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Ambode, Ugwuanyi must hear this!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 729

N100

Airport cleaner cries out over empty promises on returned N32m cash She returned millions to owners but got N7,000 from third party Lagos, Enugu govts yet to give her houses, redeem other pledges

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos Josephine Ugwu, a former cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Ikeja, Lagos, that found and returned several millions of naira while on duty, has called on individuals and State governors who made pledges to her, to redeem their promises.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, Ugwu, who was then working as a cleaner with Patoviki at the airport, explained that various state governments that promised her rewards have reneged on their promises.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Ugwu

INEC: Presidential, NASS polls hold Feb 16, releases timetable for 2019 polls g3

Court grants bail to Premium Times reporter as IPI wants FG to drop charge g 6

Collapsed building kills one in Abuja

Afreximbank records $343m Success of a marriage largely rests revenue in 6 on the woman-Ramsey Noah g 11 months g 15

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Ambode, Ugwuanyi must hear this!

Airport cleaner cries out...

Continued from page 1 According to her, while she returned N12 million found at the MMIA to the owner, she was given N5000 by a third party without seeing the owner of the said amount.

She added that the owner of the money found in Enugu and was returned, gave her N2000.

While commending members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for bestowing an award on her, she explained that the House promised to name a street and provide a house for her but lamented that nothing had been done.

Ugwu explained that the administration of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola during a farewell party organised in May 2015 for him by the Lagos State government, assured her that the incoming administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that would take over, would address and redeem the promise made to her since there was continuity in government. Since then, Ugwu noted that she has not been able to reach them after the farewell ceremony.

She said, “Individuals, schools and churches in Lagos State tried for me. If other states tried like Lagos State, I will not work in FAAN. Lagos State House of Assembly tried, they gave me an award with money. Am very happy.

“But the day they gave me award at the Lagos State House of Assembly, they promised to name a street or hospital in my name and said they will give me a house but

I have not seen it. After that, May 27, 2015 when former Governor Fashola held a farewell party, he told me that my letter came late to him but was shifting it to the incoming Governor Ambode to give me an award but since then, they have not called me”.

She, however, commended former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, whom according to her, treated her very well.

Ugwu noted that she would have left her present job today to set up her business assuming other prominent Nigerians came to her aid like Dr. Kalu.

She further told our correspondent: “I have returned money, not only once but four times. The first one in 2006 in Enugu N10. 2 million before I came to Lagos.

The second one -December 23, 2014, that one is N7. 3 million. Again, the same year, December 27, 2014, I returned N3. 6 million and January 23, 2015, I also returned N12.05 million”.

When asked what has been her rewards or commendation from government and owners of these millions, Ugwu simply puts it, “Sincerely, only one person - the owner of the N7.6million, the white man that gave me $50 after searching himself and said he was out of money. I said God thank you because the money will settle part of my house rent.

“So he took my phone number, he was the only one that responded. Others like one of them gave security men N15, 000 and they called me and told me to collect N5000 but I rejected it and told them

that if the owner wants to give me money, he will give me because he is an Igbo man from Anambra.

“I did it because of God not human being and left but the security insisted I must collect the N5000. But the one in Enugu gave me N2000 because I was not there when the owner of the money came.

The one of N12 million called me last year and asked ‘are you still working in Patoviki?

I said no but with FAAN now and he promised to call me when he comes back that I should send account details but till now, he has not called nor sent anything”.

Speaking on her expectations, Ugwu said: “I use this opportunity to remind those who promised me rewards because am not forcing them because they have done something for me.

“I am from Enugu and they also promised to name a street after me, since then nothing has been done but I was told Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has given approval but nobody has called to inform me.

“Some of them collected my phone number and promised to call me for reward but till today no calls, but I am happy”.

In 2006 at Enugu, Ugwu found and returned N10.

2million, N7. 3million in 2014 in Lagos, while in 2014, she also returned N3. 6million and in 2015 N12million.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan, proved abortive as he did not respond to several telephone calls and text messages at press time.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senator Godswill Akpabio at the funeral of Akpabio’s grand mother-in-law, late Madam Mercy Uduoku Neife Igwenagu (Nee Adinde) at the Christ the King Parish Aguobuowa, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State... on Friday.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, speaking to newsmen, shortly inspecting the collapsed building at Jabi District in Abuja...Friday.

INEC: Presidential, NASS polls hold Feb 16, releases timetable for 2019 polls Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, issued Notice of Election for the 2019 general election.

The Notice which is pasted in all offices of the Commission nationwide, as well as in some designated places across the country, was an official indication for kick-starting the activities of the general election.

The publication of the notice was in fulfilment of the requirements of the law as provided in Section 30 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

According to the TimeTable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 general election released earlier by the Commission, the election into the office of the President and

seats in the National Assembly will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

Governorship and States House of Assembly election will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 while party primaries would begin from today, Saturday, August 18, 2018 to Sunday, October 7, 2018.

Political parties are expected to commence campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on November 17, 2018, while campaigns for the Governorship and State House of Assemblies commence on December 1, 2018.

Collection of forms for all elections by political parties at the INEC headquarters started on Friday and will end on Friday, August 24 while all collected forms including forms CF 001 and CF 002 must be submitted on October 18

for President and National Assembly and November 2, 2019 for Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Parties can replace withdrawn presidential and National Assembly candidates on or before November 17 while governorship and state assembly candidates can be replaced latest December 1.

Voters register to be used for the 2019 polls will be published on January 7, 2019 while list of nominated candidates will be published on January 17 for presidential and National Assembly candidates and January 31 for governorship and house of assembly elections.

The commission also pegged last day of campaign for presidential and National Assembly polls at February 14 and February 28 for governorship and state assembly elections.

L-R: Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun with the Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’aziz Yari, during the National Economic Council meeting at the State House...on Thursday.

L-R: Divisional Manager, Lagos and West Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi, Director of Administration and Human Resource, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folashade Lediju, Marketing Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Friday Enaholo, Mr Hakeem Olusola Olalekan and School Programmes Coordinator, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mrs. Yetunde Adesola during the 2018 Astymin Brilliance Reward event in Lagos.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

5 News

Collapsed building kills one in Abuja 10 persons still trapped, rescue efforts ongoing

Tunde Opalana, Abuja Tragedy struck in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Friday as about 10 persons including, women and children were feared trapped under a building which collapsed.

Unconfirmed reports said that one person died when the four-storey building under construction collapsed on the workers and food sellers at the Jabi area of the city.

It was gathered that the building had been abandoned for over 15 years by the owner who recently mobilized workers to continue the construction of the structure.

Officials of the Federal

Capital Territory Development Authority later arrived at the scene to commence the rescue of the trapped victims.

But the heavy rain was said to have also hampered rescue operations, coupled with the late response emergency workers to the disaster site and the unavailability of the specialized equipment to carry out rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, rescue officials were said to have rescued about six persons while a corpse has been evacuated.

In a related development, officials of the FCT have threatened to henceforth, demolish all uncompleted and abandoned buildings in the territory in the interest of public safety.

As at the time of this report, construction giant, Julius Berger and other construction firms have rushed equipment to the site of the collapsed building to complement rescue efforts.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, also visited the scene of the disaster with both men giving assurances that efforts are being put in place to prevent recurrence.

In a related development, experts at the scene of the incident have blamed the use of poor building materials for the collapse of the structure.

NBC insists on applying sanctions on erring stations Tom Okpe, Abuja The Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibbo Kawu has warned broadcasting stations across the country that the commission will not hesitate to punish erring stations that go against its laid down rules and regulations.

Kawu assured that the commission will continue to execute its responsibilities without fear or favour and shall apply the relevant sanctions on erring stations whenever they violate the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Regulation of Musical Content on the Airwaves.

In a press statement made available on Friday and signed by NBC’s Head, Public Affairs, Mrs. Maimuna Jimada, the NBC said that “the attention of the NBC has been drawn to comments and observations in the media space regarding the fine imposed on Jay FM, Jos, for continuous airing of vulgar and indecent musical lyrics in

Kawu

spite of verbal and written warnings to the station”.

The statement added that Kawu emphasized the fact that the commission has been very proactive and responsive in its efforts at regulating the broadcast industry, especially as regards to ensuring the citizens’ right to quality broadcasting.

He said that “the Act establishing the NBC empowered the commission, to amongst other mandates in Section 2.1(h) to establish and disseminate a National Broadcasting Code and set standards with regard to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast.

“This, the commission has done and because of the revolutionary nature of broadcasting, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is reviewed every four years in a stakeholders’ participatory process. Information about the review of the code is disseminated widely and participation is open to all relevant and interested members of the public.

“Consequently, the code is a document which has the inputs of

a wide variety of stakeholders. In addition, the code is available on the NBC website and media pages and at our various offices located across the country. By industry standards, broadcasting stations are mandated by law, to adhere strictly to the dictates of the code and where they falter, the commission initiates the sanction process.

“The director general hereby states that all actions of the commission are strictly informed by and carried out according to the dictates of the law and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code”.

Kawu stated that in other climes, artistes produce content in at least two versions; the broadcast version which follows broadcasting guidelines is deemed fit for broadcast and made available on broadcast stations and outlets, adding that “in such cases, the original version is still available through private channels not regulated such as on music streaming services or at private events”.

The director general therefore enjoins artistes to produce broadcast versions of their works to enable broadcast stations use them without contravening the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code adding that the Nigerian artiste has a responsibility to the country.

“Today, popular songs of leading Nigerian musicians garner millions of views on YouTube. This indicates the level of influence they exert upon the young people who make up the majority of our country’s population.

We believe our artistes should offer a positive influence on this young population.

“Broadcasting is a creative medium characterized by professionalism, choice and innovation to serve the interest of the general public and is expected to influence society positively by setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of the Nation for the public good”, he added.

The Daily Times recalls that Abuja recorded a high rate of building collapse in 2016, which were majorly as a result of poor quality building materials used

in constructing such buildings and the supervision of affected structures by unqualified building engineers.

2019 polls budget: We will approve either N189bn or N143bn, NASS tells INEC Tunde Opalana, Abuja As deliberations over the financing of the 2019 general elections between the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) entered a second day on Friday, the joint committees of the National Assembly on INEC and Electoral Matters affirmed that it has the prerogative of approving either of the two figures in contention.

The lawmakers were in a dilemma on whether to approve the total sum of N189billion needed by INEC for the conduct of the election or the N143billion requested for that purpose this year by President Muhammadu Buhari as members of the joint committee took party lines in their contributions.

Lawmakers on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) argued for approval of the entire sum of N189billion while those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , argued that the N143billion requested by President Buhari in his virement request should be approved, since the balance of N45.6billion will be appropriated for in the 2019 budget.

The final stand of the committee received a boost when the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who could not made further plea on the approval of N189bilion, said the legislators should use their discretion in approving whatever figure they deem fit.

Udoma, who made the submission upon request to that effect by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif (PDP, Bauchi North) , explained to the committee that though the N189billion requested for by INEC was the same amount the President wrote in the letter but because of funding constraints, President Buhari decided to break approval for it into two fold by seeking virement for N143billion for INEC this year while the balance of N45.6billion would be taken care of in the 2019 budget .

According to him, if the joint committee wishes to approve the entire N189billion without this resulting in increasing the N9.12trillion 2018 budget, this would be appreciated by the executive.

“Mr. President will have no objection to the National Assembly approving the entire N189billion INEC budget as long as it does not in anyway, lead to increase in the overall size of the 2018 budget.

“If this is to be done, the N45.6billion the President in his letter proposed to be provided for in the 2019 budget, would also have to be vired along with the N143billion from the N578billion fund appropriated for in the 2018 budget by the National Assembly for the additional 1,403 projects included in the budget,” he said.

But when taken up by the committee members on whether he has authorization to make the submission he made for the approval of the N189billion as against N143billion requested for by the President for INEC this year, the minister answered that “the discretion on which of the requests to be approved by you now, is yours.

If you approve the N143billion the President requested for is okay and if you approve the entire N189billion for INEC this year is also alright.

“Any of the two is okay for the executive, except that if you approve the N189billion through virement, the N45.6 billion planned to be captured in the 2019 budget, would no longer be part of the budget estimates for that year”.

However, a debate by committee members after the minister’s submissions took party lines as those of them belonging to the PDP like Senators Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South); Isa Misau (Bauchi Central); Hon Wole Oke (PDP Osun) and Hon Ogbeideihama Omorege (PDP Edo) argued that the N143billion requested for by the President should be approved while their APC counterparts like Senators Ibrahim Kurfi (Katsina Central); Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North); Ovie Omo - Agege (Delta Central) and Hon Aisha Dukku (APC Gombe ) insisted that the entire N189 billion should be approved .

Apparently disturbed by the development, the committee Chairman, Senator Suleiman Nazif in his remarks said the essence of inviting the budget minister, the Presidential Liaison Officer in the National Assembly, Senator Ita Enang and INEC officials was to enable Nigerians see that the consideration of the budget is transparent, nationalistic and non-partisan .

“We are not here to play politics with the 2019 election budget.

No confusion, no ambiguity on submissions made and requests before us.

“It is our prerogative as a committee to critically look into all the details and recommend either of the two requests for approval by committee of the whole at both chambers,” he said and accordingly adjourned the joint committee’s sitting sine die.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Gov Ugwuanyi moves to complete Court grants bail to Premium Times reporter as IPI wants Enugu Int’l Conference Centre Takes possession of Hotel Presidential

Moses Oyediran, Enugu

The administration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in keeping with its vision to protect legacy projects of past administrations, has directed the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to “immediately” initiate and commence the evaluation of outstanding builder’s works and other contractual requirements for the completion of the Enugu International Conference Centre.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr.

Greg Nnaji, who described the centre as “a legacy project”, disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is desirous to put in place mechanism to complete the edifice in view of its inherent socio-economic benefits to the people of the state.

Also at the briefing, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rita Mbah, informed newsmen that the state government has taken full possession of the Hotel Presidential, Enugu, and

consequently “approved the immediate renovation of the recreation section” of the hotel, following the recent striking out of the court case against the government by an interested party.

Hon. Mbah explained that the renovation exercise will be carried out “in the premier garden, the swimming pool arena, wedding arena and the four tennis courts, among others, stressing that the present administration “is really poised to make sure that the hotel is brought back to a functional state”.

The Culture and Tourism Commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the sum of N77 million for the upgrade and rehabilitation of water supply in Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, pointing out that the decision was in addition to other interventions earlier made by the government to improve the standard of the three star hotel, such as “the procurement and installation of 500KVA and 650KVA generators”.

On road infrastructure, the Works Commissioner stated that the council awarded contract for the construction of Enugu Eke-Ogui-

Oma Eke road near Amah Brewery in Udi Local Government Area to Willangy Nig. Ltd at the cost of N202 million.

He added that the council approved the designing and scoping of selected rural roads and 25 river crossings (bridges and culverts) across the state under the phase two of Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP II).

Equally approved, according to Engr. Nnaji, was the sum of N250 million for the immediate repairs of identified emerging potholes on urban and intercity roads in the state, such as the Ugwuogo-OpiNsukka road and Ugwuogo-Ikem road, covering close to 40,000 square meters, which translates to 4.5 kilometers.

He further explained that “what we have done is to commence the first phase to ensure that these projects are rehabilitated simultaneously now the rains are reducing”, revealing that the state government agency in charge of road maintenance, NCFC, will work with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to deliver on the project.

L-R: Chairman, Betoniq West Nigeria Ltd, Avm. Monday Morgan (rtd); Managing Director, Post Service Housing Development Scheme, Brig. Gen Mahe Bashir and Chairman Otupo Local Government Council, Hon. George Ali during the press conference of the post service housing partnership in Abuja...on Thursday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Sallah celebration: CP Lagos deploys additional 1,000 policemen Joy Anyim, Lagos

To ensure a hitch free Eid-ElKabir celebration in Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Imohimi Edgal, has directed the deployment of an additional 1,000 policemen to boost the number of men designated for the Command’s Operations Order.

This, the command said will ensure a smooth celebration through effective coverage of the prayer grounds, holiday spots and the neighbourhoods.

Edgal said in addition to the 1,000 men deployed, specialised units like the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Canine section (Police dogs), the Air support unit, Marine police and the Mounted troops (Horsemen), have been

activated and sufficiently mobilised to guarantee security during the holidays.

The CP said, “I am assuring Lagosians that the Command is committed to their security before, during and after the holiday. I also wish the Muslim faithful a happy Eid-El-Kabir celebration and admonished the city dwellers to be security conscious and enjoy moderately during the holiday.”

FG to drop charge Andrew Orolua, Patrick Okohue The presiding Magistrate of Kubwa Grade 1 Magistrates’ Court, Abdulwahab Mohammed, on Friday granted bail to the Premium Times reporter, Samuel Ogundipe.

Ogundipe was arrested and detained on August 14 by police for failing to disclose source of his story .

But Ogundipe has regained temporary freedom just as the International Press Institute (IPI) asked the federal government to drop the charge against the reporter.

The police had on Thursday amidst public protest arraigned Ogundipe before the Magistrates’ Court with alleged “criminal trespass and theft of police documents, contrary to sections 352, 288 and 319 of the penal code.”

But the IPI on Friday in a statement berated the Federal Government for the arrest, detention and prosecution of Samuel Ogundipe, accusing the government of violating the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 66 of the Treaty of ECOWAS signed in Lagos in 1975, which requires member states to “ensure respect for the rights of journalists.”

While welcoming the release of Ogundipe on bail, IPI, a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, demanded that all charges against Ogundipe be dropped forthwith.

Ogundipe was arrested by Nigeria police on August 14 after his newspaper, the Premium Times, published a report sent by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The report detailed the actions of the former Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), Lawal Daura in relation to an incident in which SSS operatives blocked lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on August 7.

The police are demanding that Ogundipe reveal his sources for the IGP report.

The Premium Times also reported that Ogundipe was released yesterday morning after posting bail in the amount of N500,000 (around 1,215 euros).

The IPI Executive Director, Barbara Trionfi noted that, “The prosecution of Samuel Ogundipe is a form of harassment against a journalist who has been carrying out his work professionally and in full respect of the principles included in the Code of Ethics of the Nigerian Press Council.

“The confidentiality of sources is universally acknowledged both as a duty and a right of journalists, as it is a necessary precondition for journalistic work.”

She added: “International principles and treaties, including the 2002 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in

Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2002 and which represents an important milestone for media freedom in Africa, sets clear obligations on African Union member states to guarantee the confidentiality of journalistic sources.

“In arresting and prosecuting Ogundipe, the Nigerian government has also violated Article 66 of the Treaty of ECOWAS signed in Lagos in 1975, which requires member states to “ensure respect for the rights of journalists,” Trionfi added.

She noted further that, “In June of this year, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, inaugurating the 67th IPI World Congress in Abuja, said that ‘good journalism promotes good governance’. He added: ‘In an environment where fake news dwarfs investigative reporting, good journalism matters’.

“Unfortunately,” the IPI Director added, “President Buhari’s words do not resonate in the actions of the police, and investigative journalism still faces great obstacles today in Nigeria,” Adding that, “The article published by the Premium Times is an example of good investigative reporting. Nigerian officials should cherish this type of journalism and so send a clear message about their serious intention to fight corruption and wrongdoing in the country.”

The IPI said arresting journalists and asking them to disclose their sources has become a pattern in Nigeria, “In April 2013, two journalists of the LEADERSHIP newspaper: Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, were detained for several days after they refused to disclose their sources.

“In March of this year, Tony Ezimakor, Abuja bureau chief of the Independent, was arrested and pressed to reveal his sources after he reported about the government’s allegedly paying ransom to Boko Haram for the release of kidnapped girls. He was later released without any charges.

“The arrest of Ogundipe comes amid deepened scrutiny of press freedom in Nigeria. During the World Congress, IPI raised the case of Jones Abiri, editor of a weekly who had been in the custody of the security services for nearly two years without charges.

“The government accused Abiri of being a terrorist and denied that he was a journalist.

Thanks to pressure from IPI and other international press freedom organisations, along with reports published in the Nigerian media establishing that Abiri is a journalist, the security services produced him in court last month and he was released on bail on Wednesday.

“The magistrate hearing the case has cautioned the prosecution that the case against Abiri will be dismissed if it does not produce proof of evidence,” the IPI added.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Sen Abe insists next gov must come from Rivers South East Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Senator Magnus Ngei Abe on Friday declared that there would be no peace if the next governor of the state does not emerge from his senatorial district.

The senator who is also a governorship aspirant for the 2019 general elections in the state, said that his statement was predicated on the fact that Rivers South East was over due to produce the next governor, adding that there would be no peace without justice.

Senator Abe, who spoke at the official unveiling of a factional APC state secretariat on Friday, stated that “there can be no peace without justice. There will be no justice without peace. For there to be peace in Rivers state, the next governor of the state must come from Rivers South East Senatorial District”.

Furthermore, Senator Abe said that the new secretariat represented the authentic body of the state executive recognized by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

“The executive that will operate from this secretariat is the one that the court asked to remain when the court nullified the ward, local government, and state congresses. This executive represents the status quo ordered by the court.

“This executive was put together by members of the party. This is the only executive without legal impediments and it is open to everybody. You don’t need to preach hate to come in here.

You don’t have to hate Abe to come here. You don’t have to antagonize our leader, Amaechi, to come here. As far as you support Buhari, Oshiomhole, and believe in APC, the secretariat is open to all APC members,” he added.

Speaking in support of the direct primary option approved by the APC’s NWC to select elective candidates for the 2018 general elections, Abe pointed out that the APC’s candidate for the 2019 governorship election would be elected by the members of the party.

“We are being hunted for our ambition. We should come together. We need an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. Majority of party members will elect who will be our governorship candidate,” the senator said.

Declaring the secretariat open, Senator Wilson Ake, formerly representing Rivers West in the Senate, an ally of Senator Abe, said that some of them left the Peoples Democratic Party because of alleged oppression, lawlessness, and intimidation and advised the new state executive not to let it happen in the party.

7 News

Short News N-power: 5,853 beneficiaries posted in Gombe No fewer than 5,853 second batch beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N-power programme have been posted to places of their primary assignments in Gombe State.

The Focal Person officer of the Vice- President and the Special Adviser to the Gombe State Governor on Social Investment, Hajiya Maryam Mele, disclosed this to the newsmen in Gombe on Friday.

She said that 5,853 were successful out of the 21, 000 applicants who applied for the programme in the state.

“After free selections at the national office, 8,000 were selected for verification and about 7,000 were verified as some did not show up.

“Eighty per cent of those who applied had fake certificates, some were over aged while 5,853 were successful,” she said.

ASUU protest rocks Osogbo Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday took to the streets of Osogbo to protest the alleged neglect of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

The protesters, in their hundreds, carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Oyo/Osun, Don’t Play Politics with the Lives of Our Students,” and “Do Not Kill the Best State University in Nigeria’’ among others.

Speaking with newsmen after the peaceful protest, the Coordinator of Akure Zone of ASUU, Prof. Alex Odiyi, said that the neglect of LAUTECH had created problems for the union.

He said the protest was to compel the two owner- states of Osun and Oyo to rise up to their responsibilities.

Sexagenarian docked over alleged N1.3m fraud

The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, The Most Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye and The Chief Imam of Lagos, Engr Sulaimon Abou-Nollah during the courtesy visit of the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos to the Chief Imam at the Central Mosque in Lagos...on Thursday.

Photo: Olatunji Wale

Adesina urges media to reject fake news, hate speech Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has reminded the media that its role will determine the success or otherwise of the 2019 elections.

In a lecture he delivered at the closing ceremony of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) Press Week in Lokoja, Kogi state, titled: “Media and news reporting in an election year,” Adesina advised media practitioners to adhere to and conform to the media code of practice before, during and after

the conduct of elections.

He said that less than 200 days to the general elections, fake news, fiction and misinformation have pervaded the country.

The president’s spokesman also decried what he called hate speeches by Nigerians and appealed to the media to avoid being used by desperate people who are bent on disintegrating the country because of their selfish desires.

According to the special adviser, purveyors of fake news are determined to destroy the integrity of the media by pumping made up information into the polity, using it as the tool to destroy the nation.

He explained that there is synergy between the fake news peddlers and hate speech makers whose sole objective is to cause disaffection among citizens using ethnicity, religion and regional dichotomy.

Adesina, who counselled journalists to effectively and efficiently abide by the code of conduct, however cautioned that what the media does or refuses to do can cause unimaginable damage to the country..

He enjoined journalists to be saviours of the nation as selfishness and desperation by politicians now pervades the nation’s political space.

A sexagenarian, Taiye Ogbonyomi, who allegedly obtained N1.3 million under false pretences, on Friday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ogbonyomi, 63, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Mr Cyril Ejiofor, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 23 in Lagos.

Ejiofor said that the accused defrauded one Dr Godknows Itamunoala on the pretext of supplying him Bonny Light Crude Oil. The offences contravene Sections 280, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Amended).

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Alex Komolafe, granted the accused N100, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until Sept. 17 for mention.

‘Nigeria records 102,000 new cases of cancer annually’

The Executive Director, Project Pink Blue, an NGO, Mr Runcie Chidebe, says Nigeria records about 102,000 new cases of cancer every year and a significant low surviving rate.

Chidebe made this known in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

He said cancer was responsible for the death of 72,000 Nigeria annually.

According to him, less than 50 oncologists is not enough to cater for the cancer related cases in various health institutions in the country.

He stressed the need for the government at all levels to encourage more resident doctors to go abroad to train as oncologists that would tackle the rising cases of cancer in the country.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Anarchy looms over executive, Short News legislative feud, says APGA chieftain Patrick Okohue, Lagos ‘We have seen dividends of democracy’

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Willy Ezugwu, has warned against the impending anarchy in the country as a result of the continued confrontation between the executive arm of government and the legislature, saying the feud is capable of derailing Nigeria’s democracy if allowed to fester.

Chief Ezugwu, who is an APGA board of trustee member and Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in a statement issued in Abuja, stated that “the cat and mouse game between

the two arms of government over the supplementary appropriation bill for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a mere symptom of a catastrophic consequences of the ongoing altercation between them.”

He maintained that the unending dispute is egoistic, unnecessary and unhealthy for democracy.

“The Nigerian people are the greatest losers in this selfish political gangsterism. And I urge every lover of democracy in the world to speak up now in defence of our democracy because a stitch in time saves nine.

“As a Nigerian, I have watched with dismay as our

hitherto exalted leaders are sacrificing our hard earned democracy on the alters of ego, nepotism and greed for power at the expense of the suffering masses who elected them with the hope of a better wellbeing.

“The current state of affairs in Nigeria is frightening and if the executive and the legislature at the centre cannot work together and the status quo maintained, I am afraid that the imminent anarchy could be the worst threat to democracy ever in Nigeria.

“It is about time we played politics as sports men and women if only our reason for seeking elective political office is to serve the Nigerian people,” he counselled.

Tom Okpe, Abuja The Ba’ale of Bode Sa’adu in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, Barrister Bola Yusuf, has commended the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Jebba Road, saying the road has opened up the area to social and economic activities once more.

Barrister Yusuf gave the commendation in Bode Saa’du, a town along the newly-constructed single carriage way, on Friday, when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, inspected the construction of the Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road.

“We are indeed very grateful to the government. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of this road”, he said.

Gov Bello salutes IBB at 77 Abubakar Bello of Niger on Friday felicitated with former military President, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who turned 77 years on Friday (today).

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Ndace, in Minna, Bello said that Babangida’s life had remained a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

The governor noted that the former military leader had continued to demonstrate great statesmanship and patriotism and had remained resolute on the path of promoting national unity, integration and development.

Bello described Babangida as a great source and flowing river of inspiration as well as a role model whose excellent years of active public life were guided by good virtues, vision and courage.

R-L: Edo State Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; Representative of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Barr. Emmanuel Usoh; and General Overseer, Covenant Ministry International, Bishop Chukwu Anayo, during the 2nd anniversary thanksgiving service of APC Christian Prayer/ Contact Committee Edo State, at the Government House, Benin City...on Friday

2019: Adamawa women vow to support Buhari, Bindow Tom Garba, Yola The Adamawa state chapter of the Women for Buhari/ Osibanjo Organisation has vowed to mobilize votes for Buhari and the state governor during the 2019 general elections.

The women who made the pledge during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow at Government House, Yola, extolled the governor’s administration for its progressive achievements.

According to the state Coordinator of the association, Gumi Simon, with what Bindow is doing in the state, he is becoming a stallion which

makes him a sellable material to the electorate.

“We are here to pledge that our loyalty is unshakable and to tell you we are out to mobilize women in Adamawa state to vote for Buhari and Osibanjo, and with what you are doing be rest assured women in the state will give you block votes. ‘’Our coming is to also to let you know that we will be embarking on a voters’ card enlightenment campaign to all the women in the 226 wards on how to vote the right candidates. We discovered that most of the invalid votes are cast by women, thereby reducing the chances of our viable candidates.

‘’We hope to establish coordinators in all the 21 local governments and wards with the sole aim of bringing Buhari/ Osibanjo and Bindow/Babale in 2019 by the grace of God,’’ she said.

She further revealed that the organization is an embodiment of women technocrats in the state with experienced politicians, business women, educationists and seasoned retired civil servants who came together to help in pushing the state forward.

In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Umar Bindir described governor Bindow as a man whose achievements are transparent for everyone to see.

Ex-BIRS boss tasks Benue woman on leadership A former Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mrs Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, has charged women in Benue to rise up to the challenge of leadership to resolve problems in the state.

She gave the charge on Friday after holding talks with elders of Kwande community, residing in Makurdi to announce her intention to seek political office.

She also told the residents to take advantage of the extension of the deadline for voter registration to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

Adzape-Orubibi announced her intention to contest for the Benue North East senatorial seat on the platform of APC in the upcoming general elections.

Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu top list of states with high number youths in politics

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), “67 Million Initiative’’ has rated Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Enugu as top states with the highest youths participation in politics.

One of the Conveners of the group, Mr Luqman Edu disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Edu said that the rating was done among youths between the ages of 18 and 45 years.

He noted that the data was collated by members of the group in the various states to reveal the rate of youths participation in their states under its “Rate Your State Initiative”.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Hope rises for $20bn Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park Minister inaugurates Technical Working C’ttee

Joseph Inokotong, Abuja Hope that the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park project would soon become a reality has emerged.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, formerly inaugurated the Technical Working Committee for the project during the Steering Committee session held recently in the Auditorium of the Petroleum Ministry, Abuja.

The technical working committee comprises representatives from the developer consortium, Alpha Grip Management Company (AGMC) led

by Alpha Group from UAE including its consortium partners such as Power China.

Others are leading energy companies from Korea and China along with

the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Delta State Government.

According to Sunny Eweama of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Abuja, the committee was tasked to fast track the project by identifying major issues surrounding the development process and proffer solutions, which would be presented to the steering committee to enable execution of the project.

Dr. Kachikwu emphasized the importance of identifying the issues that are delaying the project and urged the committee to jointly find a solution to resolving those issues in order to realize the project as quickly as possible.

The Executive Managing Director of AGMC, Sheikh Mohamed Bayorh who led the developer consortium thanked

the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources for his vision, leadership and his desire to ensure that the project come to fruition quick.

He noted that it was very critical for all the stakeholders to work closely together to resolve some of the key issues delaying the development of the project such as adequate gas allocation and sandfilling of the site required for the project.

He said AGMC presented its development and implementation plan for the Gas Revolution Industrial Park to the Steering committee, noting that the Minister expressed satisfaction in the capacity of AGMC in handling the project.

Eweama said the developers consortium have attracted and mobilized over $10 billion of investment for the successful first phase take off of the project.

9 News

Property owner petitions FCT minister over illegal demolition Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Despite an order by the Federal Capital Territory High Court restraining officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), from invading the property of a firm, Obike Industry Limited, some officials of the FCDA yesterday moved in with their bulldozers demolishing part of the property.

Obike Industry Limited is the owner and operator of the garden known as Peka garden and park located at No: 26, Aswan street, Wuse zone 3 Abuja.

Describing the demolition of the property as illegal and contemptuous, management of the firm wondered why FCDA officials will choose to go through the back door to illegally cause mayhem on a property that was legally accorded to them.

114,448 PVCs yet to be collected in Kebbi–INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 114,448 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) produced are yet to be collected by their owners in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ahmad Mahmud, in the state, disclosed this on Friday while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, 37,000 uncollected PVCs were from the 2014 voter registration exercise.

“In the April 2017 continuous voter registration exercise, we were able to register 271,224 comprising: 155,879 males and 115,345 females.”

Mahmud said the state received 117,863 newly printed PVCs from INEC national headquarters, adding that only 40,415 had been collected leaving about 77,448 uncollected.

Edo Govt to partner landlords on greenery project

L-R: Justice Eunice Aguomba; Executive Secretary National Human Right Commission, Mr. Tonny Ojukwu and Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, Dr. Benson Olugbuo, during a press briefing on public hearing on allegations of national human right commission violations by SARS in Abuja on...Thursday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Sallah durbar: 500 dignitaries to join Ilorin Emir Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin No fewer than 500 beautifully decorated horses and dignitaries would on Wednesday participate in the Ilorin emirate grand durbar that would be led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari to mark this year’s Eid-elkabir festival.

The cultural celebration is scheduled to come up on the second day of Eidel- kabir celebration at the frontage of Emir’s palace in Ilorin.

The chairman of the durbar committee, Engineer Sulyman Yahaya Alapansanpa who briefed journalists about the significance of Durbar celebration at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), press centre, Ilorin yesterday ahead of the event said unlike in the past, this year’s durbar will be extended beyond the Emir, and Royalty.

“Durbar is the unique ceremonial display and cultural procession of well decorated and garrisoned horses usually and beautifully mounted by the royals,

chiefs, princes and some other eminent citizens of a given emirate to celebrate an important cultural epoch or religious event or, sometimes, the presence or visit of an August dignitary. Thus, the forthcoming durbar cultural festival has no political connotation”, he said.

Alapansanpa said the event was being organised to promote the rich cultural heritage of Ilorin emirate and guard against cultural imperialism that was fast eroding the cultural values of the people.

“The organisation of durbar will also discourage the penetration of foreign culture into the psyche and consciousness of our often impressionistic younger ones.

“Durbar will also douse the acrimonious tension and socio-cultural apathy the perennial haphazard staging of baseless, meaningless and pernicious social carnivals by some restive, and poorly guarded youthful groups across the emirate and halt the appalling tendencies of promoting cultural illicitness, drug addiction, etc”, he said.

According to the committee chairman,

“on that day, the Emir will ride on his decorated horse through Isale -oja to General Hospital along Baboko through Taiwo Oke to Taiwo Isale, Emir’s Road and to the palace where he will be welcomed by all and sundry.”

He dismissed the insinuations making the rounds that the durbar was being organised to achieve political interests.

In his speech the National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union (IEDPU), Ambassador Abdulazeez Usman called on the indigenes of Ilorin based outside the town to come home with a view to, at least be part of the unifying culture.

The secretary of the committee, Dr Ibrahim Jawondo who is also the director of centre for Ilorin studies, University of Ilorin assured all the invited dignitaries and corporate organizations that are coming to showcase their products of adequate security.

He urged members of the public that are coming to witness the festival to cooperate with security men that will be on ground on that day for the successful celebration.

The Edo Government says it will partner landlords in Benin City, the state capital, on its greenery project as part of its efforts on environmental sustainability.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, said this while speaking with journalists on Friday in Benin.

She said that the project would be driven on a social and behavioural change template aimed at encouraging landlords in the city to plant and maintain trees in front of their houses.

According to her, “There is a big drive at enhancing the beauty of our state. We are looking at parks and gardens”.

Osogbo agog for Osun Osogbo festival grand finale Tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe on Friday flooded the ancient city of Osogbo, Osun, to join the fiesta marking the grand finale of the annual Osun Osogbo festival.

The tourists and the enthusiasts include those from Africa, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world for the celebration.

The fiesta involves various socio- economic and traditional activities with several Osun devotees singing, dancing while others exhibit some cultural styles as early as 8:00 a.m around the Osun groove.

Many devotees were seen carrying plastic bottles and kegs, moving to the Osun River to fetch some water for spiritual purposes.

The event also witnessed traditional masquerades with their masquerades chanting and singing, brandishing locally made gun shots while firing gun shots sporadically into the air.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Gov Ganduje seeks consolidation of national Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has advocated the need to find a way to consolidate national integration and how States can help others survive.

The Kano State Governor who disclosed he was in Abia state for a royal honour to be conferred on him by the chairman, Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Eberechi Dick said the title is a way of consolidating the national integration the country is seeking for.

He said the honour would further consolidate national integration that Nigerians yearn for and called on all to understand their differences and accept each other as the only way to build a united Nigeria.

Governor Ganduje said Nigerians by now ought to understand each others’ differences and take advantage of their

diversity so that the country can become stronger.

Also speaking the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and the Sarkin Kano, Lamido Sanusi Lamido said he has longed for the visit for a while.

He described Kano as a cosmopolitan society that prides itself in her ability to welcome and accommodate everyone, and emphasized on the need to accept each other’s differences and thanked Abia state government for efforts at building a better Abia.

“Every country that wants to progress must accommodate all”, he said, and expressed happiness that the two Governors of APC and PDP are working towards national interest in what seems a handshake across ethnic divide.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu assured that Abia would collaborate with Kano state on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development in the state.

He said Abia would leverage on cotton and the ternaries in Kano to improve the leather, shoes and bags industry in Abia, noting that every state needs each other to survive.

“For me, every part of Nigeria needs each other and this is the kind of synergy we need”, he said, adding that he has opened talks with the Bank of Industry to see how best to source the materials.

Dr Ikpeazu said he will explore ways of making bulk purchase of leather from Kano to drive the shoe factories in Aba and disclosed that the Commissioner for Trade and Investments will soon be visiting Kano state with Aba leather manufacturers.

The Abia Governor further stressed the need for every ethnic nationality in the country to respect each other’s differences and learn how to leverage the things they share in common for the sake of posterity.

Short News

2019 election: Group backs Gov Dickson to vie for senatorial seat

A pressure group known as, ‘Dickson Mata, Na Wa Mata’, has called on Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State to contest the West Senatorial District seat to represent Sagbama and Ekeremor at the upper Chambers in the forthcoming elections.

A statement by the group’s coordinator, Frank Olotu, decried the lack of development in the Niger Delta region and attributed it to lack of effective representation at the National Assembly which they believe can be augmented if Governor Dickson accepts the call to run for the Bayelsa West Senatorial ticket.

Olotu expressed satisfaction with Governor Dickson’s giant strides and urged the electorates of Sagbama and Ekeremor to get their permanent voters’ card handy to elect the governor for the Senate seat at the forthcoming legislative polls.

SARS overhauling: Foundation lauds Osinbajo, IGP The Foundation for Justice and Rehabilitation of Prisoners, a human rights group, has commended the presidential directive for the overhauling of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.

The Project Secretary of the foundation, Ms Cynthia Okere, who gave the commendation in a statement issued on Friday, also lauded the rapid response by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.

Okere said that the immediate compliance with the Presidential directive by the police had led to structural mechanism, channelled toward overhauling of SARS. According to her, such step will address complaints and allegations on human rights violations against some of the personnel of SARS by some members of the public in some parts of the country.

NTDC partners Wikimedia to boost tourism L-R: Galadima Adamawa, Mustapha Aminu, Waziri Adamawa and frontline presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and Lamido Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa as members of the emirate council to the Yola International Airport welcome the Lamido back from a travel...on Friday.

Rivers bye-election: Gov Wike warns trouble makers to keep away Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has alerted the public on plots by some politicians to import thugs and cultists to negatively influence the outcome of the Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 Bye-Election on Saturday.

Governor Wike urged leaders of political parties and their candidates to advise their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the election, stressing that the election is not a do-or-die affair.

In a state broadcast on Friday, Governor Wike declared that all those plotting to use political thugs and cultists would be tracked down and made to face the full weight of government and extant laws.

He said: “Furthermore, we have it on good authority that some failed politicians are planning to use cultists and political thugs to intimidate voters and attempt to disrupt the voting process.

“We, therefore, advise all those who have no business with the election process to, in their own interest, keep their distance from the constituency during the duration of the byeelection.”

To ensure that the Port Harcourt State Constituency Bye-Election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour, Governor Wike announced restriction of movement across the constituency between 7am and 7pm.

Governor Wike said: “The Rivers State Government has put adequate measures to ensure that the bye-election is highly successful and the outcome generally acceptable.

“Part of such measures includes the restriction of vehicular movements in the entire length and breadth of Port Harcourt Constituency 3, as well as the closure of the following roads and routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday 18th August, 2018.

“From Agip junction (Rumueme) through Ikwerre Road and adjoining streets to Olu

Obasanjo Road and adjoining streets to UTC junction and adjoining streets in Diobu areas of Port Harcourt Local Government Area,” he said.

He urged the people and residents to turn out en masse to vote and defend their votes.

Governor Wike appealed to youths, elders, and women to troop out to vote a candidate who would work towards the advancement of good governance in the state.

“This election is very important to the people and residents of Rumuokowu, Ihuwo-Orogbu, Rumuokara-mati, Rumuelechi, Oro-obaziolu, Rumu-enyika, Rumuopareli, Rumuobiekwe, Rumukpalukwuozu, Rumuogbarawehu and Rumuwoji communities because it will enable them to elect who will represent and advance their interests in the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he said.

The Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 seat became vacant following the resignation of Hon. Victor Ihunwo who has since been elected as the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker, said on Friday that it had concluded plans to partner the multinational technology company, Wikimedia, to boost the tourism sector.

Coker told newsmen in Abuja that such collaboration would boost the available information on various segments of the country’s tourism sector to attract foreign and domestic patronage.

The director-general said the era of government alone bearing the burden of developing the sector had gone, adding that the way forward was through partnership.

“Recently, Google had an event in Nigeria where our brand, ‘Tour Nigeria,’ facilitated the capture of tourism sites around the country with their virtual reality 360 photographing experience”, said Coker.

Cart pusher docked for alleged theft of 42 bags of rice A 25-year-old cart pusher, Peter Odey, who allegedly stole 42 bags of rice valued at N641,000, was on Friday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Odey, who resides at No. 105, Orile Road, Agege , Lagos, is facing a count charge of stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, said that Odey committed the offence on July 14, at Iyana Ipaja in Lagos.

According to him, the accused stole 29 bags of rice worth N446, 000 belonging to Mr Mathew Egbobe.

“He also stole 13 bags of rice worth N195, 000 belonging to Mrs Sarah Obehi”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 18, 2018

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Success of a marriage largely rests on the woman -Ramsey Noah You are over 40 and still looking good; what is the secret to your youthful look?

Well… some drinking of vampire blood (Laughs)… wants to go drink some Oke Apata (Laughs). Well, I think its joy from within. A whole lot of people tend to pack up some bad belle and be vexing for days.

A beautiful smile everyday could take you a long way.

Your marriage appears to have stood the test of time. You have been married for 15 years now.

Some of your colleagues have been unlucky in this regard.

Contrary to a widely held notion, the success of a marriage largely rests on the woman. But these days, a lot of marriages are based on equality. A woman wants to get 50 per cent of whatever she is giving into the marriage back from the man.

This has led to the breakdown of many marriages. From time our mothers used to be the women that held their marriages. They were in charge of the home. Our mothers took charge of everything but today women don’t want that kind of responsibility. Hence, it is affecting marriages.

What determines chemistry with co-stars?

It’s internal.

There’s a professional ethic to drive you to do whatever you are doing, secondly, you have to find the internal energy and connection between you and the other actor.

That’s the way you feel it. I mean, there are so many factors. You can also talk of attraction factor. You have to know when to balance it out.

So what do you look out for in the script?

Looking out for story to start with, then I look out for the character. The character I am playing and the story itself, how important is my character to the entire story. So story is very key, you can’t miss it.

You have played a quite number of remarkable roles; so do you still have a dream role?

Definitely!! There are lots of characters that’ll come to play but am not going say. Not going let the cat out of the bag. Lots of them, but in due time some of it will unfold.

What has been your greatest moment as an actor?

Sighs! I think it’s when I spend time with my family. When I go for holidays, going places or

something. Adventures and stuff like that. Professionally, one of my greatest moments was when I shot dangerous twins with Tade Ogidan. Because it was very demanding. At the time they didn’t have all the TV technology that we have today. Now you can see twins and all of that. That time we had to manually do it. So scenes that had twins in it may be shot for like 2-3 days. Just one scene. So it was quite demanding and tasking too. So sometimes we had to lock the camera, face it for a master shot, then I will come and address this other figure that is not there.

Sometimes the director says “”Ok, that’s a take” other times he says “try do it again, you got something wrong there”. And when you are done , quickly go change to the other costume and you come back there and then answer and reply everything you said, and after that, if the director says its fine, good. If he says it’s not fine, you will l do another take. Then we’ll now cut. We’ll now bring the camera down to medium shots.

Then you do it all over again. You do this one, then go back there and do the other one. When it comes to close up, we would do the same thing. Sometimes, we have like 2 days or one whole day repeating.

As an actor, what will you consider as your low moment in the industry?

2006 I think, when a couple of us actors were black listed by marketers for no good reason of course, at that moment, there was a turnaround in my fate in the industry. I was like “what the hell? Why do we have this?” so hence when the cinema came in, I was very happy to help curb our industry because we lacked structure and regulation.

No regulatory bodies to checkmate certain things. A whole lot of things just went A-Wire. That was one of my low-points in the industry.

What has a crazy fan done to you?

So many… hug me, kiss me. It might be a bit embarrassing but some people have an expressive way of doing their stuff. You can’t stop them. Because they could make things happen for you. Make your world go round.

What has fame done to you?

Fame has its benefits. Good place, good moments and it have its down side. A whole lot of people appreciate you. You meet lots of people who tend to appreciate you from a different perspective. You know they sees you around.

Ramsey Noah is arguably one of the most sought after actor in Nollywood with a relevant career record to show for it; having interpreted several movies roles; it will interest you to know that the good looking actor still have dream roles. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Noah speaks on the movie industry at large, lowest moment as an actor, script consideration amongst others.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Mixed Grill Nigeria’s New Tribe:

The Future Awards Africa announces 2018 nominations Stories by Mutiat Alli

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), Nigeria’s foremost youth awards, has announced its call for nominations for the 2018 edition.

Building on the theme ‘Nigeria’s New Tribe’ launched in 2017, the 13th edition of the prestigious awards seeks to reward excellence by celebrating advocates, creators, and pioneers between the ages of 18 and 31 - young people who have made significant strides, defying the odds within the year under consideration.

By driving sustaining positive change while ignoring tribal, economic uncertainty or religious differences, the new tribe is driven by their talent, commitment to hard work, and achievement in impacting the economy, the society, and rewriting the narrative.

The awards have taken its mandate seriously, consistently presenting 105 positive role models annually to young Nigerians. For this edition, a 2-day activity will be focused on engaging youth in different industries from women conferences to

technology and innovation.

This will further continue to create a strong network for youth to support one another in the leadership space.

Persons eligible for nomination must have made considerable impact within Nigeria and/or globally within the last one year and must have easily accessible documentation of their achievements. The public is encouraged to nominate trailblazers from their communities in categories ranging from social activism, business, and professional service to media, and entertainment.

Oyo SSG, Lekan Alli declares for governorship position The Secretary to the state government in Oyo State, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, has declared his ambition to become the next governor of the state in 2019.

Alli made the declaration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat in Ibadan, where he submitted his official letter of intent to

the party hierarchy today.

He said, “I am proud to note that the APC ideology provides the most proficient platform that is capable of transforming our dear nation.

Together we will continue to see that Nigeria attains the required global recognition and relevance that is befitting of our size and diversity.

This desire cuts across all levels – from national to subnational administration, even down to the individual. It is therefore with great pride that I proclaim my conviction in the party as the panacea for national and community development.

More importantly, it is with great delight and humility that I like to recognize and celebrate our leader, the architect-builder of modern Oyo State, the indisputable visionary and game changer, astute administrator, firm and unrepentant believer in the emancipation of modern Oyo State, the Governor of our State, His Excellency Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Aare of Ibadan land.

“His Excellency’s passionate implementation of his vision, couched in the restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda, remains the fundamental signposts and pillars of the developmental strides in Oyo State. The unprecedented two-term tenure of his administration has raised the bar of governance, thereby attracting a huge number of investors. These legacies must be sustained and taken to the next level.

The Champion Boy ‘Precious Lemmy’ returns back with a new single ‘Lonely’ Fast rising singer and currently signed with Ghetto Yute Entertainment, Precious Lemmy better known as Champion Boy is one super lad to watch out for in the showbiz business. The Dancehall/ Afrobeat super star equally doubles as the brain behind the famous Ghetto Yute Clothing line.

Born in Sapele Delta state but hails from Edo State; Champion

Boy as he is fondly called started music at an early age and has worked with quite a number of Nigeria superstars. With several songs in the archives, Champion Boy has quite a number of singles that include ‘Dutty Wine’ Featuring Skales, Go Down, produced by Kenny Wonder and Sexy Girl, and produced by talented production guru, Samklef However, after a long Hiatus,

the champion Boy returns back with a smashing new single ‘’ Lonely’’ where he appreciates his growing fans with his new found style and sound of music. He is sure ready to make an impact in the already growing industry.

Champion Boy is equally known for his love for other interest that includes creative poetry writing, Fashion shows, Styling, Basketball, Music writing amongst others.

Singer Sheyman’s Folixx Lekki Opens in style this August

Be the first to know that one of Nigeria’s prides in the entertainment industry, Oluseyi Ademoye popularly known as Sheyman is the latest to join the league of the luxury lounge owners in Lagos on account of his partnership with his long time media friend, Scott Igbene. The latest project - a luxury entertainment and sports lounge of international standard which is called FoliXx is already the talk of town in Lagos right now. Sheyman who is one of the custodians of the entertainment industry in Nigeria is partnering

with a long time media friend to set up the beloved lounge.

The luxury lounge located in the highbrow neighborhood of Ikate in the Lekki axis of Lagos is soaked in sophistication and class. According to information available, the exclusive lounge boasts a world-class restaurant, snooker board section, VIP and VVIP, a terrace area known as a green area, 24hours kitchen with an efficient delivery service.

And that’s not all, the lounge is strategically located in a location where it offers excellent networking opportunities. The

humble man of honour, Sheyman who’s also the brain behind Circus Media is turning out to be a seasoned businessman and investor with a series of Investments in various sectors of the economy.

The big news is that Sheyman is entering the hospitality sector in style and with the support of his accomplished partner they are set to raise the bar in the service industry. Folixx, the new luxury Lagos’ beloved lounge is already generating a lot of buzz in Lagos ahead of its official opening ending of August.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Yinka Ayefele speaks on demolition notice In what is termed political, Singer Yinka Ayefele through its station’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. David Ajiboye has disclosed that this isn’t the first notification the fastest growing radio station in Ibadan will receive since its commencement from the Oyo state government stating that

a similar notice was issued in October 2012.

Speaking further on the notice, Ajiboye said “The management of music House, Fresh FM 105.9 on Monday August 13, 2018 received the news of the demolition notice with mixed feelings. Although, we are not really shocked because series of letters coming from

State government to both management of the building and Fresh Fm, the tenant of the building have already pointed to an obvious fact that the state government is really up to something evil,” Fresh fm said in a statement signed by Ayefele.

In Fresh FM’s official statement, the company questions why the Oyo government isn’t also focusing on other media houses on the same axis?

“We view this as a selective justice by the state government especially when the Governor had earlier said during his visit to the Music House that some politicians actually advised him to demolish the building on the allegation that Ayefele is not supporting them. Is the govt planning to expand the road again? Of what political gain will the demolition add to the achievement of the state government? When is the state agency going to demolish Cocoa House for housing some radio stations?

Fresh FM is a commercial radio station operating in Ibadan, Oyo State and with an extension in Ogun State.

Been a lawyer has made me a smart comedian - MC Lively Known for his funny skits on social media which has gained him more popularity and followership, Sani Micheal Amanesi otherwise known as MC Lively has revealed in a chat that his training as a lawyer has further impacted in the way he portrays his personality as a comedian; Lively who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016 is a graduate of the prestigious Obafemi

Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Known for his famous White and Black attire alongside his black bag to match; MC Lively further revealed that there is an intersections between the thinking process as a lawyer and the creative process as a comedian because Advocacy often demands that one thinks on his feet, same thing with stand-up comedy and in both professions,

you must communicate your thoughts in a clear and convincing manner.

A lover of music and comedy growing up but MC Lively couldn’t become a musician because of his very froglike voice; he has however disclosed that his comedy influence includes the likes of Alibaba, Frank Donga, Basketmouth and Bovi amongst others.

13 Gist

Lagos state partners AMVCA 2018 Stories By Mutiat Alli Ahead of the 6th edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), MultiChoice has announced the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture as one of the partners for this year’s edition of the award.

Speaking on the partnership, the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode reiterated the fact that one of the agendas of

his administration is to further promote Tourism, Culture and arts which has further help to shape the face of the state.

However, Gov. Ambode bluntly said “As the birthplace of a film industry that has become a pacesetter in Africa and a pride to the entire black race, Lagos will always welcome the type of opportunities that AMVCAs and indeed MultiChoice provide in celebrating those who do not just bring joy to

millions of homes through their talent and creativity but who also market the potentials of our state as the undeniable heartbeat of a continent where the creative beat never stops.”

The 6th edition of the award is expected to hold come September 1, 2018 at a venue that will be disclosed much later; it is pertinent to note that the organisers recently treated all 2018 nominees to a cocktail party at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Multichoice has announced the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as one of the partners for the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018.

The partnership is coming five years after the awards ceremony began in Lagos, Nigeria.

Confirming the partnership, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said the partnership is as a result of his administration’s keen interest in promoting arts, culture and tourism.

Charmee with the Ogologo wave Uzoma Victor a.k.a Charmee is a native of Imo state, Nigeria. He was bred and brought up, in the city of Lagos. He bagged his first degree in computer science, from the University of Les Cours Sonou Cotonou.

In spite of his academic achievement, his flair for music plunged his pursuit, of his musical career, which started in 2010. In 2018 he was signed into Idol Record Limited.

Charmee has ignited a bomb, in the Nigerian Music Industry, with his latest single “Ogologo”, this song is flourishing with a combination of Afro pop and RnB. It’s evident, that the release of Charmee’s single, has paved a way for him in the Music Industry, and soonest his fame would be the talk of town.

The Nigerian Music Industry is still in anticipation of more hit songs from the Idol Records Star.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Society Gist Stories By Isaac Oguntoye Popular juju musician who has spent close to two decades in the music Industry, Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa whose stage name is Seyi Akins has revealed to us why Ladies are after him. In a chat with our reporter, he said,’’ firstly 80 percent of my fans are women, they enjoy my music and they are always ready to support us’’ meanwhile, this fragile frame and sensational act could not denies the fact that some women

On popular juju Artiste, Seyi Akins make love advances to him, but he let them understand that, they could only transact business together and not to the extent of engaging in love relationship. Hear him ‘’I’m a loyal husband to my wife and can’t engage in extra-marital affairs’’. Seyi Akins who kicked off his career as a gospel artiste and later transformed into secular is ready to release a

gospel album titled Able God in December 2018.

Recall that Seyi Akins is fond of releasing album every four years in May, and he has since been receiving calls from his numerous fans on why he has been delaying.

He apologized to his fans on the little delay but promised that come what him; nothing could stop him from releasing his latest effort album

by December this year.

Hon. Muhammed Maikaya’s vision for Nasarawa Musa Muhammed Maikaya, is a leading governorship aspirant in Nasarawa state under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, who holds the traditional title of Ciroma Toto and Magajin Al-makura, in an interaction with newsmen, Maikaya explains his passion for developing Nasarawa state.

Born in the 1970s, Maikaya a geology graduate of University of Jos is banking on his over 20 years of working experience in multi nationals and international exposure to change the fortunes of Nasarawa State.

Armed with his vision to make Nasarawa state the preferred investment destination in Nigeria, Maikaye believed by providing effective and transparent leadership that will harness the resources of the state for the benefit of all, “Nasarawa state will move to it’s next level.”

“My Mission is to improve the wellbeing of the people of Nasarawa state through the development of world class infrastructure, social service, tourism, agriculture and solid minerals, Nasarawa state

and is blessed and strategic to the nation. I want to run a government that is based on justice, fair, equity, fair play and selfless service to humanity. Am offering myself for the service of my people as a democratic leader who has the fear of God and sincerely have the passion to take Nasarawa state to it’s promised Land.”

Maikaya said his ultimate goals, no matter where he stand on the political spectrum, is the upliftment of the state and political, economic cultural and social wellbeing of his people. In pursuit of this goal, I have commence consultation across the length and breathe of Nasarawa State on how to get the ticket of my great party, APC for the general election.

“As I continue with this consultation and discussion with party elders, traditional rulers, various interest groups, am open to questions and I’m ready to participate in any discussion that dwells on moving our state forward.”

Speaking on his chances of winning the party’s ticket, Maikaya said in a free and fair primary election his chances are clear. ‘am in the race for

victory irrespective of the zoning arrangement, alot of our party members and groups are supporting our movement.

I remain the man to beat come 2019 election for gubernatorial race and our party leaders knows this.

Hon. Maikaya is a dogged fighter, a firm believer of basic tenets of true democracy, a tireless man with a passion to see that his State is librated from poverty, and experience general empowerment and the general well being of his people.

The truth of the matter is that, those who have followed Hon. Maikaya from inception, during his early days in politics, saw his blueprints and manifesto and strongly believed everything stated will be achieved.

“Today when you walk round the entire State the rest is testimonies upon testimonies of what we have done as individual, majority of our party members are behind us. “ He’s optimism in capturing the leadership of this great God loving Nasarawa State however, lies on his unshakable belief that God is the custodian of authority and power.

“As someone who believes in the oneness of our dear state, my administration will be national and all embracing.

Tendencies that are anti-ethical to the unity of the state such as ethnicity, nepotism, religious bigotry, sectionalism and tribalism will have no place in this new Government, in line with my campaign slogan “ My hands are clean”, my new encompassing leadership will sweep clean our social political landscape of all forms of corruption while hard work and patriotism will be rewarded as we rely on God’s guidance in whatever policy decision we take and executing such policy decisions decisively and firmly”.

He concluded

Ex-beauty queen, Tokini Atin giant stride Ravishingly hot former beauty queen who is the Chief Executive Director, amaryllis skincare Ltd and the founder of the Tokoni Atin Foundation, Tokoni Atin is steadly in the news for the good reasons as she bagged an award of excellence in the skincare industry during the 2nd edition of Women Entrepreneurs Network organized by the Emirati Events.

This event which took place on the 14th July 2018 at the Naf conference hall and suites Abuja was grace by a lot of dignitaries and Influencer’s, experts in the beauty, fashion, financial, business, and banking industries.

Amongst dignitaries at the special award night was the former minister for women affairs, Hajiya Aisha Ismail, Mrs Gloria Shoda, President

National Council for women society.

Also young female entrepreneurs in attendance were lectured on how to start and maintain a sustainable and gross profit generating businesses as grants and loans options were made available to them.

We gathered that as part of her efforts to give back to the society through her foundation the former beauty queen has organized a training event in Abuja, which will span from the 24th of September to 5th of October 2018 from the stable of her Amaryllis school of natural/organic skincare.

Prospective students we learnt will be taught by experts on becoming experts in natural,organic skincare formulation, IT and social media, business and finance.

Osinbajo, Ambode, others to speak at 10th Lead Big Innovation Festival Come Saturday, September 22, 2018, the 10th Lead Big Innovation Festival would be held at the Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dignitaries expected at the event include -Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, African richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija

amongst others.

The much-anticipated event, according to the Executive Coordinator for LEAD, Paul Jide Peter, is a prestigious event designed to ignite the spirit of enterprise, innovation, creativity and service excellence, and also stimulate economic growth in Nigeria and Africa as a

whole.

Jide revealed that the event will bring together over 5,000 participants made up of highly innovative individuals, bright minds, young business owners, SMEs, career professionals, amongst others.

Jide added that the participants of the event would be expected to

leverage on the opportunity to meet with leading idea geniuses, thought leaders, global innovators that would help them expand their creative quotients, as well as explore new ideas, emerging technologies, innovations and creative solutions that will support Africa’s long-term economic advancement.

BUSINESS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

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Dangote Cement declares N50bn commercial paper programme Dangote Cement Plc has announced the proposed issuance of N50 billion series 3 and 4 Notes under its N150 billion commercial paper programme.

Director at Dangote Cement, Abdu Dantata in a signed document said, the raised funds will be used for capital expenditure, working capital, and general corporate purposes.j It would be recalled that FMDQ

OTC Securities Exchange in July listed Dangote Cement Plc’s N50 billion series 1 and 2 commercial papers on its platform.

The CPs, the biggest CP programme so far on the Nigeria debt capital market is a dual tenure issuance under the company’s N150 billion CP programme established in November 2017.

It comprised N12.04 billion and N37.96 billion issuances

Firm launches MSMEs courier app, targets theft prevention Benjamin Omoike

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (middle); Chairman, Edo State Chapter, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa (2nd left); Secretary of the Union, Bayo Oladipupo (2nd right); Chairperson of the Union, Eunice Edo (right); and Provost, Segun Olowolayemo (left) during the courtesy visit by the executive members of the union to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City.

Afreximbank records $343m revenue in 6 months Motolani Oseni The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has recorded gross revenue of $343 million in its unaudited financial statements for the half-year period ended 30 June 2018.

The figure represented an increase of $21 million in gross revenue while compared with the reported figure for the same period in 2017.

The result, which was released by the Bank in Cairo yesterday, attributed the higher gross revenue to a significant increase in fee income by 119 per cent while interest and similar income recorded a 2 per cent growth compared to prior year performance.

The lender’s attributable earnings in the last six months amounted to $110 million, beating the budget by 34 per cent.

Considering key profitability ratios, The Daily Times observed that it was above budget, with the return on the Bank’s average shareholders’ equity (ROAE) standing at 10 per cent, compared to the budget of 8.08 per cent, and the return on the average assets (ROAA) at 1.88 per cent as

against the budget of 1.57 per cent.

The Bank, however, explained that its operations in the first six months ended June 2018, was primarily driven by a significant increase in fee income by 119 per cent while interest and similar income recorded a 2 per cent growth compared to prior year performance notwithstanding the decline in average loan balances.

Also, interest and similar income increased despite the winding down of the Bank’s 2-year Countercyclical Trade Liquidity Facility (COTRALF) programme, which led to a reduction in loans and advances which closed the period at US$8.8 billion (2017: US$10.5 billion).

Although, interest and similar expenses increased by 12 per cent compared to prior year in line with expectation given the rising interest rate environment.

Consequently, operating income grew by 3 per cent compared to prior period to reach US$ 199.9 million as against US$194.2 million reported in 2017.

But the bank maintained operating expense growth within budget during the period under review despite the implementation of planned increase in human

resources in order to support the execution of the current five year strategic plan.

While its attributable earnings over the six months amounted to US$ 110 million, as 6 per cent lower than prior year performance of US$117 million, the performance was well ahead of budget by 34 per cent.

The decline against prior year was mainly due to fair value losses amounting to US$ 15 million arising from derivative instruments held for interest rate risk management purposes.

The losses arose due to the impact of the rising interest rate environment.

The interest rate swaps transforms the interest rate profile of the Bank’s borrowings from fixed to floating in order to match the interest rate risk profile of the loan assets which is floating.

As a result, the incurred fair value loss is adequately being compensated given that the majority of the loan book is priced at floating rate, thus any rise in market interest rates positively impacts the interest income.

In addition, Management has put in place measures to cap these fair value losses going forward.

Despite the slight decline in net income on year-onyear basis, on the back of

fair value loss from risk management derivatives, the key profitability ratios were well above budget with the return on the Bank’s average shareholders’ equity (ROAE) at 10 per cent (Budget: 8.08% and 2017: 13.9%) and return on the Bank’s average assets (ROAA) at 1.88 per cent per as at 30 June 2018.

Explaining its net interest income and margin for the period under review, the bank stated that it achieved a 2 per cent growth in interest and similar income at US$314.81 million (2017: US$308.85 million) on the back of increase in interest income from better priced loans and advances following the repayment of a large proportion of its related low priced cashbacked COTRALF. Afreximbank explained further its net interest margin was up at 3.17 per cent per annum in 2018, an increase from prior year performance of 3.01 per cent per annum mainly due to improvement in average pricing of the loan portfolio arising from the repayment of COTRALF facilities which constituted a significant portion of the loan portfolio in 2017 and attracted lower margins given the high cash collaterals which were held under these facilities.

As a result of challenges confronting courier services in Nigeria, Getittome Africa has launched a new mobile application, getittome, to assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, solve them and attract more investors.

According to the firm, Getittome app was designed to serve as platform for customers and courier agencies, to transact business and monitor parcel movement till its arrive at preferred destination.

At the launch of the application in Lagos, Marketing Director, Getittome Africa, Mofolorunsho King, stressed that the challenges confronting courier services was responsible for the app development, saying, that is what we aimed to correct in Nigeria.

From our market survey, he noted, “we realised delivery challenges has made customers suffer losses. Sometimes customers find themselves at a location and their preferred courier service isn’t within range. But with the application, they can easily get another courier service operator within their jurisdiction, patronise and achieve their aim.”

He added that they could also monitor the movement of the parcel till the point of delivery While describing the app as empowerment tool for MSME, the marketing manager said: “This is a state where people wake up and start thinking what they could do to bring food on their table. The application is meant to engineer the youths to get employed.

“We discovered that some youths have bike but all they do with it daily was to use it as means of transportation. But if they sign up to the app, they could generate money for themselves.”

King stated that to create employment opportunity, the firm has partnered Association of Lagos State Dispatch Operatives, ALSDO, to boost the sector.

Relationship manager between dispatch operatives and the firm, Mr. Adetola Fajemisi, hinted that after testing the app, he discovered it would boost revenue for the over 100 operators in the state.

“Through the app, we could meet our clients. It would serve as middleman between the companies and end users. It allows all parties to track their parcel which was the insurance that wasn’t available before. But with the application we are good to go.”

How global economic slowdown forces oil prices slip Oil prices dipped on Friday, with U.S. crude heading for a seventh weekly decline amid increasing concerns about slowing global economic growth that could hit demand for petroleum products as inventories build.

Brent is heading for a two per cent decline this week, a third consecutive weekly drop.

West Texas Intermediate, light crude oil is on track for a seventh week of losses, with a fall of more than three per cent.

Traders said the main drags on prices were the darkening economic outlook due to trade tensions between the U. S. and China, and weakening currencies in emerging economies that are weighing on growth and fuel consumption.

U.S. investment bank Jefferies said on Friday there was an emerging “lack of demand” for crude oil and refined products.

Singaporean bank said on Friday that Chinese data showed a “steady decline in activities” and that “the economy is facing added headwinds due to rising trade tensions with the U.S.” Also, just as demand seems to be slowing, supply may be rising, increasing the drag on markets.

“Investors remain cautious as Wednesday’s surprise gain in U.S. stockpiles remained fresh in their minds,” the bank said on Friday.

A weekly report on U.S. drilling activity is due to be published later on Friday by energy services firm Baker Hughes.

In spite of these bearish factors, analysts said prices were prevented from falling further because of U.S. sanctions against Iran, which target the financial sector from August and will include petroleum exports from November.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Building collapse: SON, Builders’ Council partner on stemming structural failures Ladesope Ladelokun

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) have resolved to renew their collaboration towards institutionalizing standards in the construction sector with a view to stemming the tide of building collapse and structural failures throughout the Nation.

This resolution was reached during a courtesy visit of the Council officials led by the Chairman, Professor Kabir Bala to the management of the Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria Mr. Osita Aboloma and his management in Abuja.

Prof. Bala who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, called for high quality values at all levels by developing and implementing more technical standards for production processes in the building and construction sector.

He called for closer monitoring, control and enforcement of quality of materials through the establishment of more materials testing laboratories across the country.

“CORBON is desirous of partnering with SON in establishment and management of a database of Physical Building Resources that will provide information on location and availability of standard materials to assist builders in accessing the right materials,” he said.

According to him, the council has developed a set of standards to enable a professional builder to effectively administer the construction processes within budget limits, time, and specified quality.

The CORBON Chairman stated that the Building Production Management Standards which are to ensure the success of building production process are segmented into construction, project quality management, health and safety programmes and construction methodology.

“The Standards will enable a building project owner extract commitment from a builder on: adherence to production standards and specifications at the first attemptprotection of employees and the public from hazards that may arise due to production activities: Efficient management of production resources; adherence to statutory requirements, tests, inspections, quality certifications as may be required.”

Responding, the SON Chief Executive expressed the organisation’s readiness to cooperate with CORBON, saying that environmental issues and resource management needed to be brought to the forefront in the building and construction sector.

Represented by a director, Barrister Richard Agu, the DG noted that the cooperation of the two organisations many years back had helped in bringing issues and dangers of building collapse to the forefront of public discourse.

“In the upcoming financial year, we intend focus on building collapse among many other issues and we are happy to reconnect with CORBON after jointly organising a national on the subject as far back as 2004”, he said.

SON according to him, will be disposed to supporting the

forthcoming 2018 builders congress through delivery of technical papers, exhibition of standards among others.

Barr. Agu proposed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to leverage on the extensive regulatory powers in the new SON Act 14 of 2018 in the overall interest of the Nation and its citizens.

He admonished CORBON members and institutions to take advantage of SON capabilities in management systems certification of their services in quality and environment among

others.

Contributing, Director of Operations, SON, Engr. Felix Nyado, disclosed that all SON State offices nationwide have mobile sandcrete block testing machines for quality assurance.

He advised CORBON to also key into knowledge sharing through more active participaticipation in the national mirror committee for development of international standards under the auspices of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) activities relating to the built sector and environmental sustainability.

Foreign exchange inflow hits $91bn in 2017 – CBN report Motolani Oseni The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the aggregate foreign exchange inflow into the country stood at $91 billion in 2017.

The bank disclosed in its 2017 annual report released on Thursday that the figure was an increase of 45 per cent from $62.75 billion in 2016.

The bank also said the figure

surpassed the total outflow by $57.32 billion in the period.

According to the bank, inflow through the CBN was $42.17 billion, while inflow through autonomous sources amounted to $48.33 billion.

In percentage terms, inflow through the CBN accounted for 46.3 per cent, while autonomous sources took 53.7 per cent.

Also, aggregate foreign exchange outflow, from the economy, increased by 31.8 per

cent to $33.68 billion, higher than the $25.55 billion in 2016.

The report said the outflow through the CBN accounted for 90.7 per cent, about $30.55 billion.

It was $23.16 billion in 2016.

Outflow via autonomous sources was calculated at $3.13 billion The increase was attributed to the increased intervention by the CBN in the inter-bank and Bureau De Change (BDC) segments of the foreign exchange market.

NCP approves appointment of advisers for 2018 privatisation Mathew Dadiya The National Council on Privatization (NCP) has approved the appointment of advisers for three transactions undertaken by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for the current year (2018) as part of the reform strategy of the federal government.

They are the partial commercialization of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), partial commercialization of the National Parks Service and the seven national parks and concession of ecotourism activities in three selected parks as well as the concession of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFC), Ojo, Lagos.

Head, Public Communications of BPE, Amina Tukur Othman stated that the approval was given during a meeting presided over by the ViceChairman and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun on Tuesday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She said that the council approved the engagement of the Agri-Africa Consultants/A & E Law Partnership Consortium for the transaction advisory services for the river basin authorities.

Similarly, the NCP has also approved the engagement of Africa Wildlife Foundation for advisory services for the seven national parks and concession of eco-tourism activities in the three selected parks.

For the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFC), Messrs Feedback Infrastructure Services

was approved as the transaction adviser.

Daily Times recalls that the council had approved the commencement of the partial commercialization of the 12 river basins in the country.

“The objective is to strengthen and improve the river basin development authourities by making them economically viable and to also introduce Public Private Partnership (PPP) into the sector without divesting government ownership.

“The transaction is to be carried out in phases with the pilot transaction on four out of the 12 river basins.

“For the seven national parks and concession of eco-tourism activities in three selected parks namely; Kainji, Cross River and Gashaka - Gumti, council also approved the commencement of the partial commercializa]tion at its meeting held on August 22 - 23, 2017,” Mrs. Othman stated.

Tourism: Leading travel Firms from Dubai to attend African travel market in Lagos Over 15 leading companies from tourism destination in Middle East and Africa, Dubai will be attending Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

Dubai has become the biggest Destination for Nigerian Travellers with over 20 flights a day terminating in Dubai from Lagos and Abuja. It is believed that over 300,000 Nigerians pass through Dubai every year.

These Companies coming under DTCM include: Jumeirah; Red Apple; Khimji ;Sun and Sand; Apha Tours; Swissotel; Copthorne Hotel; Rayna Tourism and Mgallery.

Others are Arabian Adventures; Dubai Health Authority; Wings Tours; Pullman City Centre Hotel; JA Resorts & Hotels; Ritz Carlton and Dubai Tourism.

This comes as Gambia Tourism Board seeks to renew their presence in Nigeria. As part of latest efforts to increase awareness for The Gambia as an all year tourism destination for discerning Nigerian visitors and prospective investors, the Gambia Tourism Board has announced its participation at the 14th Akwaaba – African Travel Market holding in Lagos between Sunday 9th to Tuesday 11th September 2018.

The Gambia has confirmed participation with a 20 man delegate for the event to include Top stakeholders in the industry to be led by the DG Gambia Tourism Board.

Earlier this year, the Akwaaba travel market team had organised the ‘Banjul Bantaba’ event with a Familiarization trip to the Gambia and a high powered B2b session which showed Nigerians the amazing potentials for Touristic splendour and introduced some of the new tour operators to the destination.

The fall out was amazing with increasing requests for packages to The Gambia.

The organisers of Akwaaba Travel Market, west Africa’s largest meetings and exhibition event is excited to announce that Gambia will be participating this year after 3 years of absence from the Annual trade show in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Marketing Director, Gambia Tourism Board, Adama Njie promised visitors to The Gambia stand on Gambia Day an unforgettable Gambian experience. Top hotels, Tour Operators and stakeholders will be attending from The Gambia.

L-R: Chief Corporate Affairs Manager, Nipco Plc, Lawal Taofeek, Manager, Communications, Chevron Nigeria, Shola Adebayo, Conference Chairman/ deputy director, total E& P Nigeria, Ahmadu-Kida Musa, Chairman, Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), Olatunde Dodondawa and representative of the group managing director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Roland Ewubare, at the August 2018 NAEC Conference, with theme PIGB: Emerging Issues And Concerns, In Lagos... on Thursday.

POLITICS times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

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Lagos Assembly’s stakeholder parley, model for friction-free budgeting in Nigeria Patrick Okohue When the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly at inception in 2015 introduced the stakeholders town hall meeting, held simultaneously across the 40 constituencies in the state between the representatives of the various constituencies along with officials of the Assembly and the constituents, many people wondered what the meetings was aimed to achieve.

But, three years down the line and four stakeholders’ meetings after, the benefit of the meeting is becoming clearer to the people, as it has helped them in presenting a unified position with regards to their needs, thereby helping the state government in picking projects in the various parts of the state that the people needs to make budgetary allocation for.

The simultaneous stakeholder’s town hall meeting across the 40 constituencies is actually a carry over and an improvement on what the previous 6th and 7th Assembly, under the leadership of former Speaker, Rt.Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji started when it flagged off a stakeholders town hall meetings across the 40 constituencies, but not simultaneous, as all the lawmakers go from constituency to constituency to hold the meeting.

So, when penultimate week, the fourth edition of the stakeholder’s town hall meeting held, many Lagosians were earger to attend as they are aware that it was another opportunity to tell the lawmakers what their needs are and confident that there is a chance that it will be attended to.

The Thursday 9th, August, edition was aimed to mirror the status of the state legislature ahead of the 2019 general elections, report on previous meetings and for the lawmakers from all the constituencies to signal what the political bearings would look like as the elections draws near.

In the well attended stakeholder parleys with the theme: “Towards A Peaceful and Credible Election,” besides aggregating the needs of the people for possible inclusion in the 2019 budget, one distinct feature resonate across the constituencies, first term legislators seize the opportunity to tie their return for a second term to Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s qualitative governance, citing the fact that their immense contributions as people’s representatives paid off with virtually all areas of the state witnessing one or more developmental strides of the governor.

However, some ranking members of the Assembly who had their focus on representing the people at a higher pedestal, that is at the House of Representatives also marshaled their points at the parley stating their drive for gunning for the seat.

Obasa

Ambode

In a well articulated speech read on behalf of the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, by all lawmakers in their various constituencies, the Speaker emphasized the essence of the meeting.

According to him, “from the success of this meeting, it is important to emphasise the aim of the Constituency Stakeholders meetings, which are to ensure; that everyone has the right to take part in the enthronement of the government of the state, both the executive and the legislature; that every citizen of the state has equal access to public service in his or her constituency, local government and ward.”

Other reasons according to the Speaker include, “That a more conducive environment to be created for credible elections in year 2019 and to acquaint the constituents of the efforts of the Assembly in ensuring that the government of the state

‘

further deliver on the welfare and security of the citizens of the state.”

He added, “please be informed that since the last stakeholder’s meeting in year 2017, we have continued to improve on our lawmaking drive and process by reviewing and amending the old legislation and initiating new ones where necessary to meet current needs.”

Following the successes recorded from previous meetings, lawmakers at the last edition were eager to showoff what has been achieved in their various constituencies and based on such experience, speak on why they should be returned or sent for higher responsibility Those who signified their intent to seek higher responsibilities includes; Hon. Omotayo Oduntan-Oyeledun, the Deputy Chief Whip, representing Alimosho constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olulade representing Epe constituency II, Hon.Rotimi Olowo representing Somolu constituency I,

The interesting part of the Lagos Assembly stakeholder’s meeting is the fact that it gives the people the opportunity of contributing to the development of the state by harnessing their demands as a constituency, which the Assembly’s technocrats put together in a book format and the Assembly in turn submits to the executive as the demands of the people, which should be considered while the next budget is at work.

,

Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi representing Ojo constituency II and Hon. Dayo Fafunmi representing Ifako Ijaiye constituency I. The five lawmakers’ aspiration has therefore thrown open the fray for replacement by would be lawmakers, aspiring for the soon to be vacant position at the State House of Assembly, so the jostle for the All Progressives Congress ticket has just begun.

The political turf though seem murky as the acclaimed oracle of Lagos politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already declared that he will not be endorsing anyone this time around and that candidates of the party in the state will emerge through direct primary.

Keen watchers of the Lagos polity; note that some of the aspiring lawmakers seek a better place due to the fact that certain constituency power brokers are no longer favourably disposed to having them returned to the state Assembly in the next general election, while the others feel they stand a better chance than the incumbents.

The stakeholders’ meeting also gave each of the lawmakers the opportunity to rub minds with their constituents.

In Agege Constituency I, where the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudshiru Obasa represents, he used the avenue to appeal to his constituents to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) as it guarantees them access to vote credible leaders in the 2019 general elections.

According to him, “The only way to make impactful contribution to the development of democracy is for us all to obtain our PVC. If you have not registered, you still have a few weeks to do so. We have held series

of meetings with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Agege to give them support on how to ensure a seamless registration process.”

He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to mobilise as many people as possible to collect their PVCs for them to participate in the electoral process.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Towards a Peaceful and Credible Election’, Rt. Hon. Obasa enjoined political leaders and party supporters to conduct themselves in ways that would promote peace and unity during and after the elections.

“We also urge religious leaders and parents to contribute to the success of the elections by preaching against violence of any form. The electoral process are one of the most important features of democracy with voters as the major stakeholders. The electorate must have confidence in the electoral process for them to participate,” he said.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker also called for a community-based security trust fund for people to donate voluntarily to support the government in ensuring security of lives and properties.

According to him, security should be a collective responsibility of everyone in Lagos State. “It is work for us all; paying attention to happenings around us, reporting strange activities and not shielding criminals helps to ensure everyone is safe. Let’s not keep quiet,” he said.

He called on various Community Development Associations to monitor the works of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps in order to measure their performance.

Continued on page 18

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Don’t tamper with electoral process, human rights group counsels FG when your rights are violated under the law, we will be there for you to ease you off the legal service cost burden.

“We in RHWR have lawyers sworn to that course already with commitment to serve the Nigeria people all times.

“I want to however bring to the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria; there is a great need for Nigeria government to improve their human rights record,” he said Charging journalist to report the process thoroughly to evolve an egalitarian

Patrick Okohue The Federal Government has been challenged to withstand all attempts from any quarters to do anything that may derail or in any way tamper with the electoral process, even as the nation match towards the 2019 election.

Giving the charge in Lagos, Regional Watch for Human Rights (RWHR), Regional Director, Advocate Tola Adebayor, while speaking at the introduction of the group in Nigeria, raised concern about the coming general elections, said, “I want the Nigeria government to allow people to exercise their rights to vote, it should be done in a free and fair environment, there should be plain field for people to exercise their rights to vote.”

The RWHR chief also expressed the resolve of the group to collaborate with genuine Civil Society Organisations (CSO) to intensify advocacy against flagrant abuse of human rights in the country.

The non-governmental group, launching its official existence in Nigeria, which formerly existed in Liberia for over three decades, cited the synergy enjoyed from the CSOs in Nigeria back in the military junta era of Charles Taylor as a driving force which endears them to Nigeria, owing to the seemingly dwindling fervency of human rights campaigners.

Adebayor who spoke at the event held at the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), their counterpart and host in Nigeria, noted that no amount of repression can halt progression of genuine human rights group.

“The purpose of launching this in Nigeria is to join our other human rights groups here so as to work together in attainment of human rights, respect for rule of law, human dignity and more.

“We want to ensure that our society in Nigeria is sanitised to a point whereby people’s rights will be respected.

“We have seen so many issues going on in Nigeria, but it is the duty of human rights to ensure we bring to the notice of the government all the violations to ensure they are addressed for correction.

“Our mandate in the sub region is; monitoring and reporting human rights situation here amidst other issues, we would be providing legal services to underprivileged especially

Buhari

society Nigeria deserves.

“We will also be organising three days workshop dealing with building capacity of the civil society movement generally, in the area of human rights protection and preservation for the people and that of the government.

“As both citizens and government have obligations and roles to play here, government should be seen as servants while the citizens are the master.”

The National Director of RWHR, Mr Mayomi Afekhuai also noted that human dignity preservation

is cardinal to all genuine human rights movements.

“All human Rights Campaigns have as their common goal the identification of the various components of human dignity, the preservation and promotion of these values to enhance the welfare and progress of mankind.

“This being so, human rights activism then becomes weapon for every citizen to hold in the community.

“The one sure vehicle of identifying, preservation and maintaining these rights is democracy-government of

the people, by the people and for the people”, Afekhuai reiterated.

Some of the CSOs who were present at the launch includes the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) led by their Lagos State chairman, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, Joint Action Front (JAF), Comrade Achike Chude, Civil Liberty Organisation and others, who took turns to highlight the peculiarities of human rights in Nigeria and issues that bothers on rights violation which need RHWR intervention.

...model for friction-free budgeting in Nigeria Continued from page 17

“LNSC was created to work in collaboration with the police by gathering intelligence on criminals within neighborhoods and reporting them for arrest and prosecution.

The thieves stealing parts of parked vehicles live in our communities,” Obasa said.

In Ifako Constituency I, the member representing the constituency, Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi challenged Nigerian youths to be focused as the nation heads towards the 2019 general election and ensure that no one, no matter how powerful uses them to achieve selfish interest.

Fafunmi who is also the chairman House Committee on the Environment, advised the youths to put their lives to good use and not allow anyone derail them.

The lawmaker used the opportunity of the parley, graced by various traditional rulers including the Olu of Ishaga, the Onifako of Ifako, party leaders and frontline politicians in the constituency, to confirm to the people that he do not intends to re-contest the seat at the 2019 elections, but rather will aspire to go to the House of Representatives to represent Ifako Ijaiye Federal Constituency.

In Ifako Ijaiye II, Hon. Rasheed Makinde who represents them in the Assembly lauded the responsive style of governance adopted by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, owing to the prompt attention accorded the prior to now deplorable state of inner roads within his constituency.

While expressing appreciation for the construction of 35 roads in his constituency, in one fell swoop, courtesy the governor, Makinde noted that, “Governor Ambode

affirmed his pro-activeness, when he having got the wind of complaints from my constituency on the attendant poor state of inner roads here due to the construction of the jubilee bridge in Abule Egba, immediately called the contractors to site to right the wrongs.

“We appreciate this prompt remedial and noble action of our governor, the people of Ojokoro never had it this good prior to now.

“I want to urge all of us, able constituents to recompense our Governor’s kind gesture by obtaining the Permanent Voters Cards and authenticate his second term bid as one good turn deserves another, we must also pay our tax, so as to enjoy much more dividend of democracy,” he said In Epe I, where Hon. Abiodun Tobun is the representatives, the residents demanded more presence of the government in the area, while calling for the creation of Epe Division Development Intervention Commission.

The teeming residents also used the event to endorse Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term, Hon. Abiodun Tobun for third term as a member of the State Assembly, Hon. Wale Raji for second term in the House of Representatives and Chief Lanre Rasak as a member of the Senate.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is from Epe constituency.

President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Epe, Comrade Giwa Moshood Olasupo, who thanked Hon. Tobun on behalf of all Epe youths, stated that as the lawmaker is impacting on the youths of the party he does same for other youths too.

“Hon. Tobun impacts on the lives of the youths. He made moves to enlist constituents to

be employed as nurses, but we could not see anybody and with that he sponsored 20 youths in the school of nursing, he even obtained forms for them.

“On JAMB, he gave free forms and tutorials to indigent students of the area. One of the students that qualified was given a cheque of N300,000 and Hon. Tobun has since been paying her school fees.

“I said at a town hall meeting held by the Governor in our area recently that the representatives of Niger Delta pushed for the creation of Niger Delta Development Commission.

We then requested that the Governor should establish Epe Division Development Intervention Commission because of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“This will cater for the training of indigent students of the area so that they could be employed at the Free Trade Zone not for us to work there as cleaners or gatemen,” he said.

This position was supported by other stakeholders and Hon. Tobun promised to discuss it with the principal officers of the House and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

The Lagos East Senatorial Leader of the APC, Alhaji Akanni Seriki (Baamu) expressed his happiness with the event and informed the people that he could not have issues with Chief Lanre Rasak against the insinuations in some quarters.

“We must make sure that we support our own people. I support four people, Abiodun Tobun for state House of Assembly, Chief Lanre Rasak for Senate, Wale Raji for House of Representatives and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for Governor. Nobody should go for any other meeting, we have made up our minds,” he said.

At the Epe II constituency, residents unequivocally

express their resolve for representative, Hon. Olusegun Olulade to represent Epe Federal constituency at House of Representatives come 2019.

According to them, the lawmaker has paid his dues in his two terms sojourn in the Assembly, adding that he has all it takes to take Epe to the next level as a federal lawmaker.

Chairman of Eredo Local Government council area, whose secretariat hosted the meeting, Hon. Adeniyi Saliu said that the essence of the stakeholders meeting was to provide an avenue for the representatives of the people to give feedback to the people they are representing.

Saliu stressed that having represented the people of the area in the House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade is more qualified to step up his game to the House of Representatives, wondering why some people were against his candidature.

According to him, zoning is a mandate that must be upheld in Epe constituency, and that is the mandate of APC as a party.

This position was supported by residents at the event including the widow of the late former governor of Lagos State, Sir. Michael Otedola, Lady Adedoja Otedola, who described Olulade as a worthy ambassador of Epe, who has done well for the people.

The residents also appealed to the state government to provide more social infrastructure; schools, healthcare centre, recreation centre, potable water, electricity amongst others.

In his keynote address, Hon. Olusegun Olulade said that the 4th edition of the stakeholders meeting, which is the last before the next election, was a positive narrative of change.

“What we are doing today is to speak about peaceful election in the next election.

It is our right to get our PVC

and also have equal access to the government, and to ensure that the government of the state to bring back dividend of democracy.

“It is an avenue to present to the constituents what the government has been doing as that will bring development and growth in the communities and the state in general.

“Everyone has the right to take part in the enthronement of the government of the state both the executive and legislature. Also, every citizen of the state has equal access to public service in his or her constituency, local government council and wards. We have continued to improve on our lawmaking drive and process by reviewing and amending the old legislations and initiating new ones where necessary, to meet current needs.

“To date, we have considered forty one (41) bills and passed 30 into laws, which are effectively addressing various challenges and development activities in the state,” Olulade said The interesting part of the Lagos Assembly stakeholder’s meeting is the fact that it gives the people the opportunity of contributing to the development of the state by harnessing their demands as a constituency, which the Assembly’s technocrats put together in a book format and the Assembly in turn submits to the executive as the demands of the people, which should be considered while the next budget is at work.

Perhaps this maybe one of the ways the state has managed its executive/legislature relationship, which has seen tremendous development in the state and a rancor free relationship between the executive and the legislature, which from all indications is worthy of emulation not only by other states, but also by the Federal Government.

ARTS & CULTURE TIMES g19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Abiodun Kafaru’s art: Recourse to culture, education Chris Onuoha Dr. Abiodun Kafaru is a visual artist and educationists. He is a lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State.

Dr. karafu who recently returned from a short sojourn in UK to complete his doctoral research in art is set to showcase a collection of his old and new works, all paintings, in an exhibition titled “ Recourse to Culture, Education and Technology in Lagos State” to hold on August 25 to 31 at the Resource Place (Tafas Gallery), in Ikeja, Lagos.

The formal presentation of his works tagged: Doctoral Research Painting s, Drawings and New Media” executed at the University of Northampton, United Kingdom will be chaired

by Dr. Mrs Ladele Aina, Provost of AOCOED, Ijanikin alongside others that include His Royal Highness, Oba Saudi Elegusi as father of the day and Dr. Mrs Adedemi Taire as mother of the day.

The exhibition which is seen to spark conversation on the Yoruba cultural values will also attract stakeholder in the art industry, art collectors and discerning public. The sevenday exhibition of paintings by Kafaru will be featuring about 40 works in display that include paintings done before he left the country, some done while he was there and few of his recent after he returned.

Briefing the media on the upcoming show, Dr. Kafaru in his scholarly manner expressed

his enthusiasm in showcasing what he called a collection of cross cultural study effort that depicts artistic ingenuity over time.

“This show is to bring to light some of the works I have done before and during my doctoral research in the university of Northampton, UK. I have actually, done several of styles which I developed now and in recent time. My brush strokes is something I have been packaging for a while, but the essence is to let the art community, upcoming artists and the public see works of studio research in fine art. I have got a lot of works to be exhibited and the title is “Resources to cultural education, technology in Lagos State.” Basically, I want to use my culture as a background to theorise on some theories, such as emotional consciousness to my immediate environment and culture.

The studio research is saddled with 50% theory and 50% practical works to strengthen the descripture of works that will be paraded that day. Some of the title centers in kingship, symbolism and signs of Yoruba culture.

There are a work called “Talking Drum” and there also another of Yoruba phenomenology of values and cultural strands. I Dr. Kunle Filani’s review of my work, he did mentioned that they are a retrospective works which I disagree to some extent because the exhibition isworks done before I left the country, while I was there and few works I did when I returned.

The 40 works comprises paintings, drawings and my new innovation called New media. The

New media is a combinations of oil colours and nonconventional materials. It is not mixed media but a construction saddled with technology using sharp edge to define forms. About 25 works were done in UK while the rest was executed before and after I returned back in the country.

The package is also a showcase of cross cultural understanding in art. While in UK, most of my works are impressionistic art, stemming from an expectations to meet the demand of my research works while back home, the Yoruba

cultural values is in play. My works are basically characterised with blue hues which I called my strong colour tool to create impression. My use of colour is not conventional. I use my colours to serve certain purpose and it still obeys me.

Other supporting colours are in consonant with my style while my brush strokes are careless to achieve purpose. Expectations in this show is basically to reawake cultural consciousness about our art. Also it will serve as a research material for upcoming and practising artists.

Herdsmen attacks: Businessman’s whereabouts unknown 4 yrs after Joy Ayim

Idowu

Olalekan Adebola Idowu, a 38-yearold businessman resident in Kaduna, has been missing since November 2014.

His mysterious disappearance has been largely traced to the consistent attacks of Gumsa village, an interior of Yobe State by the herdsmen in that year which saw a number of villages completely raised down and the innocent inhabitants of the villages brutally murdered.

Olalekan was however sighted escaping into the desert by an eye witness but has not been seen since then.

Until his disappearance, Olalekan Idowu had worked in various companies in Lagos before he decided to go into leather business which saw him moving from one city and village to another in the northern part of the country where this product abounds.

His hope of settling down to have his own family one day could not however be realised ever since he escaped into the desert, no thanks to the onslaught of the herdsmen militia which took place at different locations of the north east the same year.

A graduate of one of the universities in the country, Olalekan Idowu had an uneasy family background that saw him disentangled from his parents who

themselves were caught and embroiled in an inheritance battle that threatened their lives and that of the children. It was this same fear and threat to life that informed Olalekan’s total relocation to the north where he was successfully plying his trade and where he eventually disappeared from.

As at the time of filling this report, his whereabouts could not be confirmed since November 2014. There are however conflicting reports, some said he actually escaped into the desert and eventually Europe where he believed he could get the adequate protection and security for his life while others are saying he has been murdered by the rampaging and killer herdsmen. But one fact is however sure and sacrosanct, Olalekan Idowu’s life was under serious threat before he disappeared.

His attempt at getting justice from the police and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Association, Kano State, also proved futile. His properties were destroyed, sources of income permanently blocked and his life constantly under threat and harassment of herdsmen invasion and prolonged family feud.

Only time will tell if Olalekan Idowu is actually enjoying the safety and protection that eluded him at home but as at the moment, his whereabouts still remains a mystery.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

20 Classified

Secondus appoints Chidoka special adviser on strategy and external engagements Tunde Opalana, Abuja National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has appointed former Minister of Aviation and former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Chief Osita Chidoka, as his special adviser on strategy and external engagements.

The appointment is with immediate DEBORAH E. E. ANUBI I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EVELYN DEBORAH OMOTAYO NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DEBORAH E. E. ANUBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE OJO OLAMILEKAN I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SOBANDE OJO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SOBANDE OJO OLAMILEKAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE

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ONOH TITUS

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effect.

Chief Chidoka, who is well reputed for his ingenuity and organization skills in public office, is expected to bring to bear his analytical expertise and wealth of experience in political strategy development, coordination and implementation, as the PDP get set for the 2019 general elections.

He started his public service career as an administrative officer in the protocol office of the Federal Capital Territory

ADA TREASURE

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ADENIKE OTEBOLAKU

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KAYODE ABDULWASIU

in 1996 and in 1997 he was appointed the personal assistant to the minister of state for works and housing on.

In 2000, he was appointed a personal assistant to the late Minister of Transport, Chief Ojo Madueke and in 2003, he became the special assistant to the senior special adviser to the president on legal matters.On May 28, 2007, former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Chidoka the corps marshall of the Federal Road Safety AMINAT BUKOLA

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ADEDEJI OLUSOLA

Commission making him the youngest individual at 36 years to ever hold such a significant position in the history of the organization.

In July 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as minister of aviation. He stepped down from the post after his party the PDP in 2015 and contested the last governorship election in Anambra state under the banner of the United Progressive Party (UPP).

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AJIBOYE OYEFUNKE

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EZEMMAH NNABUIKE

CLETUS CHIDERA

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

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Fury clouds funeral plans for Italy bridge victims Grieving relatives wept over the coffins of dozens of victims of Genoa’s bridge disaster Friday amid growing fury over a planned state funeral, while rescuers pressed on with their tireless search for those missing in the rubble.

The collapse of the Morandi bridge, a decades-old viaduct that crumbled in a storm on Tuesday killing at least 38 people, has stunned and angered the country, with Italian media reporting that some outraged families would shun Saturday’s official ceremonies.

Italy’s government has blamed the operator of the viaduct for the tragedy and threatened to strip the firm of its contracts, while the country’s creaking infrastructure has come under fresh scrutiny.

Authorities plan a state funeral service on Saturday at a hall in Genoa, coinciding with a day of mourning.

Relatives who gathered at the hall on Friday embraced and prayed over lines of coffins, many adorned with flowers and photographs of the dead.

But according to La Stampa newspaper, the families of 17 victims have refused to take part, while a further seven have yet to decide whether they will attend.

“It is the state who has provoked this; let them not show their faces, the parade of politicians is shameful,” the press cited the mother of one of four young Italians from Naples who died.

The father of another of the dead from Naples took to social media to vent his anger.

“My son will not become a number in the catalogue of deaths caused by Italian failures,” said his grieving father, Roberto.

“We do not want a farce of a funeral but a ceremony at home.”

Despite fading hopes of finding

survivors, rescue workers said they had not given up as they resumed the dangerous operation to search through the unstable mountains of debris.

“Is there anyone there? Is there anyone there?” one firefighter shouted into a cavity dug out of the piles of concrete and twisted metal, in a video published by the emergency services.

Between 10 and 20 people are still missing, according to Genoa’s chief prosecutor.

Ten people remain in hospital, six of them in a serious condition.

Hundreds of rescuers are using cranes and bulldozers to cut up and remove the biggest slabs of the fallen bridge, which slammed down onto railway tracks along with dozens of vehicles.

“We are trying to find pockets in the rubble where people could be — alive or not,” fire official Emanuele Gissi told AFP. Officials say about 1,000 people in all are working on the disaster site, 350 of them firefighters.

The populist government has accused infrastructure giant Autostrade per L’Italia of failing to invest in sufficient maintenance and said it would seek to revoke its lucrative contracts.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini demanded that the company offer up to 500 million euros ($570 million) to help families and local government deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

The dead also include children, one as young as eight, and three Chileans and four French nationals.

The French nationals, all in their 20s, had traveled to Italy for a music festival, and other victims included a family setting off on holiday and a couple returning from their California honeymoon.

More than 600 people were evacuated

from around a dozen apartments beneath the remaining shard of bridge.

On Thursday evening the first residents of some buildings in the affected area were allowed to return home, though others are too badly damaged to save.

The Morandi viaduct dates from the 1960s and has been riddled with structural problems for decades, leading to expensive maintenance and severe criticism from engineering experts.

Its collapse prompted fears over aging infrastructure across the world.

Italy has announced a year-long state of emergency in the region.

Autostrade, which operates and maintains nearly half of Italy’s motorways, estimates it will take five months to rebuild the bridge.

It denies scrimping on motorway maintenance, saying it has invested over one billion euros a year in “safety, maintenance and strengthening of the network” since 2012.

Atlantia, the holding company of Autostrade which is 30 percent owned by iconic fashion brand Benetton, has warned that the government would have to refund the value of the contract, which runs until at least 2038.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Autostrade “had the duty and obligation to assure the maintenance of this viaduct and the security of all those who traveled on it.”

The disaster is the latest in a string of bridge collapses in Italy, where infrastructure generally is showing the effects of a faltering economy.

Senior government figures have also lashed out at austerity measures imposed by the European Union, saying they restrict investment.

But the European Commission said it had given Rome billions of euros to fix infrastructure.

Philippines urges US to return ‘trophies for atrocities’ Manila’s defense chief renewed calls Friday for the return of church bells seized by the US military more than a century ago, urging Washington to relinquish what he called “trophies for atrocities.”

American forces took three bells from the Catholic church of Balangiga town in 1901 as war booty in what historians said was a particularly brutal military operation in the former US colony.

The US embassy in Manila announced earlier this month it would send them back but gave no timetable for their return, following a public campaign by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

But reports that some US legislators would

oppose the move prompted Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to join calls for the bells to be brought home.

“We call on the American people not to allow the bells to serve as trophies for atrocities that were committed by both sides on Philippine soil a very long time ago,” he said in a statement.

“The return of the Balangiga Bells will be a strong indicator of the sincerity of the Americans in forging a lasting relationship with the Filipino people.”

Duterte has demanded Washington give back the Balangiga bells during public tirades against Washington as he builds closer ties with China and Russia.

The president urged their return during his

State of the Nation address last year: “Give us back those Balangiga bells. They are not yours.

They are ours. They belong to the Philippines.

They are part of our national heritage.”

Two of the bells are installed at a memorial for US war dead in the state of Wyoming, while the third is with US forces in South Korea.

The Philippines, a Spanish colony for centuries, was ceded to the US in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War. The country gained independence from Washington in 1946.

The bells were taken during the brutal Samar campaign, which was launched about a month after Filipino rebels killed 34 US troops in Balangiga on September 28, 1901, according to the US Army War College.

Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 78, 44 dead Seventy-eight cases of Ebola have been recorded in an outbreak in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming 44 lives, DRC officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday.

The latest outbreak of the viral disease, which is highly contagious and frequently fatal if untreated, has prompted a visit by the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the health ministry said in a statement.

“In all, 78 cases of haemorrhagic fever have been reported in the region, of which 51 are confirmed and 27 probable” while “24 suspect cases are under investigation,” according to reports from Congolese authorities and the WHO. Confirmed cases are verified by way of laboratory tests on samples taken from patients. The cases treated as “probable” often concern diseased people who had a close epidemiological link with confirmed cases, but have not been tested.

Congolese authorities reported “two deaths of confirmed cases at Beni” — a trading town with a population approaching a quarter of a million people in North Kivu province.

There were also “five new confirmed cases at Mabalako, including a health worker at the Health Reference Center in Mangina,” the epicenter of the outbreak in the Beni region.

“We are expecting to see more cases,” WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva.

The outbreak is the tenth to strike the

DRC since 1976, when Ebola was first identified and named after a river in the north of the country.

It affects a part of the country wracked by violence for more than 20 years, from all-out war to insurgency and sustained ethnic clashes.

Forty-one deaths were reported in North Kivu and three in neighboring Ituri region to the north, according to the health ministry.

Congolese Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga had talks with the director of the CDC, Robert Redfield, regarding CDC training programs for epidemiologists in the field, an official statement said.

The ministry’s directorate for disease control announced on Tuesday that doctors in Beni had started to use a novel treatment called mAb114 to treat patients with Ebola.

The treatment is “the first therapeutic drug against the virus to be used in an active Ebola epidemic in the DRC,” it said. mAb114 is an antibody initially isolated from a survivor of an Ebola outbreak in the western DRC city of Kikwit in 1995, it added.

Ebola has long been considered incurable, though swift isolation and the rapid treatment of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration has helped some of the patients to survive.

The quest for a vaccine grew increasingly urgent during an Ebola epidemic that killed more than 11,300 people in West African neighboring states Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2013-15.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

Giwa-led NFF distances self from Pinnickled elective congress timetable

President of a faction of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress, Chris Giwa, on Friday said his board would have nothing to do with the adjusted 2018 NFF Elective Congress time-table.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Electoral Committee set up by the Amaju Pinnick-led faction of the NFF had on Thursday rolled out a new time-table.

It would have led to elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022, scheduled for Sept. 20.

Giwa, while reacting in a statement in Abuja, said the time-table should be disregarded, as “it

has no place in law and was not sanctioned by our legally-recognised board’’.

He warned those still parading themselves as members of electoral committee to desist from doing so as they were in breach of the laws of the land.

“We want to give the last warning, and strongly too, to the electoral committee members to stop forthwith their illegal actions and face the reality that the legally-recognised board did not sanction this electoral timetable,” he said.

Giwa also warned the committee to stop issuing statements on any purported election

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or be ready to face the long arm of the law soon.

“Our being quiet should not be misconstrued as ignorance of the law, as the enrollment order of the Federal High Court, Jos dated June 5 states inter alia: “That an order is granted to First and Second Applicants setting aside all acts, resolutions and or decisions made or taken by the Executive Committee of the NFF purportedly elected on Sept. 30, 2014.

“Including the purported “ban’’ of the Executive Committee elected on Aug. 26, 2014 from all football activities, as illegal, ultra vires, unconstitutional and null and void.’’

NFF crisis: FIFA rejects Minister Dalung’s proposed ministerial visit World’s Football governing body FIFA have turned down a proposed visit by a Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister for Sports, Solomon Dalung in a bid to discuss the ongoing leadership tussle rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Nigeria are facing a race against time to avoid a worldwide ban from football after FIFA gave Nigeria until Monday, August 20, 2018 to handover the administration and offices of the Football Federation to Amaju Pinnick and his Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

In a bid to circumvent FIFA’s judgment, it was scooped that Dalung wrote to FIFA on Wednesday, August 15, through the office of the Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, seeking to meet with the FIFA President Gianni

Infantino alongside members of his reconciliatory committee and Chris Giwa, head of the other faction.

However, FIFA, in a swift reply to Dalung’s request, signed by its Secretary General Fatma Samoura and made available to an online medium rejected the idea while reiterating the stance of the Bureau Council of FIFA to ban Nigeria on Monday if they fail to do as requested.

“While we are aware of the seriousness and urgency of the matter, we regret to inform you that we are not in a position to respond favourably to your request for an appointment with the FIFA Ieadership. In fact, the FIFA President is indisposed during the proposed period,” stated FIFA in their response.

Those on Dalung’s proposed

delegation to Zurich include; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Olusade Adesola, former NFA Chairmen, Ibrahim Galadima and Anthony Kodjo Williams, former NFF Secretary General Bolaji Ojo Oba, Amaju Pinnick, Mohammed Sanusi and Chris Giwa.

“Moreover, we would Iike to recall that one member of the proposed delegation, Mr Chris Giwa, is currently under a worldwide ban, in accordance with the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee dated 10 January 2017 to extend the five— year ban from taking part in any kind of football-related activity imposed by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Disciplinary Committee on 12 May 2016,” added FIFA. The governing body also reminded the Minister that the only channel

with which it relates to its member bodies is through the legitimate Football Federation and advised him not to use other means in the future.

“We would Iike to emphasise that we normally communicate with and through our member associations, in this case the NFF under its Iegitimate President Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

“Consequently, we would be grateful to have any future correspondence be routed through the NFF directly,” said FIFA. The Nigerian government have been making efforts to ensure that Nigeria escapes the FIFA hammer and the Acting-President, Yemi Osinbajo has held meetings with the NFF President Pinnick and with the rival Chris Giwa on resolving the impasse. It remains to be seen to what effect or reason the Minister’s latest move is hinged on.

Chris Giwa challenges FIFA to ban Nigeria Rivers United declares Ojobo AWOL, The Nigeria Football Federation and reprobate all at the same time. suspends three others (NFF) factional president, Amb Chris Giwa, “Recall that FIFA in responding to a petition has said that FIFA cannot ban Nigeria over the lingering administrative crisis rocking the federation.

Speaking through his counsel, Barr Ardzard Habilla, during a media parley in Abuja yesterday, Chris Giwa said that he is challenging the world soccer governing body, FIFA, to carry out its threat.

He maintained that it was unnecessary for FIFA to be talking about banning Nigeria when the problem needed to be sorted out internally.

He argued that the threat by FIFA was a calculated attempt to subvert and subjugate the constitution of the country and an act of neocolonialism.

“FIFA is not supposed to interfere in domestic affairs; article 69 (2) of the NFF statutes said: “domestic affairs should be determined in Nigeria and FIFA jurisdiction only comes in when it involves international disputes.

“So, FIFA cannot ban Nigeria; I challenge FIFA, if they feel they are impartial in this matter, let them come to Nigeria or invite both parties to Zurich, Switzerland; that is the rule of natural justice.

“We want to know if FIFA can approbate

by one Barrister Leo Igbokwe, admitted that it has no powers to interfere in the internal matters of NFF, so, what has changed now?

It has now assumed powers to interfere in the domestic matters of NFF,” he said.

Speaking further, he said: “Do we take it that FIFA laws are superior to the judgment of the highest court in our land—the Supreme Court, and has FIFA elevated itself before the constitution of Nigeria?

“When we went to Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), it said that the issue before it is not the validity of the election, and that it is the domestic law of Nigeria that should determine the validity of an election or elections.

“FIFA is bound by the decision of CAS and that is why the Giwa-led board went to court to determine the validity of those elections.

“So, if CAS gave this judgment that domestic laws of a country should determine the validity of its elections, why should FIFA threaten to ban Nigeria, when this is the decision of CAS and FIFA is bound by the decision of CAS? “If FIFA is aggrieved with the decision of CAS, it has the right to go the Swiss Court to seek judicial review, so, FIFA cannot continue to play double standard.

“As we speak, FIFA has never for one day heard from Giwa on this matter rather it prefers to go by the tactics of the Pinnick-led board,” he said.

He further urged FIFA to purge itself of bias and respect the country’s judicial system or face another round of challenge at CAS, wondering why FIFA had refused to recognise the Chris Giwa-led board, which was duly elected on Aug. 26, 2014.

“No one in Nigeria has challenged the validity of that election before NFF Electoral Appeals panel which legally constituted by the former NFF executive committee led by Aminu Maigari,” he added.

Rivers United have declared right back, Markson Ojobo, Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) after he absconded from the club’s camp.

Ojobo was expected to have resumed officially with the club on June 28, 2018 following the brief 2018 FIFA World Cup break.

He has however failed to resume and his whereabouts remain unknown to the club.

In a similar vein, the club has suspended three other players, indefinitely for absenteeism.

The affected players include Olalekan Gabriel, Morris Enete and Rolland Koffi.

Ghana government moves to avoid FIFA ban Fifa says the government of Ghana has pledged to stop the process to dissolve the country’s football association (GFA) over corruption allegations.

Earlier this week football’s world governing body gave Ghana until 27 August to withdraw a court case or face a global ban from football.

A Ghana high court petition, brought by the attorney general to have the football association liquidated, came in the wake of a film alleging corruption.

Fifa said the two sides had on Thursday agreed to work together “to offer leadership in reforming football administration in Ghana and in Africa.”

In addition Fifa said it would be working with the government “to eradicate corruption

and malfeasance and other associated criminal conduct from the administration of football in Ghana.”

The two sides will set up a so-called “normalisation committee” to administer football in the country as well as a task force to create disciplinary, governance and auditing mechanisms.

“Satisfied with the above measures, the Ghanaian government shall take steps to discontinue the process for the winding up of the Ghana Football Association,” Fifa added.

However Fifa did not explicitly state that it had withdrawn its threat to suspend the GFA. Such a ban would mean the country’s national teams would be barred from international competition.

The GFA became embroiled in a scandal when its president Kwesi Nyantakyi was filmed by an investigative journalist in a hotel room appearing to take $65,000 in cash from a supposed businessman seeking to sponsor the Ghanaian football league.

Nyantakyi resigned from his posts as GFA president and from the posts he held with Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (Caf). He denies any wrongdoing.

Fifa, suspended Nyantakyi for 90 days on 8 June but he has now left his role on the Fifa Council.

Despite having itself suspended Nyantakyi, Fifa does not accept third party interference in its member federations and had therefore threatened to ban the GFA over the government’s action.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, August 18, 2018

23 Sports Times

Pereira says loan moves responsible for improvement at Manchester United Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira says loan spells at Spanish sides Granada and Valencia over the last two seasons have been crucial to his improved performances at the Premier League club.

Pereira, a product of Manchester United’s youth system, is yet to have a breakthrough campaign at the club but he featured in the team’s pre-season fixtures ahead of the current season.

The performance has so far earned the 22-year-old praise from manager Jose Mourinho.

The Brazilian however said he rejected Mourinho’s advice to stay at Manchester United last year to join Valencia on a loan move instead and the decision has now paid off.

“It was very difficult for me to take

that decision.

“Like, Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world and he tells you to stay, and if you go against it you’ve only got things to lose in your head really.

“I was nervous about that, but it came out well. We had a great year in Valencia.

“I am a better player, and this season he has a better Andreas than he could have had last year,” Pereira said on Friday.

Pereira’s pre-season exploits led to him starting Manchester United’s league opening 2-1 win over Leicester City last Friday.

The Brazilian will now be hoping to keep his place as the Old Trafford outfit travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.(Reuters/NAN)

Tennis: Halep through but Stephens exits in Cincinnati Top seed Simona Halep returned to sew up victory over Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday after their second round match at the Cincinnati Open had been suspended the previous day due to rain.

Also, reigning U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens was knocked out in the third round by Elise Mertens.

Stephens, seeded third, fell to the 15th seeded Belgian 7-6(8) 6-2 and failed to reach the quarter-finals for the third time in her past four events.

German fourth seed Angelique Kerber was also upset, going down 2-6 7-6(3) 6-4 to American Madison Keys, while Aryna Sabalenka beat sixth seed Caroline Garcia 6-4 3-6 7-5.

Keys recorded 55 winners to beat Kerber, a rare victory over the German who has come out on top in seven of their nine meetings.

“Considering the last — what was it, six times? — it didn’t go so hot, this victory feels good.

“More than anything, it was just

how I handled being down and not letting the previous results kind of spiral in my head for me. I think that’s what I’m happiest with,” Keys said.

Halep had been two games away from reaching the third round when rain interrupted her match against Australian Tomljanovic on Wednesday.

While the conclusion was delayed again for about four hours, the Romanian wasted little time wrapping it up when she got the chance, sealing it 4-6 6-3 6-3.

Halep had been due to play her third-round match on Thursday against another Australian, Ashleigh Barty, but that has been postponed until Friday.

Halep owns a 1-0 career record against Barty, with the win coming last week in the semi-finals at Montreal where the French Open champion went on to capture her third title of the season.

Kiki Bertens and Anett Kontaveit had their match suspended due to rain. Bertens took the first set 6-3 and Kontaveit led 4-1 in the second when play was halted.

Cristiano Ronaldo to make Juventus debut against Chievo Cristiano Ronaldo is curious to find out about life in Serie A and will make his debut in the opening match of the season for champions Juventus against Chievo in Verona, coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Friday.

Allegri said the 33-year-old was eager to play in Serie A after his 100 million euro ($117 million) transfer from Real Madrid last month.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has appeared in two warm-up friendlies for Juventus but did not travel with the team to the United States.

“I didn’t give Ronaldo any advice.

He’s very intrigued to understand how teams play in Italy,” said Allegri as Juventus begin their campaign on Saturday.

“Ronaldo will make his debut.

(Wojciech) Szczesny, (Giorgio) Chiellini, (Leonardo) Bonucci and (Miralem)

Pjanic will play and the two full-backs on each side will be (Joao) Cancelo and Alex Sandro.

“Everyone is in good condition, even (Mario) Mandzukic and (Blaise) Matuidi, who both went all the way to the final in the World Cup.” But Allegri warned his team not to rely too much on the Portuguese superstar as they target an eighth straight Serie A title.

“It’s time to put aside the excitement of the arrival of great players and the greatest of all, we have to keep our feet on the ground, keep a low profile,” continued Allegri.

“We mustn’t make the mistake of thinking that we can win because we have Cristiano. He’s an added value in a team that has played two Champions finals in the last four years.”

“Players like Ronaldo are different from all the others: it shows in what he has won, he is a stimulus for everyone.

“It will be a difficult campaign and we need to be prepared and remain focused, because tomorrow at 18:00 (1600GMT) the season begins and we will find a tough Chievo side waiting for us.

“I’m curious to see how the team fares.”

and entering incorrect information in the International Transfer Matching System,” a FIFA statement said.

The player in question was not named.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee also fined clubs in Qatar, Dubai and Iran for failing to obey its previous decisions as well as rulings by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to pay “significant overdue amounts of money to players.”

FIFA also threatened the clubs with points

Anthony Joshua could be called to fulfil a WBO mandatory title defence following his Wembley fight with Alexander Povetkin.

The WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion will defend his titles against WBA mandatory challenger Povetkin on September 22, and the WBO have confirmed they could then order the British star to face one of their contenders.

But there are a number of options for Joshua’s next fight at the national stadium on April 13, with the unified champion still seeking the WBC belt, currently held by Deontay Wilder, while he could also grant a rematch to Dillian Whyte, who is one of the highest-ranked contenders by the WBO. A WBO statement read: “With respect

to our WBO heavyweight champion Mr. Anthony Joshua, be advised that Joshua has 180 days counting from the date of his last compulsory defence (after the Alexander Povetkin bout) to fulfil his mandatory defence obligations.”

Whyte holds the WBO international belt and a No 2 WBO ranking, just behind Povetkin, although the governing body could not confirm whether he would be ordered to take part in a final eliminator fight.

The statement continued: “Be advised that at this time the WBO has yet to determine if a WBO heavyweight elimination contest will be ordered.

“Further, the involvement of our WBO international heavyweight champion Mr. Dillian Whyte in a WBO heavyweight elimination bout is uncertain.”

Victor Osimhen fails Brugge’s trials Former U17 World Youth Championship top scorer Victor Osimhen is still on the lookout for a club to play on loan this season after Belgium side, Club Brugge, turned down the chance to sign him on loan from German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The 20-year-old forward arrived in Belgium two days back to hold talks with Club Brugge over a loan move after a failed move to fellow Belgium side Zulte-Waregem failed to materialise.

Club Brugge have also pulled out of a possible deal for the 20 year old citing a difference in their valuation of the forward with that of his primary owner Wolfsburg. It possibly means both teams couldn’t agree on terms of the proposed loan deal.

Osimhen trained for two days with the team before the decision to sign him was communicated to his representatives

yesterday evening and he is due back in Germany later today to continue his search for a temporary home.

Since joining Wolfsburg Osimhen has failed to progress as expected at the German Bundesliga side. A situation which has made the club to decide on him leaving on loan to a club where he is sure to get game time to aid his development.

Super Eagles’ Raheem Lawal joins UAE team Al Ittihad Kalba

FIFA fines Atletico Madrid over player’s third-party ownership Spanish club Atletico Madrid have been fined, FIFA said on Friday, for signing a player to a contract that allowed third-party ownership, which is banned by world football’s governing body.

Atletico, who beat Real Madrid to win the European Supercup on Wednesday, must pay 52,000 Swiss Francs (45,900 euros, $52,170) for “entering into a contract that enabled the third party to influence the club’s independence in employment and transfer-related matters

WBO orders Anthony Joshua to defend titles

deductions and transfer bans.

The Qatar Sports Club was fined 30,000 Swiss francs and ordered to pay outstanding wages within 90 days or miss four transfer windows.

El Shamal of Qatar was fined 15,000 Swiss francs and ordered to pay in 30 days or miss one transfer window Shabab Al Ahli of Dubai was fined 30,000 Swiss Francs, given 90 days to pay and threatened with a ban for two transfer windows.

Super Eagles midfielder Raheem Lawal has joined Al lttihad Kalba on a year’s deal.

Lawal also has an option of additional one year.

The former Nigeria U20 and U23 international last played for Osmanlispor in the Turkish top flight, but injury was his greatest undoing.

He was released after Osmanlispor were relegated.

The box-to-box midfielder, who was prominent with the Eagles under coach Stephen Keshi, has said he has since shaken off the injury and he is now ready to prove his worth again.

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FLASHBACK in Times: August 18, 1953

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 729

N100

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Editor: TONY AMOKEODO, Tel: 08111811228, Email: tonyamok@gmail.com