat based on the quality of, and wealth of experiences of its staff in practical agriculture.

He said that the college’s facilities and manpower were ranked among the best in Africa.

The provost said that the

college played a leading and pioneering role in the actualisation of the new value-chain curriculum in schools of agriculture across the country.

The provost said, “Based on what we do in FECA, we got a support from the Government of Australia and some institutions and we introduced valuechain into the curricula of schools of agriculture in Nigeria.

“By the end of last month, we got an approval from the Federal Government through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) that the curriculum should be used in all schools teaching agriculture.

“This value-chain cur-

riculum is the first of its kind in Nigeria; none had existed prior to this time.

“This is as a result of value-chain activities of production processing, value-addition marketing and consumption at the college.”

He said that the college’s case study was adapted for the development of the curriculum based on its past experience.

“The joy of it is that FECA is playing a leading role and also practicalising it for everyone to see,” he said.

He added that everything FECA had was a case study confirming that valuechain approach would be a success.

According to him, the

new curriculum will enable students teach farmers on how to maximise profits at every stage of production.

He applauded Harvest Plus Nigeria for being a most rewarding and sustainable partner in track record of producing quality and self-employed graduates for the agricultural sector. “ It is commendable that Harvest Plus Nigeria built, equipped and donated agroshops, bio-fortification restaurants and cassava processing and value addition centres for stakeholders in the sector.

“The Harvest Plus Nigeria also sponsored the establishment and maintenance of 100 hectares of

Vitamin A cassava varieties for farmers and entrepreneurs in Ondo State,” he said.

AFAN welcomes first rain in Minna, urges farmers to delay crop planting The Niger chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has advised farmers in Minna to refrain from rushing to start cultivation following the first rainfall in the area on Tuesday.

Alhaji Shehu Galadima, the state AFAN Chairman, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen shortly after the rainfall which lasted 46 minutes.

“We are happy for this rainfall. It is a welcome development and it signals the onset of the rainy sea-

son.

“Farmers should, however, not start cultivating their lands until subsequent rains that will wet the soil enough for planting,’’ he said.

Galadima warned that if farmers decided to begin crop growing now, heat from the soil might scorch and damage the crops.

According to him, this will happen because the first rain may not sink deep into the soil.

“The farmers should continue to plough their lands and wait for heavy rains,’’ he said.

The rainfall did not come with stormy winds, as the residents went about their normal businesses immediately after the rain.

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Hyundai Motors Nigeria unveils grand savings bonanza Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) has announced a starting price offer of NGN2, 695,000 for prospective customers seeking to buy Hyundai cars in the company’s periodic sales campaign, ‘Hyundai Grand Savings Bonanza.’

Announcing the offer in Lagos, HMNL Head, Sales and Marketing, Jatin Nadkarni said the 2017 Hyundai Grand Savings Bonanza promises to make

prices very competitive during and after the campaign.

The offer which is restricted to select Hyundai models such as Hyundai i10, Grand Xcent and Accent could afterward be extended to cover other models in the Hyundai line-up, the Hyundai Motors sales and marketing helmsman assured.

He said: “Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria is determined to cushion imminent scarcity of functional B segment cars and mitigate price

increase of cars owing to last year prohibition of used vehicle import through the land borders.

The offer also gives customers to buy the desired Hyundai models during this Easter festive season” Buyers of these three homemade models are offered free registration and free service for 6 months or 10,000km, whichever is earlier.

Even though the promo is a limited period offer and subject to availability, the incentives are in addi-

tion to Hyundai standard 3-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty for i10 and Grand Xcent, and 5-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty for Accent, Mr. Nadkarni explained.

Hyundai Grand Xcent, i10 and Accent cars are assembled in Nigeria at the Hyundai Motors plant in Lagos.

Powered by 1.25l-litre engine mated to a fivespeed manual and fourspeed automatic transmission, the Hyundai Grand Xcent is admirable for daily travels with an

entirely new level of art with comfortable and spacious cabin.

On the other hand, the Hyundai i10 is a city car with a five-door hatchback body style, powered by 1.0-litre engine and comes with front electric windows, ABS, air-conditioning and an RDS radio/CD player.

Hyundai Accent are available with both 1.4-litre & 1.6-litre engines and are powerful saloon cars in its segment with spacious interior, advanced technology and features.

Mr. Nadkarni who also said Hyundai understands the evolving needs and preferences of customers’ promises to meet the growing demand for functional vehicles in the Nigeria at pocket-friendly prices.

The price rollover which is yet another initiative of the Lagos based vehicle manufacturing company is aimed at making available reasonably priced Made-in-Nigeria cars to assuage imminent dearth of functional pool cars, HMNL said.

Porsche starts web TV show

Felix Mahan, Brand Manager Ford, Coscharis Motors (fifth left); Sunday Tanimowo, Training Manager, CG-Eko LLP Training Institute (sixth left); Abiona Babarinde, General Manager Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group (seventh left); all flanked by some trainees of CG-Eko LLP Training Institute; during the presentation of a brand new Ford Figo donated to the training institute by Ford Motor Company, recently in Lagos.

To provide useful information entertainment on a range of topics, sports car manufacturer, Porsche is expanding its online communication with the new web TV format, “9:11 Magazine” which is available at 911-magazine. porsche.com.

According to Porsche, subject matter ranges from the presentation of new cars, to Porsche experiences and key milestones in the company’s history. The web TV format will also supplements the Porsche customer magazine “Christopho-

Mercedes-Benz Accelo: An icon for agility

Due to the growing demand by various businesses to increase revenue and productivity while maintaining reduced overhead costs, Mercedes-Benz recently launched a new medium duty truck for city and short distance operations. The all-new Accelo 915C is the first MercedesBenz compact truck now available for delivery at Weststar Associates Limited, Authorized General Distributors of MercedesBenz commercial and passenger vehicles in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This 4X2 truck would be a great delight to construction, haulage and distribution industries as it offers high value for money, great maneuverability and suitable comfort for any transport challenge.

The Mercedes-Benz Accelo provides high load

capacity via its rear axle as it boasts a payload of over 5tonnes. With a Gross Vehicle Weight of 9 tons, the very adaptable Accelo allows fitting of superstructures (of up to 6.5 meters long) such as tank for liquids/gases, tipper, dry cargo, waste compactor, cesspit emptier, standard aluminum truck, box body and even bodies for the distribution of beverages.

The Mercedes-Benz Accelo is equipped with a 150HP four-cylinder Euro 3 engine equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. For a safer driving experience, the Accelo is equipped with a pneumatic, dual circuit disc brake system to guarantee accurate responses while in everyday urban traffic.

The all-new Accelo comes with a load-sensing valve and anti-Lock brakes to enhance safety by prevent-

ing unwanted locking of rear wheels.

Its passenger car-like dashboard gives the driver full overview of the most vital driving information on the instrument cluster.

Other key features include ergonomic seats for two passengers and a driver, air conditioning, power windows, power steering and a central seat with a 3-point seatbelt.

MERCEDES Benz Accelo

These features help ensure a high level of occupant safety, excellent visibility, driver productivity and alertness.“It’s ruggedness, driver comfort, payload and easy body mounting are unique features that set it apart from other commercial vehicles, thus making it a perfect costeffective tool for demanding fleets in the Nigerian private and public sectors.

rus” and will equally be published five times a year in German and English language versions.

It further stated that “the “9:11 Magazine” also offers a special service to online editors, as they will be able to use complete episodes or repurpose individual segments for their own content requirements. Additional footage material and pictures are also freely available for journalistic purposes”.

Speaking on the initiative, Vice President Communications of Porsche AG” Josef Arweck, said

“The 9:11 Magazine sparks emotions, ably explains technical and technological developments and provides interesting insights into the past, present and future of Porsche. People are at the heart of the magazine.

They tell stories that are supposed to reach and be remembered by the viewers”. The “9:11 Magazine” is another building block in the range of digital information platforms offered to journalists, online and social media content providers by the Porsche Communications department.

FRSC deploys personnel, vehicles for safety during Easter Owing to anticipated mass movement of people and goods across the length and breadth of the country during festive seasons, the Federal Road Safety Corps has deployed 25,000 Regular and Special Marshals, as well as 869 Patrol Cars, 267 Motor Bikes, 106 Ambulances, and 22 Tow Trucks for the Easter Special Patrol to commence nationwide from 13th April to 18th April 2017.

According to a press statement by Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, has ordered that intensified measures be put in place to ensure free flow of traffic, reduction in road crashes, improved enforcement of traffic laws, and improved enlightenment on the proper use of roads in Nigeria as the Country approaches a busy Easter Season in this month of April 2017.

Bisi Kazeem said the Corps Marshal has directed that the

Corps pays premium focus on Traffic control, Excessive Speeding, Dangerous Driving and Overtaking, Failure to use/install Speed Limit Device, Tyre Violation (Expired/Fake/Sub-standard), Lane Indiscipline/Route Violations, Overloading Violations, Wrongful overtaking, Driver License violation (Fake/Expired), Road Obstructions, Use of Phone While Driving, Seatbelt Use Violations, Child Safety, Passengers Manifest among others.

In view of the foregoing, Kazeem revealed that other operational equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Alcholyzers and all other operational logistics materials are to be fully deployed for this exercise, and that the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

Life&

TIMES Monday, April 17, 2017

From day one, I had my eyes targeted on the N25m –Efe Ejemba L4

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, April 17, 2017

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Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

I was truly attracted to Marvis!!

But life goes on –Efe Ejemba Not born with a silver-spoon on his mouth but for Efe Ejemba, season two winner of Big Brother Naija reality show, he is walking with a gold medal tied round his entire body. He emerged winner of the show and walked home with the whooping N25 million and a brand new SUV Jeep. The 23- year- old rapper was

How do you feel being a winner of the season two edition of Big Brother Naija?

I feel great, honoured and grateful to God almighty because I believe I did not do it all alone. On my part, I was just in the

going to be 90 days in the house; I die put because all what my head rings is the 25 million. It will interest you that when we were told no mobile phones in the house for the period; I told them even if the phone will be seized for two years I am gamed.

much love outside the house until when I arrived and based on Considering the different personalities of your fellow updates, my brother I have been giving me I was just being real housemate, how then were you able to cope with them? in the house and I can tell you authoritatively that the Efe you are For me, I learnt to be tolerant in the sense that some seeing here is the real Efe as same in the Big Brother house. people have great personality but they have this unacceptable behaviour to my own principles. I got to understand that you Was there anything you did differently in the house that have compromise and relate with this people despite that gave you an edge over others? house because every other housemates came with the same them. out in the cause of the competition. However, for me, it was just

During your stay in the house, week-in week-out you are always on nomination; how do you usually when your name is mentioned?

Personally, why I overwhelmed with this situation is that

What is the status of your relationship with Marvis?

Based on reality, in the house I must say what we had was great but she has a boyfriend and I have been single even before I got into the house and life must continue.

try to be nice to you because I already have the feelings that you

Jos is a place where they bring you up with character, courtesy.

Forget the fact that I doing more of Pidgin English in the house,

FunnyBone, Ice Prince to mention but few.

Are you also aware that comedian I go Dye dropped One million naira towards your campaign in the house?

Oh Boy!! I was overwhelmed when my brother was sharing from myself.

Were you truly attracted to Marvis?

What was your thought on the statement by T-Boss that she will spend off 25Million in a week?

p comedians including Ali Baba, AY, just to show me love and all this I appreciate from the depth of my heart.

and I was happy that moment she was evicted from the top What was the experience like to be locked up in a particular place for months?

It was crazy but I was less worried because I went there for the money. Because I already have this mind-set that if it was

So many artistes have tweeted to give support to you when you return including Olamide?

to manage their anger when it comes to speeches and the older ones just blow up. represent the street because he raps in Yoruba and I do mine Your take on the issue between Kemen and T-Boss?

Based on logistics, my people say I no dey diplomatic and as the matter no concern me!!! No comment.

In the cause of your stay in the house, your people in Jos were furious that you did not represent them well in the house?

be Jos boy because all my speeches in the house had to do with Jos because that was where I was born and used to but Warri

artistes who all believed in the brand Efe based on logistics.

Now that you are out of the BBN; what is next for you? realise the brand is far bigger than music now and they will be lots of random stuffs comi disappoint each and every one that supported me this far.

Have you thought about acting?

the house that was my greatest frustration.

To clear the air, what do you have to say to your Jos people? has blessed a lot of us that are artistes and I am very proud. If

Life&

What was the feeling like when you were in the plane? shivering seriously while we were ascending and descending. I just belt up and held myself tight all through till we got down.