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FG records over N7trn through TSA -Accountant-General

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TIMES

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Ï d ƕ 1 ƒƐ Ɠ ƒƈ MƿƄ ƌ Ɛ Ƌƕ Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Federal Government has

recorded over N7 trillion in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as at the end of March 2017, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris, has revealed.

Idris equally disclosed that the

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WAPCO

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TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 344

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GAINERS AS AT April 13, 2017 STANBIC

Federal Government through the implementation of the TSA, has saved additional N4 billion monthly which could have been held by banks, stressing that a total collapse of government activities would have occurred were it not that TSA was in place.

The Accountant-General of the Federation stated these in an ex-

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LOSERS AS AT April 13, 2017 1.93%

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UACN

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Chairman, DG appointments:

Buhari violates PenCom Act ó9 Ɛ Ɔ ƆƒƆ Ɛ Ƈ ƒ ƅ ƅƕè Ɛ Ɔ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ ƋƋ ƍƍ ƈ Ɛ ƏƆƍƋ ƅƆƌƆ Ɛ ƇƏ ƌ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ ƍ ƋƈƐƈƅ Ƌ Ɩ Ɔ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƈƌƌƆƗƈ ƐƆ ƍ Ɛ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ Ɛ Ɛ ƒ ƅ ƐƆƗ Ɛ Ɔ ƇƇƈƅƆ Ɛ ƅ ƌé ƍƋƆƐƆ Ɛ Ɔ ƏƆƌ ƈ ƈ ƐƆ ƑƏƆôé^ ƏƐ y ƾơæƾçè ^Ɔ ƈ `ƆƇ Əƌ ƅƐ ƾƠơƿ

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Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏ

The appointment of the new Chairman of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mr. Funso Doherty, as well as Director General of the commission, Dikko Aliyu Abdurrahman, by President Muhammadu Continued on page 6

N13b discovered money: Buhari’s govt dishonest, cruel 12 - Fani-Kayode

Cult war in 12 Rivers: 12 feared dead in Andoni

Attempt on 6 Melaye’s life stagemanaged, fiction - Kogi ALGON chair

Ə ƆƅƐƈ Ƈ ƍƆ ƍƋƆ ƏƆƐƑƏ ƈ Ɛ Ɛ ƆƈƏ ƒ Əƈ Ƒ ƗƆ Ɛƈ Ɛƈ ƇƏ ƌ R Ƅ jƏ ƈ ƆƏƒƈƅƆ ƐƆƏƌƈ Ƒ ƍƏ ƒƈƗƆƗ Ƅƕ Ɛ Ɔ R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ ƌƆ Ɛ ƇƐƆƏ & ƐƆƏ ƅƆƋƆƄƏ Ɛƈ Č L Ɨ ƕê

$43m scam: Rivers APC hits hard at Wike, Fayose, Fani-Kayode

Ï 9 ƑƆ ƾéƓƆƆƊ ƑƋƐƈƌ ƐƑƌ Ƈ Ə ƍ Ƌ ƈƆ Ə Ƈ ƅƆ ƋƆ Ƌ ƅƐƈ Ï ô9ôƌ Ɛ Ƌ ƈ ƕ ƋƆƆƍ ƒƆƏ ƌ Ɔƅ ƈô Ɛ ƏƆ Ɛ - Fani-Kayode Amaka Agbu, ^ ƏƐ 6 Əƅ ƑƏƐ, Lateef Ibrahim, ƄƑƉ

ÏÏÏ As the contentious Ikoyi $43

million drama unfolds, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has hit hard at Gov-

ernors Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose of Rivers and Ekiti, respectively, as well as the former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, for fingering Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport, as the owner of the money and the property where

the money was found.

The party in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, described the accusation as “mischievous, wicked, diabolical, evil, and a desContinued on page 12

Dangote will become largest world exporter of rice in 2021 - Adesina 6

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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FAAN commences operations at Terminal D of Abuja airport soon -MD

ÏÏÏ The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says it is putting logistics in place to commence operations at the Terminal D of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from April 19.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. Saleh Dunoma, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He also said that the au-

thority took advantage of the six week closure of the airport to expand operation at the terminal.

Dunoma, however, assured that all the ongoing works at the terminal building would be completed before Wednesday, adding that Abuja airport would reopen as a brand new airport.

When NAN visited the airport on Monday, contractors were seen busy putting finishing touches to the ter-

minal in preparation for the reopening of the airport on Wednesday.

Terminal D, which hitherto used as ticketing area

by Arik Air, Air Peace and Dana Air, will henceforth be used as departure hall for domestic passengers in addition to the existing Terminal B. FAAN’s spokesperson for the Airport, Mrs. Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, said the terminal would continue to serve

the three airlines, adding that their passengers would henceforth board flights from there.

Hope-Ivbaze also said passengers of Arik, Air Peace, and Dana Air would no longer have to go to Terminal B to wait for their flights.

She further said plan was to decongest the local wing and ease the suffering of passengers who always passed through stress to go to departure after booking.

“The terminal B is being arranged to also serve as departure for domestic passengers of three airlines that operate here.

“Everything here is of standard, we have installed 10 air conditioners here and we are installing lift and escalator,’’ she said.

Also at the Terminal B, lift has been installed to help physically challenged persons who travel through the airport.

All the seats at the terminal, including the protocol lounge, have been changed to new ones ahead of the reopening.

At the arrival section, all the seats have also being replaced with new ones, while the all the toilets have been fixed and cleaned up.

The entire terminal building has been renovated; the international wing rehabilitated and cleaned up for operation.

Don wants judiciary give special attention to anti-corruption fight

ÏÏÏ A don, Dr. Ferdinand Ottoh, has urged the judiciary to give special attention to the anti-corruption fight of the Federal Government by accelerating hearing of corruption-related cases.

Ottoh, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

“Nothing meaningful will be achieved in the current anti-corruption fight without the unalloyed support of the judiciary.

“If it requires reviewing its jurisprudence in matters of corruption cases, let

it be so,’’ he said.

Ottoh said that corruption in public offices was a major setback to Nigeria’s development, warning that the country would not be able to record any meaningful progress until eradication of the menace.

“We can only talk of the Nigerian state when it has the capacity to provide welfare for the people and meet its obligations as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“The corruption in the country before the Muhammadu Buhari administration rendered Nigeria incapable to protect lives and property and provide education and other necessities to its citizens.

Stemming suicide rate: Don wants FG to revolutionise agriculture to create jobs ÎÎÎ The President of Nige-

rian Philosophical Association (NPA), Prof. Jim Unah, has advised the Federal Government to revolutionise agriculture to create jobs and stem the rising rate of suicide in Nigeria.

Unah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that several Nigerians were depressed and desperate due to the current economic crisis in the nation.

NAN reports that a medical doctor, Dr Allwell Orji, on March 19, jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the top of the 3rd Mainland Bridge and died.

Some others who had attempted to commit suicide after him were saved by the public at various locations across the country.

He said that several youths were leaving the

country and dying inside migrant boats on the Mediterranean Sea while trying to cross to Europe from North Africa in search of the greener pastures.

Unah, a professor of Philosophy at the University of Lagos said that the harsh economic environment had led some to commit suicide, other involved in social vices and other criminal activities.

Unah advised the government to revolutionise agriculture and run it as a business with different composite units and clusters to create jobs for several unemployed youths.

“Conditions that can cause idle minds to commit suicide are building up in Nigeria. Government should seriously invest in agriculture to encourage people to practice it.

Children having fun at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate Easter Monday.

Group calls on Senators to bring dividends of democracy to Nigerians ÎÎÎ A coalition of civil so-

ciety organisations, ‘Occupy Senators State’ on Monday, called on the Senators in the National Assembly to bring dividends of democracy to the people.

The Convener and National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Retson Tekedeh, made the call at the news conference, following the inauguration of the national body and state branch of the group in Akure.

The national coordinator said the call became necessary to avoid the wrath of the masses.

Other civil society organisations at the meeting were; ECOWAS Youth Council, Movement for the Survival of the Un-

derground (MOSUP) and National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) among others.

He said the group had meeting across the geo-political zones of the country, to recruit people of each state for more accountability of their representatives at the National Assembly.

“Our Senators are playing politics in Abuja while the President is working to fix Nigeria. “No Senator can decide to play with our future,’’ he said.

The representative of ECOWAS Youth Assembly, Mr. Ikumapayi Smith, who also spoke at the occasion, described the group as the Citizens’ office for good governance.

He said that the formation of the group would make the representatives to be accountable to the electorate.

Ikumapayi noted that the emergence of the group also marked “the commencement of a national mass movement against bad governance, audacious political impunity and mindless looting in the country.”

Contributing, MOSUP President, Mr. Dappa Maharajah called for serious reorientation of the people, especially the youth, for the group to achieve speedy results.

Maharajah said that emphasis should be placed on History as a subject in the educational curriculum of

the nation, to help promote statesmanship and patriotism in the minds of the citizenry.

The State Coordinator of the group, Mr. Ayodele Oladimeji, said that the idea was to bring the campaign to the grassroots rather than the constant itinerary protest in Abuja.

“We are calling on all sons and daughters of Ondo state to ensure that Senators representing us conform and comply with the President’s peopledriven agenda to avoid the wrath of the masses.’’

He also called for expedite actions on the anti-corruption bills and 2017 budget without playing politics with them.

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Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè ƍƏƈƋ ơƤè ƾƠơƣ

Chairman, DG appointments: Buhari violates PenCom Act Continued from page 1 Buhari last week Wednesday is in violation of the Pension Reform Act 2014, The Daily Times checks has revealed.

President Buhari sacked the Board of the National Pension Commission headed by Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, replacing Mu’azu with Doherty. The erstwhile Director General of the commission, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, was replaced with Dikko. The appointment of

Mu’azu, Abdulrahaman and others members of the Board of the Nationl Pension Commission is subject to Senate confirmation, according to the PenCom Act 2014.

President Buhari also named Akin Akinwale, Abubakar Zaki Magawata, Ben Oviosun and Nyerere Ayim as executive commissioners of the Commission.

While Buhari is in order in sacking the Board as well as the Director General of Commission, the Pension Reform Act 2014 specifies who should replace the

Board chairman as well as Director General of the Commission in the event of their sack.

Checks by The Daily Times showed that while the erstwhile Board Chairman of PenCom, Mu’azu, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails from the North East geopolitical zone, his replacement, Doherty, hails from the South West, in contravention of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

According to section 21(2) of Pension Reform Act 2014, where

RƋ ƕ ƐƑ Ɖƈ Ƈ Rƕ ƐƑ Ɖƈè ƇƏƈƅ yƈƋƋ Ɔè d ƆƋƗ è d ƑƐ Ə Ƌƈ è nd è RƄ ƗƆƉƑƕƈ ƄƆ ƋƋ Ɨ Ɣ Ƒ ƗƆƇƑ ƌƈ æƋç ƓƈƐ R ƈ Ƈ 9ƇƆè RƄ ƗƆƕƆƕƆ R Ƒ ƓƑ ƈè ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƅƏƈƇƈƅƆ Ƈ ƍƏ ƈ Ɔ Ɛ 1 Ɨ ^Ə Ə ƌƌƆ Ɛ ƅƆƋƆƄƏ ƐƆ & ƐƆƏ L Ɨ ƕ Ɛ ƇƆ Ɠ Ə ^ ƏƊè & ƑƓ è ƈ 9ƋƆé9ƇƆê

Attempt on Melaye’s life stagemanaged, fiction - Kogi ALGON chair Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

ÏÏÏ The Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Council of Kogi State who doubles as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Taofiq Isa, has denied his alleged involvement in an attempt to assassinate Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West senatorial district.

Hon. Isa, who was reacting to Senator Melaye’s allegation that there was an attempt to assassinate him, said the Senator told a lie as he (Melaye) was the one that invaded his own village, Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Council, with scores of policemen who shot sporadically, instilling fear into the entire

community.

The local council boss described Senator Melaye’s claim as stage-managed and a fiction aimed at intimidating his electorate who may likely come to seek favour from him.

In a statement by the media consultant to ALGON chairman, Abubakar Suleman, Melaye’s invasion forces led by scores of police men including a gang of thugs induced apprehension and fear in the locals in his community as an atmosphere of War Theater enveloped Ayetoro Gbede.

“There was nothing like attack or attempt on Melaye’s life, the villagers were gripped with fears that terrorists or herdsmen have eventually visited them only to find out that it was

their own son, Dino Melaye, that arrived, “the council chairman explained.

The council boss said traditional rulers and residents of Ayetoro Gbede and other adjoining settlements were scared as shooting commenced from far and near, thinking that the dreaded Boko Haram or the other terrorists and Fulani have invaded them.

The council chairman, who hails from the same community with Melaye, attributed the gangster entry of the village by the senator as an act of face-saving as he is no longer relevant to the electorate and fearing that he could be attacked by his own people due to his unpopular approaches to both national and state issues.

the chairman of the Board of the Commission is sacked before the expiration of his tenure, he should be replaced with someone from his/her geopolitical zone.

This, President Buhari failed to do in the appointment of Doherty to replace Mu’azu.

In the case of the erstwhile Director General of the Commission, Dr. (Mrs. Chinelo AhonuAmazu, who hails from the South East geopolitical zone, the section 21(2) of the Pension Reform Act 2014 states that in the event of her sack before her tenure expires, she should be replaced by someone from the same zone. However, her replacement, Dikko, hails from a different zone, another contravention of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

Checks by The Daily Times also showed that Dikko until his appointment was served as a member of the board of Premium Pensions Limited, whereas the PenCom Act 2014 provides that person to be appointed in such office must have retired three years ahead of the appointment and not have controlling shares in any pension fund, a corporate governance requirement.

Cross section of stakeholders who spoke to The Daily Times on Monday expressed concern on the essence of law when it cannot be adhered to by the authorities that swore to keep to legal provisions.

A stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of sanction by the regulatory authorities, said that going by trends in the country, it appears that the

rule of law has not been adhered to which further weakens business confidence and ease of doing business in the country.

She said “there are indications that government has their mindsets on issues, irrespective of legal provisions or constitutional provisions and the appointments happen to be one of such issues where the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014, contradicts with government’s expectations”.

She said that the rule of law cuts across court pronouncements, constitutional provisions as well as provisions of other Acts guarding appointments, removal of officers of government parastatals, Ministerial and other agencies as well as operational module.

Meanwhile, some key stakeholders in the industry differed comment on the issue for fear of attracting sanction from the regulatory authorities. Others however expressed mixed feelings, adding that though the president has the prerogative to appoint who he so wishes, but such appointment must follow due process to avoid setting bad precedence.

Mr. Okezie Boniface, a retail Investor and National Coordinator of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN) told The Daily Times that the government exercised its rights to make the appointments based on what it hopes to achieve, but noted that appointments done on basis of party or personal relation, to the detriment of national interest Continued on page 7

Dangote will become largest world exporter of rice in 2021- Adesina

ÏÏÏ The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, says Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, will become the largest exporter of rice in the world by 2021.

Adesina said this at the Mo Ibrahim Forum in Morocco over the weekend.

He said Africa should focus on agriculture to drive growth and employment on the continent.

Adesina recalled that during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture, Dangote decided to invest in local production of rice due to government’s import substitution policies.

Adesina said that Dangote initially planned a 300 million-dollar investment in production and processing of rice in Nigeria but later changed it to one billion dollars three months after.

“If they continue that policy, he would probably be the single larg-

est producer of rice in the world, in about four years.

“The reason why I was so excited about that is that agriculture is cool, agriculture is a business and agriculture pays,” Adesina said.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Ltd, said he ventured into rice cultivation because of government’s interest to revive agriculture as the mainstay of the economy and reduce importation of food that could be produced locally.

He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5 million Metric tonnes of rice which costs the nation over two billion dollars annually and commended government’s policy that encourages private sector’s active participation in agriculture.

“In the next three years, we want to produce one million tonnes of quality rice, make it available and affordable to the people.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

7 News

FG records over N7trn through TSA -Accountant-General

Continued from page 1

clusive interview granted to the Economic Confidential, an online medium, in Abuja.

Idris explained that the over N7 billion recorded through the TSA, represents monies belonging to different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) put in portal in such a way that government can view the entire balance as one.

His words: “When we say we have over N5 trillion in TSA, it does not mean free funds for spending. No! No! No! These monies belong to

various ministries, departments and agencies put in a portal in such a way that you can view the entire balance as one.

“The movement is now over N7 trillion. But as I explained earlier, these are not free money. People should not be thinking of why is government borrowing to fund budget. These are budgeted monies for MDAs for projects and developments,” he said.

The AGF explained further that the Federal Government, through the implementation of the TSA, has saved additional N4 billion monthly which could

have been held by banks, noting that a total collapse of government activities would have occurred were it not that TSA was in place.

He said: “Let me also make a strong and important point. If not because TSA is in place and now that the recession is here, only God knows what would have happened.

“A monthly drain of over N4 billion and yet no revenue coming in and leakages continued. It could have been a disaster. It was government’s foresightedness and focus even as TSA was in place before the recession. And that is why we

are floating and not sinking, and we will not sink God willing.

“For instance, why would one university have over one hundred and twenty bank accounts, and some of them even hidden and missing and carrying huge balances? We also discovered that there are costs associated with keeping these multiple bank accounts.

“Every month, the government incurs over N4 billion in maintaining these accounts. Yet Government is borrowing its own money. And to stop government from borrowing its money and for the fact that there

L-R: Secretary to Plateau Government, Mr. Rufus Bature; representative of the State Governor, Prof. Soni Tyoden and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, during Alhassan’s advocacy and sensitisation visit on Jos, Plateau State… recently.

was no commensurate returns on such monies, it was double tragedy.

“This is like a sword with two sides that can cut from any of the sides. Sanity was brought with the introduction of TSA”.

Speaking on the transparency in the disbursement of federation account monthly, the AGF noted that transparency and openness are key to the present administration, adding that it is a desire to institute discipline, good governance and trust.

The government, he maintained, cannot be trusted if it says one thing and does another.

His words: “The meager revenue that has been accruing is being judiciously used and there is fiscal discipline in management of public resources. Let me give you an example under the previous administration. There was a time state government kicked against savings. Now because what they know and being practiced by government of the day, they have decided to imbibe the culture of savings.

“What am I trying to say?

We have excess Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT). These are excess taxes from petroleum tax. When we get money over and above budgeted figure, the excess is always being saved.

“If it were before, state governments and other stakeholders would say it should be shared. And this

is what has been giving us buffer, especially at this time of recession.

“Despite the lean resources, we take from it and augment accordingly. And this is being done transparently.

All the stakeholders are aware of balances at any point in time.

“Whatever revenue comes in is shown at National Economic Council meetings including all the governors who will be briefed by the Minister of Finance. They have seen the openness and have accepted what government has put in place and the economic team. This is why we are achieving remarkable success amidst recession”, he said.

Speaking on the issue of staff welfare, the AGF said “the welfare of the staff of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is one of his cardinal objectives since he assumed office, adding “it is even a core objective I must say as managers of the treasury”.

“Welfare as you may know promotes the best out of the staff apart from making them serve the system very well. There are different types of welfare for the staff of the OAGF. Some border on entitlements, training to enhance the capabilities of the staff. We have also done very well in the provision of brand new staff buses we sourced from public spirited organisations including banks”, he added.

Chairman, DG appointments: Buhari violates PenCom Act

$43m scam: Rivers APC hits hard at Wike, Fayose, Fani-Kayode

would certainly be counterproductive to majority of the populace.

He wondered why the former Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Dr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Ahonu-Amazu, renowned for her remarkable contributions to PenCom was removed in the middle of her tenure.

He said that the government’s appointments since its inception in 2015 has lacked pure geographical spread on key appointments, unbalanced and devoid of true federal character, saying, “if the man

Nigeria for his bravery, patriotism and commitment to work for a better future for our country. We remain convinced that God who has seen Amaechi this far will always safeguard him from the Wikes and Fayoses, whose favourite pastime is their obsession to plot Amaechi’s downfall,” according to the party.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, on Monday, said he is not losing any sleep over threat of legal action against him by the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

Continued from page 6

swore to follow constitution, most of his appointments must by now been reversed”.

He however put the blame on the legislators whose role is to ensure that the President adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

He said that irrespective of the fact that government’s appointments are based on people that would help deliver government policies to the people and not where one comes from, but where an Act stipulates where the person must come from, such professional must be chosen from the geopolitical zone stipulated

by law.

Okezie said that newly appointed PenCom Chairman and DG, if found to be out of the provisions of PenCom Act, should be revisited or the National Assembly should do the needful by ensuring that laid down procedures are followed at all levels, irrespective of the position.

“But unfortunately, the National Assembly has not been doing anything to this effect, except where it affects their personal or collective interests”.

He said that is the duty of the National Assembly to always serve as a check on the executive whenever

breaches are identified “and then call them to order, and if the executive fails, there are other procedures to adopt towards ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions or the rule of law”.

However, Lambert Imafidon Adonri, a seasoned broker told The Daily Times in a telephone interview that he needed time to feel the pulse of the market, before fielding his comment on the issue.

Also, senior staff of the National Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), could not pick a call put across to him on Monday evening, for a comment on the issue.

Continued from page 12

He said his lawyers would respond to the claim anytime the minister forwards his letter to him.

Fani-Kayode said this in a text message to newsmen in Abuja signed by his aide, Mr. Jude Ndukwe.

“We have been inundated with calls concerning about a threat by Rotimi Amaechi to sue Chief Fani-Kayode for defamation over the 43 million USD issue. We are not any sleep over this matter. We have not received any court processes or letters from Ameachi but when we do so our lawyers will respond vigorously and appropriately. Thank you,” the text message read.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Saraki justifies constituency projects for lawmakers Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has explained why provision should be made for constituency projects for execution by lawmakers across the country.

He said such provision would allow the lawmakers to impact on the lives of their constituents.

According to him, the Senate President enjoined Nigerians to continue to live in peace and uphold the unity of the country.

Saraki spoke in Ilorin at the weekend, after his turbaning as Baba Adini of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria.

The Senate President proceeded from the venue of the ceremony to the sites of his ongoing constituency projects for inspection.

He inspected erosion controls projects at OjaGboro, Ubandawaki/Oloje/Ajikobi,Abata Baba-Oyo and digital capacity building centre at Ansarul Islam secondary school, Ilorin.

The projects were facilitated by his office.

The Digital Capacity Building Centre is at the

instance of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

With the projects inspection, the Senate President explained that it was clear to the discerning minds that the projects were real contrary to the impression that constituency project was an avenue to fritter away public funds.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done on the projects, saying they will impact positively on the lives of the residents.

“I’m happy with the quality of work, am happy with the impact it has done.

There has been a lot of criticism due to lack of knowledge when you talk about constituency projects. You will see these are projects needed at the grass root.

These are projects people have been yearning for over 10 years (ago).

“These are projects that are real unlike the impression that constituency project is just money people share. You can see that definitely, this is not the case. You will see how men, women and children, all came out with joy to show that these are projects that

Glo’s Professor Johnbull draws attention to proliferation of fake products-BB ÏÏÏ The preponderance of fake products in circulation in Nigeria is the focus of this week’s edition of Glo-Sponsored TV drama series, Professor Johnbull.

Titled Substandard Products, the social satire exposes the health hazards and other negative implications of fake products on consumers and the society at large.

“Substandard Products is a must watch for all lovers of public health and well being as this latest episode of the Drama Series focuses on the potent dangers fake, adulterated, substandard products and consumables pose to public health. The episode is as entertaining as it is educating”. Globacom said The new episode deals with different issues, all resulting from greed and uncontrolled quest for wealth. Aptly identified as “deaths in the shop”, it is generally associated with

adulterated fuel, expired and fake pharmaceutical products, collapse of buildings due to substandard materials, availability of locally produced goods with contrived foreign labels, and fire outbreaks in homes as well as offices due to fake electrical appliances.

Substandard Products parades regulars of the sitcom like Professor Johnbull (Kanayo O. Kanayo), Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko), Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola), Caro (Mercy Johnson Okojie), Churchill (Jnr. Pope Odonwodo), Olaniyi (Yomi Fash-Lanso), Etuk (Ime Bishop), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe) and Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye).

The new episode comes up at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday on NTA Network, NTA International, DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on Startimes with a repeat broadcast on the same channels at 8.30 p.m. on Friday.

really impact on them. And that is the whole point of development of our budget.

“I’m happy to see that the implementation has been good. My concern has always been we can have this desire at the end of the day. So I’m happy to see the quality of work and this further shows that we used our office to facilitate the projects and ensure that we

bring the dividend.

“I’m proud that those that elected us can see the benefit of the projects, and these projects are real unlike some impressions,” Saraki said.

On his Easter Message, Saraki admonished Nigerians to continue to live in peace and unity in order to move the nation forward.

He equally appealed to

Nigerians to continue to have confidence in the All Progressives Party (APC) -led federal government, assuring that the government was working hard to overcome myriad of challenges confronting the country.

Saraki also called on the citizens to be optimistic and stay focused.

“My message is for us

to live in peace and unity. I know that we will continue to make sacrifice, and we should be hopeful that the country will get better. We should be hopeful that we will attain our promises with time. We just have to stay focused and determined and should not get distracted. I’m sure at the end of the day, we will get there.

Fun seekers at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate Easter Monday.

Cleric admonishes couples to love themselves as God loves us Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ The Chairman of

the Universal Youths Fellowship of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Bishop Tom Inyang-Akpan, has admonished couples to love themselves as our God loved us to an extend that He sent His son to die for us. The cleric gave the admonition while officiating over a marriage ceremony of USA-based Bishop, Victor Ekanem in Calabar.

He urged couples to love themselves and maintain a

loving family and appealed to them to avoid attitude that was capable of engendering more social vices thereby bringing down the marriage institution. He added that marriage can make Nigerian youths flee societal ills if they bring God into the union.

Inyang-Akpan who was a former international chairman of marriage counselling group, Blessed Brothers and Sisters Fellowship earlier blessed the marriage, called on husbands to love their wives and children as a way of ensuring peace in

the larger society. He said that Bishop Ekanem’s marriage should encourage many more youths to emulate his decision.

The chairman of the marriage reception, Asuquo however, commended Bishop Ekanem for returning to his roots to pick a wife instead of marrying a foreigner, stressed the need for Nigerian youths to flee promiscuity. “I am particularly elated that our son has preferred to come home from America to marry our daughter instead of picking a white woman. More

than that let me encourage to emulate our Bishop by not being promiscuous,” he said.

Bishop Ekanem who said he decided to marry his heartthrob, Annabel, to encourage his young friends and age grade to follow suit, said marriage makes men to be moderated and responsible, and that he encourage men that are mature to marry the women they love. Ekanem said having gotten married; he has arrived at another phase of his life which he most sought after.

Easter: Gov Ahmed calls for unity Kehinde Akinpelu,

Ilorin

ÏÏÏ As Christians celebrate Easter across the world, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called on Kwarans across socio-religious divides to be united and renew their commitment to moral rejuvena-

tion of the state.

While congratulating Christians for a successful completion of lent, the Governor called on them to imbibe the lessons of the holy period and allow them reflect on their daily life. “I urge Christians to remain committed to the service of God and humanity. You should be

determined to show affection, care and sympathy to all and sundry as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

As you came out pure and simple from this spiritual rejuvenation, you are expected to live an exemplary life of Jesus Christ,” the governor said.

Dr Ahmed also called on Kwarans to prayer for

the success of the current administration in its determination to clean the Aegean stable and restore dignity and honour to our dear country.

The governor reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to serve the people of the state and fulfill his electoral promises.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

s

OPC berates Northern elders, insists regionalism onlypanacea to nation’s unity Patrick Okohue The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has condemned the recent back out on regionalisation of Nigeria, by some Northern elders, as generally agreed at the 2014 National Conference organised by the last administration.

Rising from an emergency meeting at the weekend, OPC described the pronouncement of the Northern elders on the back out as an affront on the collective psyche of the generality of Nigerians and a deliberate breach to a collective agreement, capable of jaundicing the entire anatomy of Nigeria.

Reacting in a release signed by the National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, the group posited that regionalism was the minimum option for a united Nigeria, adding that failure means the country would be heading towards the path of disintegration “The Northern elders, most of them, members of the 2014 National Conference, rose from their meeting last week to quash their earlier stance on regionalisation of the country and opted for the retention of the lingering warped federalism,” he said.

The Northern elders’ declaration came days after the British and the French envoys to Nigeria canvassed a one indivisible Nigeria, even at a time when self-determinism is gaining ground across the world, including Britain.

The group condemned the pronouncement of the Arewa elders, saying it was a call for anarchy in a country in dire need of subtle actions that unite, rather than using divisive words, that will further pillage the frail wall that currently binds the country together.

According to Adams, the declaration of the Northern elders is mere figment of their own imagination that cannot represent the stance of the majority of

Adams

Northerners, or the generality of the citizens of the country, particularly at this point of palpable lop-sidedness and leadership inequalities.

“We view the recent back out of some Northern elders on the resolution for regionalisation of the country as panacea for a stronger Nigeria as a gross display of irresponsibility, reckless approach to sensitive matter bothering on national security cum unity and an affront on the collective psyche of Nigerians.

“The agreement on the regionalisation of the country after failed attempts to unite the country in the past was a collective one at a rare seating where every ethnic nationalities that make up the

country had the rare chance to sit together to discuss the future of the country. To now make a detour at this time that the country is almost approaching a brick wall on the path of national cohesion is simply unpatriotic.

“We are not unaware of the desperate moves going on underground by a cabal that have all the while constituted the tail wagging the dog of unity in Nigeria, that are so comfortable with the lingering lopsided presidential system that is deliberately skewed to favour indolence and evil manipulations that allows a few to benefit at the expense of others.

“Let it be known to those supporting the continuation of the current locust regime that the only alternative to regionalisation of Nigeria is self-determination. Nigeria started with a system that allowed each region to develop at its own pace and the Yoruba benefitted a lot from the system which promoted hard work and rapid development across the country. We built our nation to be the pride of the world under that system and as such tipped it as the minimum condition for our unity in diversity, as a country “Let the message be sounded in the ears of those scheming to promote laziness and stampede the entire populace in their desperate bid to continue to hold the country back on the path of development and accelerated pace in the march towards global advancements, that they will not succeed,” the OPC said.

9

Irate youths disrupt APC rally in Funtua Sen. Abu Ibrahim (APC Katsina south) and Alhaji Amiru Tukur (APC Katsina), member representing Bakori/Danja Federal constituency narrowly escaped mob action at a political event organised by Katsina State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday in Funtua.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it took combined teams of security personnel to rescue notable politicians including the governors’ entourage.

Some vehicles in the entourage of the governor were smashed by irate youths while tear-gas was used to disperse the crowds by the security personnel.

NAN reports that the event was part of APC rally where the ruling party was accepting those defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) among others but it ended abruptly.

NAN further reports that the irate youths were chanting “Bamaso Abu Ibrahim’’ and throwing stones and shoes at dignitaries and entertainers invited to perform at the event.

Amiru Tukur sustained injury while Abu Ibrahim, along with some of his aides and supporters, who were trying to rescue the senator, were also assaulted.

Speaking earlier at the event, Gov. Aminu Masari urged all party members to promote the party’s manifesto.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to give proactive leadership that would turn around things for the better in the state.

He said that the government would ensure increased investments in education, health, water supply, agriculture among other areas.

In his remark, the Katsina state chairman of APC, Alhaji Shitu Shitu, said thousands of people were trooping to the party based on its achievements, adding that similar rally was organised in Dutsi Local Government for Katsina North senatorial zone recently.

CNPP accuses FG of plot to cover up owner’s of N13.3bn Ikoyi apartment loot .Patrick Okohue The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has accused the Federal Government of plotting to shield the real owner of the sums of $43, 449, 947, £27, 800 and N23, 218, 000 (about N13.3 billion) recently recovered from an Ikoyi apartment in Logos State, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prove to Nigerians that its activity was not lopsided by naming and prosecuting its true owner.

The umbrella organisation of all political parties and association in the country

warned that it will mobilise its members, well-meaning Nigerians, and civil society groups to resist any cover up of the real owner of the stashed cash, dismissing the claims that the money belongs to National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu maintained that if it was found that the money and the apartment truly belonged to the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the cash should be returned to the River State’s treasury.

“We’re worried that the current antigraft war is becoming a show as each day passes. It is more worrisome when you begin to hear that a government security agency, the NIA, which is not a revenue generating organ of the Federal Government, is laying claim to the recovered money.

“The NIA’s angle to the controversy is nothing but a deliberate plot by the Federal Government to cover up the true identity of the looter.

“How can the NIA claim to own N13 billion cash stashed in a private residential apartment; NIA has no office in Lagos?

“The war against corruption is now being exposed for what it truly is on daily basis, a lopsided fight against perceived enemies of the present administration, while all members of the ruling party are shielded from prosecution.

“The case of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) is still fresh in our minds, how President Muhammadu Buhari quickly absolved him of any wrong doing even before any investigation was carried.

“The Minister of Transport has been at the centre of several financial scan-

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18 . 2017

Anti-graft war still on track despite recent judicial setbacks –Banire There have been some court rulings recently that has left many wondering whether the anticorruption fight is still on track.

Like the unfreezing of Chief Mike Ozekhome’s account, unfreezing of Mrs Patience Jonathan’s account, the ruling on Godsday Orubebe, the case of Justice Ademola, wife and lawyer among others, do you think this development gives cause for concern?

It is still very much on track, that is justice, the constitution of Nigeria stipulates that every accused is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, so if the court says they are not guilty, that is it, but as far as I am concerned, it does not derail anything.

Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) is former Commissioner of Transportation and later Environment in Lagos State. A former law teacher at the University of Lagos, Banire is today the National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawyer is of the belief that the nation’s anti-graft war is still very much on course despite some recent judicial setbacks, but believes strongly that the anti-graft agencies need to do more in their investigation and prosecution. He also told PATRICK OKOHUE in this interview why he believes that people without identifiable means of livelihood should not be given party tickets to contest election in the country. tion of the statutes and provisions of the law we always differ. There are two sides to it from the little that I have had, because I have not really done any research on it, but from the little that I have seen, it is a fundamental flaw in the first instance that the person is not a customs officer, because by the Customs Act, I understand you are meant to wear the uniform if you are heading the organization, on the hand is the argument of the man himself that says look I am not a customs officer, I am a political appointee of the President, so I am not obliged, the two of them are arguments that are strong in their own respect.

But, the concern of some people is that the anti graft agency seem not to be doing diligent job, because if they did they won’t be losing so badly, do you think so?

Yes, I believe truly that they need to improve their capacity; they need to improve in all ramifications. They are taking too much; there are so much diverse distractions in the way they are operating.

I believe that if they want to face serious crimes let them face it not these running after Yahoo Yahoo, small small economic crimes, they should allow the police handle that, let them face the major political cases. They are over stretched, but they can’t talk.

But, they should know what their capacity is, but for now they seem to be calling for more responsibilities to be thrown at them.

That is my own observation, you don’t have to mess up yourself, if you make all the arrest in the world and do all investigation, but at the end of the day you loss the case in court it is a complete waste of resources, time and energy, so why don’t you concentrate, if it is few that you can handle use those ones as deterrent. It is not all matters that you need to prosecute, it is not all matters that you even need to investigate in the first instance, there are some that you just have to shut the door or close the tap in those areas that you have observed, but does not have strong case and face the major ones which will give the right signal to people.

Does that justify the call from some quarters that lawyers should be involved in the cases by the anti-graft agencies, from the time of investigation to prosecution?

Certainly, I believe in that 100 percent, I believe in that totally, right from inception.

The National Assembly has refused to confirm Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for the second time, they have asked the President to replace him with another person even in acting capacity, but the President’s refusal has led to bad blood between the legislature and the executive leading to their refusal to screen the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) whose list was sent to them by the President, do you think this is the right thing?

Well, that might not be the right thing as far as I am concerned, but I believe that it is really a shame on all of us that this is

In all of these do you think the APC leadership of which you are part, is doing enough to bridge the gap among people in government?

They are doing it is just that you have to be careful, you must not turn governance into a party affairs, but as much as possible we are doing what is necessary and I think that efforts have been stepped up recently and it is likely to yield better results shortly.

Banire

happening particularly within what is supposed to be one family. But, I am happy that there is an effort towards resolving the logjam now.

But, do you think that the National Assembly is right insisting that Magu should no longer act?

Well, it is a matter of perception, you see there are so many ways to look at it, there are so many interpretations. That is their own view of it and you can look at it both ways, for example, I remember when I was a commissioner in the state, I use to say that it is the Assembly after screening me that commissioned me to spend public money, so if you look at from that dimension then they might be right, but if you

look at it politically and in terms of the anti-corruption war and the general perception then you will say condemn it, so, it depends on which side you are looking at it from.

The National Assembly also recently invited the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali to appear before them in uniform to defend some policies of the agency, but his refusal to wear uniform has generated a lot of controversies, but is it compulsory that he wears uniform in that capacity, having never been an officer in the service?

Well, again it is neither here nor there, you know we lawyers in the interpreta-

I believe truly that they need to improve their capacity; they need to improve in all ramifications. They are taking too much; there are so much diverse distractions in the way they are operating. I believe that if they want to face serious crimes let them face it not these running after Yahoo Yahoo, small small economic crimes, they should allow the police handle that

So you don’t think APC leadership is losing control of its members in government?

No, more and more people are coming in and we are not losing control, as long as we are a party you must recognize that the Senate is an institution comprising not only APC, but PDP and other parties and beyond that, even if we have everybody being APC it does not automatically mean they must not follow due process, they must follow what is right, while we are calling on the executive too to do what is right, that is what this party stands for, this is a party of the rule of law as far as I am concerned and that is what I tell people, APC is a party of the rule of law. We don’t tamper or tinker with anything that will negate the rule of law, so the mere fact that we have a comfortable majority or even if we have a house full of APC does not mean that we must violate rules and regulations. We are a party of the rule of law and we will resolve everything through the rule of law People are worried that this government is not doing enough to encourage unity in the country, especially in line with actions of some government officials, appointment of some persons into positions of authority, actions of Fulani herdsmen who have gone into killing spree without any consequences from the government, allegations of one sided arrest in the clash involving some Yoruba and Hausa people in Ife, among many other issues, do you share these worries?

I don’t agree with you, this government cares about the unity of the country, but

Continued on Page 11

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18 . 2017

11 Politics

Nations anti-graft war still on track despite...

Continued from Page 10

ernance, going into public office because you believe that your party can offer something that will improve the welfare, like my friend will say, that will give happiness to the people. So if that is the purpose you must not personalise it or turn it to personal gain. That is why my position has always been that every serious politician, especially those vying for position must have alternative contact address. They must have successful jobs before they go, otherwise that is why they become terribly desperate about position to the extent of killing people, maiming people all over the place, because they have nothing else to do, they will die there, as far as they are concerned once they don’t get that office or position it is death, that is why they are desperate. So, we must continuously examine these people before we even give them our mandate, that has always been my campaign, that anybody that aspire or come before us the question must be what is your alternate job, what have you done successfully before we can give you our mandate, so that he doesn’t become a nuisance, that is why even when they get to those positions they cannot even stand upright, they are all very desperate for what they want to benefit rather than the public good.

quite naturally in every organizations there are aberrations here and there, overzealousness, we can’t rule all those ones out, what is most important is that you correct them in accordance with the rule of law. For example the Ife clash that you alluded to, is it not an APC state and the governor there is a Yoruba man, is it possible to just be carrying out arrest without interaction with the governor? So, for me, as far as I am concerned, we should not just look at things superficially, we must look in-depth to see what is going on. Is it possible like have been alleged by Afenifere for instance that there appears to be some overzealousness, by just arresting a particular sets of people as opposed to people who are actually culpable, but that does not automatically translate to nowa say it is creating division in the country and as far as I am concerned some of these things have been there for some time, all that is happening is that in a situation like this you have people fueling them further, especially when some people are not happy with the government they promote such conflicts and I am sure the work of the security agencies is to trap them.

But when you look at what is happening in Southern Kaduna today, the governor claim that the herdsmen are Fulani from outside the country and he said he had to pay them to stop the attack on his people and that has not helped anything, don’t you think that action is contrary to laid down rules?

Well, I don’t know why he paid them, honestly what you said now is news to me, if he has paid them I don’t think it is the right thing, the proper thing would have been to get the law enforcement people to do their jobs and it doesn’t make any difference where they are from, whether from Britain or America they are liable t prosecution, are they not following those who stole our fuel, some have even been jailed, so it doesn’t make any difference whether you are from outside of from inside. You see by the time you start giving them money to settle them, it is an incentive for more people to come and do their own.

This is April, the 2017 budget is yet to be passed by the National Assembly, yet they seem more pre-occupied by other things than the speedy passage of the budget, what will you advice?

Well, I think they possibly are relaxing because of the fact that the Federal Government has changed the terminal date of the last budget to May, so this one will take effect from June, so it appears they still have enough time on their hands to play with, probably that is what they are enjoying.

The last National Assembly amended aspects of the 1999 Constitution, what areas would you want this Assembly to concentrate their effort if they are to continue with the amendment?

There are lots of areas that they are looking at, you know I am a part of the House of Representatives process on Constitutional amendment and I know a lot has been done. The issue of the division of the office of the Accountant General, that of the office of the Attorney General from that of the Commissioner of Minister of Justice, independent candidature, all those issues have been dealt with now, a lot, local government autonomy, have all been dealt with, I must tell you that this time around, the thing is progressing well and they are hitting the right cord.

Banire

You are known to always be very critical on issues that you feel very strongly about, irrespective of the position of your political camp, making some people to see you as rebellious sometimes. Is it that you enjoy being seen as controversial?

Just yesterday I was addressing members of the civil society organisations and I told them that there is usually this tension between activism and politics, in one breadth you want to be an activist and in another you want to be in politics, there is always that tension, but the reality of the matter is that your decision must be informed by the public good, not necessarily what the platform says, the platform might say something and you personalize it, for example when I say some things I say I am saying this as Muiz Banire, not as Legal Adviser of APC, APC might have its own position, but in terms of propriety this is my own position, this is what I think and actually there is nothing wrong, all of us must be bold enough to say the right thing always, regardless of the platform that we are, particularly if those issues are issues that you agitated exhaustively within your platform and reasoning is not prevailing and you want to be counted among those who will stand apart, then I don’t think there is anything wrong in that, I don’t think there is anything really immoral about saying what you believe in, so if they classify me as a controversial person so be it, but as far as I am concerned what governs my thought is truth, uprightness and principal.

But why do you think some politicians are always afraid to speak their mind?

Most of them, comfortable majority are always afraid to speak their minds, but most times they are scavengers, they are just looking for something to eat, they are either looking for political office or look-

My position has always been that every serious politician, especially those vying for position must have alternative contact address. They must have successful jobs before they go, otherwise that is why they become terribly desperate about position to the extent of killing people, maiming people all over the place, because they have nothing else to do, they will die there, as far as they are concerned once they don’t get that office or position it is death ing for contracts or looking for one opportunity or the other. It is not so much of public good that occupies them, that is the problem, we have very limited number of politicians that are actually informed by genuine desire to govern well, that is the problem, so they can’t say the truth, because they believe if I say the truth now I may be oppressed or they will deprive me of one opportunity or the other, as a result they rather prefer to stand aloof sometimes or even run away from the truth.

But is that fear not genuine?

As far as I am concerned it is not genuine, because in the first instance I don’t see why people should go into politics without clear idea of what they want to do, the underpinning motive must be good gov-

But, today we have more professional politicians, even among the army of youths, who have never done anything besides politics, so how do we address that?

I agree with you entirely, it is a shame and highly unfortunate and that is why we are where we are today. My advocacy has always been that we should continue to campaign for more good people to come into the political space, because comfortable majority of them are disasters, liabilities, so we have to encourage more people to come in, that is the only way to clean up that system.

Last year, when the issue of the money you gave to a judge whom you had worked with in the past, for the burial of his mother three years earlier came to the fore, despite your detailed explanation of your long standing relationship and you never having had any direct dealings with him as a judge, you still tendered your letter of resignation to your party as the National Legal Adviser, though your party rejected your resignation, but what exactly was the reason for that action, what point where you trying to make?

That we must continue to set the right template at every given opportunity, not just talking and talking, at every given opportunity let us demonstrate how things should be done, because I have always believed that once they make allegations against you, leave them let them go and do their investigation and even if you are found guilty then just throw in the towel, we see it happen all over the world every day, that is how things should be, even if you are caught doing the wrong thing it is honourable for you to say I am sorry, let me step aside I have lost the moral right to continue. I don’t know how we are going to do that, it is the same symptom I spoke about, our people here are in public offices for personal gains, otherwise it is a burden, I keep saying it, it is a burden on me, I spend my money apart from using my brain for the party, even for the committee, most of the time we spend our money going all over the whole place, so what is the big deal, if it is not for personal gains why should I want to be there forever.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

$43m scam: Rivers APC hits hard at Wike, Fayose, Fani-Kayode Continued from page 1

chi’s name whenever any negative thing happens, in order to remain relevant and revive their dwindling political fortunes. Instead of Wike and Fayose to face the myriad of problems they have created for themselves, PDP and their states, they prefer to preoccupy themselves with how to drag the name of Amaechi into every imaginable controversy.

“Their thinking is that by pulling down Amaechi, PDP will come back to power come 2019 to continue with their looting spree and destruction of our economy.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that Amaechi has nothing to do with either the Ikoyi estate or the huge sums of money discovered there by EFCC. We urge Nigerians to ignore the antics of the likes of Wike, Fayose and Fani-Kayode,” it continued.

The APC, Rivers State, then, demanded formal apologies from Wike, Fayose, Kayode to Amaechi “for this false accusation within two weeks or we may be left with no other option than to brief our lawyers accordingly.”

The party challenged Gov. Wike and his government to carry out their threat to sue the Federal Government if by the end of seven days the contentious huge sum was not returned to the Rivers State Government.

The party also urged the Federal Government to take the alleged continuous threat from Wike against the Buhari’s administration seriously and call him to order to “avoid aborting our hard earned democracy abruptly.

The Rivers APC continued: “It is unfortunate for Wike to state that the Ikoyi $43 million was part of the proceeds of the Rivers State gas turbines sold during the administration of Amaechi, knowing very well that the money realised from the sale was duly lodged in the coffers of the Rivers State Government and budgeted accordingly.

“Nigerians can now attest that Amaechi stands as the most vilified, persecuted politician in

L-R: Glo subscribers, Chikelu Abana, Rose Ateri, Tina Adolphus and Terry Ajuba with actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (3rd l), at Globacom’s mega comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest in Port Harcourt ... recently.

Continued on page 7

perate attempt to run down an innocent man whose only crime is that he led APC to defeat a party that prides itself as the largest political party in Africa.”

In the statement which was issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the APC berated Governor Wike and the others for allegedly attempting to denigrate and disparage Rt. Hon. Amaechi over the Ikoyi $43 million saga.

The statement partly read: “It is very sad and unfortunate that

over two years that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led APC to dust PDP in the 2015 general elections, the PDP Leadership up till date has refused to forgive Amaechi for disgracing them out of power and salvaging our nation from a system whose corruptive tendency is not only contagious but legendary.

“It is on record that apart from the Abuja residence of Amaechi, he has no other single plot of land in any part of this country, so linking him to the ownership of the contentious Ikoyi estate and

the huge sum found in it is nothing but an invidious plot to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. It is sad and shameful that a frustrated and disgraceful group with Wike and Fayose as the key actors should attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Amaechi just because he collaborated with other patriotic Nigerians to oust a regime that is now exposed as the most corrupt ever in the history of Nigeria.

“It has become very obvious that Wike and Fayose now derive pleasure from mentioning Amae-

N13b discovered money: Buhari’s govt dishonest, cruel - Fani-Kayode

Cult war in Rivers: 12 feared dead in Andoni

ÏÏÏ ƋƋ Ƈ Ə ƏƆ ƈ Ɛƈ Ƈ M9 #1

Port Harcourt

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Former Minister of

Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has carpeted the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government, describing it as most primitive, ignorant, dishonest, incompetent and ignorant government ever to rule Nigeria.

Fani-Kayode, a lawyer and former Director of Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign in the 2015 general election, said this in reaction the claim by the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) that the N13 billion discovered by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos belongs to it.

The NIA had further claimed that the amount was approved by the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan while in office.

However, Chief Fani-Kayode, in a message posted on his tweeter handle on Monday categorically said that Dr. Jonathan never approved $43 million as claimed by the DG NIA. He described the DG of NIA as a “treacherous and lying coward”.

Fani-Kayode consequently called for his resignation of the Director-General of the NIA, stressing that a “massive cover up is on.”

He insisted that the governing APC is the “most divisive, vindictive, incompetent, primitive, ignorant, dishonest, incompetent and ignorant government ever to rule Nigeria”.

The former Minister argued that Jonathan never approved $43 million as claimed by the DG NIA. In the words of Fani-Kayode: “The Buhari government is the most divisive, vindictive, incompetent, primitive, mendacious, cruel and ignorant government that has ever ruled Nigeria”.

The discovered money is currently being trailed by controversy as the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, alleged that it was his state money stolen by former governor of the state and current Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

The NIA is equally laying claim to the money.

The NIA DG had already written to President Buhari to intervene on the matter and direct the EFCC to return the money to it.

Amaka Agbu,

ÏÏÏ No less than 12 persons were feared dead on Sunday in a new wave of cult clashes involving suspected members of Icelanders and members of Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

The cult war, which took place on Sunday in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, initially started in Ataba community with the killing of two brothers in the early hours of that day was said to have spread to more communities in the area.

Some of the communities affected are Oyorokoto, Isiodum, Asarama, Egbormung, Obiama, Oronija and Ungenda.

As a result of this clash, some of the communities have been deserted by their inhabitants for fear of further invasion by the suspected cult groups.

It was not possible to reach the Police spokesman in the state, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, but a top Police

source, who confirmed the incident, also said that a crack team has been deployed to the area to contain further attacks by the cultists, promising that the Police would restore normalcy in the area.

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Andoni Local Government Area, Chief Allen Jonah Abi, could not also be reached.

A top politician from the area, who also spoke on grounds of anonymity, condemned the attack and said that “it would be better to draft a federal taskforce on anticultism to Andoni.”

The politician decried the idea of an Andoni man killing his fellow Andoni man, saying it is a taboo.

He also called on both the traditional rulers and the political class in the area to do more to stem the rising cases of cult violence in the area.

While advising the cultists to sheath their swords, he also pointed out that “Andoni will never gain anything from cultism and violence.”

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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PHOTO TIMES

Editorial UNESCO and 62m illiterate Nigerians

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ecently, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) disclosed that more than 62 million Nigerians are illiterate. According to international education body, it will take no less than 58 years of investment to eradicate illiteracy in the country, even with innovations like Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other learning mechanisms.

UNESCO’s disclosure is coming barely three years after the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2013 set by the United Nations for the eradication of illiteracy in the world. In fact, recent statistics reveal that aside the staggering 10.5 million children said to be out-of-school, some 60 million Nigerians cannot read and write. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, adult illiteracy rate in Nigeria stands at 60 percent. The implication of this is that more than 70per cent of Nigerians are illiterates.

We are alarmed but definitely not surprised at these figures, given the shoddy and even dispassionate attitude of governments at all levels towards education in the country.

Unfortunately, this growing tribe of illiterate population is inimical to development, to say the least, even as it is common knowledge that no nation rises above the quality of its human capital.

For long, the increasing rate of illiteracy among Nigerians has continued to occupy prime place in national discourse, even when the authorities are doing nothing to ameliorate the situation. This is shameful. That Nigeria ranks, as one of the countries with the highest level of illiteracy, coupled with the fact that it had the highest number of out-of-school children in the world is both embarrassing and unacceptable. Such in-

Publisher/Editor in Chief

dictment is eloquent testimony of the fact that Nigeria’s educational policies, over the years, have failed to achieve the desired results.

The stubbornly high illiteracy level is only symptomatic of the poor funding accorded education. Going

by UNESCO’s benchmark every country must provide 26 per cent of its annual budget for education. Sadly, that of Nigeria is between a measly 10-13 per cent. The stark statistics of illiteracy among Nigerians is a call to action. It is therefore pertinent that the Federal Government and all stakeholders in the education sector come up with far reaching policies to tackle this national embarrassment.

We are saying this because past governments are known to abandon the policies of their predecessors with intention of spiting them.

Such short -sight is responsible for the present sorry pass in the education sector. There is no denying the fact that for Nigeria to tackle the myriad of challenges confronting her, she must urgently arrest the rising illiteracy among the population.

Moreover, to successfully confront poverty, disease, religious fanaticism, political chaos, ethnic bigotry, gender discrimination, economic depression among others, there must be concerted efforts to enhance the literacy level in the country.

To achieve this, all governments must budget adequate resources for education. Equally, literacy inclined groups and other related NGOs should step up activities and campaigns to increase awareness towards the importance of literacy.

Without a doubt, literacy is essential to individual and societal development. For a society to attain sustainable development, social development and environmental integration, literacy is one of the required key elements.

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Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesla (2nd r); Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (2nd l); Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul Rauf Adedeji (r) and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi (l), during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government House Osogbo… recently.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo and Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during a meeting in Akure, Ondo State… recently.

Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right) being welcomed by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (left), during the inspection tour of the ongoing construction work on the rehabilitation of Ikot Ekpene - Ikot Umuoessien - Aba Road in Abia / Akwa - Ibom States by the Brent Investment Nigeria Limited… recently.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Goodluck Jonathan

Matthew Ashimolowo

Julius Nyerere

“Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”.

“If you must make a difference in life, then change your mind set”.

“Independence cannot be real if a nation depends upon gifts.”

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè ƍƏƈƋ ơƤè ƾƠơƣ

Release N1.8tn withheld fund to NDDC, group urges Buhari Patrick Odey, Uyo

ÏÏÏ

A nongovernmental organization, Network Advancement Programme for Poverty and Disaster Risks Reduction (NAPPDRR), has appealed to President Mohammadu Buihari to release the Niger Delta Development Commission’s withheld fund amounting to over N1.8 trillion.

The group’s president, Al Mustapher Emem Edoho, who made the appeal while speaking in Uyo at the weekend said “NDDC, as intervention agency has been short change to the staggering tune of over N1.8 trillion.

According to him the Agency’s contractual obligations or payment certificate remains unsettled for

years while staff welfare entitlements could not be paid at when due and a many other obligations could not be met as result of the underfunding.

Edoho however appealed to President Buhari to strengthen the funding of the NDDC by releasing the withheld amount to enable it implement development programmes in the region and to further propel the transformation of the endangered and environmentally ravaged oil producing region.

He said, “Critical infrastructures like roads, schools, health facilities, agri-business development, transportation among others shall be massively accelerated and expanded if the fund is released.

The president however commended the new leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere since his resumption of office, adding ‘’the agency has brought the Federal Government closer to the grassroots despite poor funding.

Edoho described the NDDC boss as “a humble and charismatic leader who has demonstrated uncanny skills and abilities to transform the Commission, laced with risks management and other associated problems.”

He said, “Obong Nsima Ekere is a tested, trusted and reliable public administrator. He confronts and

reorganizes the governance structure of the commission in a holistic manner, to play a complementary role in the service delivery of the core mandate of the Commission. Stakeholders meetings are regularly convened to build a synergy and sustainable partnership with all sections of the Niger Delta.”

“Regular project monitoring and inspections have been strengthened by Nsima Ekere led Board to enhance quality service delivery and leverage organizational objectives. Contractors have returned to their various project sites,” he added.

The group president listed some life touching projects embarked upon by the

NDDC under Ekere’s leadership to include Esit Eket Stadium project, Uquo, Ikpa street light projects among others all in Esit Eket local government area.

He also acknowledged the commission’s development strides in Eket urban ranging from rehabilitation of internal roads and other development projects.

Others according to him include drainage control in Esuene street in Uyo to check perennial flooding during rainy season in Uyo metropolis among other several street rehabilitation projects in the area currently handled by the commission, not minding the status of Uyo as a State Capital that deserve super attention by the State gov-

Mƈ ƆƏ Ɛ ƍ ƏƐ ƆƏ ƈ ƐƈƐƑƐƆ ƏƈƅƆè Ƒ Əƅ Ɔ Ƈ Əƌƈ

jƏ ƍ ƏƆ ƅƑƆ ơè ÕƾƢ ƒƈƅƐƈƌ è ƆƑƐƏ Ƌƈ Ɔ ƾơ ƐƆƏƏ Əƈ Ɛ

ÏÏÏ The Niger state govern-

ment says it has concluded arrangements to partner the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) to boost rice and sugarcane farming in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, made this known on Monday when he visited the institute in Badeggi in the state.

“We have so many things to gain from the institute and we are willing to partner NCRI. “We want to close the gap between us and the institute so that our farmers can produce the best crops, especially with varieties of seedlings.

“As we go into partnership with them, they will get us improved seeds of rice, soya beans, sugarcane and other cereals, and we will be able to feed the country and even the whole of West Africa.

“We have the human resources, the farmlands and by the time we get the improved seedlings, Niger will be the state to beat.

“Gov. Abubakar Bello is ready to provide the facilities for the irrigation farming,” he said.

In his remarks earlier, the Acting Executive Director of NCRI, Dr Samuel Agboire, called on the state government to take irrigation farming seriously if it must take its rightful position as the biggest rice producer in the country.

ernment.

The group president however frown at the low level of impact created by Governor Emmanuel’s administration in the state which he listed to include “failure to create a State oil producing area development commission (AKOMPADEC) to implement the state derivation law, 2009 as widely demanded by elders and chiefs of the oil producing communities in the state, failure to settle pension gratuity to retired primary school teachers and other retired civil servants in the state despite Paris Club refund to Akwa Ibom state.

Edoho tackled the state governor over low level of development in some local governments adding “one of the local government areas in the state that has not experienced any iota of development from the State government is Esit Eket where there is not even a box culvert to convince the masses that the governor is from the same federal constituency with them.

Gé`ë M Ɛƈ Ƌ ƍƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Lƈ ƆƏ ƅƈ Ɛƈ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ è Ƌ Ɖƈ d ƈ d Ɔ Ƒì &ƔƆƅƑƐƈƒƆ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè Mƈ ƆƏƈ &ƔƐƏ ƅƐƈƒƆ 9 ƗƑ ƐƏƈƆ jƏ ƍ ƏƆ ƅƕ 9 ƈƐƈ ƐƈƒƆè LƏêz ƖƈƏƈ Ɨƈ Ɨ L ƈ ^ ƏƐ ƆƏè Ɔ ƆƏ ƑƋƐƈ è LƏê LƆƊ RƋ Ɠ Ƌ è Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ǀƐ dƑ Ɛ ƈ ƄƈƋƈƐƕ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ &ƔƐƏ ƅƐƈƒƆ 9 ƗƑ ƐƏƈƆ ƇƆƏƆ ƅƆ ƈ ƄƑƉ Č ƏƆƅƆ ƐƋƕê

CSO calls on Niger Deltans to embrace its sustainable citizen participation project

ÏÏÏ Afrihealth Optonet As-

sociation (AOA), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has called on the Niger Deltans to embrace its Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) project that seeks to institutionalise citizen’s participation in local governance.

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, National Coordinator, AOA made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Adirieje explained that SCP means that citizens would be able to engage with their government on

a regular and sustained basis in non-violent ways towards the development of their community.

He noted that currently, citizens were only able to interact with leaders and politicians at the leaders’ leisure. ”For example, during an election the candidate will campaign for the peoples support by meeting with the people, speaking with them and being open and available to them, ”But once they get into office, these leaders, who once had so much time for the people, become unaccountable and cold.

”They want the people to vote for them but once the election is over the people’s voice means nothing. This project seeks to change that,” he said.

Adirieje added that by pushing for SCP, the project hopes to make leaders accountable every day they spend in office and not just during elections.

He said that the project hoped that elected offices being held accountable will result in better politics and more promises being kept.

The coordinator also said that the formal involvement and participation of CSOs and women groups

(WGs) in local governance in the Niger Delta region was virtually non-existent, at best very poor. ”This has compelled these groups to resort to violence and unconstitutional means in their uncoordinated efforts to benefit from the dividends of democracy and corporate development in Nigeria. ”This project seeks to promote a concept of SCP the institutionalization of citizen participation in local governance, decisionmaking, development and democratic processes at 81 LGAs in nine states in Niger Delta.

ÏÏÏ Troops on clearance operations on Monday at Jarawa village in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno, rescued 1, 623 captives held by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists after they neutralised 21 terrorists.

According to a statement issued by the army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the troops also recovered 3 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 hand grenade, 12 cutlasses and four motorcycles.

“The rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated,” Usman said.

He said the troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade also cleared terrorists from Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements, based on tip off.

“One significant aspect of this operation is that the unit noted for its experience in battle, resilience and bravery did not record any casualty,” the army spokesman said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

15 News

Police confirm death of Whistleblowing helping fight suspected armed bandit in Delta against corruption — Keyamo ÏÏÏ The Delta police com-

mand on Monday said its operatives had killed a notorious suspected armed robber simply known as “Tompolo”.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the death of the suspected robber, however, added that three of his accomplices escaped with bullet wounds.

Aniamaka said police detectives from Enerhen division in Uvwie local

government area near Warri, foiled a robbery attack following a distress call and in the ensueing gun duel, killed Tompolo, on April 9.

He said, “I got a distress call that one suspect has been gunned down by men of the Enerhen police division, with the assistance of the local vigilantes, after a gun duel.

“Item recovered from the suspect included a cut to size locally made pistol and some rounds of ammunition,” he said.

He noted that the incident happened after the deceased alongside others had successfully robbed a female victim of a huge sum of money at about 5:00 am around Dugbo Estate.

“Tompolo and his boys robbed a woman of her handbag containing huge sums of money she was going to the market with.

“Tompolo and his gang members had been terrorising neighbourhoods around here for so long,” he said.

ÏÏÏ

Human rights lawyer and activist, Festus Keyamo, has lauded the whistleblowing policy of the federal government as an effective tool in tackling corruption.

Keyamo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, that the various revelations about money stashed and abandoned in some places were the positive effect of the whistle blowing.

“People are now ready to blow whistle, the populace now have confidence in as-

sisting the government to fight corruption through whistleblowing.

“The war against corruption which seemed to be lost is now turning back to a win situation and revival for the country. The only warning is that we are not yet there but we have taken a huge step forward.

“Whistleblowing is very good and everybody is now a watchdog. I commend the policy, a situation whereby everybody can raise alarm and also alert the Economic Financial and Crime Commission (EFCC).

“We are gradually winning but we are not there yet as there are many things to be done in this regard,’’ he said.

Keyamo said that though whistleblowing had recorded some success stories, there must be diligent investigation before trial in court to forestall loss of corruption cases.

“The second part of the anti-corruption fight is that we must strengthen the arm of prosecution if we don’t want corruption cases as an exercise in futility.

Malaria: Researcher calls for improved coverage of RDT ÏÏÏ A medical researcher,

Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor (r), attending to a pensioner, Mrs. Eunice Ohioze, at the on-going pensioners’ verification in Benin-City… recently.

Dry season farming: FG spends over N9.5 bn on inputs

ÏÏÏ The federal government spent more than N9.5 billion for the distribution of farm inputs to farmers during the dry season farming, an official of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has said.

Mr Ohiare Jatto, the Director, Farm Input Support Services Department in the ministry, said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said the inputs were distributed to no fewer than 458,498 farmers across 30 states of the federation be-

tween December 2016 and February 2017 dry season farming.

Jatto said the inputs were provided under the governments’ Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme to guarantee improved food production and security.

According to him, some of the inputs provided to the farmers include two bags of Nitrogen Potassium Phosphate, one bag of urea, one bag of organic fertiliser each, 25 kilogram rice seeds and 20 kilogramme maize seeds depending on the crop value chain.

The director said that the government under the GES usually paid 75 per cent worth of seeds and 50 per cent for fertilisers and pesticides while farmers settled the remaining percentage of the money.

He said the scheme attained 92 per cent success during the planting season.

“The dry season farming was very successful.

We targeted 500,000 farmers and we were able to reach 458,498 farmers in 30 states.

“All the northern states and many southern states benefited. We only reached out to farmers that our

funds were able to accommodate,’’ he said.

The director said that the Federal Government was also targeting no fewer than one million farmers to give inputs for the wet season farming.

He said the reason for the delay in the commencement of the inputs distribution for the wet season was due to the delay in the passage of the budget.

Jatto appealed to farmers to be patient with the government, adding that the inputs distribution would begin as soon as the budget was passed.

Dr. Bamidele Iwalokun, has called on government authorities to improve the coverage of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) by 80 per cent to improve the diagnosis of submicroscopic malaria.

Iwalokun, the Head of Immunology and Vaccinology Research Group, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, made this plea on Monday in an interview with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He spoke on the sideline of the preparation for the commemoration of the World Malaria Day, which holds on April 25 every year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2017 global theme for the World Malaria Day is “End Malaria for Good.”

NAN further reports that WHO is focusing attention on prevention mechanism; a critical strategy for reducing the toll of a disease that continues to kill more than 400,000 people annually.

Iwalokun said that the malaria burden of the country in the last five years had not improved as expected.

He said that the national malaria positive rate either

by RDT or by microscopy was still above 32 per cent compared to 38 per cent rate in 2007.

“With this development, Nigeria is still far from the malaria elimination phase, which is set at five per cent.

“Nigeria is among the 15 countries of the world responsible for 78 per cent of global malaria cases and 80

per cent of global malaria deaths.

“This is highly unacceptable in a country that desires to reduce her current under five mortality of 109 per 1,000 live births by 75 per cent by 2020,” Iwalokun said.

According to the researcher, malaria diagnosis in Nigeria has improved, following the national malaria policy of 2011 that recommended the use of RDT. “With the exception of the North Central Nigeria, RDT now detects malaria more by 20 to 67 per cent than microscopy across the other geographical zones.

“RDT detects parasite antigens while microscopy detects the parasite at different stages of its life cycle in the red blood cell.

“Unlike microscopy that takes an average of 45 to 60 minutes to get a result, RDT takes 15 minutes maximum.

“RDT can be performed without electricity at home and by mothers and so on.”

Iwalokun said that many Nigerian primary health centres lack a functional microscope and certified trained microscope specialists.

“There is the need to increase the awareness that malaria can be treated at home with RDT and that anybody can use it.

“The training of pregnant women on how to use RDT during antenatal care at primary health centres and nursing mothers during routine immunisation services should be encouraged,” he added.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Tech Times

List of phones that will not support Whatsapp As part of effort in bringing better services to their esteem customers, Whatsapp have decided to declare December 31st 2016 as the end date of supporting some types of phone.

Whatsapp which is the most popular messaging application platform used by almost 90 percent of smartphone users in the world will no longer support some mobile devices as their planning is to expand their app features and add more security tools to their app.

The affected mobile devices include: All Blackberry phones, including blackberry10 devices All Symbian Phones Includes; Nokia 500, Nokia E6, Nokia 5228, Nokia 5230, Nokia E63, Nokia 5233, Nokia E66, Nokia 5235, Nokia 5250, Nokia E7, Nokia 5320, Nokia E71, Nokia 5530, Nokia E72, Nokia 5630, Nokia E73, Nokia 5700, Nokia E75, Nokia 5730, Nokia E90 Communicator, Nokia 5800, Nokia N76, Nokia 600, Nokia N78, Nokia 603, Nokia N79, Nokia 6110, Nokia N8, Nokia 6120, Nokia N81, Nokia 6121, Nokia N81 8 GB, Nokia 6124,Nokia N82,Nokia 6210,Nokia N85, Nokia 6220, Nokia N86 8 MP, Nokia 6290, Nokia N95, Nokia 6650 Fold, Nokia N95 8 GB, Nokia 6700, Nokia 6710 Navigator, Nokia N96, Nokia 6720, Nokia N97, Nokia 6730, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia 6760 Slide, Nokia X5-01, Nokia 6790 Surge, Nokia X6, Nokia 700, Nokia X7, Nokia 701, Samsung GT-i8510, Nokia 808 PureView, Samsung GTl7110, Nokia C5, Samsung i8910 Omnia HD, Nokia C5-03, Samsung SGH-G810, Nokia C6, Samsung SGH-iNNN, Nokia C7, Samsung SGH-L870, Nokia E5, Sony Ericsson Satio, Nokia E51, Sony Ericsson Vivaz, Nokia E52, Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro and Nokia E55 All Nokia S40 Phones Includes; Nokia Asha 201, Nokia Asha 300, Nokia Asha 302, okia Asha 303, Nokia Asha 306, Nokia Asha 311,Nokia C3-00, Nokia C3-01, Nokia X2-00, Nokia X2-01 and Nokia X3-02, Window phones 7.1, iPhone 3GS/iOS 6, Andriod 2.1 and Andriod 2.2.

The company highlighted through its blog post that despite it was a tough decision for them to make, but still the right one in order to provide better service and better ways to keep in touch with your family, friends and loved ones using Whatsapp.

Therefore if your phone falls within the stated range, you are advised to either upgrade to the newer version of Android, iPhone, Window or get a new ones before the due date.

To be cautious, if you’re planning to buy a second-hand phone for Whatsapp reason, beware of the version to buy as to prevent you from buying unsupported Whatsapp phone.

s

Over 60% northern women lack access to internet -Study Stories by Tony Nwakaegho A recent study has shown that over 60 percent of educated women in the northern part of Nigeria have no access to the internet.

The study was conducted by the ‘Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) on the use of internet by women in the north.

CITAD executive director, Ya’u Zakari Ya’u, disclosed this at a recent workshop tagged ‘Research Findings on Women and Use of Internet in the North’ held in Bauchi.

Ya’u said that the survey, which was conducted in Bauchi and Kano state has indicated that women who have no access to the Internet have been rendered technologically and socially disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts in the region.

The factors hindering northern women from using the Internet, according to him include: inadequate infrastructures, computer illiteracy, bad perception about the internet as well as religious and cultural factors

among others.

Ya’u decried the situation that made some clerics and husbands to discourage women in the region from browsing through the Internet and social networks due to the fear that their wives may lose privacy, get exposed to sexual harassment or visit bad sites that could corrupt them.

He promised that CITAD would soon commence awareness campaigns in the area on the significance of the internet and its benefits so as to bridge the gap.

Commenting on this development, Maryam Garba Bagel, a female member of the Bauchi state House of Assembly

declared that it is not a taboo for housewives to use internet or social media because they could get useful information and knowledge that would add value to their lives.

Bagel, who was the chairperson of the occasion promised to present a proposal to the state government through the ministry of women affairs to establish computer training centres in all parts of the state to teach women the basic knowledge of computer operations.

She remarked that Computer knowledge will enable women access the internet like their counterparts in advanced nations.

ATCON supports local content in telecom sector The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said it is supporting the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Office for Nigeria Content Development in ICT (ONC) plans to galvanise stakeholders’ views towards addressing local content related issues in the sector.

President of ATCON, Mr. Olusola Teniola, disclosed the Association’s position during Stakeholders Forum on Local Content Development in the Telecommunication Sector in Nigeria organised by NCC in Ikeja, Lagos.

ATCON’s support for the initiative, according to Teniola was borne out of the need to eliminate imbalances in the sector as some indices are skewed against the local investors.

“The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) considered this initiative strategic and timely and for these two reasons it is happy to identify with the collaboration put together by Nigerian Communications

Commission and Office for Nigeria Content Development in ICT to address Local Content Development in the telecommunications and ICT subsector,” he said.

Philosophy of Local Content Speaking on the philosophy of ‘Local Content Development in the Telecom and ICT Sector’, the ATCON President said, that all stakeholders should work towards correcting the imbalance in the international trade balance; restructure Nigerian ICT industry with a view to increase Nigeria participation in the value chain, and to stimulate growth and development in the manufacturing of some ICT products and services.

Structure of Nigeria Telecommunications and ICT Sector “It is obvious that the structure of Nigeria Telecommunications and ICT sector is not really beneficial to Nigeria as a country in terms of foreign exchange earnings because most of the inputs in the sector are imported from the developed countries.

“If we really want to pursue

Nigerian Local Content development vigorously as a nation with the intention of increasing its impact on our revenue we must devise a means of producing those inputs locally.

“The liberalization of the sector has attracted some large investments to the country but the country needs to develop the sector by making it less import dependent and to do this, the then Honourable Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson created an office under NITDA called the office of the Nigeria Local Content charged with the responsibility of making the ICT and Telecommunication sector less dependent on importation”.

Teniola recommended going forward “a plan to comprehensively develop the ICT sector.”

ATCON lamented that since the inauguration of the Office of the Nigerian Content, there is little or no productive activity to drive the guidelines that were published.

ATCON is of the view that NCC and ONC come up with short and

long term plans which would enable the entire ICT ecosystem to know the area where they can invest their ‘investible’ funds.

Speedy Implementation of the Plan: “NCC and ONC should as a matter of urgency implement the plan they have developed to increase the active participation of Nigerian Content in the value chain of telecommunications business in Nigeria,” he added.

Creation of Evaluation, Monitoring and Enforcement Unit:

Mr. Olusola Teniola, President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

19 Tech Times

25% new mobile apps will talk to IoT devices by 2018 –Gartner Stories by Tony Nwakaegho With the convergence of devices, bots, things and people, organisations will need to master two dimensions of mobility, according to Gartner, Inc. CIOs and IT leaders will need to excel at mainstream mobility and to prepare for the post-app era.

David Willis, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner said that the future of mobile will provide ubiquitous services delivered anywhere, by any person or thing, to any person or thing.

“While users are constantly looking for new and compelling app experiences, the importance of apps in delivering services will diminish and the emergence of virtual personal assistants (VPAs) and bots will replace some of the functions performed by apps today. Alternative approaches to interaction and service delivery will arise, and code will move from traditional mobile devices and apps to the cloud,” Willis said.

Willis presented these findings during Gartner Symposium/ ITxpo 2016. Mobile Becomes “Business As Usual” “The mobile landscape has changed dramatically during the past few years; mobile is no longer a novel technology, but business as usual, for most organisations,”

Willis stated.

In 2016, Gartner forecasts the shipment of 2.37 billion devices (PCs, tablets, ultramobiles and mobile phones), and that 293 million wearables will be sold in the same year. In 2017, Gartner estimates that 2.38 billion devices will be shipped and 342 million wearables will be sold.

According to Willis, “The proliferation of mobile devices means that phones, tablets, laptops and wearables are now omnipresent within the business environment, reinventing the way people interact and work.”

Today’s tech users are smart and savvy, demanding better features

and experiences. The traditional forms of bring your own (that is, devices and applications) will continue to grow, making bring your own device and bring your own application the norm for the majority of organizations.

“Moreover, the arrival of wearables and bring your own “thing” (such as smart kettles, smart power sockets or smart light bulbs) in the workplace will introduce new interaction techniques and new platforms, diluting the need for specific mobile app experiences,” Willis stressed.

Much of the innovation in the mobile space isn’t taking

place inside the smartphones themselves, but in the things that communicate with them.

Gartner predicts that by 2018, 25 percent of new mobile apps will talk to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Most IoT devices that talk to smartphones do so via an app or the browser.

“Through 2018, the app will be the preferred mechanism, because it provides a better experience and allows more sophisticated interactions and data analysis, with low-level networking and background processing,” Willis noted.

However, the current dominance of apps is challenged by several

trends that, together, Gartner labels the “post-app era”. “As new technologies grow in importance as a way to control and interact with things, app interfaces will fade,” Willis pointed out.

Prepare for the Post-App Era Today New ways to interact with things will deliver pervasive services, and emerging technologies — such as artificial intelligence, naturallanguage processing and bots integrated into messaging apps, open new opportunities to interact with users seamlessly.

A number of global players are enabling businesses and consumers to “chat” with users on their messaging platform evolving APIs and services so that developers can create their own bots. This concept allows users to chat with organisations to get information, answer questions and transact through messaging or VPAs. “This means that instead of going into a system and filling out complicated forms with checkboxes, users can ask a bot a question, and it will answer or negotiate on our behalf, based on rules and knowledge in the system.

“It will then move to those systems that allow interactions with customers — from marketing to sales” Willis explained.

Poor quality of telecoms service still persists –NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom regulatory authority, said a combination of erratic power supply, vandalisation of telecom infrastructure, multiple taxation and right of way issues as well as security challenges at mobile base stations are the reasons the poor quality of telecom services still persist in Nigeria.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar. Danbatta, revealed this in an address at the 78th Edition Of Telecom Consumer Parliament, (TCP) with the theme, “Regulatory Responses to Consumer issues over the last one year – A Retrospect”, which was held in Lagos.

Danbatta explained in the address delivered by Engr. Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, that some of these challenges are fallout of the rapid growth of the industry, adding that despite these challenges, it has consistently strived to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality telecommunications services at affordable prices.

“The industry’s challenges over the years have been that of provision of acceptable quality of service on a

consistent basis. The non-technical factors, which conspire to degrade the quality of service, are erratic power supply, vandalisation of telecom infrastructure, multiple taxation and right of way issues as well as a security challenge at mobile base stations,” Danbatta said.

Asked what the commission is doing to address some of these challenges, Danbatta highlighted that the commission is addressing some of these challenges.

Quality of Service: He hinted that through the Quality of Service Fixing Project, Industry stakeholders meet regularly to review issues of quality of service and how to overcome them.

In addition, to the QoS Regulation, the Commission has also deployed the QoS Infrastructure Tool to proactively manage QoS issues by using the Consumers Quality of Experience as a baseline.

Multiple Taxation and Right of Way: To resolve these challenges, we have adopted a pragmatic approach, and one of the platforms used by the Commission is the engagement of the Governors forum through outreaches.

Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Ibikunle Amosun recently ordered

for the unsealing of 47 base stations hitherto under lock and key before my visit to the state.

Vandalisation: To curtail the problem of vandalism, the Commission is tirelessly working to ensure the passage of the critical infrastructure bill at the National Assembly so that telecoms infrastructure will be

declared as National assets.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the Commission has remained resolute and committed to providing Regulatory interventions that ensure Network Operators adhere to the conditions of their licences and consumers get the best of quality of experience.

L-R: Mr. Abdullahi Maikano; Mrs. Oluwaseun kasunmu- representative of the First Lady of Lagos State, Engr.

Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, and Mr. Joshua Yakubu-Consumer Protection Council during the 78th Edition Of Telecom Consumer Parliament held in Lagos, recently.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

EDUERE SUPPORT ORGANISATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEE NAME TO EDUGIRLS SUPPORT ORGANISATION TO NEW EDUERE SUPPORT ORGANISATION , REMOVAL AND APPIONTED OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

REMOVE TRUSTEES: 1. DR WILFERD-EKPRIKPO PEACE CHIDINMA NEW TRUSTEES 2. IBIWARI FRANCIS JACK (VICE-PRESIDENT) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO, FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEE NAME TO EDUGIRLS SUPPORT ORGANISATION TO NEW EDUERE SUPPORT ORGANISATION, REMOVAL AND APPIONTED SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

21 Public Notice

DIVINE MERCY FOUNDATION FOR HELPLESS AND VULNERABLE PERSONS

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BARR. MRS THERESA IBAS. - RETAINED 2. BARR. A KPAMA EKWE - REMOVED 3. MRS COMFORT LARRY AUTA - REMOVED 4. ENO CHRISTOPHER IBAS - APPOINTED 5. KEDEI CATHERPPIONTEDINE IBAS -APPOINTED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME .ANY OBJECTION TO THE RETAINED , REMOVAL AND APPIONTED OF TRUSTEES S SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

MUSTAPHA AKANBI FOUNDATION (CAC/IT/NO. 21102) THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS CHANGE OF ADDRESS FROM: NO. 4, SULTAN ROAD, ILORIN, KWARA STATE: TO: NO. 6, AGBA-DAM LINK ROAD, G R A, ILORIN, KWARA STATE: CHANGE OF TRUSTEES: OLD TRUSTEES 1. PROF. ABDULRASHEED ADERINOYE -RETAINED. 2. DR. MUDASIRU ABDULSALAM -RETAINED. 3. MR. RUFAI AKANBI- RETAINED. 4. PRINCE LATEEF FAGBEMI (SAN) -RETAINED 5. MR. HAKEEM AKANBI- RETAINED. 6. DR. LADIPO AKANBI -RETAINED 7. MR. AHMED AKANBI –RETAINED 8. JUSTICE MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA ADEBAYO AKANBI- RESIGNED 9. ALH. ISMAIL MUSA- RESIGNED. 10. PROF. BASIRU OKESINA- RESIGNED. NEW TRUSTEES ALL APPOINTED 1. PROF. MUHAMMED MUSTAPHA AKANBI- NEWLY APPOINTED 2. MR. KABIR AKANBI -NEWLY APPOINTED 3. MRS. ASMAU YUSUF - NEWLY APPOINTED ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL; CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED BY: Y .O. YAKUB (TOSHO YAQUB & CO.) OLAIYA PLAZA, KM. 1, OLD JEBBA ROAD, ILORIN, KWARA STATE 08166019242

PUBLIC NOTICE FAMILY IDOL AGAINST HER CONSENT. MR OLATUNBOSUN ETTI , MALE , OF NO . 47 , OSHODI STREET , LAGOS ISLAND, THAT I AM THE ONE THAT IMPREGNATED MISS OLUWATOSIN ABIODUN DUROTIMI ETTI. THAT I AM AWARE AS OF FACT SOMETIME MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR THE PATERNAL RELATION OF MISS OLUWATOSIN ABIODUN DUROTIMI ETTI CALLED TO INFORMED ME THAT SHE WOULD UNDERGO RITUAL CLEANSING FOR THE REASON THAT SHE WAS IMPREGNATED BEFORE 17 YEARS OF AGE. THAT HER MOTHER ALSO INFORMED ME THAT IF SHE COULD NOT MAKE HER DAUGHTER AVAILABLE ON TIME GIVEN, SHE HAD BEEN INFORMED TO SUBMIT HERSELF IN HER PLACE. THAT ALL EFFORTS TO CONVINCE THE ELDERS IN HER FAMILY THAT SHE WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SUCH THING AS IT NEGATES THE PRINCIPLE OF THEIR RELIGION PROVED ABORTIVE.

LIVELIHOOD CROSS-OVER FOUNDATION

OCCUPATION HEALTH RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

ALBARIKA COMMODITIES SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION OF CHIKANDA, KWARA NIGERIA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABDULWAHAB HASSAN ADETAYO 2. ABUBAKAR TAJUDEEN BABATUNDE 3. MOSHOOD OYEKOLA 4. MUSA ABDULLAHI ACHASA 5. GAMBO ABDULLAHI 6. YAKUBU ILYAS ISHOLA 7. MUSA ASIRU OMUIYADUN 8. IBRAHIM MOHAMMED 9. ADEBONA AFISU AKANJI 10. IBRAHIM ZAKARI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO CATER FOR WELFARE OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BY BARRISTER ADEWALE ODELEYE

THE EAGLE UNITED FOUNDATION

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

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

TRUSTEES: 1. DR KELIV UZOMA 2. DR THEOPHILUS CHIAZOR 3. DR SADE ADENEKAN 4. MR EHI IDEN 5. MR JOSEPH AMENAGHAWON

TRUSTEES: 1. OGUNSINA OLUFEMI 2. EKE UCHE ONU 3. EMMANUEL UNEGBU 4. NDUKWO IKO 5. PONFA AUDU 6. MBA IWOLA UFERE 7. KUSHI GEORGE NIWESA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND WORK RELATED ILLNESSES IN WEST AFRICA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THE RETAINED , REMOVAL AND APPIONTED OF TRUSTEES S 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: JOHN IYAFOKHAI

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LIFE ASSURED CHAPEL

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

NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1. HUSSAIN TENIOLA AISHAT (ESQ) CHAIRMAN 2. MARYAM ADEBUKOLA HUSSAIN (PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER) 3. KEHINDE BASHIRU (ESQ) 4. OBEDAT HUSSAIN (NCE) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE LEGAL AID TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED 2. TO PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH IN NIGERIA. 3. TO PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. 4. SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

COMPUTER VILLAGE MUSLIM UMMAH ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REUBEN ENIOLA JAMES (PRESIDING PASTOR) 2. REUBEN FUNMILAYO WURA (GENERAL SECRETARY) 3. ITANSEHINWA OLADAPO EMMANUEL (TREASURER) AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LAWAL, TAOFEEK BABATUNDE 08083949469

SOCIETY OF COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. AKINOLA RASHEED POPOOLA - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. BOLAJI AJIBOLA POPOOLA 3. DR. OLAWALE PRAISE POPOOLA 4. DR. (MISS) FAITH BUKOLA POPOOLA 5. ENGR. TOBI GOODNESS POPOOLA 6. MR. WILLIAM FOLORUNSHO POPOOLA (SECRETARY)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) SIKIRU ABOLANLE ONABOTE - CHAIRMAN (2) SHEIKH ISIAKA ADEBAYO TEJIDINI (3) QUADRI ADEKUNLE ABIODUN - SECRETARY (4) AHMED ADENIYI OJIKUTU (5) JUBRIL ADEBOWALE OLASOJI (6) MUHAMMAD ADEJO HARUNA (7) MUNIRU ADENIYI ANIMASAHUN (8) HAMMED KEHINDE OLUSESI (9) RAHMAN AKINKUNMI ZAKARIYYAH

OLD TRUSTEES: 1. ODEYINKA OLUYEMI 2. ODEYINKA MEMUNAT ODUNTAN 3. ALADE - RAJI KEHINDE OLUSHOLA SOPHIA 4. ODUGBESAN TEMITOPE GRACE 5. OTUSANYA GRACE OLASUMBO

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO IMPROVED LIVELIHOOD FOR THE DISADVANTAGED ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

OKEPATA MUSLIM COMMUNITY INITIATIVE, IFO-OGUIFO-OGUN THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. ADEJOLA MUMUNI OLATOYE-CHAIRMAN 2. SALAKO MUFUTAU AJIBOLA-SECRETARY 3. ALH. HASSAN YUNUS ADEMOLA 4. ALHAJA SIKIRU ADUKE FATIMO 5. MUSILIU YUSUF AREMU. 6. ABDULRAFIH IDRIS KAYODE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE ISLAMIC PROPAGATION IN THE COMMUNITY 2. TO CREATE A CENTRAL MOSQUE IN THE COMMUNITY OF IFO-OGUN STATE ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS OF ASSOCIATION ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

ADEX ADEBUKOLA CROWNGOLD FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. ADEBUKOLA TEMITOPE ADENIWURA 2. ADENIWURA OLUWASEUN OMONIYI AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO HELP THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR GRACE OKWOLI 08030967528

NEW MEMBERS: 1. ODEYINKA OLUYEMI 2. ODEYINKA MEMUNAT ODUNTAN 3. ALADE - RAJI KEHINDE OLUSHOLA SOPHIA 4. ELEWURO HAIRU OLAYIWOLA 5. OTUSANYA GRACE OLASUMBO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

COMBINED INDIGENOUS THEATRE ARTS MOVIE MAKERS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SANYA OLAITAN ADEMOLA- PRESIDENT. 2. ODUTOLA ISIAKA OLADAPO - VICE PRESIDENT 3. AKOREDE FATAI AREMU- SECRETARY 4. ADEMAKINWA ADEOLA ALBERT -MEMBER 5. AKINDE OLAJIDE STEPHEN- MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO UNITE THEATRE PRACTITIONERS AND MARKETERS IN NIGERIA 2. TO BE INDEPENDENT MINDED IN THEATRE ARTS AND MARKETING. 3. TO PROMOTE NIGERIA CULTURE IN THE AREA OF THEATRE ARTS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Public Notice 22

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

JESUS OUR JOY REDEMPTION CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV DR JOSEPH OLUWAGBEMIGA BAYODE. 2. REV DR EMMANUEL OLUSEGUN ADEGBAYIKE. 3. REV MRS ADEJOKE RACHEAL BAYODE 4. ELDER ADEPOJU ADELEKE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

NOTICE OF NAMES CHANGE

This is to inform and bring to the notice of all concerned that the family of UBAKANWA JOSAIH KENANOBU is changing its surnames from KENANOBU to OSUAFOR Regards Ejim For. The family

CITADEL OF GRACE PROMISE LAND MINISTRY

SAHARA PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION INITIATIVE

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AGU CHIEDOZIE KINGSLEY - CHAIRMAN 2. AGU EMELDA ADAEZE - SECRETARY 3. ONUKWILI IKENNA CHUKWUNE - MEMBER 4. MBAMALU MMADUKA ISAIAH - MEMBER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IBISO WEST (CHAIRMAN) 2. JAYNE NWOMA KURO-BODMAS

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO CHALLENGE THE BELIEFS OF UNBELIEVERS. 2. TO STRENGTHEN THE FAITH OF CHRISTIANS THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS SCHOOL PROPRIETORS ASSOCIATION OF KWARA STATE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) SUNDAY ABIODUN AYODELE - CHAIRMAN 2) ALH. BADA ABDULLAHI YEKINI 3) GANIYU MUDASHIRU KOLAWOLE 4) TAIWO MERCY OLUSEGUN 5) JIMOH RAZAQ OLALEKAN - PRO. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS EDUCATION IN NIGERIA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

IKALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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. GENERAL (PRINCE) OLU BAJOWA (RTD) 2. DR. BOLU JOHN FOLAYAN 3. ASIWAJU BENSON AKINDEJU 4. MR SEINDEMI FADENI 5. PRINCE JIMI ODIMAYO 6. ENGR FELIX AYEJUNIKANWA 7. PRINCESS YEMI BAJOWA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN IKALELAND 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: DR. BOLU JOHN FOLAYAN

WINIWILLS HOPE INITIATIVE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO MEDIATE IN CRISIS. 3. TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR THE PROMOTION OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AMONG CITIZENS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NWABEKE SUNDAY

IPAJA REAL ESTATE AGENT ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. DEHINOLA FOLORUNSHO 2. MR. AKANDE HENRY 3. MR. OLUSOLA MICHAEL OGUNNOIKI 4 MR AKINOLA AYOBAMI TUNDE 5 MR LASILO DAVID BOLADALE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To enhance unity, peace and progress among the members 2 To promote, protect the interest of the association and its members 3 To assist the less privilege members of the society Any objection to this Registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : TRUSTEES COMMUNITY & SOCIAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION RESEARCH INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. DR. SUNDAY OKUTACHI EJIMA …… CHAIRMAN 2. SIMEON BABANI SEIDU ……. SECRETARY 3. WADA YUNUSA 4. SCT. IDAKWO VICTOR NOAH 5. ALHAJI MUSA 6. SHUAIBU TAIRU ALHASSAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT HEALTH AND EDUCATION OUTCOMES FOR ALL NIGERIANS ESPECIALLY THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE. 2. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION SECTOR AT ALL LEVELS WITH FOCUS ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) AND UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION (UBE) 3. TO ENCOURAGE HEALTH AND EDUCATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE POOR AND VULNERABLE. 4. TO SENSITIZE COMMUNITIES ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND EDUCATION, AS AN ENTRY POINT FOR OVERALL NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 5. TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SANITATION AND GOOD WATER SUPPLY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AMODU ASUNGBOLU CENTRAL MOSQUE

GLOBAL QUEST FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN EMPOWERMENT

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) SUBAIR RAHMAN OLANIYI - CHAIRMAN 2) SAIBU TAJUDEEN MAKANJU - SECRETARY 3) MOHAMMED MUSANL OLURANTI 4) BALOGUN TAOFEEK OMOTOSHO 5) SUBERU ALIU ADEBAYO 6) BALOGUN ABDULRAHMAN AJIDE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: BREAKING NEW GROUNDS AND ENLIGHTENING THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON FAITH BASED ISSUES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

GERONTOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AMBASSADOR USMAN SARKI - CHAIRMAN 2. DR. EMEM OMOKARO 3. CHIEF KIKELOMO LANIYONU EDWARDS. 4. ADMIRAL EMERAKU IJIOMA. RTD. 5. DR. EMEKA FLEMIN OKENGWU. 6. AMBASSADOR HABIB BABA HABU. 7. MR.OMINI ODEN. 8. MR.BLESSING ALABOR OKI. 9. MRS. RUTH ODOCHI IFEDIORA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE HEALTHY AGENT AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER PERSONS. 2. TO OPEN SPACES FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INTERSECTORAL INTERACTIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS IN AGEING. 3. TO STRENGTH ALLIANCES AMONG GERONTOLOGISTS AND OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS INFLUENCING MOMENTUM IN POLICY AND ACTION IN AGEING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

NOBLE MEN SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONYEKWERE OZOR EMMANUEL - PRESIDENT 2. OBODOEFUNA P. CHUKWUEMEKA - MEMBER 3. ELIJAH ESTHER EKE - SECRETARY 4. MUSA ABDULRAZAQ ATANDA - MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE PEACE, JUSTICE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED THAT THE ORIGINAL STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY IN RESPECT OF PLOT 57 AT JAHI SECTOR CENTRE A WITH APPROXIMATELY 5,000 SQUARE METERS AND FILE NUMBER 88984 BELONGING TO ENEJO RITA F. IS MISPLACED. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE IT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR THE UNDERSIGNED. SIGNED: ENEJO RITA F. 08160666615 KATERINE FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

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

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

TRUSTEES: 1. ROWLANDA ROWLAND FEDRICKS 2. IBIFURO FUBARA 3. PATIENCE OJU FUBARA

TRUSTEES: 1. CHIEF EZUMA KALU 2. CHIEF CHUKS OBIJIAKU 3. CHIEF CHIBUISI CHUKWU 4. KINGSLEY EKE - SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1) TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGE WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY

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.

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.

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: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) ASIBOR ITOHAN ISEDUA ________ PRESIDENT 2) ASIBOR ROBERT ENAHOLO _______ VICE PRESIDENT 3) OJEABULU ANEHITA IBHADE ______ SECRETARY 4) OJEABULU ONOSETALE ___________ PRO

SIGNED: ASIBOR ITOHAN ISEDUA PRESIDENT

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

OKEOMA CHIDIEBERE THOMAS

DANIEL OKOH ADAH

Formerly known and addressed as Shobakin Eniola Olushola, now wish to be known and addressed as Omotoun Eniola Celina. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKESON CHIDISON THOMAS, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEOMA CHIDIEBERE THOMAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as RACHEAL OHUMEJE, now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL OKOH ADAH. That my correct date of birth is 15 January 1981 and not 16 January 1981.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKEKE CHINELO AGATHA

ORILONISE RAFIAT TAIWO

MRS. ONUOHA OGADIMMA ASSUMPTA

I, formerly known and addressed as MMOKA CHINELO AGATHA now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE CHINELO AGATHA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ORILONISE TAIWO AJOKE now wish to be known and addressed as ORILONISE RAFIAT TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OMOTOUN ENIOLA CELINA

This is to certify and confirm that IBEANU CHOKEY PETERS ENWELUM, IBEANU CHIJIOKE ENWELUM and IBEANU CHIJIOKE PETER ENWELUM refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as IBEANU CHIJIOKE PETER ENWELUM. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note.

This is to certify and confirm that MBA MATHIAS ANAYO and MBA MATHIAS ANAYOCHUKWU refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as MBA MATHIAS ANAYO CHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OYEKOYA ABIOLA OLUWADAMILOLA

ONYEMA PEACE CHIHURUMNANYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Anyanwu Ogadimma Assumpta now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onuoha Ogadimma Assumpta. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This to confirm that Eghaghara Friday Onome Emmanuel and Eghaghara Emmanuel Onome refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid and should be treated as one person.

Banks and the general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Akande Abiola Oluwadamilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyekoya Abiola Oluwadamilola.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ukaobasi Peace Chihurumnanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyema Peace Chihurumnanya.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DORATHY THOMAS

MRS. PRISCA UCHECHI UCHENDU

MRS. NGWUOKE CHIGOZIE CLEMENTINA

OGEBULE FATIMO TOLULOPE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS PRISCA UCHECHJI IJEOMA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED MRS. PRISCA UCHECHI UCHENDU; ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID; GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE NOTE.

Old name MISS UGWUOKE CHIGOZIE CLEMENTINA New name MRS. NGWUOKE CHIGOZIE CLEMENTINA DATE OF BIRTH IS 07/10/1994 ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

Formerly known and addressed as OGEBULE TEMITOPE TOLULOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGEBULE FATIMO TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWATALIE

ABRAHAM

ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ABRAHAM DAKWON WONKEPIA, now wish to be known and addressed asIBRAHIM WONKAYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as JIDEOFO DANIEL ANAJEMBA that I now wish to add UCHENNA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as JIDEOFO DANIEL ANAJEMBA UCHENNA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

ENEH

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

General public should please take note.

EDEH

UZOWULU

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IDOKO JULIET CHINENYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABUGU JULIET CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. UNN, NYSC, TRCN and General public should please take note.

IDOKO ROSE OGHENEFEGHOR

I formerly known and addressed as IDOKO ENDURANCE OGHENEFEGHOR now wish to be known and addressed as IDOKO ROSE OGHENEFEGHOR. My correct date of birth is 24/12/1997. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

EDEGBE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWATALIE OGOCHKWU JOVITA, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS NJOKU OGOCHUKWU JOVITA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

OBETTA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOWULU ROSEMARY NONYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZULUMBA – UZOWULU ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EDEGBE SUNDAYEBI now wish to be known and addressed as EDEGBE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBETTA AGATHA OGONNA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMEMMA AGATHA OGONNA All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EZE

ANIEKE

EFFIONG

I formerly known and addressed as EZE CHRISTABEL CHIDINMA now wish to be known and addressed as EZE STELLA CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. UBA, First Bank and General public should please take note.

MRS OBAIKA OGHOADENA VIVIAN

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ANETOR OGHOADENA VIVIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBAIKA OGHOADENA VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL CHIMA ENEH,now wish to be known and addressed as ENEH KINGSLEY .C. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

IDOKO

MRS IYANDA RAHISDAT AWOTAYO Formerly known and addressed as MISS A.O. IYANDA RAHISDAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IYANDA RAHISDAT AWOTAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ONUMALOBI

I formerly known and addressed as EDEH KELVIN IKECHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as EDEH KELVIN HUMPHREY. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

ONYEMAOBI AUSTINE EDEHSON Formerly known and addressed as ONYEMAOBI AUGUSTINE EDEHSON, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEMAOBI AUSTINE EDEHSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU GLORIA OGE,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GODWIN GLORIA OGE AGU. All former documents remain valid. Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Ministry of Education, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and General public should please take note.

AGU

23 Public Notice

I formerly known and addressed as ANIEKE CHINWA .B.now wish to be known and addressed as ANIEKE CHINENYE .B. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OGUNREMI OLABISI ABOSEDE

MRS SEFUNMI DAMILOLA UMONWA

I formerly known and addressed as AJIWE OLABISI ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNREMI OLABISI ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWADAMILOLA OLUWASEFUNMI UMONWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SEFUNMI DAMILOLA UMONWA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ROSE EFFIONG JACK now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ROSE EZEORBA JACK. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as GEORGE EKAETE DOROTHY, now wish to be known and addressed as DORATHY THOMAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHIAMA I formerly known and addressed as CHIAMA NKIRUKA CATHERINE now wish to be known as MRS EMEACHI NKIRUKA CATHERINE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public should please take note.

URAMA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS URAMA CHARITY CHIAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYIGA CHARITY CHIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

DIDIGWU I, formerly known and addressed as DIDIGWU NKEMDILI FELICIA, now wish to be known and addressed as IGBOKE NKEMDILI FELICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as NKPOKU NWAGBOthat I now wish to add JOHN to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as NKPOKU NWAGBO JOHN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

BARTH ABEL NNODU PAUL

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

I formerly known and addressed as BARTH ABEL NNODU now wish to be known and addressed as BARTH ABEL NNODU PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as VICTOR URUM while in some other documents it was written as VICTOR OGBURU URUM-EKE .I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as FOLARIN PATRICIA and PAT EJIME FOLARIN while in some other documents it was written as FOLARIN EJIME PATRICIA. I am the one bearing all the names. My correct date of birth is 08/04/1949. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MAYAKI KEHINDE KENNETH

CHIKA UZOMA OKOYE

MRS ADESHINA OLUWATOYIN KAFAYAT

ADEBAYO SULAIMON ADELEKE

MRS AKALAZU JENNIFER CHIDINMA

Formerly known as Akinsemoyin lbiwunmi Omotoke now wish to be known as Ibiwunmi Akinsemoyin Oyeniyi. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MAYAKI DICKSON ONIMISI, now wish to be known and addressed as MAYAKI KEHINDE KENNETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CHIKA UZOMA AKAELU now wish to be known and addressed as CHIKA UZOMA OKOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SUNDAY OLUWATOYIN KAFAYAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADESHINA OLUWATOYIN KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as GANIYU SAKA AREMU now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO SULAIMON ADELEKE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IWUAGWU JENNIFER CHIDINMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKALAZU JENNIFER CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

KATE AMAEWHULE

ISAH ILIAS WALE

CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

IBIWUNMI AKINSEMOYIN OYENIYI

That I UWANAKA JACKSON CHIJIOKE my name was wrongly arrange as UWANAKA CHIJIOKE JACKSON wish to be known and addressed as UWANAKA JACKSON CHIJIOKE. All former Documents/Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

OBEE OFFONG NATION

I, formerly known and addressed as ESU ESU BASSEY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OBEE OFFONG NATION. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as KATE AMAEWHULE UZOAG Now wish to be known and addressed as KATE AMAEWHULE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, ELUFISAYO OYEYEMI AYOFE is one and same person known and addressed as ELUFISAYO OYEYEMI STEPHEN. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ILIAS WALE SAHEED now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH ILIAS WALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABEY ADEKUNLE Born27/3/91 now wish to be known and addressed as SALAUDEEN JAMIU ABIODUN Born-23/3/92.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ENOOBONG JEREMIAH ARCHIBONG

OLATUNDE AKINTAYO

I Formerly know as Gift Jeremiah now which to be known and addressed as Enoobong Jeremiah Archibong.

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

I formerly known as ABIODUN JONES wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNDE AKINTAYO. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

PREPARATIONS OF THE COMING OF CHRIST MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1. of 1990.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKINSANMI AKINSOLA A. - Chairman 2. AKINSANMI BAMIDELE OLUFUNKE - SECRETARY 3. IBIDUN MOSES OPEYEMI - MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Raising men after God’s heart, and prepare them for the coming of our king Jesus Christ.

2. Preaching life Eternal and life Abundant through our community outreaches.

3. Organising programmes within and outside church premises.

4. To build good culture into people to be kingdom conscious so as to be a good citizen of their respective country.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 17, 2017

Lalong seeks constant prayer for Plateau ÎÎÎ The

Plateau Governor, Mr Simon Lalong, on Monday asked citizens to constantly pray for the success of his government.

Lalong made the call at an Easter Prayer and Thanksgiving Service as well as Rally organised by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Jos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports

that the Thanksgiving service has the theme “Peace; Panacea for National Development “.

According to Lalong, only through constant prayers and intercession will the state achieve its desired goals.

He further said the relative peace being enjoyed in the state, now, came to fruition through the fervent prayers of the people, adding that the act should be intensified.

“Plateau is one of the leading states in the country in all aspects of human endeavours; this is because its people went on their knees to pray.

“The peace being enjoyed in the state and other development strides did not come through our might or wisdom as a government, but because you have been praying for us.

“So, I urge you to continue to pray for us as government so that God

will help us to achieve more and take Plateau to an enviable height,” he said.

Earlier, CAN Chairman in the state, Rev Soja Bewarang, represented by his Vice, Bishop Ibrahim Chindo said the Thanksgiving service was apt.

Bewarang also called on Christians to pray for the state government, noting that it was poised to deliver on the dividends of democracy.

Gov. Lalong

Christians call on leaders to have fear of God ÎÎÎ

L-R: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga; Olori Adebayo; Olu of Ibogun, Oba Sunday Adebayo; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; his wife, Bola, elder statesman, Chief Doja Adewolu and others, during the Installation and presentation of staff of Office to Oba Adebayo in Ibogun… on Monday.

Ekiti increases maternity leave period for female in public service by 4 weeks

ÎÎÎ The Ekiti State Govern-

ment (EKSG) on Monday announced an increase in the maternity leave period for women in its public service from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.

The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kola Ajumobi, said this at a public enlightenment forum in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He said that the gesture was approved by the state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, as part of his display of love and special regard for the womenfolk in the state.

He said it was also aimed at encouraging exclusive breast feeding for newly born children in the first six months of birth.

It is also meant to promote good nutrition for both mothers and their new born children, he said.

Ajumobi said that nursing mothers would, in addition to the four months, be granted two hours’ off duty every day for a period of six months from the date they resumed from maternity leave.

According to him, the commitment of the Fayoseled administration to the

reduction in mothers and children’s mortality and morbidity rate to the barest minimum remains sacrosanct.

Ajumobi said the crèche at the state secretariat had also been invigorated to boost bonding between mothers and their children during official working hours without undue hindrance to performance and efficiency at the workplace.

The permanent secretary lamented that lack of good nutrition; poverty, hunger as well as lack of access to economic and political empowerment had largely con-

tributed to high maternal and child mortality.

He, however, noted that the present administration in the state would continue to roll out various palliative packages exclusively for women to empower and guard them from avoidable travails.

Ajumobi said such measures already in existence include the provision of N500million as revolving soft-loan to promote small and medium Enterprises driven by women.

Also, women farmers were being supported with various incentives, he said.

Ajaokuta steel Company holds future of automobile industry in Nigeria –official ÎÎÎ The Principal Techni-

cal Assistant with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Olaoluwa Ogundipe, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Company functions at full capacity.

Ogundipe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

in Abuja that the company had lot of steel metal that could be used for automobile industry.

“If Ajaokuta steel is functioning, there is possibility that we get the raw materials needed for automobile industry instead of the scraps that are being used now.

“The steel company holds the future of auto industry in Nigeria because when we talk of auto, two things are involved which are the plastics or metals.

“So the company holds the metals and metals carry almost 70 per cent of vehicles apart from the interior,’’ he said.

Ogundipe said the council staff needed training for them to improve in the area of research, saying that most of the workers did not have international training.

He added that the council needed fund for equipment to function at full capacity.

Christian faithful in Gombe have called on leaders to have the fear of God, to move the nation forward.

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Gombe, Rev. Isa Uba, made the call in Gombe on Monday during the Easter inter denominational prayer.

“It is only the fear of God that our leaders will take the right decisions that can move the country to greater heights,” he said.

He stressed the need for unity and peaceful coexistence of all, adding that God had a purpose for bringing the people together as one nation.

“I am calling on the Christians to take advanABUBAKAR SERIFAT ALAKE

Formerly known and addressed as SAFIHI SERIFAT ALAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SERIFAT ALAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

tage of the season, make it right with God as well as imbibe the lesson of Easter,” he said.

He also urged the Christians to be law abiding citizens by recognising constituted authorities.

In his speech, the governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, urged the Christians to be their brother’s keepers, according to biblical instruction.

The governor was represented at the occasion

by Mr Hassan Ahmadu, Commissioner for Rural Development.

Mr. Abdu Maisheru, the Paramount ruler of Tangale and Chairman, Christian Northern Traditional rulers, called for unity in Nigeria.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that CHIJIOKE ONWUZURIKE P is one and same person as PHID CHIJIOKE ONWUZURIKE. That henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as CHIJIOKE ONWUZURIKE P. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ORU GODDAY PETER

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

25 News

Cleric counsels leaders on exemplary leadership ÎÎÎ The District Superin-

tendent, Apostolic Faith, West Africa, Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran, has urged the nation’s leadership to emulate the example of Jesus Christ in managing the country’s affairs and in the anti-corruption crusade.

Adeniran gave the advice on Sunday night at an Easter concert at the Apostolic Faith Church Campground, Gbagada, Lagos, entitled: “Lamb of

God’’.

“The leaders of the country should emulate the example that Jesus Christ has shown, by dying on the cross.

“When the leaders are telling the led to adjust functionally, they should show it in ways they conduct their own life before us in purity not in celebration of corruption.

“In uprightness, from the leadership to the followership let us embrace truth and integrity, let us

eschew corruption and ask God to make us pure.

“Let us run our lives in meekness, in purity and with integrity and God will look down on us from heaven and have mercy on us,’’ he said.

Adeniran urged Nigerians and Christians to look up to God so as to withstand the distress and economic hardship the citizens were currently facing.

He also urged the citizens not to lose hope, say-

ing that only God has solution to our problems.

“Jesus did not just died for Christians, He died for the whole world; we should know that when things are worse it could be better if we turn to God. “I advise Nigerians and Christians that they should look up to God when things around them get bad, and you look around you and you cannot get hope, just look up to Him.

“There is hope in God, I want Nigerians to know that tough times never last but tough people do.

“One of the toughest things that can make you so empowered to withstand the distress and economic recession we are facing now is spiritual toughness.

“Building a heart that is strong in God that can confront anything,’’ he added.

The cleric urged Nigerians not to despair in the

face of the current hardship they are faced with, saying that suicide was not the best option.

“Jesus Christ said, I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly, and in these days that we are in, what we are is what we should be preaching.

“Besides that, what is frustrating people is economic strangulation and the role of the church is to give hope to the hopeless,’’ he said.

Poor remunerations affecting output by arts teachers, says artist learning other lanÎÎÎ An artist, Chika Idu, has youths guages outside theirs.

Cross Section of Ras Innovator and the Fittest Musical Team during a rally to kick start World Peace Tour in support of United Nation on Peace at Gani Fahewemi Freedom Park Ojota, Lagos… on Monday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

identified poor motivations and remunerations from the employers of arts teachers as some of the factors affecting their employees’ outputs and dedication to duty.

Idu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that many arts teachers could not put in their best to the job because of poor remunerations.

This had been negatively affecting the growth of the sector, he said, adding that arts teachers needed to be well remunerated to inspire them to do more.

The teacher of arts at the French School, Lycee Louis Pasteur, Canada, said that the teaching of arts and craft in schools could be an excellent way to facilitate

“Field trips need to be organised for students as well as seminars for students and teachers of art in tertiary institutions.

“These will help them improve themselves through interactions with their contemporaries in others schools.

“Government is failing to understand that development is driven by creativity and that art is also a great employer of labour.

“Arts and craft can be a great way to include crosscurricular activities in schools to showcase the culture of Nigeria,’’ he said.

According to the artist, unity is promoted when students work together to complete a project.

FG anti-corruption fight, FG rebooting economy by reviving infrastructure good omen for Nigeria ÎÎÎ –Shekarau

ÎÎÎ Former Minister of

Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has lauded the anti-corruption fight

by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a good omen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Kano State governor, made this disclosure to newsmen in Sokoto on Monday.

Shekarau said: ”The efforts by the president to fight corruption in all its ramifications is good for Nigeria. ”Anybody, who gets any money fraudulently should be arrested, thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. ”I am a strong advocate of anti-corruption

fight, as I set up an anticorruption and public complaints commission in Kano State in 2005.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, cautioned against selective justice in the anti-corruption war.

Shekarau further urged that ”nobody should be above the law in this direction; there should also be respect, adherence and respect for the rule of law. ”You are innocent until you are proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” the former minister added.

On security, Shekarau called for improved funding of the nation’s secu-

rity agencies.

This, he noted, would ensure the provision of ultramodern weapons, logistics, training, retraining, as well as the need to improve their welfare.

On agriculture, the former governor called for the reintroduction of commodity boards in the country.

He said: ”This will add value to farming, boost food security and encourage farmers. ”Food security is next to nothing and any nation that fails to provide it remains weak and vulnerable”.

On politics, Shekarau said,”PDP will bounce back and reclaim its lost glory in 2019.”

The federal government’s strategy of rebooting the economy through infrastructure development across the country has started yielding results the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has said, adding that as impressive figures came forth during the inspection of the highway projects in the South-East zone by his ministry.

The figures came from the restoration of lost jobs for construction workers, creation of indirect jobs through support workers like food vendors, suppliers of materials like sand, laterite, water tankers and improving demand and supply for allied businesses like diesel and fuel to power trucks, tractors, graders and milling machines

among others.

According to the minister, who made several stops to interact with Contractors, workers, members of the community around and journalists, injecting money into the economy by paying contractors who have not been paid for three years, who can now pay their workers, refinance their bank loans, and pay their suppliers have positive multiplier effects now gradually manifesting.

Such positive effect include improving the ease of doing business by reducing travel time on completed road sections, making uncompleted sections temporarily more motorable, reducing the cost of travel and movement of supplies including food and farm produce thus restoring production and ultimately

growth to the economy.

Fashola said in addition to restoring jobs and creating new ones, the Federal Government was committed to equitable distribution of infrastructural facilities across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

Fielding questions after inspecting a section of the on-going rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Fashola emphasized that the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, was not and would not be discriminatory in the allocation of developmental projects across the country irrespective of political affiliations.

The minister told the newsmen in response to a question, “As I said when I visited the Imo State Government, which was where

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Times Law

s

Justice in this case is for both parties- the Plaintiffs and the Defendants. The court has a duty to guard against an attempt by any of the parties to make an ass of the law and its rules of procedure.

Ngwuta, JSC. in MFA and Anor v. Inongha (2014) 1-2 S.C. (Pt. 1) 43.

Keeping Ibrahim Magu in office despite Senate rejection, a constitutional affront -Quakers Norrison Ibinabo Quakers, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria read law at the Lagos State University (LASU) and was called to the Nigerian Bar over two decades ago. He served as Secretary, National Working Committee on the Review of Nigeria Law of Evidence and member, National Committee on Reform of Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria.

In this interview with PETER FOWOYO, he speaks on the face -off between the executive and the National Assembly over the non confirmation of the acting Chairman, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, by the Senate and concluded that the President erred in law by keeping Magu in office despite his rejection by the Senate.

What is the position of the law if one looks at the face-off between the executive and the legislature over the confirmation of the acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, as substantive Chairman?

The law is very clear. The enabling law that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, section 2 sub section 3 is apt on this. It talks about the nominee of the President for the Chairman and other members of the commission other than ex officio members that their nomination must be subjected to Senate confirmation.

If that is then the case and mind you, their tenure is also for an appointed time of four years therefore, the enabling law now says that for anybody to occupy that office, haven being appointed by the president must now be subjected to the confirmation of the National Assembly.

Section 2 sub section 3 says: “The Chairman and members of the commission other than the ex-officio members shall be appointed by the president and the appointment shall be subject to the confirmation of the Senate.” In order words,when you use the words “subject to”, the appointment in itself is inchoate until you have had a National Assembly confirmation hearing. It is at the confirmation hearing that the National Assembly can either reject a nominee of the president for that office or confirm

a nominee. They reserved the right, we shouldn’t play politics with this.

If the President really wants a nominee to scale through, the process leading to confirmation hearing is one that actually happens behind the scene, there is something called lobbying of legislatures, there is a need to also meet them individually behind the scene, to prevail on them why your nominee must scale through. It happens all over the world.

Look at what happened recently in the Congress of the United States of America, a nominee by the President for appointment as the Secretary for Education was going to be shot down but there were a number of horse trading, lobbying, discussion and all that when there was a stalemate, to tilt the stalemate in favor of the President’s nominee, the Senate President, who is the Vice- President stepped in and tilted the vote and that’s how the nominee of the President scale through. We don’t have that here but, what we have here is such that if well managed, any nominee of the President can scale through, if you do a lot of lobbying behind the scene so that you don’t subjects the public to this ridicule.

A situation where two agencies of government are fighting, a situation where an agency of government is coming up with two reports, one that indicts, the other that clears, a situation where the President himself has subjected his nominee to executive confirmation hearing, through the office of the Attor-

Quakers ney General of the Federation who have done a memo to the nominee and who had explained those issues that he was asked to address so, automathically haven done all of these, the next phase should have been to see members of the National Assembly individually and see how your nominee can scale through so that you save the system from unnecessary political talk here and there.

The President as far as the constitution is concerned, the only persons he is allowed to keep without subjecting them to what is called confirmation hearing are his principal staff.

Section 171 of the constitution is very clear on this. Those who are his personal staff. Every other person, under section 154, categories of persons, under the second schedule of office of government is referred to as executive bodies of the federal government, such persons to head such

institutions and involve in such organizations should be subjected to Senate confirmation hearing.

So nothing is automatic. A beauty of all of this is that we are operating constitutional democracy.

Some senior lawyers have advised the President to allowed Ibrahim Magu remained in office despite Senate rejection. Is it constitutional for him to remain in office?

Personally, I don’t think it is constitutional. Section four of our constitution vest legislative powers in the National Assembly and it clearly states that the National Assembly is saddled with the responsibility to pass laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation and the federating units.

Now, if the constitution has given that power to the National

Assembly and the National Assembly comprising of the Senate and the House of Representatives collectively have come up with a law, the section I referred to, that is the enabling Act, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, wherein in section two sub section three and four and I will explain what I mean by that which says nominees of the President must be subjected to confirmation by the Senate and their term is four years so, that law has been passed. If there is a law that laid down a procedure to be followed, between you and I, if you have complied with the provision by subjecting your nominee to the Senate as required by law and the Senate has rejected your nominee, should you continue to keep that nominee?

Would that not be seen as constitutional violation? When the law says you have the right to appoint and anyone you appoint, in Continued on Page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 11, 2017

27 Law

Keeping Ibrahim Magu in office despite Senate rejection, a constitutional affront -Quakers Continued from Page 26 order words, the circle is inchoate upon the appointment, that the appointment must now be subject to Senate confirmation. You have taken that step of putting forward a name for Senate confirmation, it would have been a different ball game if you have not subjected the name to Senate confirmation, haven subjected the name to Senate confirmation, you have complied to the provision and the Senate said no, we don’t want this person because of A, B, C should you continue to keep that person in office? That is why I said we would have avoided all of this if prior to the confirmation hearing there is a lot of lobbying behind the scene so that we can avoid all of this.

Sometimes, rejection of a Presidential nominees is almost like a slap on the face of the President so, in avoidance of this, what happens in other developed climes is that people go behind the scene to lobby the legislature, not necessarily to give money but, to appeal to them why you want this particular nominee to scale through without any problem and that hasn’t happened here, the law on this is very clear and we can’t do otherwise, continue to keep the person in that office is actually a constitutional affront, every right thinking person should also address this issue. It is never too late for the President to retrace his step even though the standing rules of the National Assembly simply says that when a nominee has been rejected, he cannot be represented but, this is not the first time that that would happened. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, our erstwhile President put forward a nominee in the person of Professor Aborishade and after the name was put forward, he was rejected then eventually he sent the name back and he was confirmed.

For me, it is not proper for a President to continue to keep someone who has been rejected, what I think the President should do if he wants the person to continue to hold the office is to go and lobby the National Assembly. It is important for the Senate to know why the President wants this particular man want to occupy the office, he can only do so behind the scene by lobbying and not to have this bragado show posture that whether you like it or not, the man will remain in office and I think some of our colleagues are not also helping matters by telling the President he has the right to what he is doing, the President does not have the right to what he is doing, we are bound by the provision of the constitution and we must go by the letter and spirit of the constitution for checks and balances, you cannot create an autocratic regime when there is a constitution in place, you can’t even create a dictator when there is a constitution in place both the National Assembly, the Executive and the Judiciary are mutually exclusive and independent of each other and that is the beauty of our constitution. The National Assembly is the first arm of government you come in contact with in the course of our laws, the next arm is the Executive for the enforcement and implementation of the laws while the last arm of government is the

see to it that corruption cases particularly cases that involves “politically exposed persons that are perceived to be wealthy that these cases must go on a speedy track.

Because of that there’s a societal perception, mind you, the Criminal Justice Act is uniform in the sense that it does not recognize the poor and the rich, it simply says trial must be dispensed with within record time, trial must be conducted day to day so, there is a provision in the Criminal Justice Act that regulates the proceedings in court therefore, it will be fallicious for anyone to say that because cases involving politically exposed person, those who are considered to be rich be determined in record time as a result of their status,it is completely not true.

It could also be that because of government interest that is why it appears these cases enjoy some speed because these politically exposed person we also want to use them as a scape goat, we also want to use them to make a statement so it has nothing to do with their status. You have cases of some people who are not so financially endowed whose cases have also been determined in record time. It doesn”t have anything to do with status.

It might not be far from the truth when one says that but because of mere perception and it is not correct.

Quakers Judiciary who is responsible for interpreting the laws.

So you can see the three arms of government working separate but related in terms of functionality and functions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lost three cases in one week. What lessons shall we learnt in those corruption cases?

The question is not what lessons shall we learn, I believe that this is not the first time that cases are being won or lost in our courts, it is more like a recurrent decimal. When cases are filed, if they are lost, they are lost on account of the prosecutorial agency not doing enough. A situation where you have forty or hundred counts charge, it suggest that the work has not been properly done and I like what Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said. Mind you, he established the EFCC as the then President.

I believe there should be some privatepublic participation in terms of the drafting of charges. There are experts drafters of criminal charge information who are not necessarily in the public service, who are also in the private sector.

If you want to win a case, Justice Ilori, former Chief Judge of Lagos State said: “Cases are won or lost in chambers.” In other words, it is what you placed before the court that determines what you get, the court is not a father christmas where you deserved what you have not worked for.

So if cases are lost, they are lost on account of ill preparedness, certain things ought to have been put forward because if you look at those cases, why were they lost? They were not just lost on technical ground, it was due to lack of preponderance being placed before the courts,

connecting the facts and law leaving the courts to determine what the outcome would be. We haven’t learnt enough. This is not the first time, it is not the second time, it happens from time to time.

What I feel we need to do is to ensure that our prosecutors are well enlightened, are well tutored and that cases are done with a bit of the law, we do what is appropriate in this circumstance, I don’t see prosecutorial agencies losing their cases. Look at what President Obasanjo said that it is time for the government to also look for “Ogbonge” lawyers because he is also concerned.

There are certain cases that should not go to just any officer in the legal department for the justice sector to prosecute.

I will give you typical example, many years ago, we had one late Fidelis Nwadialor, he was in Ministry of Justice, there is also Tochukwu Nwogbofor SAN, read the law reports and see the calibre of lawyers that also appeared against them.

The likes of Chief Rotimi Williams SAN, Chief G.O.K. Ajayi SAN, some of them are late now but you could see the importance that was attached to such cases some years back. If you want to win a case that is high profile so to speak, you go for high profile lawyers on both sides in other to prosecute a matter.

Do you agree that justice is for the rich and not the poor when you consider the speedy dispensation of justice in those corruption cases to the indigents who are undergoing criminal trials for years unending?

Let me put it this way, sometimes it is as a result of the intervention of government, the interest of government, the over bearing posture of government to

What is your assessment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015? Has the justice sector faired better?

The problem is not with the Act, the Act is fantastic, it is a fantastic piece of legislation, incidentally, I also contributed to it during the formative period. Now Lagos has it before the federal implemented its own law, have we faired better in the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act in terms of Lagos state? The answer is yes.

The challenge we have always had, is not in want of rules, it is not in want of laws, no, we have more than enough rules, it is attitude, it is an attitudinal disposition to the effects of these laws that has plagued us, that has kept us where we are today.

If the law says trial day to day and you get to court and the prosecutor brings an amendment on a day that the matter is fixed for hearing now, the amendment has to do with the charge, a charge would be read over again to the defendant before plea is taken. Now, that amendment could come by way of surprise, defence will raise the issue that they are being taken by ambush now, do you think the matter would go on knowing that fresh facts has just come up?, fresh evidence has just being introduced? the defence would also need time to study what has been served on them therefore an adjournment would become necessary.

There are a number of micro and macro issues that brings about delay in criminal justice, has it helped us? Mind you, laws come in to address issues perceived to be challenges or problems. Have we done that so far? The answer is no. The same thing, attitude. It is not the law, the law is not wrong in itself, the law is fantastic, it is the same attitudes, same players who are also plaguing or hindering the law from being effective.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

EXTRATIME

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INTERVIEW The Special Adviser on Sports to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Mr Effiom Effiwatt, opens up to Extra Time duo of ANDREW EKEJIUBA and EDEM EDEM on various issues concerning sports development in the state. He speaks on the Governor’s passion for sports development, the renovation work going on at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar and hosting of major grassroots sports competitions in the state. Excerpts:

T

here is an insinuation outside there that Governor Ben Ayade is not interested in sports development in Cross River; is he really interested in sports?

Of course Governor Ben Ayade is truly interested in Sports and he is a youthfriendly governor. We all know that sports is one of the ways we can bring the youths together and engage them profitably; so for any person to insinuate that our governor is not interested in sports development is a huge fallacy.

Gov. Ayade has displayed beyond reasonable doubt on his interest in everything that has to do with young people; be it sports, be it agriculture or education or any aspect of youth empowerment, Prof Ayade is fully in support of them.

Only recently, the Chairman of Cross River State Sports Commission spoke to us about efforts being made by the state to get some sponsors in certain sports in schools, such as table tennis and taekwondo; are

“The governor has a very positive feeling and attitude towards sports. His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade is a sports-loving governor, his is a youth-loving governor, and he prioritized everything that puts the youths of Cross River State in focus. You know that sports is huge employer of youths and the governor says that in his administration, no family, no young man, no young woman, no old man, no old woman will go to sleep without food on his or her table, so he cannot neglect sports because that will be putting a lot of people out. So, I can tell you without fear of contradiction that our governor is a sports-loving governor.”

Popoola

Effiwatt

Ayade passionate about sports development –Effiwatt you really sure that such assurance will really yield the desired dividend for sports development from the grassroots in the state?

Yes, you know that Cross River State has sports policies that focus on grassroots sports development, facilities development and elite athletes’ development. The Cross River State Sports Commission thought it wise to embark on grassroots sports development and sponsorship drive; I am sure, nobody is in doubt in Nigeria, the economic reality that we currently faced.

The sports commission thought it wise to look outward because sports is capital intensive. In very many instances, you need sponsors to organize competitions, you need to bring in sponsors to source for equipment and coaches and all that, so the sports commission thought it very wise that in fulfilling their capacity, they shouldn’t rely on funds coming in from government’s purse. So they have reached out to sponsors and the results are positive.

Actually, contact has been made to get sponsors for taekwondo, table tennis and few other sports that will be bankrolled in the first quarter of the year.

Taekwondo competition ended few weeks back and in this first week of February, table tennis competition has commenced. All these competitions are funded and supported by the private sector in Cross River State.

2017 is here, what future holds for sports in Cross River State?

Well, the projects as regards sports development are big and huge in the state, if you have been to our stadium you will see for yourself the kind of work that is going on there. Unfortunately, at the advent of this administration, Nigeria experienced a downturn in her accruing revenue that affected not just Cross River State but all the 36 states in the country.

So, Cross River State has to prioritize its expenditures. We need in excess of N600 million to complete the facilities at the stadium. In the last 12 months, you will agree with me that in view of payment of salaries, running of government and doing all the other project has been a difficult task, government has huge amount to source. We need about N600 million just for completion of facilities at the stadium, then we will now talk about equipping some of them and also doing all the financial framework required for hosting competition such as the National Sports Festival, so the government decided to take it in bit. If you go to the stadium, you will also notice that the swimming pool area was privatized and general stadium sanitation and outlook and the rest were shifted into 2017 appropriation bill which

“Well, the projects as regards sports development are big and huge in the state, if you have been to our stadium you will see for yourself the kind of work that is going on there and unfortunately, at the advent of this administration, Nigeria as a whole experienced a downturn in her accruing revenue, that affected not just Cross River State but all the 36 states in the country.”

has just been signed into law. So, in no time we expect that the contractors will return to sites and Cross River State Government will deliver on all her policies concerning sports in the state.

You are the eyes of Governor Ayade on sports; can you tell us how the governor sees sports in the state generally?

The governor has a very positive feeling and attitude towards sports. His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade is a sports-loving governor, his is a youth-loving governor, and he prioritized everything that puts the youths of Cross River State in focus. You know that sports is huge employer of youths and the governor says that in his administration, no family, no young man, no young woman, no old man, no old woman will go to sleep without food on his or her table, so he cannot neglect sports because that will be putting a lot of people out. So, I can tell you without fear of contradiction that our governor is a sports-loving governor.

Our governor is a youth-friendly governor and to match word with action, you need resources and resources has been a challenge, not just in Cross River but entire country, at least in the last 12 months it has not been easy.

Looking at the stadium, there are so many abandoned properties, particularly those imported from abroad for renovation work, they are deteriorating and what’s your take on this?

No, No, No, they are not abandoned; there are a lot of containers housing sensitive materials meant for stadium renovation work and they are kept in good condition, but only less sensitive ones are the ones you see. I can tell you that all the materials needed for the renovation work are properly stored and there is no deterioration whatsoever.

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E

l Kanemi Warriors’ Samuel Mathias says he is targeting 14 goals for this season.

The midfielder has already bagged seven goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League and plans on doubling that figure.

“This isn’t where I want to be, my target is to score more goals, I mean goals aplenty,” Mathias told.

“Being an attacking midfielder, I have set a target of 14 goals for myself and I am hopeful that I will reach that target and even surpass it.

“I am not disappointed not to have received an invite to the Super Eagles for the friendly match this month because there’s always a time for everyone.

“I have no regret not to have been invited to the national team yet, I know we as human beings are destined to be where ever we found ourselves so when my time is ripe I will get a call-up

Etebo

Etebo in Visa Hitch Ahead Friendly C D Feirense star Oghenekaro Etebo has been hit by a visa hitch ahead of his proposed trip to London for the national team’s international friendly games with Senegal and Burkina Faso.

The Nigeria U23 poster boy was hoping to be issued

the traveling document sometime last week which didn’t happen, having made the trip to Madrid, Spain to apply for an endorsement on his passport.

Etebo is hoping that he will be sent the visa the first working day after the weekend, and if that is not the case he is cer-

I’m targeting 14 goals this season, says - Mathias

tain to miss the Super Eagles first workout at the Hive Stadium training ground.

Regarding Chippa United netminder Daniel Akpeyi, there is still no good news as he wasn’t granted a visa at the close of business on Friday, March 17.

The goalie has been invited again to the national team after deputizing for Carl Ikeme against Algeria in November 2016.

Samuel Mathias

to the national team.”

“I think this season we have a deep understanding of ourselves, experience and youth, mixed, and as the season progresses the understanding continues to grow.

“The coach (Bosso) is a very disciplined, principled and experienced coach. His father role mixed with fun creates the right environment for understanding in the team.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Ndume land can’t be released to govt –Sunny Nwakodo AT4

Isiala Ngwa people rally round to save assembly speaker AT 2 FIDA urged to take awareness to rural areas

ÏÏÏ

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (r); Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah and Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikeazu (in white), inspecting Made-in Aba products in Aba...recently

ABSG to establish Made-in-Aba int’l marketing outlets in US, Japan, China, others Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ Made-in-Aba products have

The Abia

T E A M

been attracting the attention of foreign businessmen and consumers.

Towards harnessing this potential, plans are on top gear

by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration towards establishing international marketing outlets of Made-in-Aba products in countries like USA, Japan, China, Dubai and Egypt among others.

Director General of Okezuo Abia Organisation, Elder John Nwangborogwu, dropped this hint at Aba North Local Government Area, disclosing that the outlets will be stocked with products like shoes, belts, wears, leather bags and other leather products being manufactured

by Aba community.

Elder John Nwangborogwu, who was talking to party faithful in the council area while appreciating for their dogged

efforts and support given to Gov. Ikpeazu in 2015 general election, made it clear that the state governor is ever committed to local content and capacity development of the Aba business community as an avenue of increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the sales of Aba made goods locally, nationally and internationally.

According to him, “In this time of recession, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is unrelenting in finding alternative means of increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, of which he has discovered the socio-economic potentiality of Aba and is ever determined to explore it to its fullest”.

He announced that shortly after the appreciation visit, the organisation will hold its summit in Umuahia, which is expected to attract who is who in Abia and Nigeria, revealing that the organisation is set to

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

organise a mini-empowerment programme that will touch directly on lives of members of the organisation and the society at large.

He further stated the preparedness of the organisa-

tion to ensure that the Okezuo Abia’s mini-empowerment programme reach its members individually, pointing out that the results from the local governments which served as a pilot test, was encouraging.

Ikpeazu’s plan to build railway excites NRC ÏÏÏ Plans by Abia State Govern-

ment to assist the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to build a railway system to support its drive of promoting small and medium enterprises has been commended by the NRC. Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhira, applauded the Governor’s decision during a meeting with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia and promised to ensure that the beauty of running a railway system in the state is achieved.

He described the railway system as a good means of transportation and enumerated the gains of railway to include safety, transportation of agricultural produce, taking students to school within the state as railway stations pass through many

schools in the state and urged the state to collaborate with the Federal Government to develop a rail system in the state.

Responding, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed that a committee has been set up by the government to collaborate with the NRC to realise the project, emphasising on the need to develop a functional railway system in the state as it would impact positively on the pillars of development enunciated by his government especially trade and commerce.

According to him, with the recognition of Abia State as the SME capital of the country by the Federal Government and with the potential to export over 1 million pairs of shoes weekly, the importance of an effective rail line becomes imperative.

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) at the weekend, raised funds for the building of FIDA Legal Clinic and Emergency Rescue Centre, with a strong advice to increase its strategies for increased awareness of what the organisation is all about.

The advice came from the State Accountant General, Sir Gabriel Onyendilefu, who was the chairman of the occasion held in Umuahia, calling for such strategies that would take the awareness to the grassroots “so that a maltreated woman in the rural area can report to FIDA”.

Sir Onyendilefu, who was represented by Sir Ambrose Nwachukwu, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, described FIDA as an organisation faced with the challenge of emancipating womenfolk.

“It is by no means a mean challenge. It is nerve breaking”, he said and urged FIDA not to rest on its oars, advising, “let the proper foundation be done that all is treated equally’.

He drew an analogy with the biblical Garden of Eden where he said there was not a record of instructions that the woman should not be maltreated, stating, “Unfortunately, all see what women pass through in the society.

He commended FIDA for taking the step to prevent, promote and preserve the right of women in the society, urging them to “increase the strategies for increased awareness and on what FIDA is all about.

“Let there be that sustained efforts in making people realise that they have an avenue, a window for them to address their injustices. It is now time to take the awareness to the rural areas where they will be able to have an idea what FIDA is all about”, he said, and called on FIDA to redouble its efforts to ensure that people in the rural areas feels the presence of FIDA in the society.

He also urged for support for the Rescue Centre as one that is quite demanding financially.

In her address, the wife of the state governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Vivian Ude Oko Chukwu, commended FIDA and charged them to be consistent with the ideals of FIDA, promising that her office will partner with them in making the society good for women to live and to give voice to the voiceless.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

NOA, communities brainstorm on essential family practices ÏÏÏ The Abia State Director of Na-

tional Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Ngozi Uduma, recently, met with representatives of various communities in each of the three senatorial zones of Abia State on the need for people to embark on Essential Family Practices (EFP).

The zones are Abia South Senatorial zone (Aba South L.G.A); Abia North Senatorial district (Ohafia L.G.A) and Abia Central Senatorial zone (Umuahia North L.G.A).

Speaking during the occasion on resolution and action plans of community governance structure for Essential Family Practices, Dr. Uduma harped on the need for proper/ adequate dissemination of information garnered during such meetings to the respective communities represented, noting that the aim of the meeting was to gather town union leaders from all the communities in the state to brainstorm on ways to achieve success on community governance structure for essential family practices.

Dr. Uduma used the occasion to appeal to the leaders of the various communities to interact with their traditional rulers and their cabinet to draw action plan on such resolutions, listing some of the essential

family practices to include exclusive breastfeeding, immunization of children, malaria, HIV/AIDS, hand washing, oral re-hydration solution and sanitation.

Also speaking, a resource person and retired director Nursing Services, Deaconess Alice Chukwuocha, appealed to the participants to create a positive environment for their people and children starting from the day of birth, teaching them how to maintain a green and clean environment, and good eating habits.

Deaconess Chukwuocha charged pregnant and nursing mothers to adopt the six months exclusive breastfeeding approach and ensure that their children were fully immunized, stating the need for personal hygiene through proper hand wash and adequate waste disposal, which she highlighted can help prevent typhoid fever, mostly transmitted through excreta and other unhealthy methods of living.

Some of the participants commended National Orientation Agency and UNICEF for organising the meeting, stating that it had provided them the opportunity to report back their findings and achievements on essential family practices in their various communities.

ABSG denies victimisation of school headmistress

…as commissioner finally opens up Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The outrage in Abia State over

punitive demotion and transfer of an Ohafia Primary School headmistress, Mrs. Maryleen Ezichi, may have finally come to rest as the state Government has finally opened up that the report was not true.

This denial came after the state’s executive council meeting last Wednesday through the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ikechi Mgboji, who described as embarrassing and false the report of the transfer and demotion of a school head teacher at the behest of the wife of the state Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, for alleged insult.

Briefing newsmen in Umuahia on the matter, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ikechi Mgboji, who for nearly one week was elusive to the press for his comments, said that at no time did the wife of

the Governor order that anybody be transferred or demoted for making a statement.

Prof. Mgboji, who must have avoided the press until he gets clearance from the State Executive Council, disclosed that investigation conducted by him revealed that no such thing happened and is yet to see any proof, adding that the chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education (ASUBEB) had claimed he was not aware of any such transfer or demotion of any teacher as ordered by the wife of the state Governor.

The Education commissioner went ahead to explain that “there are laid down rules and guidelines for demoting a civil servant or disciplining him which must be followed before he or she is demoted”.

He maintained that Deaconess Ikpeazu has no vengeance or vindictiveness in her even as the state government does not believe in vengefulness and suggested that the story may be the handiwork of name droppers.

However, in a telephone interview with a functionary of Abia State Universal Basic Education (ASUBEB) tacitly confirmed it, stating that Mrs. Maryleen Ezichi was actually transferred but not on punitive measure.

The source explained that transfers are routines exercises, while headship of a school is an appointment, stating that the transfer did not reduce her status in the civil service or tampered with her salary or grade level.

The source also disclosed that the transfer letter to that effect was signed by a high ranking officer of the board, thus making the Commissioner likely to be not in the know of what happens in his ministry.

“We did not demote the teacher.

Headship of a school is an appointment not a promotion. As an employee of government, if the government sees that there is the need for transfer to any part of the state, it reserves the right to transfer the person to an area the services of the employee is needed most. Her transfer was with immediate effect”, the source concluded.

Security: Obingwa council boss summons security chiefs, monarchs, stakeholders ÏÏÏ Adequate security, people say,

brings about sustainable development. The story has not changed in Obingwa as has drawn the attention of the state government especially that of the Executive Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon. Amaechi Hanson, at the weekend, summoned a meeting of security chiefs and major stakeholders in his council area to find a lasting solution to the recent security challenges in council area in particular and Aba area in general.

This was following an upsurge in violent criminal activities in the area, especially kidnapping.

Addressing the large gathering during the occasion, the Obingwa council boss emphasised on the reasons for summoning the meeting, stating that it was for the his administration to rob minds with uniformed security personnel and lawful civilians on how to tackle the issues of crime, especially that of kidnapping which has become the order of the day in and around the council.

He said that citizens as civilians were not trained to combat crimes but rather to provide useful information that will assist security agencies in combating crime in the society.

In his speech during the event, the Police Area Commander in-charge of Aba metropolis, ACP Peter Wagbara, commended the council boss, Hon. Hanson, over the meeting and thanked the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for being security

conscious and his numerous assistance the state Police Command in acquiring modern security facilities which has assisted the command in speedy response to crimes.

This, ACP Wagbara said, has earned him an international recognition as the best governor in crime prevention.

The area commander, who said the security of lives and property of every citizen in Obingwa is his greatest concern, also enjoined the traditional rulers and different youth organisations to work in synergy with the security agents in the local government by providing timely and useful information that will aid security personnel in combating crimes, especially that of kidnapping.

Wagbara lauded the Obingwa council chairman, Hon. Amaechi Hanson and his Deputy, Hon. Nelson Nworu, for swinging into action early enough by summoning all the security chiefs in Obingwa LGA to raise alarm about the disturbing situation in order to find a lasting solution to the security challenges in his locality and described him as one who knows his job as the Chief Security Officer of the council area.

He advised the people of Obingwa to set up community vigilante groups and get them ready for inauguration as he has done in some local governments within Aba zone, stating that there is no more a hiding place for kidnappers and criminals any more in Aba and Abia State as security has been beefed up within and outside the local government, in order to strengthen it.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with Abia traditional rulers during a recent visit to the state.

Isiala Ngwa people rally round to save assembly speaker ÏÏÏ The

people of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area have passed a vote of confidence on their son and speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kanu and called on Abians and the Abia State House of Assembly to discountenance the write-up in some national dailies (not The Daily Times) on the recall process against the speaker.

This the followed the call by some of his Isiala Ngwa South constituents to on Kanu to resign over “bad reputation”.

In their “Recall Action” statement/release, the Isiala Ngwa South constituents had called on Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kanu to “vol-

untarily resign and save his constituency of the headache of going through a recall process”.

However, speaking during a solidarity visit to the Government House in support of the speaker, the supportive constituents dissociated themselves from what they termed “a malicious write-up”, describing the write-up as the handiwork of charlatans.

In their remarks, the leader of the delegation and executive chairman of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Chief Isikaku Ifeanyi, as well as other stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa South, including Chief John Erendu and Chief Chijioke Akanwa, stated that Isiala Ngwa South

people would not allow the speaker to be removed as he has not done anything wrong, and pledged their unalloyed support and solidarity for the speaker.

They stressed that as constituents, they voted for him and are also the ones to ask for his recall and pledged their unflinching loyalty to the Governor.

Receiving the group, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said that leaders are made if found worthy, adding that that should not be a cause for rancour and admonished those who think otherwise to have a rethink as it is Abia that is at stake, maintaining that what the speaker deserves is prayers, solidarity and support.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

3 The Abia Times

Mother’s Day: Being a woman is worth celebrating –Sir Madu ÏÏÏAs mothers in Umuahia joined

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okeezie Ikpeazu (3 from right), flanked on the immediate left by Engr. Fidet Okhiria, M/D, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), when he led other top management of the corporation on a courtesy visit on the governor in Umuahia...recently

ABSG moves to check deforestation Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

Abia State Government has concluded plans to attract funds to enable it embark on massive reforestation programme in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals Development, Barrister Gabe Igboko, stated this in Umuahia while addressing stakeholders in Forestry and Timber dealers in the state, frowning at the continued encroachment on the forest reserve in the state

and indiscriminate felling of trees.

Igboko warned that the state government will no longer tolerate such acts by any individual or group, noting that trees play significant role not only in checkmating land degradation but protecting lives.

The Environment boss disclosed that his Ministry has adopted a strategy which has helped to increase government revenue in forestry and timber, pointing out that arrangements are been made for the training and retraining of forestry staff.

The Commissioner warned staff of the ministry over sabotage of government efforts, stating that such staff would be punished. He enjoined stakeholders to join hands with the government in checkmating incessant felling of trees at the forestry and also ensure that government gets its revenue from the timber.

Speaking, the Forestry Director in the ministry, Mrs. Oti Onyekachi, described the meeting as timely and appealed for increased manpower in the forestry department.

Jump into the lagoon if you like, Rep tells critics ÏÏÏ The

member representing Osisioma North and South in the House of Representatives, Hon. Solomon Adaelu, recently responded to some individuals he termed faceless critics under the platform called “Anya Abia” who has been criticising him over constituency development projects.

In his press release which was posted on his facebook account, the Representative member insisted that nothing will stop him from discharging his duties to his constituents no matter the challenge promised that every fund released as constituency fund will be effectively used to better the lots of his constituents.

The press release titled “Campaign of calumny and falsehood by detractors against my constituency development projects”, stated in part as follows: “My attention has been drawn to the campaign of calumny and falsehood been perpetrated by some faceless individuals under the platform of ‘Anya Abia’ on my Constituency Development Projects. Initially I did not want to respond to such distractions as

I am aware that truth will always prevail over concocted falsehood.

“It is important to state here that since the unveiling of my Constituency Development Programme and the consequent commendations from the general public, I have had a lot of pressure from different quarters. I am aware that my approach to Representation has not only made enemies for me but also pitched me against those who feel challenged.

“Let me state this clearly, my name is Solomon Adaelu, I consider this mandate so sacred and am committed to discharging this responsibility without fear or favour.

“The idea behind the Rural Roads Rehabilitation/Grading Programme came as a result of what I observed during the 2015 General Election while campaigning. It was almost impossible to access our rural roads. I felt the pain and sufferings of my constituents and decided to dedicate every resource available to me to serve them. The equipment I procured is three (3) times the value mentioned by paid the Anya Abia writer.

“The Constituency Project which was mentioned in the post

by Anya Abia is part of my Empowerment Programme which will soon be unveiled. I shall be spending more than N150m (one hundred and fifty million naira) in the next phase of my Constituency Development Programme.

“It should be made clear that every Legislator is at liberty to choose projects and programmes as desired by his constituency.

“In few months from now, when the release of fund and the purchase of all the Empowerment Materials are ready, I shall invite Abians and Nigeria in general to witness yet another phenomenal Constituency Development Programme.

“Anya Abia and their sponsors should know that not everyone who ventures into politics does so with evil intent. Always check the background and pedigree of every politician before peddling rumours.

All efforts to trace the Anya Abia organisation proved impossible as the organisation is not traceable and is faceless.

their counterpart all over Nigeria to celebrate their 2017 Mothers’ Day recently, mothers are supposed to be appreciated and celebrated for what they are.

The Permanent Secretary, Government House (Finance) Umuahia, Sir Romanus Madu, stated this during the Mothers’ Day at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish Church Ugwunchara, Umuahia, describing every mother as a priceless jewel that is worth celebrating.

According to the Knight of St. Mulumba, “mothers generally are different in nature,” adding, for one to be a woman worth celebrating, you must be a real mother, a virtuous woman that people must emulate both in character and demonstration” and encouraged them to continue add values to attract future events, saying without mothers, there won’t be nation.

The permanent secretary urged them to use the period and commit government and people of Abia State in prayers especially at these trying moments of state as they round up this year’s 2017 mothers, while he observed that prayers of mothers attracts God’s intervention.

He charged mothers to see themselves as solution agents to families rather than being dependants.

Also speaking, chairman of the event, Mr. Onuora Izuegbulem, observed there was no bound celebrating mothers on earth, given significant roles they play in the families, pointing out that mothers deserved best in life putting into consideration aspects of cares they give to the children from child birth and beyond and encouraged every man and woman to continue to show love and appreciate them.

Izuegbulem thanked the Catholic Christian Mothers of St. Michael’s

Parish for considering him worthy and responsible enough to pilot affairs of this year’s 2017 mother’s Sunday despite other notable parishioners and expressed his resolve to continue to show concern in that direction.

Onoura however solicited support from Catholic parishioners in the church to enable mothers meet up with their aspirations and dreams in the services of God. Also speaking, a Knight of the church, Engr. Sir Emmanuel Duru, prayed God to sustain mothers globally as according to him the task before them was enormous, while calling on parishioners particularly men not to forget challenges of mothers in bringing up all and sundry to planet hence the need to look after them.

The Catholic knight, who described mothers as rare gift from God, noted that it is a thing of joy when mothers gather together to celebrate and therefore prayed for sustenance of mothers as they continue to render services to the family.

Meanwhile, the President General, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the parish, Lady (Mrs.) Onyedikachi Madu, urged women not to allow the present economic recession pose threats to marriages but subject themselves to constant prayers so as overcome the challenges.

Lady Madu, who described the event as sober reflection, noted with delight that 2017 mother’s Sunday was a huge success.

According to CWO President General, series of seminars and lectures were organised for mothers aimed at acquaint them on how to move along with families in the face of economic recession just as she observed that the theme for this year’s programme was “Role of Mary in the mission of the church”.

Security challenges forces DPR out of Aba ÏÏÏ The Department of

Petroleum Resources office located in Aba has relocated its office to Umuahia over security challenges in Aba. The Operations Manager of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Pascal Eze Madu, stated this in Umuahia while on courtesy call to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu with his Management team at the Government House, Umuahia.

Madu told Ikpeazu that in line with the policy of the department, the office was relocated from Aba to Umuahia, while highlighting the challenges confronting the department in Aba to include issue of a befitting office and security threat in Aba which led to the relocation of the office to Umuahia and solicited the Governor’s assistance to the agency.

Responding, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as-

sured him that the state government is determined to collaborate with the DPR to discharge its function to the state, noting that it is a policy of his government to provide ambience to agencies of government operating in the state irrespective of whether they are federal or state.

While promising to ensure that the manager settles down quickly in Umuahia, Gov. Ikpeazu addressed the issue of the security situation in Aba as raised by Madu, stating that the security challenges are not peculiar to Abia State.

His administration, he said, is on top of the situation and has the responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state, adding that the state government is deploying gate keepers from communities to report the activities of hoodlums to government.

The Abia Times 4

Interview

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Ndume land can’t be released to govt –Sunny Nwakodo Chief (Sir) Sunny Nwakodo, the traditional Prime Minister of Ndume Autonomous Kingdom and President General of Ndume Otuka Federated, in this interview with SUNDAY NWAKANMA, speaks on the recent protest by Umuanna Ndume Ibeku community against happenings in the new Umuahia Timber market. Excerpts: Few weeks ago, your Umuanna Ndume Ibeku people protested over their land they said some people, including the state government has forcefully taken from your community. Can you tell us what you know about that land as the traditional prime minister of Ndume Autonomous Kingdom and the President General of Ndume Otuka Federated?

Yes. During the Ogbonnaya Onu regime, I was appointed as one the Land Use and Allocation Committee Abia State member. During that period, we tried to acquire this community land from Umuanna people where I come from. The Umuanna people did not agree to release the portion that government tagged the IBB Phase II. The reason was that from the Abia State University, Uturu (Umuahia Campus) to Seminary and Government College were

Umuanna land donated to the government and the IBB Phase I is also Umuanna’s land. So, on this present Timber shade, I was the one the government gave money for compensation and it was N5 million for each of the two communities that were quarreling over the small portion of land, the Ihe community and Umuohu Azueke people in the office of the Commissioner for Lands. The remaining land that was supposed to be the IBB Phase II was not agreed upon with the community and the Ministry of Lands. As at 2008, we now had a memorandum of understanding between Umuanna community and the state government who was represented by the Ministry of Lands, when K. C. Ugbaja was the state Commissioner of Lands. That memorandum of understanding said that we have released the IBB Phase I to the government and the government returned fifty plots to the community to enable us use it to compensate some of our people who owned that IBB Phase I land, as well as promised employing our people into government ministries and parastatals. That was the details of the MoU we agreed upon.

Then on the other side of the land, Umuanna people said, ‘let us use the other side as the only land we have so that our children will have a place to build their houses and for us to have a portion of land where

Nwakodo we can farm or bury our people’.

That was what we agreed upon and we never gave out the land to the government.

Formerly, it was calculated as plots, but recently, when government brought the timber shade to that market, people wanted to tamper with our land and encroach into it. Our people started agitating and some groups of people brought in the army and were using them against our people. If you ever mention that you are from Umuanna Ndume, the military will flog you.

Based on that, the people started grading the land by force and have started selling the land to individuals. The land was not part of the IBB Phase I. The people who are occupying there were not given that place through the state Ministry of Lands. It was sold by the individuals or the people, may be the Market Committee or the contractor financier. They are the people that sold the land to individuals there and some of the people who bought the land are building Housing estates there. How can they be building a housing estate there when our children have no other place to build their own house, even when our hands cannot reach out to buy the housing estate there and without any memorandum of understanding? We have never discussed anything pertaining to that land. None of us ever had a meeting or any discussion with the government about that particular land. So the land cannot be released to the government, and no release has been perfected in anywhere.

Is the carpenter section part of the land?

Yes, our land formed almost 79 percent of that market. So we need to discuss with the state government. We need to come to a round table and discuss with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Information indicated that this land was taken during the time your

son was the state governor and that the people who sold the land are also your sons…

(Cuts in) They should be identified. Let them come and prove themselves. I don’t know and not part of them. Our people were against me.

They thought I was among the people that sold the land out. But today, they have found out that I was not among the people. I don’t have any business with the people that sold out the land. I am sure that during that period, our son, T. A. Orji never discussed about the land with us and he had never approached us for the land. So, I am convinced that the people who sold the land, did it on their own. Probably, they are in one way or the other in government. I do not know.

What is you demand now over the land?

We have to discuss fully with the state government and know exactly what the government wants from that land. If it is what we can come to the negotiating table, we can discuss and know the possibility of releasing any of the lands to the government and for our children to have a breathing space and for our children to have a place to build their own house.

If government refuses to do that, what will happen?

I will not predict that and I would not say whether they will refuse to do that or not until they refuse.

Businessmen wickedness compound recession in S’Éast – Abia TUC chair Comrade Chris Ndubuisi Okoro, Chairman, Public Service Negotiating Council, Abia State, in this interview with SUNDAY NWAKANMA, speaks on economic situation in the country among others. Excerpts: The economy situation of the country is biting hard and harder in Abia State. What is your opinion about the economic situation in the country and particularly in the state?

We thank God that the naira is appreciating. I think that is a good step towards the recovery of the economic recession we are suffering. But particularly in Abia State, and the entire South East zone, it is due to our personal wickedness towards economic issues. Take for instance, the other day, they were screening teachers, the cost of ordinary office file is N50 but when they heard they were screening teachers, I am telling you, they (traders) changed it to N80. Is this a government problem? It is just wickedness of our people who are traders and busi-

nessmen. We do not have human face in issues. We always capitalize or use opportunity to undo ourselves. I know that the recession is not okay, but most of the high cost of things in the South East is because of the wickedness of ourselves. That is it. Yes, though government is doing their own, on most of the issues, you will see that the federal government will be doing their own part, while the state will not do their own part. At times, the federal government will send certain things to the schools and ministries and you will not see those things. Last time, there were items from the Federal Government on sporting activities to Abia State, but go to any school now and show me where they are in the state. But it has been recorded that Principals and co have collected them. We follow all these things as labour leaders. But the issue we are talking about is that our people should have a change of heart and learn how to live as one.

What will be your advice to the state and Federal Government on this issue?

For the state government,

they should improve on their system of doing things. I thanked the state governor for promoting made-in-Aba products to make that the market for Abia products is increased and that will increase our internally generated revenue (IGR). This is another method of improving the economy and he is doing his best, but he cannot do it alone.

I do not know what our investors in the state are doing. Let them come and resuscitate such industries as the Golden Guinea, ceramic industry and any others. If these things are resuscitated, this is another way of improving the economy and the IGR. But these things are just ignored and I do not know what the mind of our investors towards that is.

Cost of food items are also getting higher and it seems the entire South East has abandoned farming. What is your advice to the people of the South East?

That shows how wicked we are to ourselves in the South East. Garri, for instance, which currently costs about N200.00 for a cup is not imported and our farm land has not been

states in South East are not encouraging their farmers. Again, we should have a change of heart and human face in whatever we are doing so that it shall be well with us.

Some medical and health workers in Abia Abia protested recently because they have not been paid their salaries for the past six months.

Some of those who protested are said to have been penciled down for undue transfers and retirement. What is your union doing to forestall this?

Okoro seized by the government that we should not farm again. The land is still as it is. But they (south eastern businessmen) have not announced that they are now capitalising on the name, economic recession, to increase all they produce. Go to Markurdi in Benue State, this thing you buy at N600.00 and you call it garri, you will get it N250.00 or N300.00. So, our problem is first, we are not investing in farming. Governments of the

Am not aware of this that there are some people who protested for their rights and they are now penciled for retirement.

Well, I know that in service, when you are due for retirement, you are retired. This is a structure in civil service and you do not retire a person because he contested his right. It is not done. More so, the NLC chairman in the state comes from that domestic union. So, I think he should know better what is happening there. My table has not handled that matter, so, I am not aware.

v

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

APCON invades Abuja, Katsina, others to stop unethical ads

Page B2

FIRS to introduce electronic tax clearance certificate system

Tony Nwakaegho

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says it will soon introduce electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) system to help reduce fraudulent certificates.

Mr Kola Okunola, Director ICT, FIRS, made this known during a presentation at the training by Journalism.com Ltd., in collaboration with FIRS, recently in Abuja.

Okunola said that the implementation of the eTCC verification system had reached an advanced stage, and now undergoing user’s acceptance test before deployment to production.

“TCC will be out in the next four weeks. It will provide an e-repository of all TCCs issued by FIRS. “It will enable FIRS Staff and authorised third parties to verify tax clearance certificates, thereby reducing the incidence of fraudulent certificates.

“It automatically sends Tax Clearance Certificates to the emails of taxpayers and also enables them to request for and print their TCCs online,’’ he said.

The service, he said recently commenced modalities for implementation of robust VAT automation mechanism for power, telecommunications, e-commerce, financial services, oil and gas, insurance, major hotels, malls and hospitality sectors.

He explained that the essence of VAT automation in the sectors was to help ensure transparency of tax remittance within the industry and help block leakages.

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Why Naira may rebound against dollar, others this week

FG urged to finance ERGP via specialized REIT products

Page B6

Page B3

How4commercial banks plunged N1.9trinto bonds,T-bills

N180bn OMO maturity posts slight impact on negative liquidity …As OBB/OVN rates open week at 133% / 136% levels respectively Bonny Amadi

L-R: Acting Managing Director, Mr. Hafiz Bakare; Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Modibbo and Executive Director, Mrs. Yvonne Isichei, all of Keystone Bank Limited, during an interactive session with the media at their Head office in Lagos on Thursday..

Motolani Oseni No less than four commercial banks operating in the country, have invested a whopping N1.9 trillion in bonds and Treasury bills during the financial year ended, 2016.

The Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) including Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and Guaranty Trust Bank.

It is worthy of note that in 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.

But we note in our checks that commercial banks invest-

ment in the two major securities that include Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and bonds jerked up significantly in 2016.

For instance, GTBank investment in securities gained 34 per cent to N528 billion from N393.6 billion in 2016 while Zenith Bank investment in securities dropped by 6.4 per cent to N199 billion from N213 billion in 2015.

With strong, liquid balance sheet with continued growth led by loans and securities portfolio, Zenith Bank investment in T-Bills rose by 47.48 per cent to N557.4 billion from N377.9 billion recorded in 2015.

Access Bank investment in Securities gained 23 per cent to N229 in 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 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 Bonds offered for sale (new issues and re-openings) was N645 billion, representing an increase of 9.32 per cent above the N590billion 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 CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Mobil, NIPCO settles N90bn deal as Name Changes to 11Plc 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 stock-

broking 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.”

Mr. 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 CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Brief respite came to Nigeria’s tight liquidity level of N242 billion at the close of week Thursday, with maturity of N180 billion Open Market Operation (OMO) as money market rates eased slightly due to the N180 billion into the system.

Both the open buy back (OBB) and the overnight rates (OVN) closed the week on Thursday April 13th 2017 slightly lower ,at 133 per cent and 135 per cent levels respectively , from 200 per cent and 196 per cent on Wednesday last week .

Meanwhile at the OMO auction on the Thursday, last trading day of last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN sold N1.76 billion OMO bill to investors at 18.6 per cent stop rate.

In spite of the decline in March consumer price index (CPI) to 17.26 per cent, yield on FG bonds closed flat on most of the tenures with the exception of FEB2020 and March 2036 which recorded 2 points and 13 points decline in yields.

Yields on 5 year, 7 year and 10 year benchmark bonds closed the week flat at 15.87 per cent, 15.85 per cent and 16.08 per cent respectively.

However, at the interbank currency market, the Naira gained +0.02 per cent against the USD to Thursday’s session at N306.05 but shed -0.46 per cent and -0.45 per cent against the GBP and EUR to berth at N383.37 and N325.67 respectively.

In the parallel market, the NGN closed flat against the USD and EUR to close at N410 and N435 level respectively. It however shed -0.2 per cent against the GBP to settle at N500.

Meanwhile, an open market operation (OMO) is an activity by a central bank to give (or take) liquidity in its currency to (or from) a bank or a group of banks.

The central bank can either buy or sell government bonds in the open market.

Business News B2 How 4 commercial banks plunged N1.9tr CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

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 Financial Stability Report by CBN 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 tookup 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.

“The reduced up-take by banks was attributed to tight liquidity in the banking system and higher yield in CBN bills, leading to the significant increase in mandate and internal

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18 , 2017

APCON invades Abuja, Katsina, others to stop unethical ads Godwin Anyebe The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON has commenced a task force enforcement exercise to stop further exposure of unwholesome and unapproved advertisements in the media.

According to a statement issued recently in Lagos, Registrar of APCON, Alhaji Bello Garba Kankarofi disclosed that, “the exercise, which commenced in Abuja has so far been carried out in Minna, Jos, Katsina Ilorin, Onitsha/Nnewi and is planned to extend to several other cities across Nigeria.”

He said that, “in the course of the exercise, advertisements

exposed on outdoor structures without satisfying the regulation requiring advertisements to be submitted for vetting and approval by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) will be blanked out.”

According to him, “the exercise also involves enlightening advertisers, media owners and the public on the regulatory responsibilities of APCON as well as on the purpose and procedures for compliance with advertising regulations.”

“Incidences of indiscriminate exposure of advertisements, some of which contain misleading and unwholesome messages, have caused APCON serious concern. These unprofessional conducts have been traced mainly to persons and organizations who

are not licensed to practice advertising in Nigeria.” He said.

A large percentage of the advertisements targeted in the exercise are first party advertisements usually produced and displayed by business owners without the use of advertising professionals.

The advertisements typically employ graphic designs, images and messaging which attract, persuade or invite patronage for the businesses advertised. Some of them make claims requiring substantiation.

The exercises do not affect regular business signages which are typically identification or informational signs without persuasive illustrations and claims.

The task force enforcement exercise is one of the measures

to stem incidences of misleading, deceitful, offensive and other forms of spurious messages and protect members of the public from the harmful effects of such unwholesome and unprofessional advertisements. The exercise complements the Council’s routine monitoring and enforcement activities undertaken by its various zonal and liaison offices across the country.

APCON is committed to ensuring responsible advertising – the use of advertising communication to positively impact the economy and the society, rather than to take undue advantage of consumers, disparage competitors or offend the sensibilities of members of the public.

Mobil, NIPCO settles N90bn deal as Name Changes to 11Plc CONTINUED ON PAGE B7

L-R: Big Brother Naija 1st Runner Up, Bisola Aiyeola; Indomie Ambassador, Sound Sultan; Winner, Big Brother Naija, Efe Ejeba and Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Tope Ashiwaju, during BBNaija Winners Courtesy Visit to Indomie Office in Lagos on Thursday.

OLX Nigeria celebrates Easter donating funds to IDPs The leading online classifieds, OLX Nigeria is sharing happiness and hope this Easter season by supporting the WeCare4IDPs Initiative.

The campaign is dedicated towards fund raising to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as part of its efforts to making positive impact on Nigerians.

The Management and staff of OLX came together and raised N500,000 to donate to the IDP camp.

Uche Nwagboso, Public Relations and Communications Lead, OLX stated that OLX is a company that is passionate about improving the lives of people in the community in which its operates and as such identified the IDP as a cause to support because of the far reaching impact on the country.

Nwagboso added; “This Easter season is about giving hope to people who need it the most and as a team this is our little way of giving hope to the IDPs”. OLX is currently running a campaign on social media tagged #OLXCares4IDP where members of the public are urged to support the IDPs through donations onhttp://bit. ly/OLXCares4IDPs WeCare4IDPs is a citizenship initiative which creates a platform for all Nigerians individuals and corporate bodies to be a part of the solution in matters concerning IDPs by raising funds to support them.

The WeCare4IDPs campaign is calling on 1 million Nigerians to donate at least N1,000.

Funds raised will go directly to funding direct impact projects defined in the 2017 Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan

(HRP) developed by the United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) with the support of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning.”

Nwagboso noted; “OLX is the world’s leading classifieds platform in growth markets and is available in more than 45 countries and over 50 languages. OLX connects local people to buy, sell or exchange used goods and services by making it fast and easy for anyone to post an ad through the mobile application.

“Every month, hundreds of millions of people in local markets around the world use OLX’s online marketplace to find and sell a wide range of products, including vehicles, electronics, phones and much more.”

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.

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 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”

v

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni There are strong indications that the Nigerian currency, the naira may return to gaining streak this week, against the US dollar and other major foreign currencies, due to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) proposed increased dollar sale to the bureau de change segment of the forex market.

Throughout last week, the local currency was seen hovering between 405- 410 to the dollar on the parallel market, compared with 398 to a dollar the previous week.

At the official window, the trading week closed at 306.5 to the dollar against 306.1 per dollar on Wednesday.

However, forex traders are optimistic that the naira would

B3 Money Market

Why Naira may rebound against dollar, others this week bounce back this week on an increase in dollar sales to the retail currency bureaux.

Precisely, two weeks ago the Nigerian currency lost 8 points to exchange at N398, weaker than N390 recorded a week earlier, but indications are rife that the central bank is planning to raise dollar sales to the BDCs to $40,000 from the present $20,000, which will improve liquidity and help support the local currency.

Although, activities from speculators and the nation’s porous borders have been linked to the recent drop in the local

currency gains, as proceeds of illegal foreign currency evacuation floods Dubai market and marred naira journey to stability and sovereignty.

This is even as the Bureau de Change operators in the country through their President, Aminu Gwadabe, has said that for government to ensure the naira remains stable on its sovereign journey, there must quick review and increase security surveillance of our nation boarders and airports.

According to him, “Return of illegal foreign currency cash

evacuation through our Porous borders and airports, as Dubai in UAE enjoy the illegal evacuation, operators/players compromise, sales of debit cards by banks rather than cash, maximum $10,000 cash allowable for travelers at the nation airport.”

However, Nigeria being an import dependent economy, strengthening of the local currency has said not be luck but a choice the nation have to make.

Gwadabe, therefore advised the federal government to ensure the naira remains stable on its sovereign journey by

creating special purpose window for foreign investors at the BDCs sub sector like that of IMTSO to diversify streams of foreign reserve.

He requested for more liquidity to the BDCs sector to ensure sector market liquidity and availability, adding that review of allowable margin to N5 than N2 per US dollar.

“Monitoring and supervision by regulators and relevant agencies, as well as review the limit of max $10,000 allowable to $20,000 for travelers at our Airports, with localization of our products and industries.

Global economy struggles, as prospects for Nigeria, Africa look positive

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah (2nd right); Acting Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye (right) and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday.

Forex: BDCs seek to sell PTAs, BTAs South West Zonal Chairman, Association of Bureaux de Change of Nigeria (ABCON), Mr. Taiwo Ebenezer has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take steps that will ensure that only BDCs sell Personal Travel Allowances (PTAs) and Business Travel Allowances (BTAs).

Speaking at the Lagos BDCs meeting on how to rescue the naira, Ebenezer, noted that if the BTAs, PTAs, and tuition fees are left in the hands of BDCs, they will be held responsible for any abuse.

“But today, BDCs are not the only players in the market as the banks also operate. It is important to leave this segment of the forex market entirely for BDCs,” he advised.

The meeting, with theme: ‘Role of BDCs in Price Stability- Realities and Compliance’ was organised by the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) and attended by representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of State Service (DSS) and the Police.

He said BDC operators are willing and ready to get information that will improve their business and economy, adding that the overall interest of BDCs is to improve the status of the naira, because the decline in value of the naira leads to higher inflation.

Also, one of the BDC operators, Folashade Adebayo, said all operators should unite against the forex speculators. “The

speculators are giving us bad name and killing the naira. Let’s unite and chase them out of the market and save the naira,” she said.

Continuing, she said: “The challenge is how do we ensure that when speculators buy from us, they do not go to the back and sell to parallel market operators?

We must devise means to stop them before they stop us,” she added.

Another BDC operator, Tony Emeka, praised ABCON leadership under Gwadabe for constructively engaging the CBN and helping to raise weekly allocations from $8,000 to $20,000 even as the volume is expected to hit $40,000 in the coming weeks.

“It is not a simple task.

ABCON has made us proud, and we have confidence

in this leadership. We also want ABCON to engage CBN to review transaction margin. We need more dollar allocations from the CBN to force rates down,” he said.

Equally, representatives of the CBN, DSS, and Police agreed that there was need for all stakeholders to stop forex speculators from destroying the naira.

Gwadabe said ABCON has reported to the CBN the need to increase commission on transactions. “The CBN has been informed on the need to review the margin upwards. The margin is small, and in many climes, it is 10 per cent. We want the CBN to review the margin to N10 per dollar. We have told the CBN that the margin is small,” he said.

The newly released Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) has shown that global business confidence rebounded in the first quarter of 2017 and is now at its highest level, indicating a prospect for Nigeria and positive outlook for the Sub Sahara Africa.

The quarterly survey of global CFOs and finance professionals, conducted by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), has found that the prospects for Africa look positive.

Commenting on the survey, Acting head of ACCA Nigeria, Mr. Olatunji Adeleye, said, “Markets across Africa have been performing better and the outlook is positive, even though growth is likely to remain relatively weak by the standards of the past decade. The GECS survey shows confidence is at its highest rate since the second quarter of 2015, with government spending, employment and capital expenditure indices all rising in Q1.

“A key reason for this improvement in confidence is the recovery in oil prices and other commodities, which in turn has helped to lift export and government revenues, for key economies such as Nigeria. Another influence has been easing inflationary pressures, which has given central banks scope to loosen monetary policy.”

Improving economic sentiment across the world has been spearheaded by an increasingly confident outlook in North America

and is reflected across leading developed and emerging markets. In particular, there has been the fastest rate of growth in global trade since 2015.

Yet the survey has found that inflationary fears are putting pressure on global economies, with nearly half (46 per cent) of firms reporting increasing costs as a cause for concern.

Despite this there are significant improvements for employment and investment, with 22 per cent of firms planning to create more jobs and raise capital expenditure (up from 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively in Q4 2016).

In response to the report Faye Chua, head of business insights at ACCA, says, “The US economy has maintained an elevated level of confidence from Q4 in 2016, with 37 per cent of firms feeling more confident, although there was no uplift from the previous quarter. An expectation of increased infrastructural spending and tax cuts has contributed to a buoyant business mood even though they are yet to materialise into policy.

“Inflation and currency fluctuations, however, are a cause for concern. 43% of US firms are troubled by rising costs and 22 per cent by exchange rate movements. Despite the Fed’s interest rate hikes, borrowing costs in the developing world remain low, and the dollar is likely to continue growing in value.

That could pose a challenge to US firms’ competitiveness, and the White House’s determination to reduce the trade deficit.”

v

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

FG urged to finance ERGP via specialized REIT products Bonny Amadi The federal government of Nigeria has been urged to deploy specialized Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) capital market products, to attract investment from the pension fund administrators to finance Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

This was disclosed at the recent bullion lecture by Center for financial Journalism(CFJ) in Lagos, themed “Nigerian economic recovery and growth plan, options for low cost financing of programme” as experts maintained that low cost financing of the growth plan would save Nigeria future debt crisis.

Establishment of new class of REIT, such as Infrastructure Investment REIT (IIR), was mooted as veritable vehicle to attract investments by Pencom, to further enhance fund mobilization for ERGP target infrastructural development.

Nigerian pension funds currently valued at over N7 trillion, experts at the CFJ bullion lecture said, if appropriately deployed to revenue generating infrastructures that guarantees realization of investment objective of the fund managers, would help generate funds for ERGP target projects.

Mr. Kyari Bukar, Chairman of the Bullion lecture in his remark said that to attract pension funds, special investments channels need to be created to ensure that such funds when invested would be recouped for the benefits of the contributors to the fund.

According to him, investment in Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) by pension fund administrators offers sound and secured investment opportunity, as the investment is directed to already developed houses that only attracts rent from high profile clients.

Kyari Bukar suggested for establishment of new class of REIT named Infrastructure Investment REIT (IIR) for pension fund investments only, essentially for cash flow generation as well as for achieving Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge.

This was coming as the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) was urged to employ cost effective measure to achieve the objectives of economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), as otherwise could negatively impact the country.

This was the crux of the Center for financial Journalism (CFJ) Bullion lecture series with theme “financing Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth” which held in Lagos Tuesday, at which stakeholders emphasised on the need to evolve cost saving ERGP financing models that would not place heavy debt burden on the economy.

Professor Olu Ajakaiye, in his lecture titled ‘Nigerian economic recovery and growth plan, options for low cost financing of programme” said that emphasis on cost of programme implementation become imperative hence irrespective of employment and growth maintaining low indices, cost has remained high.

He said that hence section 19 (2a) of the constitution made no provision for government to be taken to court for not accomplishing its promises, emphasis on achieving targets could be consumed by diverse vested interests and coast.

Ajakaiye said that while the ERGP is well thought out programme, but deficits to financing the programme should not be secured in a way that the country will spend much financing the cost of borrowing. According to him, huge cost of borrowing could take many years to offset He called on the government to exploit other avenues, such as tax, mobilization of additional none oil revenue sources, capital market , as well as issuing of projects tied bonds and setting policies that will boost Diaspora funds as well as foreign direct investments.

Ambassador Sanislas Kamanzi, Rwanda’s High commissioner to Nigeria called on financial experts including Journalists to strengthen focus on micro financing, which has played critical role in revitalization of his country’s economy, soon after emerging from war.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

25,418.08 2,468.00 280,945,416.00 2,349,419,384.30 8,796,717,470,596.41

L – R: Adetunji Oyebanji, Managing Director/CEO, Mobil Plc; Oscar N. Onyema, CEO, NSE; Venkataraman Venkatapathy, Group Managing Director, NIPCO at the Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of Mobil/NIPCO transactions at the Exchange today.

Unilever seeks regulatory approval to raise N63 billion via Rights Issue Afolabi Adesola

The company in a report obtained by DailyTimes at the weekend said it seeks to raise up to N63 billion by way of rights issue, subject to obtaining regulatory approval.

The report read that “The following resolutions will be considered, and if thought fit, passed in its upcoming Annual General Meeting: (1) that the Authorized Share Capital of the company be increased to N5 billion (from N3.03 billion) by the creation of additional 3.95 billion new ordinary shares of 50 kobo and (2) to raise up to N63 billion by way of Rights Issue, subject to obtaining regulatory approval.

An analysis of the rights issue by Cordros Securities said the Overall, the decision to convert debt into equity, notwithstanding the current unpalatable Nigerian consumer story, stresses Unilever Global’s commitment to further investment and growth in Nigeria. The company has in the past indicated it is working

on backward integration plans, driving towards the realization of 100% local sourcing by 2020.

“Pending further details, we estimate that if the Rights is executed at the current market value of N33.25, the N63 billion proposed capital raise equates to new 1.89 billion ordinary shares that would be offered to existing shareholders (assuming all current shareholders take up their rights) of the company.

“This potentially increases the overall shares outstanding in favour of UNILEVER to 5.68 billion (from 3.78 billion).

“The stock price lost 5 percent Wednesday following the announcement, in what we consider negative investor reaction in view of the potential dilutive impact of the additional share offering on (1) share holding and possibly, (2) dividend payment.

In the notice of the AGM, it was stated that in addition to the

above resolutions, the Directors of UNILEVER will seek shareholders authorization to “apply any outstanding convertible loan, shareholder loan, or other loan facility due to any person, towards payment for any shares subscribed for by such person under the Rights Issue”.

As at the end of 2016FY, UNILEVER had N20.92 billion outstanding in debt, mainly comprising (1) N15.15 billion intercompany loan, (2) N5 billion commercial bank loan, and (3) N702.7 million facility from the Bank of Industry (BoI). Note that 98% of the outstanding debts are short term.

Of the above mentioned loan facilities, in line for conversion to equity via the proposed Rights Issue is the intercompany loan.

UNILEVER obtained an intercompany loan of USD59.7 million (N18.81 billion) from Unilever Finance International AG in Q3-16 to (1) clear the backlog of unpaid USD-denominated obli-

gations to suppliers and (2) refinance expensive local short term debts.

Unilever Finance International AG is also a member of the Unilever Group. .In addition to the debt-equity swap, our hunch is that part of the proceeds of the Rights Issue will be utilized for (1) the repayment of outstanding commercial bank loans (priced at 14% as at end-2016), (2) the settlement of backlogs of trade payables, as well as (3) working capital and capital expenditure investments.On the repayment of borrowings, the current option being considered by the management of UNILEVER can be taken for a bold attempt to (1) guide against potential FX losses attached to the USD facility (we estimated N2.9 billion) in the event that the NGN/ USD devalues to N352, the mid-point of the IMF’s suggested fair value and (2) improve the company’s deteriorating coverage and leverage ratios

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Lagos State targets 3000MW electricity OpeOluwani Akintayo Lagos State Government has said it plans to build about 3000megawatts (MW) of electricity power plant soonest.

The State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who spoke during the Oil and Gas Trainers’ Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) 2017 inauguration of its National Executive Council members in Lagos, said that the plan was to boost the state’s economy.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Energy, Olawole Olumore, he said government is committed to providing a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.

According to him, the state government was focusing on the development of the technology that would sustain the economy of the state and sustain the oil and gas industry within and across the federation.

He urged the association to show commitment in helping to sustain the state’s economy to raise the bar of oil and gas operation.

“We have seen that you are helping the Nigerian economy and I know very quickly that you will be helping the

Gov. Ambode

Lagos State economy in the oil and gas operations.

“As you are all aware, Lagos State is the newest oil and gas producing state in Nigeria following the discovery of oil in the offshore Lagos, the first oil plant outside the Niger Delta region. The discovery of this hydrocarbon should translate to oil and gas investment in the

state and to contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the state as well as diversify its revenue,” Ambode said.

He urged the association to be dedicated to human capital development, to avoid unintended consequences towards the oil and gas activities as was witnessed in the Niger Delta

B5 Energy

NLNG MD appointed onto NESG Board Nigeria LNG Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr Tony Attah, has been appointed to the Board of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

NESG is a private sector Think-Tank and Policy Advocacy Group committed to the development of a modern globally competitive Nigerian economy The group is the convener of the Nigerian Economic Summit, an annual event and a platform for Chief Executives and experts from the public and private sectors to brain storm and build consensus on policy options and implementation frameworks.

The NESG engages Government, the private sector and civil society on key development issues and economic policies in Nigeria. The strategic roles of the group include those of being a Dialogue Partner — shaping policy through public debate; Connector — instituting change through influence; Watchdog—shaping policy through research and advocacy; and intervener— instituting change through influence that mobilizes action.

Attah brings with him, over two decades of oil and gas industry experience to the NESG Board. Before his appointment as NLNG MD in September 2016, he was the Managing Director and Board Chairman of Shell Nigeria E & P Com-

pany, SNEPCo; Vice President Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Corporate Affairs, Vice President Human Resources (HR) as well as other technical & non-technical roles in Operations and major projects at Shell.

Over his distinguished career across Europe, Russia and Africa, Tony has led multi-disciplinary teams across diverse cultures. He is recognised for his strong strategic and commercial mind-set which is underpinned by a solid technical background and excellent leadership capabilities. He is a member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

Since its establishment, the NESG has been able to shape policies through its annual economic summits and other high level policy engagements. In recent times, conscious efforts have been made to place more emphasis on strategic interventions without de-emphasizing the other functions of the NESG, in a bid to further influence public policy in Nigeria.

The NESG shapes policy by conducting robust research and analysis on economic and critical reform issues. Over the years, the group has made significant input into policy changes in Nigeria through independent research and advocacy.

EKEDC restates commitment to meter Roll-out, network intensification The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has restated its commitment to its meter rollout and network intensification programme.

Giving this commitment was the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Sam Nwaire during a town hall meeting with customers of the company under Lekki District recently.

Mr. Nwaire who stood in for the MD/CEO said the meter roll-out plan was on course and expressed optimism that all unmetered customers of the company would be reached within the stipulated time.

He said since the cost involved was so huge, it was not possible for all customers to be metered at the same time.

He then appealed to those yet to be reached in the meter rollout plan to exercise some patience as no customer would be left out in the end.

Responding to a complaint by one of the participants at the town hall meeting that the use

... To recover N1.3bn debt ... Says whistle-blowing yielding results

of estimated billing for unmetered customers does not correspond with the volume of energy supplied, Mr. Nwaire said the company has an established billing methodology approved by the industry

regulator for billing unmetered customers.

This, he said, was usually based on a number of factors which include the customer’s consumption pattern over time and availability

of power supply within the particular month for which the customer was billed.

Speaking further, the EKDC Chief disclosed that in order to ensure a just and fair assessment of customers’ consumption, the company has embarked on an energy audit and customer enumeration programme aimed at ascertaining true energy consumption of all customers with or without meters.

The programme, he said, would also lead to the detection of those that have been engaging in energy theft in one way or the other.

He then appealed to all customers of the company to co-operate with the company for the success of the programme as it would be of mutual benefit to both the customers and the company as well.

Mr Nwaire also assured that the network reinforcement and improvement programme of the company was being pursued vigorously adding that a lot of relief and upgrade projects in different parts of the network were going

on and would soon be completed for better service delivery to customers.

Participants at the town hall meeting expressed their delight at the meeting saying that the company should hold such a forum as regularly as possible to promote better interaction and understanding between it and its customers.

While commending EKEDC for the appreciable improvement in power supply in Lekki axis in recent time, a participant who represented Infinity Estate Lekki, Prince Taiwo Owosho advised the company to pursue the meter roll-out plan with seriousness so as to secure the confidence of the customers in the company’s integrity.

He also said the implementation of the meter roll-out plan would guarantee the company returns on its investment as all loopholes to energy theft and other sharp practices would have been blocked.

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, April 14, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

B7 Business Feature

‘Nigerian banks remain safe despite challenges’

By Simon Ugwu Despite challenges in the 2016 financiaal year, such as negative domestic output growth, deteriorating macroeconomic indicators and global uncertainties, the banking sector remained safe and resilient according to Financial Stability Report December 2016 released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The continued resilience of the banks was buttressed by the results of the shocks scenario of the banking sector stress tests. To address the challenges in the industry, countercyclical measures were adopted to ensure that the banks remain resilient.

Specifically, the report said that the supply constraints and demand pressure in the foreign exchange market, rising inflation and the declining output growth have threatened the sustenance of price stability and attraction of foreign capital. However, the strengthening of regulatory and supervisory measures has significantly moderated the negative consequences of the prevailing economic conditions on the banking sector and the financial system.

The negative output performance witnessed in the first half of 2016 moderated in the second half of the year. This was largely attributed to low oil price and the impact of the insecurity in some parts of the country. Furthermore, the foreign currency shortages contributed significantly to naira depreciation in the foreign exchange market, and the pass-through effect on domestic prices and cost of production. Consequently, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the contraction in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 2010 constant basic prices continued, to negative 1.76 per cent in the second half of 2016, compared with the negative 1.22 per cent in the first half of 2016.

“Specifically, efforts were focused on ensuring that systemic risks are curtailed and that banks continue to contribute to real sector growth.

As Government continues to address the adverse macroeconomic conditions, it is the

goal of the CBN to ensure that banks provide support for fiscal initiatives,” said the governor, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

“The CBN will continue to encourage lending to the critical sectors of the economy and provide incentives for lending to SMEs and households. The continued demand pressure on the naira and persistent supply constraints remained a key challenge in the foreign exchange market. Inflationary pressures coampounded market conditions necessary to attract foreign capital required for the sustenance of exchange rate stability,” he said.

Microprudential and macroprudential supervisory tools according to him will continue to be used in surveillance and oversight of the banking sector.

As appropriate structures are entrenched for the implementation of Basel II and III and IFRS 9, it is expected that the overall capacity of the banks to manage the risks in their business environment will be enhanced.

It will also help ensure that Nigerian banks have systems in place for prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

The non-oil GDP fell to 0.16 per cent in the second half of 2016, compared with the decline of 0.29 per cent in the first half of the year. The significant decline in oil prices led to the increase in the contribution of the non-oil sector GDP by 1.61 and 1.48 percentage points above the 90.73 and 90.86 per cent recorded in the preceding half year and the corresponding period of 2015, respectively. With respect to sectoral contribution in real terms, the services sector accounted for the largest share (36.28%), followed by the agricultural sector (27.04%), industry (16.91%), trade (16.52%) and construction (3.25%) During the second half of 2016 the average daily production of crude oil fell to 1.60 million barrels per day (mb/d) in the second half from 1.68 mb/d in the first half of 2016. Consequently, the contribution of the oil sector to the real GDP decreased to 7.66 per cent from 9.27 and 9.14 per cent recorded in the preceding half year and the corresponding period of 2015, indicating a decline of 1.61 and 1.43 percentage points, re-

Emefiele spectively.

Output growth in the global economy remained slow in 2016 due to uncertainties in some advanced economies, several emerging markets and developing economies. Consequently, global output growth remained at 3.1 per cent in both 2016 and 2015, but lower than the 3.4 and 3.6 per cent projected for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Monetary policy rates of most central banks were fairly stable. In the foreign exchange markets, most currencies depreciated against the US dollar with the exception of the Russian ruble and the South African Rand which appreciated in the second half of 2016.

In Nigeria, there was poor output performance as the growth rate remained negative.

This was largely attributed to low oil prices, the impact of the insecurity in some parts of the country and foreign exchange shortages.

Inflationary pressures persisted as headline inflation year-on-year remained double

digit. The economy recorded a net foreign exchange inflow, representing a 12.21 per cent rise above the level in the first half of 2016.

Similarly, the total foreign exchange transactions through the Bank resulted in a net inflow. However, the external reserves declined marginally in the second half of 2016. Money supply expanded during the review period as the growth in broad money supply, M2, was mainly driven by the significant growth in narrow money components such as demand deposits with banks and currency outside banks. Aggregate credit to the economy also increased in the review period.

The Bank maintained its contractionary monetary policy stance in the second half of 2016 in order to stimulate capital inflow, reduce demand pressures in the foreign exchange market and tackle rising inflation. Activities in the money market reflected largely the tight liquidity in the banking system.

Activities in the equities mar-

ket remained subdued as the key indices decreased compared with the preceding period. This arose mainly from the uncertainties in the macroeconomy, poor corporate performance due to tougher operating environment and rising operating costs, as well as depressed household demand.

However yields in the fixed income market increased, and hence attracted investors to that market. The Bank continued to operate its risk mitigation and insurance schemes as well as the credit support schemes with the main aim of providing support to the real sector. Key financial soundness indicators showed a decline in asset quality as the ratio of nonperforming loans (NPLs) to gross loans deteriorated in the second half of 2016 by 2.3 percentage points, compared with the levels at end-June 2016.

Capital adequacy indicators declined marginally, but remained above the regulatory thresholds. A solvency stress test of the banking industry at end-December 2016 showed that the resilience of banks to moderate and severe shocks deteriorated marginally during the review period.

Although the sector is more exposed to credit concentration and default risks, there were no significant systemic threats. The result of examinations conducted in the review period confirmed the resilience and soundness of banks in the face of daunting challenges.

Other regulatory activities of the Bank included the issuance of a guideline on Recovery and Resolution Plans for domestic systemically important banks and the guidance notes on the implementation of IFRS 9. The Bank continued the implementation of the PSV 2020, registering a majority of account holders in the banking system under the BVN scheme, which has proved to be effective in fraud prevention and investigation.

The outlook is positive, despite current challenges.

It is expected that with the implementation of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, the country will return to the path of growth in 2017.

Labour B8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18 , 2017

FG restates commitment to transforming informal sector Stories by Joy Ekeke The Federal Government has reiterated it’s commitment to formulating policies that will transform the informal sector of the economy.

Minister of Labour and Employment Sen. Chris Ngige speaking when the National Association of Barbers and Salon Employers of Nigeria (NABEN) visited him, said the determination of the government is one of the cardinal programmes of the Federal Government to formalize the informal sector with emphasis on youth empowerment, reorientation and creation of job opportunities.

The Minister said “Government cannot provide job for everybody, as job creation is a multifaceted endeavor which runs across Organizations, Ministries, Departments, Agencies of Government and Private Sector’’ As a matter of fact, job creation is the responsibility of the private sector.

What Government does is to create the enabling environment.

He stressed the need to encourage the youths in the informal sector who have shown commitment to their Profession, adding that “a lot of you would have gone to join the Boko-Haram or any other so-

cietal vices but you decided to engage yourselves meaningfully, and so in the spirit of what International Labour Organization (ILO) preaches it is our responsibility to encourage you to unionize and form for yourselves association of like minds” Ngige said that the decision to form the (NABEN) Union was a step in the right direction and applauded them for taking the bull by the horn. He re-assured the Association of his support to do something positive to grant them autonomy. ‘’The Idea of forming your Own Union called National Association of Barbers and salon Employers of Nigeria (NABEN) is a welcome development. The Ministry will expedite action to ensure that your dreams are realizable’’ “We have no right to force you to remain with the National Union of Hotels services, but we appeal to you that appropriate steps and procedures be followed to obtain application for registration of your Union.”

Earlier in his address, the leader of the delegation comrade Barile Ngbobu appealed to the Minister to assist in registering their Union, which will enable them contribute their quota in the National development.

He assured that if the Na-

NGIGE

tional Association of Barbers and Salon Employers of Nigeria is duly registered, they will remain a credible organization that would make positive im-

Nasarawa workers lament delayed promotion, salaries Nasarawa State workers under the Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress have lamented unexplained delays in promotion and salary payment.

The NLC expressed dismay that no worker had been promoted “in the last six years”.

Abdullahi Adeka, the NLC Chairman in the state, voiced the workers’ concerns at the 4th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference of Nasarawa State Chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria in Lafia.

The NLC Chairman, who was represented by Yusuf Sarki-Iya, the Treasurer, said such delays had subjected workers to lots of hardship.

Adeka said: “The situation is appalling; government will just deliberately delay salaries for up to four months before they pay for one month.

“Another issue of concern is that no worker in Nasarawa State has been promoted in the last six years.

“Also, no worker has been given annual increment and there has been no attention to staff development in terms of training, in the last six years.”

Tanko Al-Makura, Adeka said government was killing the civil service by categorising it into two senior and junior civil servants and explained that stagnation had stalled carrier progression, created a vacuum and wiped out the middle cadre.

Adeka regretted that outstanding salaries, pensions and gratuities had not been paid in spite of the Paris Club refund that came with a categorical instruction that the payments be effected.

He said: “Government recently released N300 million for the payment of gratuity of some retirees, but the money is grossly insufficient and certainly not up to half of the Paris Club Refund.”

Also speaking, Gabriel Agbashi of the Trade Union Congress, rejected suggestions that Nasarawa State was poor and lacked sufficient money to meet its obligations.

Agbashi said: “The only problem in Nasarawa State is that government does not consider workers’ welfare as its priority. We work in this state and have all records on how much is in the coffers of the state.”

He urged government to pay salaries promptly and also promote civil servants to avoid stagnation that had lowered morale.

Responding, Thomas Ogiri, Nasarawa State Head of Service, urged patience from the workers.

Ogiri said: “Government is working hard to improve workers’ welfare.

“The workers should just exercise some patience.”

He said government had always carried NLC leaders along, adding that all actions were usually based on agreement reached with them.

Labour Minister

pact in the lives of Nigerians.

Comrade Barile said ‘’ in order to measure up with the world standard of barbing profession the Association

needs to be registered so that we could regulate our activities and sanitize the industry to avoid infection and diseases.

Private sector not ready for wage increase – NECA The Organised Private Sector under the aegis of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association says the sector cannot afford to implement any upward review of salaries for now.

Olusegun Oshinowo, the Director-General of NECA, said this in Lagos while fielding questions from journalists.

According to Oshinowo, economic depression has affected employers and their businesses have dwindled, causing some to reduce the number of workers and close shops.

He said: “We will canvass at the National Minimum Wage Committee that the private sector is faced with challenges and stakeholders should look into it.”

The director-general said there was indeed an understanding that the National Minimum Wage would be due for discussion after five years.

Oshinowo said: “In effect, the 2011 agreement should be open for discussion in 2016. The clamour for discussions by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress is therefore legitimate.

“There is a time-tested and en-

shrined procedure for the discussion of the National Minimum Wage, which entails a National Minimum Wage Committee.

“This comprises of representatives of the Federal Government, State Governments, NECA and Organised Labour as represented by NLC and TUC.” However, Oshinowo said stakeholders in the socio-labour community and players in the Nigerian Industrial Relations’ system should be circumspect in their approach to the heated issue on the review of the National Minimum Wage.

He said the issue of procedure should be separated from the minimum wage subject and that the Committee has the responsibility to determine if the time was good to increase the wage or not.

Oshinowo said that the principle of reasonableness and superior arguments has always carried the day during minimum wage dialogue and that conclusions at the platform would not necessarily be for or against increase.

He said it would be to examine the need for or against and justifications for whatever positions are canvassed.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Asa To share Musical journey at ‘Asa live in Lagos’

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Asa live in Lagos Encore: The Return, The love, The Celebration After a sold-out concept b

y

many music critics, media band and a 30- piece due to popular demand.

2017 is symbolic as it marks 10 years since acclaimed,

multi-platinum

Women of Rubies take sensitization to grassroots women the issue of domestic abuse, while sharing stories of women who have died in abusive relationships because they refused to speak up. Sandra Orgah from Access Bank W Community, spoke on “Why women should save” even as the women were educated on financial independence.

Four women were given empowerment opportunities by Chinyere Anokwuru, to learn Tailoring, Catering and Computer at the Selfworth Organisation skills acquisition centre for free.

According to the Founder of Rubies Ink Initiative

Yaba LCDA Sole Administrator, Hon. Bayo Adefuye

The third edition of the Women of Rubies sensitization tagged “Sensitizing Grassroots women on domestic abuse and lifestyle issues “was held on Friday 7th of April in partnership with the Yaba LCDA at the Oluremi Tinubu Hall within the council.

Women came out enmasse from different spheres of the community to be part of the workshop. The women were not only sensitized on the need to be empowered but also encouraged to “Do Something” by Chinyere Anokwuru of Self-worth Organisation, the host and Sole Administrator of the Local Government, Hon. Bayo Adefuye, encouraged them to attend more of such programmes to be enlightened and have a voice in the society, while Nollywood Actress, Doris Simeon, encouraged them to speak up when they are being abused. She also made them realise Help is near and shared some helpline numbers of different Help centres with them. The founder of Morna International Foundation, Bukola Ogunyeye, also buttressed on

Bukola Ogunyeye

for Women and Children and Editor-In-Chief of Women of Rubies, Esther Ijewere, the workshop once again was an impactful learning experience for the women in Yaba LCDA and we thank the Sole Administrator for hosting and collaborating with us to add value to the lives of women in his Local council.

The next edition will be held at the IgandoIkotun LCDA on the 13th of April, while Kosofe LCDA and Ikeja LG are slated for 19th and 24th respectively.

Doris Simeon

Chinyere Anokwuru

AFA partners Imo State to train youths in Film-making Africa Film Academy in partnership with the government of Imo State is set to train young men and women who desire a career in the motion picture industry from the state.

The three- week intensive programme which will have Master classes will commence from 25TH April to 10th May, 2017 at Owerri and will feature some of the leading professionals in the Nigerian film industry such as Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, Tony Anih among others as resource persons.

At the end of the training which will cover script-writing, photography,

editing, acting, cinematography, sound, lighting etc, the students are expected to produce short films that will give practical expression to what they will learn during the programme.

In a press statement signed by the organization, the founder of AFA, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said that the training is essentially to introduce the prospective youths to how they can start a career in the film industry and technical production and open them to the possibilities that exist.

“At the end of it we expect participating students to take their interest to the next level through

further education in higher institutions and other institutes where they can acquire more and in-depth knowledge. We want to say that the Imo State Government has been enough to sponsor 100 students apart from providing venue and other logistics for the training and this is because of the interest of Governor Rochas Okorocha to empower the youths and create job opportunities for them. Diamond Bank as part of its CSR initiative is also sponsoring 10 students to the training while Africa Magic is also a strategic partner to make this a very successful one.”